The right tableware is essential in hosting an
exceptional dinner party or everyday dining at home. However, tableware must
not only make a meal look scrumptious, but it also must be easily handled and
be functional. Japanese dishes are oftentimes picked up from the table and held
in a palm while eating, so the right shape and heaviness are some of the
critical elements when choosing Japanese tableware. For example, if you are choosing a pouring
vessel, the shape and heaviness must be perfect so that it fits comfortably
when grasped in hand and the spout must be formed carefully so that the liquid
does not drip from the side.
In the case of Michihiro Domoto and Kumiko
Domoto, not only are the couple’s works aesthetically pleasing, but the
functionality of their tableware is highly notable. For instance, bowls with
small lips are made by many different artists, but since the bowl is intended
to be used to serve food and not liquid, the lips are usually not functional
and are placed for decoration purpose only. However, the square shape bowl from
the photo by Domoto-san can actually be used as a pouring vessel! Domoto-san’s meticulous craftsmanship is
demonstrated in how the liquid flow end without a single drip running from the
side.
[“Mishimade” style square lipped bowl] (Large) 4860 yen (Small) 3780 yen
The talented couple makes myriad drinking vessels
with various shapes and sizes, but features common among them are that they fit
perfectly when grasped and they glisten beautifully when poured Japanese
sake. Domoto-san’s great love towards
Japanese sake is definitely reflected in how well their vessels are crafted.
The brilliant blue pieces from the photo are
work made by Kumiko Domoto and are influenced by faience pieces from ancient
Egypt.
[Faience Cup]
5400 yen
The “Mishimade” technique ceramics. “Mishimade” is a technique that carves lines
with a bamboo skewer or makes dents from a stamp on red clay, and embeds them
with white clay. In the case of a joint
working Domoto couple, Michihiro-san hand throws on the potter’s wheel, while
his wife, Kumiko-san, handles the inlaying to create lovely “Mishimade” piece
as seen in this photo.
If you look at these cups from above...
small character that mean fortune is carefully
carved! Truly admirable hand
craftsmanship by Kumiko-san is demonstrated in these small details.
[Mishimade sake cup] 3500 yen
This is also work by Kumiko-san inspired by
earthenware from Persia.
[Zougan cup] 3780 yen
This piece is a small vessel that can hold only up
to 50 ml, but may be used for various purposes, such as a dressing pitcher for
two servings, creamer, and a small sauce boat.
[Mishimade pourer] 3240 yen
This large size tea pot is perfect for tea and
coffee. Wonderful craftsmanship is
exhibited in how the delicate lip and easy to grasp handle are formed.
[Mishimade pot (large)] 18360 yen
We are currently working hard to open an
online store for overseas shipment, so that we can offer these lovely pieces to
everyone living outside of Japan. We
will announce our opening of our new online store on our website, instagram,
and this blog, so please continue to check them out!
