Black Plate

I am a Black Plate. At first glance, I’m simple, but there’s a depth beneath the surface—hints of bronze, blue, and brown quietly waiting to reveal themselves. Nothing is ever just what it seems.

Curator's Notes 

There’s something particularly special about Iwata-san’s black pieces that continues to resonate with me. While his natural tones always draw admiration, it’s this black that feels especially deep, almost mysterious. It’s never just a flat, single shade—when you look closely, you can see flecks of metallic bronze, hints of midnight blue, and dark brown hues playing beneath the surface. It’s a black with incredible depth, making the piece feel alive in different lighting. The proportions are equally striking—just the right size, not too big or too small. It has a balanced presence that makes it perfect for everyday use but still feels distinct enough to stand on its own as something truly unique. Iwata-san’s work never fails to surprise, but this black, in particular, feels like a quiet yet powerful statement.

Black Plate was curated by Angélique Chmielewski

Designer/Maker 

Artist: Keisuke Iwata

Specifications

Dimensions: 

9.5" (w) x 9.5" (l) x 0.9" (h) or 241mm (w) x 241mm (l) x 23mm (h)

Weight: 

1.1 lbs or 0.5 kg

Materials: 

Ceramic

Details

• Handcrafted by Keisuke Iwata in Fukuoka, Japan 
• Color is a deep dark brown tone, almost black, with hints of metallic bronze and midnight blue 
• The glaze will vary in tone and texture and natural irregularities
• Unglazed on the bottom
• Rim on each plate is uneven and unique 
• Each piece is handcrafted one-by-one and will have variations 
• Hand wash recommended