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We are pleased to announce the re-release of a jar-shaped plate with plum branch arabesque design by Yasuyo Yamamoto, a potter in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.
The last time we had this dish in stock, it left instantly and we were unable to introduce it to you.

The prospective buyer can see the lively plum branches and arabesques painted in elegant yellow.
Ume was introduced to Japan from China (Tou) in the Nara period (710-794), and its graceful color and fragrance were loved by the aristocrats of the Heian period (794-1192), who planted them in their residences.
Sugawara Michizane, another Heian aristocrat, also loved ume trees from his childhood and planted many ume trees around his mansion himself. Plum blossoms also appear in the most famous waka poem he composed upon leaving the capital of Kyoto after being transferred to Dazaifu.

The plum tree is one of the most popular patterns because it is a tree that withstands any hardship due to its appearance of blooming before other flowers in severe cold weather, and also because it is a lucky pattern that heralds the arrival of spring.

Yamamoto's vessels with ume branch painted on them are entirely in the shape of a jar, and when I first saw these vessels, I thought, “How elegant and how lovely.
The subdued vermilion and yellow paint, and the brown of the branches linked to the rust on the rim of the vessel, give it an elegant glamour.
The blue floral arabesques on the reverse side also show the careful workmanship of the artist.

It is a vessel that will likely come in handy in the coming season.
The overall color and shape of this dish makes it suitable not only for Japanese cuisine, but also for Chinese cuisine, chinoiserie, and many other occasions.