Japanese Plates Set of 10 | Blue Flower Dishes | Vintage Stoneware | Rustic Appetizer Dessert Tableware | Vintage Pottery Plates Sets 10 pcs

The Story Behind This Piece:

Deep within the mountains of northern Hiroshima Prefecture, nestled inside a historic traditional house built over a century ago, stood a storehouse protected by thick earthen walls. When the heavy wooden doors of this ancient Kura were opened, a set of ten flat plates emerged from the dim light, radiating a serene and captivating presence. These exquisite Mingei-style (folk art) vintage plates were carefully crafted one by one by skilled artisans during the mid-Showa period, around the 1960s to 1970s—an era when the warmth of human handcrafts was deeply cherished. The rustic yet deeply expressive surface features a unique white glaze mixed with iron specks. In the center of each plate, a lovely four-petaled flower motif is hand-painted in a deep, beautiful cobalt blue Gosu underglaze. The rust-colored iron glaze around the rim sharply defines the overall impression, and the subtle distortions and variations in thickness that only handcrafting can produce create a gentle warmth that mass-produced items can never replicate.

These ten plates were once welcomed with exceptional affection for daily use and special hospitality by the master of the estate in northern Hiroshima, whose family were wealthy landowners and whose residence served as a cultural hub for the local community. During the Showa era, a time when family and community ties were exceptionally close, it was commonplace for a dozen or more relatives and neighbors to gather at this estate for seasonal festivals and special occasions. The master's wife would arrange freshly harvested seasonal vegetables and rustic local dishes on these plates, lining them up across a large wooden low table to welcome their guests. The blue flower motifs would peek out subtly as food was served, adding a gentle elegance to the dining table. Guests would feel the comforting weight and organic texture of the clay in their hands, enjoying their meals and conversing late into the night. A rich and luxurious time, embodying the true spirit of Mingei values where beauty shines through everyday use, flowed continuously around these plates.

However, as the eras shifted, people's lifestyles began to change gradually but decisively. Passing through the period of rapid economic growth into the Heisei and Reiwa eras, families became smaller, and the opportunities to hold large-scale gatherings faded away. Along with Westernized dietary habits, the rise of lightweight, modern tableware, and the passing of generations, these ten plates were eventually retired. To protect them from damage and chipping, they were carefully stacked and stored away in the cool, stable environment of the storehouse in northern Hiroshima. In the dark, silent depths of the Kura, the plates slept peacefully for several decades. Isolated from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, the rich essence of their clay and glaze condensed even deeper within their core, waiting for the exact moment when they would be needed once again.

In the year 2026, as the modern world increasingly embraces sustainability and seeks lifestyles that cherish and pass down historical items, the decision was made to undertake a major renovation of the old traditional house and close the storehouse. Driven by the current owner's strong desire not to let the wonderful heritage of Japanese handcrafts sleep in the dark forever, but to entrust it to the sensibilities of people living in the new era and connect its value to the future, this set of ten plates was brought back into the modern light. The moment a single beam of light from the open door struck the vessels, they awakened from their long sleep, radiating an overwhelming beauty that was even deeper and more profound than when they were first made. This was the very embodiment of the Japanese spirit of wabi-sabi, finding ultimate beauty in imperfection and the passage of time, a moment where the weight of vintage history came alive in the contemporary world.

Today, the value of this set of ten Mingei-style plates extends far beyond the framework of simple vintage tableware. In a modern lifestyle surrounded by artificial materials and digital information, these vessels, crafted solely from natural earth and human hands, bring an overwhelming texture of authenticity and comfort to the daily dining experience. When introduced into a modern dining room, they harmonize beautifully with Scandinavian furniture and minimalist spaces, serving as the perfect canvas not only for Japanese cuisine but also for contemporary Western dishes, bistro meals, or desserts. For café owners and passionate collectors who value sustainable luxury, this complete vintage set, which has traveled through time together, serves as a remarkable centerpiece with a profound story to tell. The rich narrative born between humans and ceramics in the beautiful mountains of Hiroshima is now entrusted to a new owner, ready to weave a new chapter of history for the next hundred years.

Condition & Notes:
Please note before purchasing.
This is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.
Due to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:
* small scratches or scuffs
* fading or discoloration
* glaze irregularities or imperfections
* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear
* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts
Vintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.
These characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.
They are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.
We kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.
We do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.
Please review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.
Please note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.
Only the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.
Display stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.
Thank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.

Dimensions:

Height: 2.0 cm (0.79 in)
Width: 15.3 cm (6.02 in)
Depth: 15.3 cm (6.02 in)
Base: 9.8 cm (3.86 in)
Weight: 230 g (8.11 oz)

Shipping Information:
All items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
For shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.
For all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.
Each item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.
International Buyers – Duties, VAT & Taxes:
Import duties / customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.
However, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, and other local import-related charges are not included in the item price unless otherwise stated.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
Depending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.
For many higher-value international orders, VAT/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.
Please note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT/GST or local import-related charges are included.
Even when customs duties are covered by us, VAT/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.
We do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.
Please ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.
If a package is returned due to an incorrect address, unpaid VAT/GST or import-related charges, refusal, or failed delivery, all return and reshipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.
International deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.

Damage During Shipping:
In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:
* the damaged item
* the outer shipping box
* the inside packaging condition
* the shipping label
Please keep all packaging materials and damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.
Minor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.

Returns & Refunds:
All items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.
Due to the nature of vintage and antique items, we generally do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds except where required by law or covered by shipping insurance.
Returns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:
* change of mind
* customs delays
* minor differences in condition
* color differences
* texture variations
* size impression differences
* natural signs of age and wear
However, if severe loss or damage during shipping is officially confirmed by the carrier’s insurance, we will respond within the scope of the insurance coverage.
For customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.

Safety & Usage:
These items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.
They are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.
Vintage ceramics may contain historical materials or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.
We cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.
Please enjoy them as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.
Handle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.

Liability Disclaimer:
We cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, allergic reactions, injury, loss, or issues resulting from the use, handling, aging, restoration, transportation, or storage of vintage or antique items.
All products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.
By completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Additional Notes by Region:
■ United States
State taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.
California Proposition 65:
Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.
■ European Union (EU)
Our shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.
Import VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
■ United Kingdom
Our shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.
Import VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.
The buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.
■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand
Import VAT/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.
For Taiwan:
Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.
■ Hong Kong
Hong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT/GST on imported goods.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.
We’re happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.
Thank you for considering a piece from our kura — each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.
This piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.
On our official website, we share:
– the story of the kura (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered
– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life
– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere
We hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.