Japanese Shino Glaze Crab Motif Side Plate – Mino Ware Pottery, Renji Nakagaki

This handcrafted side plate is ideal for serving appetizers, sweets, or small dishes, and can also be enjoyed as a decorative piece that brings warmth and character to the table.

Created by Renji Nakagaki, a respected ceramic artist working in the Mino ware tradition, this piece is made in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture. His studio is located in Dachi, a historic pottery village nestled among gentle hills, where ceramic production has flourished for centuries. Nakagaki is widely known for reinterpreting classical techniques—such as Shino and Oribe glazes—into contemporary tableware with refined balance and exceptional craftsmanship. He regularly exhibits his work throughout Japan and is highly regarded by collectors.

This side plate is inspired by Kitaoji Rosanjin, one of Japan’s most influential ceramic artists of the 20th century. The expressive crab motif, painted in traditional iron pigment, appears bold yet elegant, standing out vividly against the soft white surface of the Shino glaze. The design captures both playfulness and restraint, qualities often associated with Rosanjin’s aesthetic.

The Shino glaze, made from feldspar-rich materials, is known for its milky white opacity and gentle, warm presence. Subtle variations in tone and texture, along with faint brushwork, give the surface depth and individuality. Originating in the late 16th century during the Azuchi–Momoyama period as a glaze for tea ceremony wares, Shino is celebrated for its quiet beauty and expressive character. Together with Setoguro, it is designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan.

With its well-balanced form and practical size, this plate is easy to use in everyday dining while also offering strong visual appeal as a collector’s piece. A harmonious blend of Japanese ceramic tradition and modern sensibility, it brings a sense of calm, history, and authenticity to any setting.