Soy Sauce Dishes You'll Find Surprisingly Soothing!
There is no shortage of cute tableware sold in Japan. One particular saucer reveals adorable images of cats and dogs when you pour soy sauce on it.
This article will showcase this series of captivating saucers, which have amassed a fan base among visitors from abroad.
Who Created These Captivating Saucers?
ARTHA Co., Ltd., a company based in Gifu, is the mastermind behind these designs.
ARTHA manufactures an array of original products from tableware and miscellaneous goods to stationery. Their in-house designers handle every aspect of product development, beginning with planning, selecting materials, and making samples.
Designed to Make People Smile at the Dinner Table
During an interview with MATCHA, a project manager at ARTHA revealed that the saucers were designed to put a smile on the faces of families at the dinner table.
The tableware series launched with adorable animal motifs, which were immediately a customer favorite. It's no surprise the saucers are a hit among cat and dog lovers alike!
Difficulties in Product Development
Two difficulties arose during product development. The first was figuring how to reduce the saucer's blank space, while the second was creating a three-dimensional motif.
The balance between the motif and blank space was crucial to an appealing design.
Moreover, the grooves' depth on the saucer had to be adjusted to make the animals appear lifelike. Depending on the motif, the saucer's grooves had to be modified to fit specific variations.
What Motifs Are in the Series?
There are eight eye-catching motifs in the saucer series: cats, dogs, pandas, the Edo Period, seafood, shogi (Japanese chess) pieces, sumo, and shisa (Okinawan lion-dog statue).
In addition to choosing popular animals, ARTHA considered customers' suggestions. The shisa design was inspired by a customer when an ARTHA sales representative visited Okinawa on a business trip.
Cats
Cats are the most popular design in the series. There are six different poses, including felines sitting, turning around, and curling up into a ball. You'll want to give these kitties a pat since they're purr-fectly cute!
Dogs
The second popular design features dogs in six different poses including sitting, digging, and mid-run. The Shiba dog designs look very realistic and are absolutely adorable!
Pandas
Another popular series showcases six pandas walking, tumbling, and taking a nap. The very image of plump pandas relaxing is enough to make you want to hug them.
Edo Period
This three-piece set depicts a sensuous lady against the backdrop of a traditional Japanese atmosphere.
Seafood
The seafood series features six varieties of fish popular in Japan, including tuna, salmon, and blowfish. This is a quirky saucer to use when eating sashimi.
Shogi
This series comes with five saucers resembling shogi (Japanese chess) pieces inscribed with their kanji characters. The shogi motif may remind some of the well-known manga "March Comes in Like a Lion."
Sumo
This six-piece series is engraved with popular sumo poses, such as dohyo-iri (ring-purification ritual) and tsuppari (rapid arm thrusts). The plump sumo wrestlers look quite cute!
Shisa
This two-piece set comes with an open-mouthed female shisa and closed-mouthed male shisa. These mythical lion-dogs are believed to be guardians that ward off evil and bring good fortune.
Soy Sauce Dispensers
Since the cat saucers were an instant hit, ARTHA decided to create a cat-shaped soy sauce dispenser.
As pictured above, the condiment pours out from the tail. Additionally, the spout is designed to prevent the soy sauce from dripping. This cute dispenser will keep your tabletop clean!
Where to Buy This Cute Kitchenware
These products are sold at stores that handle stylish household items, such as Tokyu Hands and Loft. Please note that not all of the products mentioned above are available at each store. Be sure to check the price and availability of your preferred designs.
Multi-Purpose Saucers for All Types of Condiments
In addition to soy sauce, these saucers are ideal for serving olive oil, black vinegar (kurozu), or placing your teabags. This cutesy kitchenware will put a smile on the faces of those gathered around your dinner table.
