It's very lovely. These plates are easy to use, adding formality and elegance to everyday dining, just as the owner intended. Akira Asano (1923 (Taisho 12) - 1997 (Heisei 9)) was a Japanese ceramic artist who was active from the Showa to the Heisei eras. He was born in Hongo, Tokyo. In 1941, he entered the Tokyo School of Fine Arts. While majoring in other fields, he was influenced by Kenkichi Tomimoto and Yoshimichi Fujimoto at the Institute of Industrial Arts and Crafts, and decided to pursue a career in ceramics. He graduated from the same school in 1946. After graduation, he worked as a lecturer at the Tokyo University of the Arts. After that, he mainly exhibited his works in solo exhibitions. He also exhibited at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition and became a regular member of the Japan Kogei Association in 1967. In 1979, he became a professor at the Tokyo University of the Arts and devoted himself to guiding the next generation. After retiring, he became a professor emeritus. Based on his belief that "beauty in ceramics is halved if not used," he pursued the beauty of utility. He also had a deep knowledge of food and researched it extensively, developing works that focused on both food and tableware. Therefore, his works include many items for daily use, such as bowls, serving dishes, and plates. On the other hand, he created few tea ceramics, such as vases, incense burners, and incense containers. He also published many books, including introductory books on ceramics and cooking. He was active not only in Japan but also in France and England. In France, he received an honorary participation award at the Vallauris Ceramic Biennale in 1970. He exhibited at the "Contemporary Japanese Ceramics Exhibition" at the Smithsonian Museum in the United States and the Victoria and Albert Museum in England. He passed away in August 1997. Chronology 1923: Born 1941: Entered Tokyo School of Fine Arts 1946: Graduated from Tokyo School of Fine Arts 1949: Lecturer at Tokyo University of the Arts 1962: Awarded at the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition 1963: Exhibited at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition 1966: Held his first solo exhibition at Isetan Shinjuku 1967: Regular member of the Japan Kogei Association Moved to Minamiashigara, Kanagawa Prefecture 1970: Exhibited at the Vallauris Ceramic Biennale in France, received an honorary participation award 1979: Professor at Tokyo University of the Arts 1983: Exhibited at the "Contemporary Japanese Ceramics Exhibition" held at the Smithsonian Museum in the United States and the Victoria and Albert Museum in England 1985: Serialized "Eating Vessels" in "Monthly Nutrition and Cooking" for one year 1989: Held a retirement commemorative exhibition at the Tokyo University of the Arts Exhibition Hall 1990: Retired from Tokyo University of the Arts, became a professor emeritus Held a retirement commemorative exhibition at Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi 1997: Died