AITO Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo), a maker and distributor of Japanese and Western tableware, is adding a long-awaited rimmed plate to Manufacture Rock, an iconic series from Germany's Villeroy & Boch, starting Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
AITO serves as the exclusive Japan distributor for Villeroy & Boch's retail business and will mark one year since resuming sales in Japan this September. Villeroy & Boch, marking its 278th anniversary this year, has continued innovative design since its founding in 1748 as one of the world's leading tableware brands.
Manufacture Rock, made up of the black "Rock" and white "Rock Blanc," is known for its richly textured, slate-like surface and matte glaze that bring out the beauty of food. Since its 2018 launch, it has been one of the brand's bestsellers, used everywhere from home dining tables to hotels and restaurants.
Product Features
A layered look that brings restaurant-style plating home
A height difference between the plate's center and its outer rim, combined with contrasting textures, creates a natural sense of negative space. That space allows dishes to be plated with dimension, giving home-cooked meals the flair of a fine dining presentation. Because the plating area is clearly defined, the design also works well for anyone picking up formal Western tableware for the first time.
Crisp edges, a matte finish, and the appeal of layering plates
A defined edge between the plating area and the rim brings out the slate-like shading and matte texture. The result is a refined, understated look suited to both everyday meals and special dinners. Those who already own the flat plate from Manufacture Rock can pair it with this new rimmed plate for a more layered, three-dimensional table setting.
Table settings that bring out the colors of autumn
As the season shifts from light summer styling to more formal autumn table settings, the plates are designed to hold the color gradients of seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, mushrooms, and figs, along with vividly colored sauces. Mixing the black Rock and white Rock Blanc pieces adds even more range to table styling.
German craftsmanship built for everyday use
Made from high-quality hard porcelain at Villeroy & Boch's own factory in Germany, the plates are also dishwasher- and microwave-safe, combining design with everyday practicality.
Product Overview
- Product names: Manufacture Rock / Manufacture Rock Blanc rim plates (27cm plate / 21cm plate)
- Release date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
- Material: Premium porcelain (hard porcelain)
- Country of origin: Germany
- Features: Microwave- and dishwasher-safe
Rock Plate, 27cm
- Item number: 315-628
- Size: 270mm diameter x 20mm height
- Price: ¥6,050 (tax included)
Rock Plate, 21cm
- Item number: 315-629
- Size: 215mm diameter x 20mm height
- Price: ¥5,500 (tax included)
Rock Blanc Plate, 27cm
- Item number: 315-631
- Size: 270mm diameter x 20mm height
- Price: ¥6,050 (tax included)
Rock Blanc Plate, 21cm
- Item number: 315-632
- Size: 215mm diameter x 20mm height
- Price: ¥5,500 (tax included)
Limited-Quantity Recipe Gift for Buyers
To celebrate the launch, buyers will receive a special recipe designed to bring restaurant-style home dining to their own table (while supplies last).
Each recipe uses familiar ingredients and seasonings but comes together into a restaurant-level dish that makes the most of autumn's flavors.
- Recipe for the black Rock plate: Invisible cake with pumpkin and grilled mushrooms
- Recipe for the white Rock Blanc plate: Agrodolce chicken with figs
Invisible cake with pumpkin and grilled mushrooms
Agrodolce chicken with figs
Where to Buy
The rimmed plates will be available at department stores nationwide and through the Villeroy & Boch official online shop: https://villeroy-boch.jp/
