The Encounter between Yamagen Toen and Amenoiro
December is already here. The weather outside has gotten even colder than last month.
The streets are lit up with dazzling illuminations, and the whole world is in a festive Christmas mood, which naturally lifts one's spirits.
I can't be left behind. Let's make the inside of our homes festive and meaningful for Christmas.
The dishes that warm our chilled bodies from the core in our warm homes feel more melt-in-your-mouth than usual, creating a special feeling.
Perhaps the time spent at home with loved ones, feeling winter outside the window, is the moment we truly feel warmth in our hearts.
If we're going to cook warm meals, it's good to have dishes with guaranteed heat resistance.
Of course, cuteness cannot be compromised either.
Many artists' works are intuitively wonderful, but due to their delicate nature, we tend to handle them with extra care.
When used daily at home, it would be wonderful to have easy-to-use dishes that can be used in the microwave and oven and are dishwasher safe.
Convenience is also essential.
If the entire process from cooking to serving and storing can be completed with a single dish, one naturally wants to rely on its versatility.
This time, I visited Yamagen Toen, a Tokoname ware kiln in the Chita Peninsula of Aichi Prefecture, famous for producing teapots and heat-resistant tableware, to discuss whether it would be possible to create plates that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical.
Tokoname Ware
Tokoname ware has a history of over 1000 years, dating back to the late Heian period, and is counted as one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns.
The Six Ancient Kilns of Japan refer to the pottery of Seto, Echizen, Tokoname, Shigaraki, Tanba, and Bizen. These are traditional pottery production areas, born and raised in Japan, that have inherited techniques passed down since the Jomon period.
Among them, Tokoname is a town located on the west coast of the Chita Peninsula, facing Ise Bay.
Due to the development of distribution utilizing sea routes, it flourished as the largest production area among the Six Ancient Kilns.
Not only daily necessities such as teapots and tableware, but also a wide range of products including architectural materials like ceramic pipes, tiles, and sanitary ware are produced. Due to their excellent durability, large jars and pots were also apparently produced in the past.
It is no exaggeration to say that Tokoname City is a town that has built culture, also known as a famous production area for Japan's proud rice, sake, and miso.
Amidst this, Yamagen Toen, with the concept of "updating tradition," inherits the attitude of potters who have responded to the demands of the times, and develops and manufactures Tokoname ware that suits modern life.
Yamagen Toen continues to create "tools made for use" in Tokoname, facing materials head-on. I was deeply impressed by their dedication to creating items that are deeply rooted in daily life, embodying both traditional wisdom and meticulous, rich technical skill, making them suitable for modern living.
I was convinced that I wanted to ask Yamagen Toen to produce heat-resistant plates for everyday use.
Yamagen Toen x Amenoiro "marais"
When I first saw Yamagen Toen's CROCK, I was drawn to its white and blue colors. When I asked if it was possible to create a plate with a similar color, they suggested that if we changed the white clay of an existing plate to red clay, we could achieve a similar hue.
That's how this dish, "marais," was born.
Mr. Endo says that Tokoname is synonymous with red.
Just as there is a tourist spot called "Dokanzaka" (Clay Pipe Hill) lined with clay pipes, the unique red of Tokoname is indispensable to the nostalgic yet fresh, quaint yet somehow familiar scenery, like an original landscape.
By applying glaze over such red clay, it is said that both the functionality of porcelain, such as heat resistance and lightness, and the warm appearance of earthenware that cannot be expressed with white clay, are achieved.
What appears to be a single color, upon closer inspection, reveals a complex and ambiguous hue, reminiscent of the elegance of European antiques.
Its tranquil and composed appearance, reminiscent of a wetland, has a natural subtlety, as if the sky is reflected in a puddle, showing a blue sky and clouds.
Moreover, it is excellent as it can be used in the dishwasher, microwave, and oven.
It seems like it will be used more frequently in the coming season.
The end of the year, with Christmas and year-end parties, means more gatherings with large groups.
In such situations, a large plate is sure to be very useful.
It increases the freedom of presentation, and even if used for a one-plate meal, the large empty space on the dish gives the table a sophisticated atmosphere.
It's also easier to clean than using separate small plates, which is perfect for my busy schedule.
marais Serving plate
There are two shapes: oval and octagonal.
The oval shape can be used universally for any dish, and its rounded form creates a gentle atmosphere, which is its charm.
The octagonal shape, called octagonal in French, is considered auspicious in both Eastern and Western cultures, symbolizing harmony and prosperity. It's an intriguing shape that makes you want to incorporate it as a modern and unique alternative to regular plates.
The moist white plate makes any dish look appealing, so it's perfect not only for main dishes but also for carpaccio made with seasonal fish, omurice, hamburgers, or salads rich in greens and fruits.
For the soft blue color, accentuating dishes like ethnic or Chinese cuisine might be a good choice.
Since there is a slight slope on the inner rim, you can serve olive oil or dishes with a little liquid without worry.
Like the serving plates, the side plates allow you to serve dishes cooked in the oven or microwave directly to the table, which is efficient, healthy, and a delight for those sharing the meal.
At my house, they are often used as small plates for single dishes.
For the basic white, which is small but has a strong presence, carrot salad or appetizers using burrata cheese would be lovely.
For the calm yet refreshing blue, daringly placing Japanese-style tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), or even sweet items like cakes, baked goods, or yogurt instead of warm dishes, will create a clean and gentle impression.
The smooth texture makes the food shine more, and the soft color provides a sense of security.
CROCK・SUYAKI
Next time, I'll show you how we use CROCK, also made in Tokoname, to make nukazuke (rice bran pickles) and miso,
and since we store our special salts in SUYAKI CROCK, I'll also explain its specific uses, storage methods, and the charm of the product.
This year, with the move, a year seemed to pass in the blink of an eye, but when I hear "a year from now," it somehow feels distant.
Because time is finite, I am delighted when the things I unconsciously touch every day are emotionally moving and convey the love of their creators.
The more familiar something is in your life, the more beautiful it should be. Please consider incorporating 'marais' into a part of your dining table.
