Japanese Mei Mei Zara Stainless Steel Tea Sweets Dessert 5 Plates Vintage 1990's

Vintage Japanese Mei Mei Zara Stainless Steel Tea Sweets / Dessert Plates from the 1990’s. There are 5 plates and 5 forks. Each plate is 5” x 4”. Never used. The many layers of ultrathin film formed on the plate gives it desired colorful patterns by light interference. These layers also help make the plate rust-proof. The colorful patterns which come naturally by light interference without the help of coloring materials like dyes or paints are non-toxic and retain their original brightness unless subjected to heating above 250°C. The "mei-mei-zara" plate, which is usually made of ceramics, is mostly associated with the tea cult or "sado", the traditional Japanese way of tasting tea, wherein Japanese sweets are served on a "mei-mei-zara" plate. NISSHO IWAI CORPORATION Made at Toyo Rika Kogyo Co., Ltd. In Japan. Excellent vintage condition – never used or opened. Some tarnish on forks. The iridescent colors are stunning. Each plate is like an art piece.