Tobeyaki blues: a new Shiro Ao pottery line, from Japan’s Shikoku island
Ever since Bernard Leach started introducing Japanese pottery to the western world in the early 1900s, the form has enjoyed international acclaim. The many communities of potters scattered around Japan are always well worth a visit and those in Tobe city, in northwest Shikoku, are no exception – especially given a newly launched Shiro Ao ('White Blue') line of bowls, cups and plates.
Under the creative leadership of local architect Shuzo Okabe and with a history of more than 230 years of experience, three young potters have joined together to produce a simple line of Tobeyaki (Tobe pottery) ware, with an inaugural offering comprising seven different bowls, five sizes of plates and a couple of cups.
Tobeyaki is known for the bright white sheen (afforded via the locally sourced uebi pottery stone) and contrasting blue colours that have made the brand's name. The bowls and plates are all hand painted with simple indigo lines or decorated using wooden seals with simple motifs, like flowers and fish. A series of special editions are also being developed in collaboration with a number of local artists, such as the 'Joshua Blue' line with gradiated blues by Yoshito Takenishi and the slightly deformed cups by Asato and Fujio Ikeda.
The non-intrusive colours and constantly evolving variation of shapes and sizes means that you should have no problem finding a perfect fit for your next Japanese-inspired dinner party.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit Shiro Ao’s website
Photography courtesy Shiro Ao
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Originally from Denmark, Jens H. Jensen has been calling Japan his home for almost two decades. Since 2014 he has worked with Wallpaper* as the Japan Editor. His main interests are architecture, crafts and design. Besides writing and editing, he consults numerous business in Japan and beyond and designs and build retail, residential and moving (read: vans) interiors.
-
Inside Valentino’s glamorous new Sloane Street store, inspired by the art of haute couture
The latest in Valentino’s ‘The New Maison’ store concept opens on London’s Sloane Street this week, offering an enveloping marble and carpet-clad space of ‘intimacy and uniqueness’
By Jack Moss Published
-
Aesop’s Salone del Mobile 2024 installations in Milan are multisensory experiences
Aesop has partnered with Salone del Mobile to launch a series of installations across Milan, tapping into sight, touch, taste, and scent
By Hannah Tindle Published
-
Dial into the Boring Phone and more smartphone alternatives
From the deliberately dull new Boring Phone to Honor’s latest hook-up with Porsche, a host of new devices that do the phone thing slightly differently
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Newly-opened Audo in Tokyo brings Copenhagen aesthetic to Japan
Denmark meets Japan: Audo Tokyo opens with a serene series of scenescapes that offers a sensory immersion in the brand's aesthetics
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
In the aftermath of Japan’s Noto earthquake, what’s next for Ishikawa crafts?
Craftspeople from the Ishikawa craft district tell Wallpaper* how the 2024 Noto earthquake affected their community, and what lies ahead
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Best Body Slammers: Japanese female wrestling meets design
The Sukeban female wrestling league made its Miami debut in December, with a championship belt by Marc Newson, hats by Stephen Jones, creative direction by Olympia Le Tan – and a win in the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2024
By Maria Sobrino Last updated
-
Shiro Kuramata’s multilayered cosmos on view in Tokyo
‘The Work of Shiro Kuramata: A Microcosmos of Memory’ is on view at Setagaya Art Museum until 28 January 2024
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Japanese craft meets technology at Miyota Design Weekend
The inaugural Miyota Design Weekend took place in the small community around Mt. Asama in Nagano, showcasing established and emerging creatives from Japan
By Jens H Jensen Published
-
Ingenious Japanese home appliances to enhance domestic life
From cooking to cleaning, Japanese brand +-0 has you covered with a range of cleverly designed home appliances
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated
-
The Conran Shop opens new ‘locally edited’ Tokyo concept store
New Conran Shop Tokyo concept store opens in Daikanyama as the retailer's first ‘locally edited’ store, sourcing and curating a unique range of design objects crafted across Asia
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Noma Kyoto pops up with a design inspired by Japanese culture
The Noma Kyoto pop-up is open until 20 May 2023, hosted in the spaces of Kengo Kuma's Ace Hotel, and with interiors designed by Copenhagen's OEO Studio
By Danielle Demetriou Published