Japanese Vintage Porcelain Plate | Modern Green Leaf Charger | Gold Rim Large Platter | Mid Century Serving Dish | Kitchen Dinnerware Art

The Story Behind This Piece:

Embraced by the rich mountain ranges of the Chugoku region and blanketed in deep snow during the winter months, the northern part of Hiroshima Prefecture has long inherited a unique and profound cultural tapestry. Historically flourishing through the trade of traditional tatara ironmaking, abundant timber resources, and its role as a vital post town along ancient highways, this region boasts majestic minka (traditional Japanese folk houses) with heavy wooden beams. It is from the depth of a storehouse, known as a "Kura," belonging to one such beautiful historic estate in northern Hiroshima that a single, breathtaking large platter has emerged after more than half a century. The backstamp quietly etched on the reverse side does not indicate a widely known mass-market brand, but rather suggests a unique, proprietary logo created by a dedicated manufacturer or exporter of the era who invested their utmost pride into the piece. During the mid-Showa period of the 1960s, as Japan moved from post-war reconstruction toward rapid economic growth, there were numerous independent kilns and passionate exporters whose names never made the headlines, yet who possessed world-class technical skills and a burning desire to introduce Japanese beauty to the global stage. This platter stands as irrefutable evidence of the fervor and sophistication of that very era, when Japanese craftsmanship was leaping onto the international scene, actively seeking new standards of aesthetic beauty. While firmly rooted in traditional artisanal handcraft techniques, the creators sensitively absorbed the movements of Western modern design, and the abstract motif of two leaves rendered on this platter is a magnificent crystallization of that contemporary spirit.

One leaf is boldly dressed in a deep, vibrant green pigment, while the other is masterfully expressed with a delicate gray gradation—a traditional technique known as "bokashi" (shading)—making it appear as if it is gently dissolving into a soft mist. This striking contrast could only be achieved through an extremely high level of skill, where the artisan meticulously controlled the airflow of the spray or the pressure of the brush on each individual piece. Furthermore, the ultra-fine gold rim that softly frames the edge of the platter was applied under breathtaking tension by a master craftsman of the time, exuding an elegance that contemporary mass-produced goods can never replicate. Far removed from cheap, soul-less mass production, this unique mark, infused with the artisan’s spirit, speaks eloquently of its absolute rarity and its distinct "Mingei (folk art) value" as a hidden masterpiece.

The original owner of this exquisite platter was a prominent merchant family in Hiroshima that dealt in fine silk textiles and kimono fabrics, supporting the regional culture throughout the pre- and post-war eras. The head of the family at the time possessed a discerning eye with a deep appreciation for cutting-edge art and design. It is said that he encountered this exceptionally designed piece during his frequent interactions with buyers from Tokyo and overseas. He welcomed this platter into his home not merely as a utilitarian vessel for dining, but as a central showpiece embodying "Yo-no-Bi" (the beauty of utility) to entertain special guests. Evoking the fresh, lush greenery of early summer, this platter was used to beautifully present delicate dishes crafted from fresh Seto Inland Sea seafood, as well as Western cuisine, which was the height of culinary sophistication at the time. It brilliantly adorned the dining tables in Western-style sitting rooms where modern jazz played softly in the background. In that unique space, where the solemn dignity of a traditional Japanese house merged with the airy lightness of Showa modernism, this platter delighted the eyes of many as a true symbol of a new era.

However, as the eras shifted from Showa to Heisei and people's lifestyles underwent rapid transformation, this grand residence gradually completed its historical role. The furnishings and vessels that once colored glamorous banquets were carefully packed away, along with the changing times, into the robust storehouse situated deep within the estate. This Kura, with its blocked-out light, naturally regulated humidity, and profound silence, inadvertently became the perfect sanctuary to preserve this delicate porcelain. Sleeping in the pitch-black darkness for decades without being touched by human eyes, the platter miraculously retained its pristine white porcelain brilliance and vivid colorations without a single scratch. It was a miraculous suspension of time, as if a chapter of modern Japanese ceramic history had been frozen and perfectly preserved.

Now, in the year 2026, triggered by the tidying and transitioning of this historic estate to the next generation, the heavy doors of the Kura have finally been unlocked, and this large platter has once again bathed in the contemporary light. Today, the world is rediscovering the profound spirit of traditional Japanese aesthetics and the unique philosophy of "wabi-sabi," which finds deep beauty in the natural passage of time and impermanence. The allure of this platter cannot be fully articulated by terms like "vintage" or "antique" alone. The serene presence of the white porcelain, the subtle fluctuations in the hand-painted execution, and the luster of the gold rim that has softened ever so slightly over the decades all harbor a genuine warmth that modern industrial products have long lost. Precisely because it is not a standardized product of a massive corporation, it directly reflects the uncompromising passion of the artisan and the patron of that time. This design, where minimalism and warmth coexist, harmonizes astonishingly well with contemporary modern interiors and lifestyles that seek sustainable, authentic living. Merely by being placed in a room, this masterpiece acts as a time capsule, bringing a rich narrative and profound depth to any space. We invite you to welcome this timeless beauty into your life and cherish a truly once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

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: 1.8 cm (0.71 in)
Depth: 27.2 cm (10.71 in)
Width: 27.2 cm (10.71 in)
Base: 16.4 cm (6.46 in)
Weight: 600 g (21.16 oz)

Shipping Information:
All items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.
Shipping costs are not included in the product price and will be calculated and charged separately at checkout.
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
For shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express with full tracking and insurance.
For all other available destinations, orders are generally shipped via Japan Post EMS with tracking and insurance.
The shipping method may be changed when necessary depending on the destination, package size, service availability, and shipping conditions.
Each item is carefully packed with protective materials to help ensure safe delivery.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days. Delivery times may vary depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, customs inspections, and other circumstances beyond our control.

International Buyers – Duties, VAT & Taxes:
Shipments to the United States
For shipments to the United States, shipping costs and import customs duties are not included in the displayed product price.
Shipping costs will be calculated and charged separately at checkout.
Applicable import duties and other import-related charges will be calculated and collected separately during checkout where supported by our checkout system.
State and local taxes, including Sales Tax, may also be calculated and collected at checkout according to applicable regulations.
The total amount shown at checkout may therefore include:
the product price
shipping costs
applicable import duties
applicable state or local taxes
If any customs duties, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, brokerage fees, taxes, or other import-related charges are not collected at checkout, they may be collected separately by DHL or the relevant customs authority before or upon delivery.
Shipments Outside the United States
For shipments outside the United States, shipping costs, import duties, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, and other local import-related charges are not included in the displayed product price.
Shipping costs will be calculated and charged separately at checkout.
Orders are generally shipped via Japan Post EMS.
Import duties, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs clearance fees, postal handling fees, carrier fees, and other local import-related charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
These charges may be collected before or upon delivery by Japan Post EMS, the local postal service, the relevant customs authority, or another local delivery provider.
The amount and collection method are determined by the laws, regulations, and customs procedures of the destination country.
For many international orders, VAT, GST, customs duties, and import-related processing fees are collected at the time of delivery.
Please note that payment of the product price and shipping cost does not mean that import duties, VAT, GST, or other local import-related charges have been paid.
We do not mark items as gifts or declare a value lower than the actual purchase price for customs purposes.
Please ensure that your shipping address, telephone number, email address, and other contact information are accurate and complete.
If a package is returned due to an incorrect or incomplete address, unpaid customs duties, unpaid VAT/GST, unpaid import-related charges, refusal of delivery, or failed delivery attempts, the original shipping cost, return shipping cost, customs-related charges, and any reshipping costs will be the buyer’s responsibility.
International deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures, inspections, local postal conditions, or other circumstances beyond our control.

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 the damaged item until the shipping carrier completes its investigation.
Minor imperfections consistent with the age and 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 applicable 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 through the shipping carrier’s insurance investigation, we will respond within the scope of the applicable insurance coverage.
For customers in the United Kingdom and European Union, applicable consumer protection laws, statutory cancellation rights, 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, pigments, or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.
We cannot guarantee suitability for use with modern food or beverages, or for use in a dishwasher, microwave, oven, over direct heat, or for direct cooking.
Please enjoy these items 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:
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, we cannot be held responsible for accidents, damage, allergic reactions, injury, loss, or other issues resulting from the improper use, handling, aging, restoration, transportation, display, or storage of vintage or antique items.
All products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles.
Customers are responsible for the appropriate handling, display, use, and storage of each item.
Nothing in this disclaimer excludes or limits any rights or remedies that cannot legally be excluded under applicable consumer protection laws.
By completing your purchase, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and accepted the product description, condition information, safety information, and applicable terms.

Additional Notes by Region:
■ United States
For shipments to the United States, import customs duties are not included in the displayed product price.
Applicable import duties will be calculated and collected separately at checkout where supported.
Shipping costs are also calculated and charged separately at checkout.
State and local taxes, including Sales Tax, may be calculated and collected at checkout according to applicable regulations.
California Proposition 65
Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, ceramics, or antique finishes.
This notice is provided for informational purposes only.
■ European Union
Our shop does not include EU import VAT, customs duties, customs clearance fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges in the displayed product price.
These charges may be collected before or upon delivery by Japan Post EMS, the local postal service, or the relevant customs authority.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
Applicable consumer protection rights under EU law remain unaffected.
■ United Kingdom
For eligible orders, Etsy may collect UK VAT at checkout in accordance with applicable UK regulations. 
For higher-value orders, import VAT, customs duties, and any applicable handling fees may be collected upon delivery. 
The buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes. 
This product is intended for decorative use only and is not suitable for food contact. 
UK Authorised Representative: Pointblank Promotions Ltd London, United Kingdom This product is shipped directly from Japan. 
The buyer is responsible for all import procedures and will be the importer of record for customs purposes.
■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand
Import duties, VAT, GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, postal fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.
These charges may be collected before or upon delivery and are the responsibility of the buyer.
For customers in Taiwan:
Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.
■ Hong Kong
Hong Kong does not generally impose VAT or GST on imported goods at present.
However, customs clearance fees, postal handling fees, carrier fees, or other charges may apply depending on the shipment and delivery conditions.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, intended use, dimensions, condition, or import charges, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.
We are 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, or traditional Japanese storehouse, where this item was discovered
– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday Japanese life
– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere
We hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.