Plate (5) - Ceramic

A beautiful five-piece set of decorative stackable plates in Japanese ceramic. The geometric shape of each plate faithfully reproduces that of a hagoita, the traditional rectangular wooden racket with a handle, used in Japan to play Hanetsuki, an ancient pastime similar to badminton, typical of New Year celebrations; for this reason, in Japanese tableware sets they are called Hagoita-zara, hagoita-shaped plates with a stylized handle associated with good fortune. They are produced by the renowned Kozan kiln (庫山窯, Kozan-gama), as indicated by the cobalt-blue stamp on the back, specialized in Mino ware, affiliated with the Maebata company of Tajimi, in Gifu Prefecture; it is white-glazed with polychrome decorations in predominantly rust-red orange (akae), underglaze cobalt blue, touches of green and gilded finishes (kinranda), inspired by the classic Imari aesthetic, also known as Arita-yaki: floral motifs (an arrangement of stylized congratulatory chrysanthemum flowers) in the central medallion and interwoven geometric patterns along the edges, alternating with gold and green flecks that recall traditional Seigaiha waves. It is typically used as an individual serving set (meimeizara) during holidays such as the Japanese New Year or other formal events (presentation of finger foods or haute cuisine appetizers). This is a production from the second half of the 20th century (late Showa period or later).