{"title":"Antique Plates \u0026amp; Tableware","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne-of-one antique Japanese plates, plate sets, and tableware — Edo through Showa eras. Each piece documented with maker attribution, era, and condition report. Curated and hand-packed from Tokyo.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"vintage-1975-koransha-phalaenopsis-orchid-plate-set-of-5-arita-yaki","title":"Vintage 1975 Koransha Phalaenopsis Plate Set of 5 — Japanese Arita-yaki Porcelain Mid-Plates","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 1975 (昭和50年 \/ Shōwa 50) set of five Koransha (香蘭社) phalaenopsis-orchid plates — hand-finished porcelain mid-plates with a soft mint-celadon ground sweeping across each plate and meeting a clean white field, where the orchids bloom. Originally retailed at \u003cstrong\u003e¥50,000 JPY\u003c\/strong\u003e through Takashimaya Kyoto Store's 6F tableware floor in 1975 — a substantial outlay at a time when a graduate's monthly starting salary was around ¥85,000–90,000. The set comes with its full original presentation: the Koransha gift box, the bilingual maker hakogaki, the Koransha green logo card, and the Takashimaya お願い courtesy card.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eForm: 中皿 (chū-zara \/ mid-plate) — flat coupe-rim plate, 5-piece presentation set (五客揃)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMaterial: high-fired white porcelain (磁器) with hand-finished overglaze decoration\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePattern: 胡蝶蘭 (kochōran) — phalaenopsis \/ moth orchid, two-bloom + bud composition with yellow-green leaves and pink-red labellum detail\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProduction year: 1975 (昭和50年 \/ Shōwa 50) — 51-year-old vintage\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOriginal retail (1975 Takashimaya Kyoto Store): ¥50,000 JPY\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDiameter: ~16.7 cm (6.6\") per plate\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHeight (rim profile): ~1.8 cm (0.7\") per plate\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBox: original Koransha gift box ~35.9 × 18.5 × 5 cm (14.1\" × 7.3\" × 2.0\"), with bar-code label \u003ccode\u003e胡蝶蘭・中皿 W9104-JCS\u003c\/code\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFoot mark: green underglaze 香蘭社 (Koransha) mark with the orchid emblem, on the underside of every plate\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIncluded paper accessories: (1) bilingual Koransha \"300 YEARS OF KORAN-SHA \/ 香蘭社のあゆみ\" hakogaki pamphlet (2) Koransha green logo card with the orchid emblem (3) Takashimaya 京都店 お願い courtesy card from the 6F tableware floor\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMade by 香蘭社 (Koransha) \/ Arita-yaki in Saga Prefecture, Japan, curated by ZenKiln\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Koransha (hakogaki-cited context)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKoransha (香蘭社, \"Orchid Group\") traces its lineage to the eighth-generation Fukagawa potters of Arita, whose family had been firing porcelain in Saga for some three hundred years when Meiji-era restructuring opened the way for them to organize as an independent company in the 1870s. The bilingual hakogaki enclosed with this set narrates the early international recognition — the Grand Prix at the 1878 Paris International Exhibition, an honor at the United States 1876 exhibition, the Gold Medal at the 1900 Paris Exposition — and historically documented commissions placed with Koransha by the Imperial Household of Japan. The Koran-sha style was built by blending three of Japan's defining porcelain traditions, Old Imari, Nabeshima, and Kakiemon, into a single contemporary vocabulary. The phalaenopsis pattern in this set is one of the company's enduring botanical designs, named for the moth-orchid that takes its name in Japanese, 胡蝶蘭 (kochōran), from the resemblance to a butterfly in flight. By 1975, when this particular set was retailed through Takashimaya Kyoto Store's 6F tableware floor at ¥50,000, Koransha's pattern range had become a fixed reference within Japanese department-store gift culture — the 5-piece (五客揃) format was the traditional milestone-celebration gift unit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eUse \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA mid-plate (中皿) at 16.7 cm sits squarely in the dessert \/ wagashi \/ appetizer \/ canapé band. Per the Koransha care card included with this set: hand-wash with mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge; metal utensils and abrasive cleansers can scratch the porcelain surface; oven-use is restricted to items specifically marked as oven-ware (this plate is not so marked); avoid sudden temperature change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGifting \u0026amp; Presentation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 五客揃 (5-piece set) is Japan's standard hospitality-and-gift presentation unit — one plate per guest, ready for a dinner party, a tea-gathering wagashi course, or a milestone celebration. Phalaenopsis is the most prestigious gift-flower in modern Japan, associated with elegance and congratulations; the pattern's traditional pairings are wedding gifts, anniversary gifts, housewarming, retirement, and Father's Day. The full original Koransha + Takashimaya presentation makes this a ready-to-give heritage set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping \u0026amp; Returns (Antique Line)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a one-of-one estate set. We do not accept returns on antique-line listings; all condition details and the maker's documentation are disclosed above and in the photos. Please ask any questions before purchase — we are happy to send additional photos of any plate or paper accessory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout ZenKiln\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Japan-based curator connecting international collectors with Japan's artisan ceramic tradition. We work closely with the kilns, workshops, and makers featured in our shop — each one disclosed in our About section — and hand-pack every piece in Japan for safe delivery worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e📦 Ships from Japan, hand-packed for safe delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ZenKiln","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47658955800806,"sku":"ZK-PLATE-KOR-001","price":330.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0779\/5392\/5350\/files\/DSC09075.webp?v=1778725158"},{"product_id":"vintage-showa-kishu-shikki-urushi-lacquer-plate-set-of-5-kikumon-wakayama","title":"Vintage Showa Kishu-Shikki Urushi Lacquer Plate Set of 5 — Kikumon Chrysanthemum Crest, Wakayama","description":"\u003cp\u003eA vintage Shōwa-era (1926–1989) Kishū-shikki (紀州漆器 \/ Kishū lacquerware) plate set — five wood-based urushi-lacquer plates in the classic 梅花型 (baika-gata \/ plum-blossom 6-petal) form, finished in the deep translucent 溜塗 (tame-nuri) wine-black urushi that is the signature of the Kuroe (黒江) lacquer tradition, each with a centered 16-petal gold kiku (chrysanthemum) crest. From \u003cstrong\u003e和歌山県 海南市 黒江\u003c\/strong\u003e — the Kuroe district of Kainan, Wakayama, one of Japan's three major lacquerware regions, METI-designated Traditional Craft since 1978. Originally retailed at \u003cstrong\u003e¥100,000 JPY\u003c\/strong\u003e in the Shōwa period (user-attested). Comes with the navy cloth-texture presentation gift box, the 紀州漆器 Kuroe-nuri industry-promotional pamphlet (with historical Edo-period Kuroe market-scene illustration), and the yellow 取扱説明書 instruction manual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eForm: 梅花型 銘々皿 五客揃 (baika-gata meimei-zara go-kyaku-zoroe) — plum-blossom-form individual-serving plate, 5-piece presentation set\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMaterial: wood-based urushi 漆 (Japanese lacquer); deep 溜塗 (tame-nuri) translucent red-black finish\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePattern: 16-petal 菊紋 (kikumon \/ chrysanthemum crest) in gold, centered on each plate\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEra: 昭和時期 (Shōwa, 1926–1989) — broad user-attested band; specific year not yet narrowed\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOriginal retail (Shōwa period, user-attested): ¥100,000 JPY\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePlate diameter: ~13 cm (5.1\") per plate\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePlate height: ~1.0–1.5 cm estimated (will be confirmed before dispatch)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eQuantity: 5 plates per set (五客揃)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFoot mark \/ maker signature: not yet documented — additional photo of plate underside available on request\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIncluded paper accessories: (1) 紀州漆器 (Kishū-shikki) Kuroe-nuri industry-promotional pamphlet (with the historical Edo-period Kuroe market-scene illustration) (2) yellow 取扱説明書 lacquerware care instruction manual\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMade by an unnamed Kishū-shikki \/ Kishū lacquerware artisan in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, curated by ZenKiln\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Kishū-shikki \/ 紀州漆器 (Kuroe-nuri tradition)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKishū-shikki traces its name to the historical 紀伊国 (Kii \/ Kishū) Province — modern Wakayama Prefecture. The craft is centered on 黒江 (Kuroe), a district of 海南市 (Kainan City) that has been a major urushi-lacquer production hub for over 400 years, dating back to the late Muromachi \/ early Edo periods. The 紀州漆器 industry-promotional pamphlet enclosed with this set carries the iconic Edo-period Kuroe market-scene illustration — depicting the bustling Kuroe shōtengai (market street) where lacquerware makers, traders, and shoppers exchanged finished pieces. Kishū-shikki is one of Japan's three major lacquerware regions (alongside 輪島塗 Wajima-nuri of Ishikawa and 会津塗 Aizu-nuri of Fukushima) and was designated 伝統的工芸品 (Traditional Craft) by Japan's METI in 1978. The signature finish is 溜塗 (tame-nuri) — translucent layered urushi with subtle iron-and-tannin coloring producing the wine-black depth visible on these plates, distinct from the matte-black of Wajima or the brighter reds of Aizu.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout the kikumon motif \u0026amp; the 菊紋入り commemorative category\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe kiku (菊 \/ chrysanthemum) is one of the four classical \"Four Gentlemen\" plants in East Asian decorative art and carries strong cultural weight in Japan: the 16-petal stylized chrysanthemum (十六弁八重表菊紋) is the official emblem of the Imperial Family, and kikumon-decorated lacquerware + ceramics belong to a recognized Japanese commemorative-product category — 「菊紋入り記念品」 (kikumon-iri kinen-hin) — independently documented by current-day specialist suppliers whose catalogs explicitly include 漆器 (lacquerware) as a standard sub-category alongside ceramics, glass, frames, and other commemorative gift classes. This category is conventionally exchanged at 叙勲 (Imperial Decoration) \/ 褒章 (Medal of Honor) celebration banquets and other formal milestone events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe original consignor describes this set as 「皇室御用」（historical record） (Imperial Household associated) and 「謹製」 (respectfully made). \u003cstrong\u003eWe surface that attribution as consignor-provided context — but we identify the piece by its descriptive category match (a 菊紋入り Kishū-shikki commemorative plate set) rather than as a verified historical Imperial Household commission\u003c\/strong\u003e, because the tomobako with Imperial Household Agency seal \/ named-purveyor certificate \/ signed provenance documentation that would be required for the latter is not present in the materials we have for this listing. Buyers seeking a verified historical Imperial Household designation piece may prefer to look at named 宮内庁御用達（historical record） makers (limited to a small registry); buyers who value the recognized 菊紋入り commemorative tradition + the verified Kishū-shikki Traditional-Craft body + the substantial Shōwa-period original retail anchor + the full original presentation pamphlet and box will find this set offers a complete Kishū lacquerware composition in the formal commemorative-decoration tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eUse \u0026amp; Care (urushi lacquerware specific)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePer Kishū-shikki traditional-craft care standards (and the enclosed yellow 取扱説明書 instruction manual): urushi lacquerware is \u003cstrong\u003eNOT microwave-safe\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eNOT dishwasher-safe\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eNOT oven-safe\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003emust not be soaked\u003c\/strong\u003e. Hand-wash gently with lukewarm water and a soft cloth or sponge; avoid abrasive cleansers, scouring pads, alcohol, and prolonged direct sunlight. Avoid sudden temperature change. Urushi is a natural plant-based lacquer that, properly cared for, develops a deeper sheen over decades — but is sensitive to heat, UV, and harsh chemicals. Wipe dry immediately after use and store away from direct sunlight in a moderate-humidity environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGifting \u0026amp; Presentation (5-piece commemorative format)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 五客揃 (5-piece set) is Japan's standard hospitality and celebration-banquet gift unit — one plate per guest, ready for wagashi service in a tea-ceremony adjacent setting, dessert service at a formal dinner, or a milestone gift for a wedding, anniversary, retirement (還暦 \/ 喜寿 \/ 米寿), or family heirloom occasion. Original presentation includes the navy gift box, the Kishū-shikki Kuroe-nuri industry pamphlet, and the yellow care manual. We hand-pack the full set in protective wrap + a secondary outer box for international shipping; insurance is strongly recommended for this category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping \u0026amp; Returns (Antique Line)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a one-of-one estate set. We do not accept returns on antique-line listings; all condition details and the maker's documentation are disclosed above and in the photos. Please ask any questions before purchase — we are happy to send additional close-up photos including plate undersides, the kikumon technique macro, and the pamphlet detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout ZenKiln\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Japan-based curator connecting international collectors with Japan's artisan ceramic tradition. We work closely with the kilns, workshops, and makers featured in our shop — each one disclosed in our About section — and hand-pack every piece in Japan for safe delivery worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e📦 Ships from Japan, hand-packed for safe delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ZenKiln","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47661189169382,"sku":"ZK-PLATE-KSH-001","price":380.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0779\/5392\/5350\/files\/DSC09062.webp?v=1778808482"}],"url":"https:\/\/zen-kiln.com\/en-ca\/collections\/antique-plates-tableware.oembed","provider":"ZenKiln","version":"1.0","type":"link"}