We recommend this Crane "okiage" series if you are seeking premium-quality handmade Japanese porcelain.  Small plates called "mame sara" (bean plates) are commonly produced by all kilns, and are used and collected by Japanese.  The use is versatile whether for side dishes, condiments, or sweets.  The blue and white speaks elegance and the light-weight thin porcelain speaks delicacy. 
 
Japanese porcelain from Mikawachi is prized to be of top quality using the brightest white porcelain clay from Amakusa region.  And artisans in Mikawachi is known for the exquisite skills in sculpting with this fine material. One of the few signature technique is called "Okiage".  A 3-dimensional low-relief motif was achieved from painting and building up thickness with porcelain slip.  The technique was once lost for decades, and Mr. Imamura revived this heritage skill.  Each feather of the crane was painstakingly painted and then sculpted to create the delicate detail. Mr. Imamura usually accept made-to-order for Okiage works. This is a rare opportunity to obtain this limited specialty works. 
 
Japanese crane is considered as symbol for happiness and longevity.  With the deep blue back drop of Japan Blue, this series of okiage work is all about Elegance and Delicate.  If you owned one of Imamura's hand-painted whale porcelain, you already know the level of premiumness of Mikawachi-ware. 
  
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, impeccable coloring skills and porcelain sculpting technique is nothing compare to the souless motif decals.  
 
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
Diameter 10.5cm   Height 2cm
Diameter 4" x Height 0.78"