Hyotan Gourd Plate - Gyozo Furuse, Akahadayama Motogama

A Little Playfulness for the Table

Shaped like a traditional Japanese gourd, or hyotan, this small plate brings a playful touch to the table. Long cherished in Japan as a symbol of good fortune and health, the gourd adds a little meaning to its charming shape.

Whether used for a small serving or as a place to keep little treasures, its gentle curves and handmade character make it a delightful addition to everyday life.

Fired in a traditional wood-fired climbing kiln at Akahadayama Motogama in Nara, Japan, each plate develops its own variations in glaze and finish. With more than 200 years of history, the workshop continues its pottery tradition under eighth-generation Gyozo Furuse (Noriko Furuse), embracing the Japanese philosophy of yo no bi—the beauty found in objects made for everyday use.

The Individual Character of Handmade Pottery

Each plate has its own character, with natural variations in shape, glaze, and finish that develop through the making and firing process.

The glazed surface has a subtle sheen that may not be fully captured in photographs. Glaze color and appearance may also vary noticeably from piece to piece. Please note that the plate you receive may differ from the one shown in the photographs.