Arita Ware Rabbit-Shaped Small Plates

A small Arita-ware plate shaped like a rabbit, made at Denpei Kiln in Arita, Saga prefecture, where Japanese porcelain has been produced for over 400 years.

Denpei Kiln (出平窯) is a working Arita kiln specialising in mamesara — the small Japanese plates that are a feature of any well-set Japanese table. This piece takes the traditional mamesara format and gives it a rabbit silhouette, with hand-applied decoration. Three variations: rabbits with floral ears, rabbits in arabesque (karakusa) pattern, and plain rabbit forms.

The arabesque (唐草, karakusa) pattern is one of Japan's oldest decorative motifs — stylised twining vines that symbolise vitality, prosperity and longevity. The rabbit (usagi) is a Japanese symbol of new beginnings and quick progress.

What's good about it

• Rabbit-shaped mamesara — a small Japanese plate for condiments, sweets or single side dishes
• White Arita porcelain base with hand-applied decoration
• Three design variations: floral ears, arabesque kimono pattern, or plain
• Food-safe; suitable for tableware or as a small display piece
• By Denpei Kiln, Arita, Saga prefecture

Specifications

• Material: Arita porcelain
• Type: Rabbit-shaped mamesara (small plate)
• Kiln: Denpei Kiln
• Origin: Arita, Saga prefecture, Japan

Handmade in Arita, Japan.