Bowls, plates, mugs, chopstick rests

Anime News Network's merchandise coverage sponsored by Tokyo Otaku Mode.



The traditional porcelain style of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kutani ware , celebrates its 360th anniversary this year (1655 is when the first kilns in Kutani were built). What better way to honor this antique ceramic style than to mix it with futuristic mobile suits? After all, Mobile Suit Gundam has been around for exactly 1/10 as long as Kutani ware (36 years).

Following this logic, Gundam Cafe is offering several styles of Kutani porcelain with familiar Gundam suits and characters. They follow several different styles of the Kutani school.

The Kokutani ceramics (the oldest style) show a Gundam locked in combat with a Gouf.

This plate in the Mokubei style shows a Gundam in action.

This plate in the Yoshidaya style depicts Zakus.

The Iidaya ceramics focus on Char's Zaku.

Finally, this plate in the Shōza style features Char himself.

Chopstick rests are also available in each of these styles.

A set of appetizer plates costs 6,480 yen ($53.65); sets of mugs and rice bowls both cost 5,616 yen ($46.50); a set of chopstick rests costs 3,780 yen ($31.30). The complete set sells for 21,492 yen ($177.96).

The series can be ordered on Premium Bandai until November 13 and is expected to ship in February. After November 14, the porcelain will also be available for purchase at Gundam Cafes.

The collaboration is the latest in the "Discovery-G" series, which introduces Gundam themes into traditional Japanese craft techniques. The series has included golden plates and craft tumblers.

[Via Anime! Anime!; Images from Premium Bandai]