If you are a fan of Delft Blue and Wedgewood fine china, then you will fall in love with Japan's Koun Kiln.
 
Not all cobalt blue-painted porcelain wares are created equal.  Many manufacturers resorted to applying printed motif decal for cost efficiency.  Artisans in Mikawachi take pride in maintaining underglaze techniques:  Mastery in fine outlines, and gradation/depth of cobaly blue painting skills.
 
This is a HAND-PAINTED porcelain small plate of a playful Humpback Whale backsplashing in the ocean.   
 
This 4.75" plate is great for side dishes, hors d'oeuvre, cocktail party, sweets for afternoon tea or your favoirte macaron.  Try the set of 4 different designs as a unique delicate gift for your special occasion. 
 
Japanese cuisine uses a lot of small plates call "mame sara", translates as "bean-size plates".  Recently, mame-sara has become popular with collectors as they can be organized into a large tray, each plate becomes a canvas for a miniature artwork.   Collectors would visit pottery town annually and snatch up new works by local artisans. 
 
KOUN KILN of Mikawachi
Artisan Takamitsu Imamura runs Koun Kiln and insists in handling every step of the process by himself, with the help of his wife.   When many porcelain producers evolve into using decal for cheaper and faster production, Mikawachi artisans strictly maintain the practice of hand-painting all of the work.  The delicate brush work and impeccable coloring skills is nothing compare to the souless decal motifs.  
 
Own a piece of Mikawachi history, a piece of artisan's dedication. 

* Specification may varies due to the nature of hand-made product.  Each item is unique.
 
PROUDLY HAND-CRAFTED  in  JAPAN
Read artisan story and history of this hidden town Mikawachi:
www.goenne.com/mikawachi
 
DIMENSION
Dia 125mm x Height 20mm
Dia 4.75" x Height 0.78"