Small Plates That Earn Their Place at the Table

Mar. 2018 -no.2

For the main dish or one more side

  Much of POTPURRI's tableware has a Western influence, but customers have also asked for shapes suited to Japanese dishes. These new plates offer another way to build a versatile everyday collection. RIMs by masamura craft was designed around the subtle stepped details of its rims and feet. Simple earth-toned glazes reveal these contours through light and shadow, framing the food within them. With many smaller pieces, the collection is useful when you want an extra dish alongside the main course. Here, we try the square and rectangular plates—shapes that were new to POTPURRI at the time—in several everyday settings.

For Japanese dishes

A rectangular plate works beautifully for sashimi, simmered fish and other main dishes. Its narrow shape also slips neatly between larger plates when you want to add one more side. Your favorite rolled omelet might look as though it came from a specialist restaurant.  

For Western dishes

Arrange a few small appetizers together to give the table a slightly more dressed-up feel. When another dish takes center stage, these plates are useful for grilled vegetables or a side. They are also a handy size for a selection of cheese and ham. Turn a square plate to sit diagonally, and its diamond shape brings a different rhythm to the setting.

POTPURRI – ART PIECE Horse Flower Vase Glasses: items stocked in our store at the time of this feature

For a sweet break

    Rectangular and square plates give Japanese sweets room to line up neatly. The collection's natural colors let you choose a shade to complement each season's treats. The flat surface of the square plate also makes a useful little tray for milk and sugar at teatime.

POTPURRI – Mulet Bird Bowl S POTPURRI – Mulet Bird Bowl M

Designed with everyday use in mind

  RIMs grew from the designer's wish to make dishes for everyday use. Alongside their shapes, the pieces are lightweight and microwave-safe. Thoughtful details, chosen from the perspective of someone who handles and serves food on them each day, bring a lasting interest to the table. The designer was especially particular about the navy glaze and adjusted it repeatedly. The deep, almost black blue creates a striking contrast with food. Combine the square and rectangular plates shown here with other pieces in the collection, and enjoy different arrangements for meals and teatime.