Product Description

Transform your dining experience with the Mino Birds Mini Plates & Chopstick Rests Set, featuring delicately painted birds that add a tranquil touch to your table. Made in Japan, this set includes three mini plates that double as chopstick rests, measuring approximately 3.7 x 2.8 x 0.8 inches (95 x 70 x 20 mm) and weighing just 1.76 ounces (50 g), making them lightweight yet robust for both casual dining and special gatherings.

Each plate showcases soft kotori designs in gentle, watercolor-like hues, providing visual appeal while seamlessly integrating with your home decor. The thoughtfully designed protruding section serves as both a handle and a chopstick rest.

The Mino Birds plates are microwave-safe and dishwasher-friendly, ensuring convenience without sacrificing style. Each piece embodies the durability characteristic of Mino ware, promising longevity in your kitchenware collection. These plates make ideal gifts for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship, although specific packaging details are not provided.

Whether hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal, these artisan-made mini plates invite conversation. Their graceful aesthetic reflects a genuine love for nature and craftsmanship, allowing you to cherish simple moments while sharing meals with loved ones.

Product Information

Dimensions: 3.7 in x 2.8 in x 0.8 in / 95 mm x 70 mm x 20 mm
Weight: Approx. 1.8 oz / 50 g
Material: Porcelain
Craft: Mino Ware
Made in Gifu Prefecture, Japan

Care instructions
  • Gently wipe clean with a soft, damp cloth after each use.
  • Microwave safe for reheating only; avoid prolonged exposure to high heat.
  • Dishwasher safe; place securely to prevent chipping.
  • Store in a dry place, ideally in the original packaging to protect delicate designs.
  • Handle with care to maintain the beauty of the watercolor-inspired artwork.
Artisan & Craft
Artisan & Craft

These miniature plates and chopstick rests are crafted in the tradition of Mino ware, one of Japan’s most important ceramic styles produced in Gifu Prefecture for over 1,300 years.

Known for their warmth, versatility, and everyday usability, Mino ceramics account for a large share of Japan’s tableware and are loved for pieces that blend craftsmanship with daily life.

Inspired by the small birds often seen in Japanese art and seasonal table settings, these delicate forms capture the playful spirit of handmade ceramics while remaining practical—perfect for resting chopsticks or serving small bites.

Note

Introducing the Mino Birds Mini Plates & Chopstick Rests Set [3 pieces], a beautifully artisan-made collection that celebrates the charm of handcrafted craftsmanship. Each piece in this set may exhibit subtle differences and imperfections, which are not flaws but rather part of the unique character that makes every item special. Embrace the beauty of individuality as these delightful mini plates and chopstick rests bring a touch of artisanal elegance to your dining experience.

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Mino Ware – A Legacy of Japanese Ceramic Art

Mino ware (Minoyaki) is one of Japan’s oldest and most revered ceramic traditions, with roots stretching back over 1,300 years. Originating in the mountainous region of Gifu Prefecture, this pottery is celebrated not only for its rich history but also for the extraordinary craftsmanship that defines each piece.

Skilled artisans shape every bowl, cup, and plate by hand, using locally sourced clay and time-honored techniques passed down through generations. The unique glazing styles—from subtle earth tones to vibrant colors—are carefully applied and fired to create intricate textures, crackle patterns, and finishes that make each item one of a kind.

More than just tableware, Mino ware represents a deep connection to nature, simplicity, and the wabi-sabi aesthetic. Each piece is a quiet expression of balance—between utility and beauty, old and new. Whether used daily or saved for special moments, Mino ware brings the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship to your home.

FAQs

All you need to know about Japanese Mino Ware.

What is Mino ware?

Mino ware, or Minoyaki (美濃焼), refers to a traditional style of Japanese ceramics that originated in Gifu Prefecture over 1,300 years ago. It is one of Japan’s most prominent ceramic traditions and is known for its variety of styles, earthy aesthetics, and artisanal craftsmanship. Today, Mino ware accounts for the largest share of ceramic tableware production in Japan.

How is Mino ware made?

Each piece of Mino ware is handcrafted by skilled artisans using locally sourced clay. The process involves shaping the clay by hand or wheel, applying unique glazes, and firing it in kilns at high temperatures. The techniques used—such as Oribe, Shino, and Setoguro glazes—have been perfected over centuries to create the textures, colors, and finishes that define Mino ware.

What makes Mino ware different from other Japanese ceramics?

Unlike many other regional ceramics that follow a uniform aesthetic, Mino ware is known for its diversity. It encompasses over 15 officially recognized styles, ranging from rustic and natural to vibrant and contemporary. This flexibility makes Mino ware both deeply traditional and highly adaptable for modern use.

Is Mino ware safe for everyday use?

Yes, authentic Mino ware is made from food-safe materials and is generally safe for everyday dining. Most Mino ware sold today is microwave and dishwasher compatible, but because of its handcrafted nature, gentle handwashing is often recommended to preserve the glaze and texture.

Why is Mino ware valued by collectors and designers?

Collectors and interior designers appreciate Mino ware for its authenticity, heritage, and aesthetic depth. Each piece embodies the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi—beauty in imperfection—and offers a unique tactile and visual experience. The handcrafted nature of Mino ware ensures no two pieces are exactly alike, making them functional works of art.