Hanagen Japan | Japanese Pottery | Hummingbird | Divided Serving Plate | Chip and Dip Tray | White Porcelain | Scalloped | Bow Ribbon Relief

The Story Behind This Piece:

This exquisite compartmentalized platter, featuring a delicate hummingbird motif by HANAGEN JAPAN, was discovered deep within the "Kura" (traditional storehouse) of a historic minka located in the northern mountainous region of Hiroshima Prefecture. For nearly half a century, this piece lay dormant in the cool, dark embrace of thick earthen walls. Manufactured during the late 1970s to early 1980s, an era when Japan's economic prosperity fueled a desire for sophisticated Western-style tableware, this platter represents a pinnacle of craft and optimism from the "HANAGEN" brand. The setting of its discovery is a grand estate in the Geihoku region, a place once flourishing with "Tatara" iron manufacturing and forestry. The owner of this estate was a person of high social standing and refined taste, often introducing urban cultural elements into the rural, traditional lifestyle of the mountain village.

During the twilight of the Showa era, this platter was the centerpiece of special morning rituals. One can envision the master's wife arranging freshly baked bread and vibrant, locally grown vegetables on these elegant compartments on a veranda overlooking the misty Hiroshima mountains. The hummingbird, a symbol of hope and joy, resonates perfectly with the local spirit of celebrating life after a long, harsh winter. The decorative ribbon-like handles represent the height of modern ceramic design of that time, yet they subtly evoke the grace of traditional Japanese "Kumihimo" braiding. However, as the Heisei era dawned and family structures shifted toward smaller households, the platter’s role in grand family breakfasts came to an end. It was carefully wrapped, placed in a wooden box, and consigned to the depths of the Kura, preserved as a memory of a bygone lifestyle.

The decision to bring this treasure back into the light came during a recent restoration of the ancestral home to prepare it for future generations. Upon its emergence, the white porcelain radiated a brilliance that seemed untouched by time. In today's context, the platter’s value lies in its profound "wabi-sabi" aesthetic—a quiet beauty that accepts the passage of time—and its reinterpretation of "Mingei" (folk art) values. In an age of mass-produced goods, the meticulous brushwork of the hummingbirds and the warmth of the glaze serve as a poignant reminder of the fading art of "Tesigoto" (handicraft). The flowing, organic curves of the compartments, centered around a dip well, achieve a rare balance of functionality and sculptural beauty, allowing it to harmonize with both modern interiors and traditional Japanese spaces.

This HANAGEN hummingbird platter is more than just an antique; it is a storyteller of history, inscribed with the prayers of those who endured the cold Hiroshima winters and the warmth of a family’s love. Even on a contemporary dining table, this piece has the power to transform the mundane into a special celebration. Imagine serving dew-kissed vegetables while listening to the morning birdsong—this platter invites you to reclaim that luxury of time. By inheriting the aesthetic sense loved by its former owner, the new keeper breathes life back into this story. This is the true joy of acquiring a piece from an ancient storehouse: it is a legacy of beauty meant to be cherished and passed on to the future.

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: 4.0 cm (1.57 in)
Depth: 34.5 cm (13.58 in)
Width: 34.5 cm (13.58 in)
Base: 24.8 cm (9.76 in)
Weight: 1365 g (48.15 oz)

Shipping Information:
All items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.
For orders to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS, both with full tracking and insurance.
For all other destinations, shipments are made via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS, depending on the country and shipping conditions.
Each item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure it arrives safely.
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days, depending on the destination and customs procedures.

Damage During Shipping – Important Notice
In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged,
please contact us within 10 days of delivery.
To help us accurately understand the condition of the damage,
we kindly ask you to provide the following photos:
・Clear photos showing the condition of the damaged item
・Photos clearly showing the condition of the outer packaging (shipping box)
・Photos showing the inside of the box, including the packing condition
(such as the presence and placement of cushioning materials)
・Photos of all items included in the shipment
・A clear photo of the shipping label on the box
Please note that all items and packaging materials must be kept and stored
until permission is given by the shipping carrier to dispose of them.
This includes:
・The damaged item
・The outer shipping box
・All cushioning and packing materials
・Any other items included in the same shipment
Disposal of any of these items before carrier approval
may affect our ability to investigate the damage properly.
Please understand that minor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage items
are not considered shipping damage.

International buyers: Please note!!!
To ensure a smooth and pleasant transaction, please read the following notes carefully before purchasing.

1.Global Policy
Customs, Import Fees, and International Shipping:
Import duties, customs clearance fees, and local or state taxes (such as Sales Tax) are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are calculated according to the regulations of each country’s customs authority and are the responsibility of the buyer.
Carriers such as DHL, UPS, or Japan Post EMS may collect these fees directly upon delivery. In accordance with international law, we do not under-declare item values or mark shipments as gifts.
Please ensure that your shipping address is accurate and complete.
If a package is returned due to an incorrect address, incomplete information, unpaid import fees, or delivery refusal,
all costs related to the return and reshipment will be the responsibility of the buyer.
International deliveries may experience delays due to customs inspections or local postal conditions.
We do not offer domestic shipping within Japan.
Orders placed with a Japanese domestic address will be canceled and refunded.
If you wish to send an item as a gift to someone in Japan, please contact us before placing your order.
Returns & Refunds (No-Refund Policy):
All items are vintage or antique and are sold as is.

We do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds for any reason.
(Examples: change of mind, customs delays, slight differences in color or condition.) However, if a loss or severe damage during shipping is officially confirmed by the carrier’s insurance, we will respond within the scope of that insurance.
Please purchase only after understanding and agreeing to these terms.
Note: The 14-day right of withdrawal for France and the UK, based on consumer protection laws, takes precedence over this policy.
Return & Reshipping Costs:
If a package is returned due to an incorrect or incomplete address, refusal, or unpaid import fees,all return and reshipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.
Reshipment will be arranged after the additional payment is confirmed.
Even if you cancel after a return, shipping and handling fees are non-refundable.
Please ensure your address and contact information are accurate and that you are available to receive the package.
Safety & Usage:
These items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.
They are not toys. Keep out of reach of children.
They are not suitable for food use.
Due to the natural aging of materials and finishes, do not use them for direct contact with food (e.g., plates or cutlery).
Please enjoy them as decorative pieces that bring quiet beauty to your space.
Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture or heat, and handle with care.
Liability Disclaimer:
We cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, or injury resulting from the use or handling of vintage or antique items.
All products are sold as decorative collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper and safe use and storage.
By completing your purchase, you are deemed to have agreed to these terms.

2. Country-Specific Information
・For Customers in the United States
Shipping:
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
Shipments are made via DHL Express or UPS (with tracking and insurance).
Import Duties & State Taxes:
Import duties, customs clearance fees, and state taxes (Sales Tax) are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are calculated under each state’s regulations and are the buyer’s responsibility.
In some cases, DHL or UPS may collect import duties and customs fees upon delivery. We cannot mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.
California Proposition 65 Notice:
Some vintage or antique items may contain trace amounts of natural lacquer, metals, or pigments that fall under California Proposition 65.
These are historical materials, and the risk under normal use is considered extremely low. This notice is provided for your information; we cannot be responsible for any effects arising from normal use.

・For Customers in Hong Kong
Shipping:
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed. Shipments are made via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS.
Duties & Taxes:
As Hong Kong is a free port, no customs duties or sales tax (VAT/GST) will be charged.

・For Customers in Taiwan
Shipping:
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed. Shipments are made via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS.
Duties & EZ WAY App:
For orders over NT$2,000, import duties and a 5% business tax will apply.
These charges are determined by Taiwan Customs and are the buyer’s responsibility. For customs clearance, registration with the EZ WAY app is required.
Your registered name and phone number must match the shipping information.

・For Customers in Singapore
Shipping:
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed. Shipments are made via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS.
Duties & Taxes:
For orders over S$400, 9% GST and a small handling fee may apply.
These charges are determined by Singapore Customs and are the buyer’s responsibility.

・For Customers in Switzerland
Shipping:
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment confirmation.
Shipments are made via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS.
VAT & Duties: Upon import, Swiss Customs may charge VAT and handling or customs fees.
These costs are the responsibility of the buyer and are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
If the item value is CHF 150 or less and the purpose is personal use or gifting,
it may qualify for exemption, depending on customs’ decision.

・For Customers in the United Kingdom
Shipping:
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment confirmation.
Shipments are made via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS.
Our shop is not registered for UK VAT,
so VAT is not included in the item price or shipping cost.
Upon arrival in the UK, HMRC may charge import VAT and handling fees.
These costs are the responsibility of the buyer and are typically collected by DHL, UPS, or another courier.
Right of Withdrawal (Cooling-Off Period):
Under the UK Consumer Contracts Regulations, you have the right to cancel or return your order
within 14 days from the date you receive the item.
If you wish to return an item, please contact us by email within 14 days.
Return shipping is the buyer’s responsibility.
After we receive and inspect the item, we will refund the item price (excluding shipping, duties, and fees).
Items that are used, damaged, or returned in a different condition are not eligible for return.

・For Customers in France
Shipping:
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment confirmation.
Shipments are made via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS.
As the shop is not registered for EU or French VAT,
VAT (TVA) is not included in the item price or shipping cost.
When your order arrives in France, import VAT (TVA), customs duties, and handling fees may be charged by French Customs or the courier (DHL, UPS, etc.).
These costs are the responsibility of the buyer.
The total amount varies depending on item value, weight, and destination.
Right of Withdrawal (Droit de rétractation):
Under the EU Consumer Rights Directive, you have the right to cancel or return your order within 14 days from the date of receipt.
Please contact us by email within 14 days to request a return.
Return shipping is the buyer’s responsibility.
After inspection, we will refund the item price (excluding shipping, duties, and return postage).
Items that are used, damaged, or returned in a different condition are not eligible for return.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions about our products, descriptions, specifications, or usage, 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 one carries a quiet story we hope you’ll enjoy.