Keizan Kiln
Keizan Kiln was founded in 1957, inheriting the tradition of Arita Town, where Japanese porcelain was born 400 years ago.
As it was founded to pursue the beauty of sometsuke (blue and white porcelain), the variety of soba choko (sake cups used for dipping soba noodles) alone is astonishing, ranging from classical patterns to modern designs.
Each piece is so unique that you'd want to call it a "once-in-a-lifetime encounter," and as you look at them, you can't help but want to pick up one after another.
All of Keizan Kiln's works, from molding to painting and firing, are done in-house, with the craftsman's passion poured into every detail of each piece.
Perhaps this is why the pieces exude a certain gentleness and suppleness.
Soba Choko
One of its charms is the unique goshu (cobalt blue pigment) painting, characteristic of Keizan Kiln, which stands out against the elegant whiteness and moist texture unique to porcelain.
In addition to its visual beauty, its soft mouthfeel and the transparency when pouring soup combine to create a refreshing sensation.
Another feature is the deep meaning embedded in the painting.
For example, "Akae Tsubaki" (Red Camellia) symbolizes strength, passion, and dignified vitality, while "Nadenazuna" (Shepherd's Purse) expresses a wish for purity, good health, and small everyday happiness.
Knowing the background has increased the joy of cooking, and it seems likely to be useful for entertaining guests.
Thinking about such small wishes and stories embedded in everyday tableware deepens one's affection for them when they are placed on the dining table.
Being porcelain, it has low water absorption and is less prone to staining, making it easy to wash and maintain.
The ease of keeping it clean is also a welcome point for daily use.
Multi-purpose Utensil
When you hear "soba choko," you probably think of a bowl for eating soba, but when you actually hold it, you'll be surprised at its versatility.
Its practicality, such as being usable as a small bowl or dessert cup, is also a welcome feature.
It pairs particularly well with traditional Japanese sweets like anmitsu.
Combined with the cute karako (Chinese boy) painting, the transparency of the agar, the vibrant colors of the fruit, and the luster of the brown sugar syrup are beautifully reflected in the small form of the soba choko.
Soba choko also expands the enjoyment of choosing different ones to match your mood.
Making Chawanmushi with a Steamer
I thought the soba choko would be the perfect size for serving small portions of side dishes and aemono (dressed dishes), so I decided to try making chawanmushi (savory egg custard) using a steamer.
Thanks to its moderate thickness and gentle roundness, the heat cooked evenly.
The egg mixture set softly in the bowl, and when I opened the lid, the surface was smooth and beautifully finished.
Inside, I added small amounts of chicken, shiitake mushrooms, ginkgo nuts, and mitsuba (Japanese parsley).
The colors of the ingredients and the pattern of the bowl blended, creating a visually pleasing dish.
The palm-sized feel unique to soba choko also added to its charm.
When you use Keizan Kiln's ceramics with creative ideas, their ease of use makes you want to try new dishes and plating styles.
A Bowl That Invites Coolness
Keizan Kiln's ceramics are characterized by their clear appearance, woven from the blue of sometsuke and the blank spaces of white porcelain, offering a visual sense of coolness.
Each time you plate food, the dining table's scene is instantly harmonized, bringing a calm atmosphere.
Furthermore, Keizan Kiln's ceramics feel more like "displaying" than "storing," and the overlapping colors and patterns, along with the balance between the pieces, beautifully arrange the shelves.
As my collection of favorite ceramics gradually grows, I greatly appreciate their stackability and ease of storage.
