The Encounter Between Sakuzan Kiln and Amenotsumugi
Shortly before moving into Amenoi, I visited Gifu Prefecture.
Gifu Prefecture is home to Shirakawa-go, famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, a well-known World Heritage site.
For me, who has recently gotten into mountain climbing, the Northern Alps, with its連綿峰 like Mt. Okuhotaka and Mt. Yarigatake, are also captivating.
And when it comes to food, Hida beef is a must-try.
As someone who loves to travel and eat, I headed to Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, ignoring all those temptations.
It's a pottery town famous for Mino ware.
As I drove, I noticed various kilns scattered here and there.
I made this trip during the busy period before moving, specifically to find unique tableware that would suit my new home.
With a mix of excitement and anticipation about whether I would find something good, I visited several kilns and pottery shops, eventually arriving at the Sakuzan Kiln store.
The first thing that surprised me upon entering was the sheer variety of colors.
Even just the items displayed in the store were numerous, but when I spoke with the staff, they mentioned having over 100 types of glazes and using 14 different types of clay.
I felt that the beauty created by selecting the perfect color from countless options for each vessel truly embodied Sakuzan Kiln's concept of "Deliciousness comes from beauty."
And above all, there was the hope that I could have tableware made in my favorite color and shape.
Overcome by this bold thought, I immediately decided to consult with the staff.
The workshop was located right next to the store, and thanks to the staff's kindness, I was able to see it.
I couldn't hide my surprise at the vastness and size of the workshop.
Inside the workshop, many artisans were working, divided into their respective stations.
Here, glazes are applied to bisque-fired mugs.
Tableware is created through many intricate processes.
Next to the workshop was an atelier, which I was also given a special tour of.
As I was overwhelmed by the atelier, filled with many more varieties of pottery than I had seen in the store, Mr. Nobuyasu Takai, the representative of Sakuzan Kiln, emerged from the back.
This, too, felt like fate. I brazenly asked the representative if he would let me create tableware with him, and to my surprise, he agreed.
Once that was decided, it was time to choose colors.
I thought I would surely struggle to pick a color from such a vast array of glazes, but my eyes were drawn to a particular colorful piece of tableware as if by magnetism.
I thought, "If only this coloring could be made a little more subdued, it would be absolutely wonderful."
Perhaps he sensed my thoughts, as he suggested that simply changing the type of clay would produce a significantly different look.
Changing the clay was an idea I had never considered, and it truly opened my eyes, making me realize how different the perspectives of artisans who have been dedicated to pottery for many years are.
Feeling a lingering regret for such a wonderful encounter, I returned home, and after successfully moving in, some time passed.
Finally, samples arrived from Sakuzan Kiln.
Not only had they changed the clay, but they also showed me two different firing methods.
By changing the clay and the firing method, I learned the depth of pottery, how much the appearance can differ.
It was also a delightful message that made me deeply feel how much they genuinely wanted to create something truly excellent together.
They mentioned two firing methods: oxidation firing and reduction firing. I had never been conscious of the differences in firing before, so I never imagined the atmosphere would change so much.
Both firing methods produced charming pottery, making it difficult to choose.
This time, I decided to go with oxidation firing, as it resulted in the exact colors I had initially envisioned.
Reminiscent of Nordic ceramic artists' works, the pieces exude a modern, sophisticated yet delicate and ethereal ambiance, sure to create a beautiful dining table.
I had thought that achieving the desired color for tableware would be difficult and require many sample adjustments.
The fact that we miraculously created the ideal product in just one exchange fills me with renewed gratitude to Mr. Takai for his empathetic consultation and his proposal of the perfect firing method for the tableware.
Mr. Takai, thank you so much for the truly wonderful tableware.
SAKUZAN x Amenoi "fog"
And so, this tableware was born, named "fog."
Like being enveloped in a veil of mist, "fog" exudes a soft expression and an ethereal atmosphere.
Its quiet and elegant presence calms the heart every time it is held.
Special tableware for everyday use.
Hoping it could be used in various settings, we created seven types: three plate sizes, three bowl sizes, and a mug.
Its beauty, reminiscent of natural scenes and foreign landscapes, gently blends into any dining table, enhancing the charm of the food and adding richness and warmth to daily life.
fog MUG
A mug that plays an active role in various daily scenes, 365 days a year.
This cup, which I pick up every day, is an indispensable part of my life.
At the start of a busy morning, a full cup of coffee or café au lait.
Its just-right size keeps the warmth well, allowing for a moment of relaxation even on a hectic morning.
On days off, I sometimes use it as a soup cup during lunch.
Its size is perfect for generously pouring soup or milk tea, letting the warmth slowly spread through my body.
In the evening, I put herbal tea or hot chocolate in it for a relaxing time to unwind from the day's fatigue.
This cup, which fits perfectly in my hand, gently embraces those peaceful moments.
From morning to night, this mug, always by my side, gently supports my daily life.
fog BOWL
The fog bowls, perfect for everyday dining, come in three sizes: 14cm, 17cm, and 20cm.
They have a practical rim height, neither too deep nor too shallow.
Each size offers different uses, making them versatile for various occasions.
The 14cm bowl is ideal for serving small breakfasts or snacks like fruit, yogurt, or granola.
Of course, it also sees frequent use as a side dish.
The 17cm bowl is just right for serving a single dish, such as a salad or pot-au-feu.
It allows for well-balanced presentation, making meals even more delicious.
Its moderate size, which enhances the presence of the food, is also appealing.
And the 20cm bowl is perfect for substantial dishes like pasta with soup, curry, or main courses.
Its depth allows for generous servings, beautifully accommodating even dishes that are the centerpiece of the meal.
While taste is important, I also care about presentation.
This slightly larger deep dish is handy when I want to eat a lot.
These bowls, in their various sizes, enhance daily cooking and adorn the dining table.
fog PLATE
From wide to narrow rims. Round or square.
Plates come in various shapes.
This time, what I requested from Sakuzan Kiln was the simplest, most familiar shape.
Perhaps it's the shape best suited for "Simple is best."
Available in three sizes—15cm, 21cm, and 27cm—all of these plates are incredibly useful for daily meals.
The 15cm plate is for serving salads or small appetizers.
I also use it for small snacks or desserts, and it's perfect as a serving plate.
Even though it's small, it has enough presence to add color to the dining table.
With four colors available, choosing them according to mood or season is one of the joys.
The 21cm plate is the most frequently used, perfectly sized.
It's easy to use for serving toast, pancakes, or stir-fries, and the key is its ability to hold various dishes in a balanced way.
Just one of these plates is satisfying.
The 27cm plate is very useful when you want to serve a substantial meal.
It's perfect for main dishes or shared meals, large enough for generous portions of side dishes, pizza, or pasta.
It's just the right size for meals shared with others, but using it as a one-plate meal also makes the table look great and lifts your spirits.
"Fog" adds a touch of specialness to everyday life.
Creating my own original tableware was a first-time experience, but it made daily meals more enjoyable and comfortable, so I'm very satisfied.
Doesn't just hearing about it make you want to try it too? Find your favorite piece and add some color to your everyday dining table.
