Small Plates, Deep Heritage – The Art of Japanese Side and Mini Plates
For centuries, Japanese dining has embraced the philosophy that every dish—no matter how small—deserves its own beautiful vessel. Side and mini plates, known as kozara (小皿) and mamezara (豆皿), are more than functional; they are reflections of a culture rooted in balance, aesthetics, and seasonal presentation.
From Edo-period porcelain to contemporary Mino and Seto ware, each plate is crafted with care—often hand-shaped, hand-glazed, and hand-painted—carrying regional character and artisan soul. Traditionally used for pickles, condiments, sweets, or bite-sized delicacies, these petite plates invite mindfulness at the table.
Their varied forms, textures, and colors aren’t just practical—they are poetic. A simple soy sauce dish becomes a canvas. A sesame-laced side earns its own pedestal. Collectible, expressive, and endlessly versatile, these small plates embody omotenashi—the Japanese spirit of hospitality and thoughtfulness—one delicate dish at a time.
