April 16, 2021

[Seasonal Change of Dining Table] The Kasumi series, handcrafted one by one by Fresco’s artisans, is made in the image of haze, and the shading of each color vessel is beautiful and cool.

[Seasonal Change of Dining Table]

In Tokyo and Kyoto, the cherry blossom viewing season is coming to an end, and the weather has turned into full-blown spring weather. At this time of year, blue skies are more common, the mood is lighter, and the tableware is more transparent. This year, why don't you change your dishes as well as your clothes? Here is an introduction to glassware that is perfect for the coming season.

The Kasumi series, handcrafted one by one by Fresco’s artisans, is made in the image of haze, and the shading of each color vessel is beautiful and cool. It is a magical vessel that makes clearly colored vegetables and fruits that look many times more delicious. It comes in five different colors and sizes from SS to L.

You may use it as a main dish or as a serving dish. The color of the tabletop and the combination with the food will change depending on how you use this bowl. Thinking about the outfit for the day is one of the fun parts of preparing a meal. Why not welcome it to your table as a new item for spring?

Fresco’s Kasumi Plate
https://www.shokunin.com/en/fresco/kasumiplate.html
Fresco’s Kasumi Bowl
https://www.shokunin.com/en/fresco/kasumibowl.html

April 16, 2021

[New Item] Seiryugama's Sobatokkuri has been added. With Sobatokkuri, you can adjust the thickness of the soba sauce and enjoy it all the way through. It can also be used as a tokkuri for sake.

[New Item] Seiryugama's Sobatokkuri has been added.

With Sobatokkuri, you can adjust the thickness of the soba sauce and enjoy it all the way through. It can also be used as a tokkuri for sake.

Seiryugama's Sobatokkuri
https://www.shokunin.com/en/seiryu/soba.html

April 16, 2021

[Koishiwara Ware, "Beauty of Use," Recognized Around the World] Koishiwara ware is not flashy, but has a simple and warm impression.

[Koishiwara Ware, "Beauty of Use," Recognized Around the World]

Koishiwara ware is not flashy, but has a simple and warm impression. It is made in Koishiwara, an area in Asakura-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture, surrounded by virgin forest and rich in nature. It has a sister relationship with Onta ware, which is made in Hita City, Oita Prefecture, also in Kyushu.

Koishiwara ware came into the limelight at the same time when Muneyoshi Yanagi, the founder of the folk art movement, discovered Onta ware in around 1930. In 1958, Koishiwara ware won the Grand Prix at the third section of the Japanese Pavilion at the World Exposition in Brussels, and became known throughout the world for its "beauty of use." Moreover, in 1975, it became the first ceramic product in Japan to be certified as a national traditional craft.

One of the main characteristics of Koishiwara ware is the pattern applied by the technique called "tobikanna" or "hakeme." While turning the wheel, craftsmen use the edge of the blade and brush to create a systematic pattern. Currently, there are more than 50 kilns, and the style of each kiln differs slightly depending on the craftsman. In this area, "Folk Art Festival" is held in May and October every year to coincide with the opening of the kilns, and if your timing is good, you can even see the craftsmen at work. When things settle down, why not pay a visit?

Muneyoshi Yanagi, Bernard Leach, and others praised Koishiwara ware as "the ultimate in beauty of use." Using Japan's best folk art at your daily table is truly a luxury.

Koishiwara ware's Mamezara and Mamekobachi
https://www.shokunin.com/en/koishiwara/mame.html

References:
http://toho.main.jp/koishiwarayaki-rekishi.html
https://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/traditionalcrafts/jpcraft/crafts/koishiwarayaki/
https://kintsugikurashi.com/yakimono/koishiwara/