Nanbu Tetsu (Cast Iron)

Following on my previous post I wanted to introduce a few more Nanbu Tetsu products that I quite like. The bowls are multifuctional and can be used for anything from salads to soups or
simply as a decorative piece on a shelf. The pot rest also, while very useable looks great hanging on the kithen wall.
Both were designed by Nobuho Miya whose family has been creating cast products in Iwate Prefecture for several generations. Many of his products that were designed over 20 ago years have such a contemporary feel that they might have been designed yesterday. You can see a good selection of his products online at Tokyo based DesignShop .

Teapot

I have to admit to having a thing for teapots. I have quite a collection already and recently added this Nambu Testu (cast iron ) pot designed by Roji Associates. The cast iron workshop was founded by two brothers, Sakari and Hisao Iwashimizu and produces a vaiety of items including kettles, teapots, and incense holders. This particular pot, "Tamagonoko", is their most well know design having been exhibited at the MoMA store.

I purchased the pot online and although it was a little smaller than I expected it is large enough to prepare tea for two. The pot is available in two styles, one with a matching cast iron lid and the other with a wooden lid.

Momogusa

This well known gallery is beautifully situated in an old Japanese house on the side of a mountain in Tajimi, Gifu. The husband and wife owners are themselves both artists and have managed to create a wonderful enviroment for showcasing there work as well as that of many other well known artist and craftspeople.

MOMOGUSA (Japanese only)

Tokyo Midtown

My husband visited Tokyo's latest mega development Tokyo Midtown the other day. And while he reports that it is quite stylish, I guess he felt that it really is just another upscale mall, similiar to its neighbor Roppongi Hills and the recently opened Omotesando Hills. Of course it is more than just a mall. The main tower houses a Ritz-Carlton hotel as well as the new Suntory Art Museum in addition to the retail areas. There are also two smaller towers and a residential building. The development actually seems to have quite a lot of open spaces and a large park at the back. A new museum 21_21 Design Sight designed by Tadao Ando is also located there.

My husband did recommend a visit to the third floor of the Galleria ( the retail area) which is dedicated to home and lifestyle goods. Shops include : Sfera , Time and Style , Wise Wise , Saya , and Nagae among others.

Sweet Style

I finally had a chance to visit Higashiya, a Tokyo sweets shop that has been getting a lot of attention lately, and I can say it was definitely worth the visit. The shop is a contemporary take on the the traditional Wagashiya (Japanese sweets shop). Everything, including the shop design, packaging, displays and the sweets themselves are all quite stylish and modern. Their sweets range from classic anko based offerings like Yomogimochi to more original creations that use a variety of unusal ingredients. I purchased set called Hitoguchikashi, which included six different sweets. I must admit that at 1,500 Yen it was a bit pricey considering the size but the taste and presentation make it more than worthwile for gifts or occasions.
There is also a very popular tea shop located on the second floor. Here too the presentation was excellent. The lunch set (2,300 Yen) is served on large wooden bowls and lacquer plates.
It is no surprise that the owner of Higashiya is also an interior designer. It is evident in all the small details. The shop is part of a larger project called Simplicty Super Studio which was founded in 2003 with the goal of producing lifestyle products using traditional craft techniques.

I would definitely recommend visiting Higashiya to anyone in search of a small gift or souvenir. I particularly like the green tea which is packaged in lovely ceramic containers specially produced for Higashiya in Arita. The containers can be used as a cup or vase long after the tea is finished.

Higashiya Sabo is located in Meguro about 10 minutes walk from Nakameguro Stn.

Low Living

Anyone who has spent any time in Japan knows that life occurs a little closer to the ground than in most Western countries. Families spend time to together sitting on tatami or Zabuton (cushions) and in the cold winter months huddled together under the kotatsu. Another choice, though less common in ordinary homes, are legless chairs. I think they are a great alternative for those of us that live in small spaces. And as well as the space savings they are actually quite comfortable. The one pictured above ( which my daughter Maya is sitting in) was an inexpensive one with a fairly traditional shape.
I recently found a slightly more contemporary version which is produced by Japanese furniture manufacturer Tendo Mokko.　Simple and functional and perfect for us condominium dwellers.

Tendo -Mokko

White Bowls

I thought I'd use my first post to mention the artist that made the wonderful bowls and cups in the picture at the top of my blog. They are the work of one of my favorite pottery artists. Koichi Uchida. Mr Uchiida who has a studio in Yokkaichi, Mie
is regarded as one Japans most talented young ceramic artists. I bought these cups and bowls a few years ago so, they may not be quite representitive of his current work, but their simple, imperfect shapes and the feel of their slightly rough texture in my hands make them my favourites.