Original Piece: The original Small Dish (Kozara) was created in Japan between 1680-1690 by an unknown potter. 

Link to Small Dish (Kozara): https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/50342

Inspiration: The geometric patterns and floral designs were custom to a Japanese household with vibrant blues and reds used in the glaze. This particular dish shows three pots on the dish, symbolizing the variety of pottery within Japan at this time. During this time, the pots would’ve stored dried rice and vegetables, as there was a prohibition on eating meat. The diet was only permitted to be vegetarian or pescatarian by law. Ornate plates such as the Small Dish (Kozara) were typically gifted to newlyweds as a way to bless the marriage with hopes of a long life together. This concept made me want to turn the Small Dish into a quilt, as newlyweds would also need somewhere to sleep. The geometric designs and pots made it a way to translate the blessings of marriage from a dish to quilt. 

Story: The Small Quilt was given to a young couple and laid out onto a bed before the newlyweds were left alone for the night. During this time, it would’ve been considered the blessing of children and happiness. The couple are nervous, after all, purity standards of this time meant that the couple had just met for the first time earlier that day. The Bride was marched to her husband’s house and the families feasted to celebrate the marriage. Once the Bride and Groom’s families left, they were left alone and expected to consummate their marriage to conceive the first of many children.