This Arita-yaki (有田焼) porcelain zodiac plate (絵皿) celebrates the Year of the Mouse (子) and was crafted by the esteemed Kōraku Kiln (幸樂窯), one of Arita’s long-established kilns known for preserving traditional porcelain artistry while embracing refined modern aesthetics.
At the center of the plate, playful mice surround a beautifully detailed lucky mallet (打出の小槌) — a symbol of prosperity and good fortune in Japanese culture. The mallet motif is often associated with Daikokuten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, said to grant wishes and wealth to those who possess it. The composition is rendered in vibrant enamels, displaying the kiln’s signature precision and artistry, complemented by a blue underglaze floral border typical of fine Arita ware.
Each brushstroke reflects the craftsmanship and attention to detail for which Kōraku Kiln is celebrated. The plate’s design harmoniously blends auspicious symbolism and sophisticated porcelain techniques, making it both an elegant decorative piece and a meaningful cultural collectible.
Kōraku Kiln founded in the late Edo period in Arita, Saga Prefecture, Kōraku Kiln has been producing high-quality porcelain for over a century. The kiln is renowned for its exquisite overglaze enamel decorations, vibrant colors, and faithful adherence to the classic techniques of Arita ware while continuing to innovate through collaboration with contemporary artists and designers. Its pieces are prized both domestically and internationally for their artistic depth and technical mastery, often representing Arita’s porcelain tradition in exhibitions and giftware of distinction.
Come with a plate stand together. Size: 21 x 21 x 4cm
