Chopstick rest - Mayonnaise

At a glance

- Arita-yaki (有田焼), Saga Prefecture, Japan's original porcelain tradition
- Shaped as a miniature mayonnaise tube; glossy overglaze finish
- The kind of thing guests notice and ask about

Japanese mayonnaise has a devoted following. Richer, slightly tangier than European versions, it goes on okonomiyaki, takoyaki, potato salads and any number of things that probably should not work as well as they do. The tube shape, with its characteristic red cap, is one of the most recognisable objects in a Japanese kitchen.

Made in Arita-yaki (有田焼), Saga Prefecture, Japan's original porcelain tradition developed in the early 17th century. The fine shiroji (白地) porcelain body and precise glossy overglaze enamels are characteristic of Arita craft at its most playful: technically serious, deliberately unserious in form. This chopstick rest reproduces that tube in fine Arita porcelain, about 3cm tall, with a smooth underside that sits neatly on the table. Keeps chopstick tips clean and makes the table feel like it was thought about. Works individually or as part of a set with the other condiment rests.