Shichita Cat Mino Small Plates (set of 5 pieces)
Why You'll Love It?
Directly sourced from artisan workshops in Japan
No US customs fees or surprise import charges — we take care of everything
Learn moreSecure, insured delivery from Japan
Shipping policyA quiet piece of Japan, brought to your home.
Pairs well with
Shichita Cat Mino Small Plates (set of 5 pieces)
Imagine serving your favorite sauces or appetizers in charming porcelain dishes that tell a story. The Shichita Mino Small Plates set, featuring delightful cat motifs, offers a blend of whimsy and elegance that transforms everyday dining into an enchanting experience. Each of the five small plates, measuring approximately 3.5 inches in diameter, is thoughtfully designed to enhance your culinary presentations. Crafted from fine porcelain, each plate exhibits a smooth glaze that elevates the tactile experience, inviting you to appreciate its delicate feel.
Artisan Craftsmanship
Handcrafted in the Mino region of Japan, these small plates exemplify the durability of Mino ware. Each plate is microwave and dishwasher-safe, ensuring both functionality and beauty. Enjoy your meals without the worry of tedious cleanup, making them suitable for casual gatherings or exceptional dining events. The careful crafting process highlights the balance of form and functionality, offering plates that are both elegant and resilient.
Charming Design
The playful cat illustrations on these dishes capture joy and companionship. The classic indigo-blue design against the bright-white porcelain reflects traditional Japanese aesthetics. With their engaging motifs and crisp finish, each plate serves as a functional piece while also acting as a conversation starter, demonstrating your appreciation for artisan-made goods.
Enhancing Your Dining Experience
These plates are perfect for serving small portions of side dishes, sauces, or condiments. Their size makes them ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, allowing you to present your culinary creations with distinctive style. The included wooden trunk case adds a charming touch for storage or makes this set a thoughtful gift for fans of Japanese pottery.
Product Information
Care instructions
Note
Questions & Answers
What size are the plates?
Can I use them daily or are they just decorative?
Are they safe for microwave and dishwasher use?
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.