Vintage Kasuga Japan Granada | Hand Painted Floral Plate | Large Dinner Platter Serving Dish | Mid Century Modern Pottery | Retro Boho Homes

The Story Behind This Piece:

Deep within the beautiful rolling mountains of northern Hiroshima Prefecture, a region embraced by rich nature and blanketed in deep snow during the winter, stands an old traditional Japanese house, a "kominka." When the heavy, plaster-coated doors of its storehouse, the "kura," were gently opened after decades of silence, this magnificent platter, named "GRANADA" by KASUGA JAPAN, emerged from the dim shadows. The surface of the dish is beautifully adorned with intricate "kannyu" (crackle glazes) that run in all directions, resembling delicate ice crystals catching the light to create subtle, shifting shadows. Furthermore, near the edge of the platter, a large, amber-colored vintage stain remains, having slowly permeated the ceramic over long periods of time. This stain and the crackle pattern are definitive proof of the nearly half-century that has passed since its creation—and above all, that it was once deeply loved in someone's daily life. It is a unique ornamentation born of nature, usage, and time, perfectly embodying the spirit of "wabi-sabi," the aesthetic that finds ultimate beauty in imperfection and impermanence.

This grand platter was born in the 1970s, an era when Japanese manufacturing was at its most energetic and the touch of the artisan's hand was still deeply embedded in production. During this time, in world-renowned ceramic centers such as Seto and Tajimi, exceptional stoneware was crafted, blending Western modern design with traditional Japanese techniques for both export and the burgeoning modern domestic lifestyle. The "GRANADA" series is a prime example of this movement. Against a warm, earth-toned ceramic body, flowers and foliage hand-painted by artisans line after line come alive with vivid expression. The bold plant motifs, rendered in shades of orange, yellow, and deep brown, possess a modern sensibility reminiscent of mid-century Scandinavian vintage tableware, yet they exude a rustic power and honesty that represents high "Mingei" (folk art) value.

The former owner who cherished and utilized this platter in daily life was a family of intellectuals with progressive sensibilities living in this northern Hiroshima town during the Shōwa period's rapid economic growth. Even though they lived in a mountainous region far from the major metropolitan cities, the head of the household was quick to embrace the winds of the new era. Deeply resonating with the philosophy of the Mingei movement and the beauty of handcrafts, they placed this large platter at the very center of their dining table. At times, it was piled high with the bounty of the local mountains freshly harvested in autumn; at other times, it brought color to homemade dishes prepared to welcome family and honored guests. The large stain remaining on the vessel today is the very memory of those warm family gatherings. The deep flavors of stews and the rich, nourishing juices from celebratory meals gradually seeped through the crackles of the glaze over many years, nurturing this distinctive patina. The scenes of the dining table, where the generous flowers painted by the artisan intersected with the smiles of the family, remain quietly captured within that stain.

However, with the arrival of the bubble economy in the late 1980s and the shift toward mass production and mass consumption, Japanese dining tables became flooded with uniform, lightweight, and easy-to-handle plastic goods and flashy, factory-made porcelain. With this transition, stoneware possessing the warmth of human touch, like this platter, stepped back from the center stage of daily life. Fearing that this precious vessel, etched with family history, warm memories, and the very aromas of their meals, might be damaged, the family carefully wrapped it in newspaper and stored it away in the sturdy kura located behind the main house. For more than forty years, the platter slept in total silence, insulated from the bustling world outside. Amidst the slow, subtle shifts of temperature and humidity inside the storehouse, the stain became completely integrated with the ceramic body, quietly enhancing its vintage allure and Mingei value from within, much like a fine wine maturing in a cellar.

Now, in the mid-2020s, a project to revitalize historical traditional homes and organize long-untouched storehouses has brought this platter back into the contemporary light. The moment the old, yellowed paper wrapping was undone, everyone present gasped at its sheer beauty. What lay before them was something mass-produced items could never replicate: the living breath of the craftsman and the artistry of natural aging. In particular, the prominent stain left beautifully on the dish accentuates its antique prestige, giving it a truly one-of-a-kind presence. In today’s world, we have come to place immense value on sustainability, the history behind objects, and the beauty of non-uniform individuality. The hand-painted, imperfect beauty of this KASUGA JAPAN platter, coupled with its history nurtured in the nature of Hiroshima and the traces of real life, is the exact definition of the authentic vintage charm that modern connoisseurs seek. Whether used as a functional art piece to enrich the daily dining experience, or as a statement piece in a rustic café or modern interior, this platter, revived across time, is ready to weave a brand-new story in the life of its next keeper.

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: 2.8 cm (1.10 in)
Depth: 27.0 cm (10.63 in)
Width: 27.0 cm (10.63 in)
Base: 18.3 cm (7.20 in)
Weight: 655 g (23.10 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.