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Yamato Harunobu Shoroku Kiln

Hagi Ware Kakewake Small Plates (Set of 2)

Hagi Ware Kakewake Small Plates (Set of 2)

$109.00 USD
$109.00 USD
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Only 3 left in stock

A quiet dialogue of earth and fire, these Kakewake small plates are a testament to the Hagi ware tradition. Crafted by Yamato Harunobu Shoroku Kiln—where every step from clay processing to firing is done on site—each plate reveals a unique balance of soft grays, blushed pinks, and burnished copper tones. The subtle divide across the surface, known as kakewake, suggests the passing of time or shifting light, captured in clay.

Ideal for wagashi, condiments, or small offerings, the plates are sized for daily use yet carry the serene weight of centuries-old craft. Sold as a set of two, no two are ever exactly alike.

Detail

Size: W 5.3in x L 5.3in x H 0.8in / W 13.5cm x L 13.5cm x H 2cm
Material: Ceramic

Due to handmade porcelain and glazing characteristics, each product has subtle variations in size, shape, texture, and appearance.

Care ＆ Use

  • Handwash only
  • Do not use in the oven or microwave
  • Keep it dry
  • Avoid sudden temperature changes
  • Avoid metal scrubs or abrasive detergents
  • Store safely
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Earth remembered in flame: the quiet strength of Hagi ware

Hagi ware is a centuries-old ceramic tradition rooted in the soft earth and contemplative aesthetics of Japan’s tea culture. It began over 400 years ago when potters brought from the Korean Peninsula were invited to settle in Hagi by the ruling Mōri clan. Their kilns became official suppliers to the feudal lords, and the pottery they produced reflected both Korean influence and local refinement—marked by gentle colors, open clay bodies, and a quiet humility in form.

One of Hagi’s defining features is its responsiveness to time and touch. The local Daido clay resists vitrification, giving each piece a warm, tactile softness. Over years of use, tea seeps through the fine crackle of the glaze—known as kannyu—gradually darkening the vessel and deepening its luster. This subtle transformation, called Hagi no nanabake, or “the seven changes of Hagi,” is treasured as a sign of a vessel’s life in dialogue with its owner. Unique phenomena such as gohon spotting—delicate pink hues caused by firing variations—further reflect the natural unpredictability of the kiln. Once restricted to the elite, Hagi ware has since become widely admired for its organic textures and meditative beauty, remaining one of Japan’s most beloved ceramic traditions.

Brand History

The roots of Yamato Harunobu Shoroku Kiln reach back to the Meiji era, when Harunobu, son of Sakutaro—the founder of the original Shoroku kiln—established his own workshop in the Hagi tradition. Though its precise founding date is unknown, the kiln has been active for over a century, preserved through generations under the name Yamato Harunobu Shoroku. Located in Yamaguchi City, the kiln is distinguished by its dedication to complete on-site production. More than 1,000 tons of native Hagi clay are stored and processed within the property, and even the water used in the clay and glaze preparation is drawn from a deep well beneath the kiln. Every step—from soil refinement and glaze formulation to shaping, firing, and finishing—is carried out within the same grounds. This self-sufficient approach allows the kiln to maintain both material integrity and artistic continuity. Today, the current generation continues to uphold this legacy, crafting vessels that embody the spirit of Hagi ware: rooted in nature, refined through time, and made entirely by hand.