Cloisonne Decorative Plate "Red & White Plum Blossoms" — The First Flowers of SpringCloisonné, known in Japan as Shippo (七宝), takes its name from the seven treasures of Buddhist tradition: gold, silver, lapis lazuli, coral, pearl, agate, and squilla. This ancient art form traces its origins to the ornaments of King Tutankhamun's crown — a craft with over 2,500 years of history.Introduced to Japan from China and Korea around 600 B.C., cloisonné flourished during the 16th century and was further refined in the 19th century when German chemist Wagner developed a specialized glaze that gave rise to the distinctly Japanese style we celebrate today.This decorative plate features red and white plum blossoms (紅白の梅), the first flowers to bloom in the cold of late winter — a symbol of resilience, hope, and the promise of spring. Beloved in Japanese art and poetry for centuries, the pairing of red and white blossoms carries an especially auspicious meaning, making this plate a cherished gift for the New Year and other celebratory occasions. Traditional Japanese Shippo (cloisonné) craftsmanship Red & white plum blossom motif — symbol of resilience and new beginnings Auspicious pairing ideal for New Year and celebratory gifts Handcrafted in Japan