Tiny Japanese ceramic plates

Was there anything in this journal that caught your eye? I wanted to share a photo of some small ceramic plates I saw in a magazine. I’ve never made pottery myself, but I enjoy looking at it and sometimes buy small pieces. These plates often have simple, charming designs and can be used in many ways at the table. They really are little works of art you can use every day.

.*Materials I used for this journaling:

• Red calligraphy pen.

• 0.7 felt pen.

• Cutouts from the magazines.

• Graphic stickers and tapes

• Graphic rubber stamps

• Post-it

• Background music

• Black tea

Early January is usually busy. Once the New Year holidays are over, I rush back to work or get ready for something new. I haven’t had time to journal lately, but last night I finally had a quiet moment to write.

Tiny Japanese ceramic plates, known as mame-zara (bean plates) or ko-zara (small plates), are highly versatile and primarily used for serving condiments, small side dishes, or as decorative accents. They are celebrated for their diverse designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and ability to enhance a meal's visual presentation.

The names for small Japanese plates are based on size:

• Mame-zara (tiny plates): These are the smallest, typically less than 10 cm (3.9 inches) in diameter, and comfortably fit in the palm of your hand. The name "bean plate" refers to their small size.

• Ko-zara (small plates): Slightly larger, these generally range up to about 15 cm (5.9 inches) and are used for a variety of small dishes and desserts.

• Teshio-zara: A traditional name for mame-zara, originally used for placing salt on the table, which was thought to purify the meal.

Lastly, I also included a magazine clipping in my journal that says, “You’re stepping outside of your everyday routine.” It felt like the perfect theme for the start of the year. I’ve been trying new things lately and thought maybe I should slow down, but this quote reminds me to keep going and not be afraid to try what interests me. Instead of overthinking or worrying about the outcome, I want to keep moving forward and trying new things this year.