Welcome Summer with Refreshing Tableware
As soon as the rainy season ends, the summer sun truly begins to show its power.
Instead of relying solely on air conditioning, I find myself wanting to feel the change of seasons through cool and refreshing tableware.
This summer, my dining table has been graced with new tableware from Nagasaki and Saga prefectures.
Despite their completely different appearances, they share a mysterious presence that evokes a sense of coolness.
Both are works supervised by Shingo Oka, a potter based in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture.
The smooth texture of the glaze, the functional and easy-to-use forms, and the soft, antique-like feel blend seamlessly into the dining table.
Furthermore, even with the same clay and glaze, the expression of the ceramics changes dramatically depending on the firing temperature, the individuality of each kiln, and the creator's painting habits.
Enjoying these differences is one of the joys unique to handcrafted items.
Kasen Kiln, Mikawachi Ware, Nagasaki Prefecture
"Kasen Kiln" is a renowned kiln of Mikawachi ware, with over 400 years of history, located in Mikawachi-cho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture.
The moment I picked it up, I was surprised by its lightness, as if I was scooping air.
The indigo painting, softly floating on the white porcelain, has an elegance that brings a cool breeze just by looking at it, like shadows swaying on the water's surface.
Small plates are versatile and useful in any situation, and you can never have too many.
In summer, when appetites wane, serve a small snack with an ice-cold beer. They also come in handy as individual plates when entertaining friends.
The pasta plate, on the other hand, is exceptionally cool with its translucent white porcelain.
Serving chilled somen noodles with sudachi citrus on it instantly elevates the seasonal feel.
The painting adorning the rim further enhances the dish, adding a touch of elegance yet also a charming atmosphere.
224porcelain, Yoshida Ware, Saga Prefecture
"224porcelain" is a brand born from Hizen Yoshida ware, ceramics produced in Ureshino City, Saga Prefecture, famous as a tea-producing region and one of Japan's leading hot spring resorts.
The brand's tableware, born from free ideas unconstrained by conventional styles, beautifully combines traditional techniques with modern sensibilities.
This time, I welcomed tableware adorned with white porcelain and light lapis lazuli glazes.
These also have a soft hue that is refreshing.
The deliberately left "drips" create variations in the glaze, allowing one to enjoy a unique texture that feels as if the creator's touch is palpable, with no two pieces being exactly alike.
When a Japanese confection is gently placed on it, it harmonizes perfectly with the tableware, and with each use, it naturally brings a sense of calm. It's tableware you want to use carefully, yet without fuss.
Experience a Beautiful, Cool Lifestyle
Especially during the hot season, I want to savor coolness with my eyes, hands, and heart.
Beyond cold dishes, the texture, color, decoration, and very presence of the tableware become a source of coolness.
While glass tableware is lovely, the crispness and coolness of porcelain are truly exceptional.
Just by changing the tableware, the daily dining table becomes a little more refined, and the usual mealtime quickly transforms into a summer atmosphere.
This summer, let's forget the heat and enjoy a leisurely time at home with cool tableware.
