Ten years after Hasami Porcelain's launch in Japan, the brand has announced the release of the Grey Collection. Simple in composition, the collection of plates, bowls, mugs and trays explores new forms of expression. A palette of greys highlights the textures of both material and glaze, while the brand's signature simplicity, usability and individuality remain ever-present. Marking the start of a new chapter for Hasami Porcelain, the Grey Collection presents a sharp, sophisticated take on familiar forms.
GLAZE
The grey colour palette is central to the collection, beginning with the material itself. Black pigments are blended into the porcelain base, which possesses a sophisticated, concrete-like expression. The inner surfaces are coated with either ash white or dark grey glaze, contrasting the vessel's exterior and enhancing its tactile charms.
WEIGHT
Based on Hasami Porcelain's signature modules, the plates and bowls are produced with around 50% less material than the original line. The result is familiar forms with a delicate touch and lightweight feel. This atmosphere also extends to the mugs, which feature a redesigned handle with a rounded form.
The historic town of Hasami in Nagasaki Prefecture is one of the foremost pottery districts in Japan. Hasami began crafting its porcelain products almost 400 years ago during the Edo period. Hasami craftsmen were able to develop a highly efficient system to mass produce their porcelain goods, thereby making them more consistent in quality and reasonable in price. Hasami Porcelain was created by Takuhiro Shinomoto of Tortoise (Venice, CA) whose vision was to integrate modern tableware design with the organic quality produced by traditional Japanese techniques.
The charm of Hasami Porcelain lies in the soft and comfortable design. There is a distinct natural feel to each piece. Using traditional glazing techniques with a proprietary blend of stone and clay materials, the unique texture of Hasami Porcelain is a result of many years of development.
Hasami-cho, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, is one of Japan's leading ceramic industrial areas. Porcelain tableware has been crafted here for over 400 years dating back to the Edo period - a rich tradition that continues to this day.
What sets Hasami Porcelain apart from over vessels is the sensation one gets when using these pieces. Compared to other pottery these pieces have a texture and matte colour that lends itself to a more organic feel enhancing food and drink.
The collection from Hasami is free from decoration with a concentration on traditional form and a clean straight line which is at the essensce of Japanese design. This creates a beautiful harmony between all the pieces in the collection.
With a consideration for usability, this collection is completely free stacking. Therefore users can mix and match pieces from the collection: a plate can sit in a bowl for storage and then be used as a plate itself when the time is right. It also serves well for storage efficiency in areas with limited space.
