A questionnaire survey was conducted about the effect of blue motifs on white plates, including the number of motifs and the presence of a blue rim, on appetite by placing Japanese food on small serving plates. Results showed that blue rim motifs stimulated the appetite better, and two motifs were often evaluated better than a single motif. A blue rim and motifs may bring the colors of the dish closer together and balance the arrangement and coloration of foods. There was a tendency for lower evaluations when the motifs were hidden by the dish; therefore, it is desirable to place dishes so that the motifs are visible. Furthermore, the optimum blue proportions that make the dish look better are different between patterns of a blue plate and motifs on a white plate: about 40％ and 16-20％ of the entire plate, respectively. An additional questionnaire revealed that when dishes with patterns and motifs were compared side by side, dishes with motifs went better with Japanese dishes served on small plates.
