Against a background of shimmering silver mottling, an indigo phoenix soars in proud flight. Together with the plate’s substantial form, it creates a scene of solemn grandeur.
Eternal BrilliancePlatinum symbolises eternal brilliance. The
ho-o (phoenix), too, passes through fire to be reborn, and is held to be a symbol of eternal life.
The Ho-oA sacred bird of legend, also known as the phoenix or the immortal bird, in China it represents the empress. The ho-o is considered auspicious, and has been used as a motif in a great many works of art and buildings.
An Auspicious GiftWe recommend Arita ware as an auspicious gift, or as a commemorative present.
About Arita WareArita ware is the origin of Japanese porcelain. In 1616, under the rule of the Saga domain lord Naoshige Nabeshima, pottery stone was found in what is now Saga Prefecture and production began. Because the wares were made in Arita and shipped from the port of Imari, they are also known as Imari ware. Carried to Europe by the Dutch East India Company — the only trading partner permitted during Japan’s period of national seclusion — the porcelain was called “white gold” and furnished the courts of royalty and nobility.
Why a Paulownia BoxPaulownia wood is light, resists moisture and insects, and moves with changes in humidity — which is why it has been used in Japan for centuries to store what is valuable. A piece delivered in a paulownia box arrives ready to give, and the box itself is part of the gift.
Contents and DimensionsDecorative plate × 1, paulownia box, name card (tatefuda), turmeric-dyed cloth, booklet.
Height: 6.2cm Diameter: 20.9cm
As each piece is handmade, slight variations in size may occur.