ARITA ICON Porcelain Plate, 23.5cm

At a glance

• 32 tiny icons turn one dense pattern into something new to notice each time
• Included illustrated guide reveals the places, objects and workshop tools hidden in the design
• Microwave and dishwasher safe, so the detailed design still works as everyday tableware

At first glance, ARITA ICON reads as one dense pattern. Look closer and it begins to break apart into dozens of tiny scenes and objects: a shrine, a climbing kiln, an old chimney, brushes, a potter’s wheel and even the quarry where Arita’s porcelain story began.

There are 32 icons altogether, divided between 16 places and landscapes around Arita and 16 tools used in porcelain making. The 16 + 16 structure refers to 1616, the year associated with the beginning of porcelain production in Arita. KIHARA created the design for its 400th anniversary.

The illustrated guide supplied with the plate identifies each motif, so the pattern becomes something to explore rather than understand in a single glance.

At 23.5cm, it works comfortably for everyday mains, sandwiches, salads or food for sharing. The detailed graphic also gives it enough presence to display between uses.