There's a shop I always visited when I went to Izu. It's Sanshuen, an art and ceramic shop in Shuzenji. The couple who ran the shop back then would chat with me, sharing stories about the artists. It's a hidden gem, known to those in the know, and even Junji Takada was a fan! I looked it up, and it seems they are still operating as Craft Gallery Sanshuen, exhibiting and selling works by artists living in Izu. You can even see what the shop looks like online. Now, this is a set of two hand-painted plates by Hogaku Nakamura of Amatsuki Kiln. The slightly raised edges make them practical for catching spills. If you look closely at the details of the celestial maidens, you'll notice that their facial expressions and the surrounding colors are all different. This is the fun and charm of hand-painting. Enjoy these two celestial maidens every day. Even so, this detailed and careful painting is a job you can only do if you love it. I bet it's a lot of fun to paint. Hogaku Nakamura has an interesting background; he was originally a commercial designer. He's the one who designed the "Wakaba Mark" (the green leaf symbol), which is still used today. He abandoned that glamorous career and is now spreading his wings in the world of ceramics. Just like these celestial maidens, I imagine. These plates have been used, so there are some watermarks and signs of use, but I don't think there are any cracks or chips. Please judge the condition based on the photos, and feel free to ask any questions you may have. Diameter: Approximately 14.3cm Height: Approximately 3.3cm The paper in photo 14 will be used for other Amatsuki Kiln items, so I cannot send it. Please save the image if you need it.