Kutani Ware Porcelain Set, Umekiku, 4 Pieces

At a glance

• Plum and chrysanthemum combine associations of resilience and longevity
• Four different forms let the same floral pattern move through more of the day
• Glossy, slightly raised Kutani colour gives the dense decoration tactile depth

This set includes:
- 1 x Seikou Kiln Kutani Ware Porcelain Plate, 21cm, Umekiku
- 1 x Seikou Kiln Kutani Ware Porcelain Mug, 330ml, Umekiku
- 1 x Seikou Kiln Kutani Ware Porcelain Cup, 280ml, Umekiku
- 1 x Seikou Kiln Kutani Ware Porcelain Rice Bowl, Umekiku

Umekiku is the most complete of these coordinated Seikou Kiln sets, carrying one floral pattern across four different forms.

The design pairs ume, plum blossom, with kiku, chrysanthemum. Plum is admired for flowering while winter is still harsh and is associated with resilience and perseverance. Chrysanthemum has longstanding associations with health and longevity. Together they give the decoration a meaning that extends beyond its colour.

Seikou Kiln's unique in-house developed overglaze treatment gives those flowers more physical presence. The red, blue, yellow and green decoration has a glossy, glass-like finish and sits slightly raised from the porcelain rather than disappearing into a completely smooth print. The kiln develops its own pigments and transfer sheets, which are fitted to each form by hand before firing.

The four-piece combination is what distinguishes this set. The 330ml mug works for everyday tea or coffee, while the 280ml cup offers a different drinking form. The 21cm plate covers breakfast, lunch, cake or smaller dinners, and the bowl moves easily between cereal, yoghurt, rice, soup and dessert.

Because each piece has a different job, the coordinated pattern can appear throughout the day without the set feeling repetitive. That also makes it particularly suitable for a new home: the gift adds useful tableware rather than a matching collection that needs to wait for a special occasion.