Running this little shop has given me countless opportunities to expand my knowledge on all sorts of topics. I have learned more than I ever would like to know about tariffs for instance. But I have also learned a lot about materials and how many things are made. I have learned a lot about how to use different tools and what makes some better than others. One topic that I have learned so much about is Japanese Tableware and today as I write this blog post I am excited to learn a little more.
Utsuwa is a Japanese word that translates to "vessel" or "container" but like many Japanese words it holds a deeper, more philosophical meaning as well. When used to describe Japanese tableware it is meant to evoke a sense of the tableware embodying a perfect balance between beauty, form and practicality. Utsuwa defines the dining table as a place where everyday forms, such as plates and bowls, are used to elevate a meal. The dishes sitting on the table are considered to be an extension of the food itself. In this way the beautiful utsuwa compliments the seasonal, fresh ingredients and its colors and textures.
This bowl is an excellent example. The Eggplant Mino Ware Donburi bowl is a fun bowl from a series depicting vegetables painted with simple brush strokes. It is fun to eat the same vegetable that matches the pattern on the bowl. Referred to as "asobigokoro" (a term that describes playfulness) it describes the spirit of matching the dish with the container and is also a result of the playfulness of hospitality.
In general this idea conveys to one that even the most ordinary everyday item can embody a sense of elegance, artistic beauty, and meaning.
Earlier this week I was inspired to write this blog when I stumbled upon this map that gives a visual representation of Japanese Tableware based on the regions where each unique style is made. Much of the manufacturing in Japan is still based on regions. This map really explains a lot as I am always striving to understand the differences between things like Mino Ware and Hasami Ware. So let's get into some of the differences today between the type of Japanese tableware that can be found in our shop. I am excited to learn more.
I am going to start with this lovely bowl as to this day it remains one of my most beloved treasures from my travels to Japan. This is an example of Hasami Ware which originates from the Nagasaki Prefecture of Japan. Hasami Ware has been produced for over 400 years in Hasami Town, located in Nagasaki Prefecture. It is characterized by its translucent white porcelain and often refined blue hand-painted designs. Combining elegance with practicality and affordability (might depend which bowl and who you ask), Hasami Ware has recently gained popularity among younger generations thanks to the rise of modern, designer-inspired collections. Many of the modern Hasami Ware goods are inspired by Scandinavian design and tend towards the more playful motifs. I personally feel that Hasami Ware is some of the sturdiest but this is based solely on the fact that my beautiful bowl has somehow managed to survive with only a tiny knick which in our household is quite a feat.
Produced in southern Ishikawa Prefecture, Kutani Ware is known for its distinctive overglaze painting technique, where often outlines are drawn in cobalt blue and filled with vivid colors. Beyond everyday tableware, many pieces are treasured as works of art, admired by collectors around the world. Birds are a common theme in Kutani Ware and have been since the 1930's. The imagery of birds is often applied using a light ink wash technique as you can see in the Mejiro Bird Bowl above. Another feature of Kutani Ware is that it has a specific marking on the underside that is referred to as a Kutani Mark. This specifies the specific style of Kutani, such as Kutani Yaki which is featured on the underside of this lovely bird bowl.
Produced in the Tono region of Gifu Prefecture, Mino Ware is Japan's largest pottery production area, centered around the Toki City. With a history spanning over 1,300 years, Mino Ware is known for its modern designs that highlight the natural texture of clay and the harmony between tradition and innovation. This Neko Maruke Stacolassasa bowl is a good example of that with the texture that reminds one of something bumpy while the actual smooth feel of the bowl poses a really fun contrast. One of the smoothest and silkiest textures of pottery I have ever felt. Unlike some pottery regions that focus on one specific aesthetic, Mino ware encompasses over 15 distinct varieties so the results are often quite varied.
One variety or style of Mino Ware is featured in this collection of vegetable shaped plates. Made in the Higashi-Mino region of Gifu Prefecture it is handcrafted and traditionally fired using a blend of classic and modern firing techniques.The Rokuro Blut's collection is one of my favorite examples of Mino Ware as it truly captures the joy of the utsuwa that I started this blog discussing. There is a playfulness about having small plates that look like food and also serve a practical purpose. They also highlight the reality that while many of the dishes made in Japan seem perfect for traditional Japanese cuisine, these pieces also pair beautifully with Western dishes and desserts, fitting effortlessly into modern lifestyles. For example, one very modern American food trend is the charcuterie board which often boasts small amounts of mustards or pickled relishes. Imagine how cute your next party featuring a charcuterie board would be with these sweet small plates filled with different mustards, relishes or jams.
You may have noticed on the map above that there are a lot more types of utsuwa being made in Japan but for today's blog I wanted to discuss only the types that are available in our shop. I am certainly no expert and you can see that the lines between each style may be a bit blurred. But one thing is clear when researching: like many products in Japan they are produced regionally and honor tradition while also seeking to modernize as a way of appealing to today's consumer. Plus they are all absolutely lovely to look at.