A footed plate shaped like a chrysanthemum flower, in glossy vermilion with a gold chrysanthemum painted at the center and a gold rim, made for FOURGRACE in Fukui. The low foot lifts whatever you put on it an inch and a half above the table, which is the whole trick of a Japanese serving plate: height makes food look arranged rather than placed.
Eight inches across. Sushi, a tart, a row of small sweets, or fruit at the end of a dinner. It belongs to the Chrysanthemum Festival on September 9 and to New Year, and to any evening that needs a little vermilion. Modern resin lacquerware: light, will not chip, hand wash only.
Where it comes from. Fukui, from the Echizen lacquerware district, made to FOURGRACE's own design.
How it is made. A molded resin body finished in glossy vermilion lacquer, with a gold chrysanthemum painted at the center and a gold line at the rim. Lacquer-finish resin is what Japanese restaurants use for daily service: it has the color and depth of lacquer without the weight or the fragility.
Why this shape. The plate is itself a chrysanthemum, petals cut into the rim, and it stands on a low foot. Height is the secret of Japanese plating — an inch and a half off the table and the same food looks composed. Vermilion is the color of celebration; the chrysanthemum is the flower of September 9, the Chrysanthemum Festival, and of the Imperial crest.
How it is used in Japan. At the center of the table for sweets, sushi or a seasonal arrangement on festival days, then put away until the next one.
On your table. A cake stand without the stem: a tart, a pile of macarons, sushi for two, fruit after dinner. It photographs well. Hand wash only; no microwave.
Ships from Tokyo by EMS, tracked · Import VAT and any duties are collected by your postal service on delivery · 30-day returns
Made in Japan · Ships from Tokyo by EMS, tracked, typically 5–10 days · Import VAT and duties are paid on delivery, not included in the price · 30-day returns Care: Dishwasher: no · Microwave: no
