Communicating Seto. Hitotsuchi limited edition product

Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, is a pottery production center with a history of over 1,000 years. It has produced a wide variety of pottery in large quantities, so much so that ceramics are now called " Setomono. " Thanks to the high-quality clay available, the area produces both earthenware and porcelain. The products produced are diverse, ranging from luxury items to everyday items, novelties for export overseas, architectural ceramics, insulators, and more, adapting to the times. This is a series of products that was started with the aim of conveying Seto's craftsmanship. This time, we consulted with SUIYO , a pottery manufacturer founded in 2013 , about creating an original coffee cup using a mold.

What is " SUIYO "?

Founded in 2013 in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, " SUIYO " is a husband-and-wife pottery studio run by ceramic artist Daisuke Anayama and maneki-neko maker and artist Fumika Anayama.

SUIYO is written in Chinese characters as "Suiyo" and is derived from "jade," which was considered the most precious gemstone in ancient China. The name also embodies the dream of becoming a pottery manufacturer on par with Ru Kiln and Ding Kiln, which are considered the pinnacle of Chinese ceramics .

Hitotsuchi's original color "Muku" with a slightly grayish glaze.

On the back It is engraved with the mark of a kingfisher bird, known as a flying jewel.

Matte texture.

Slim shape. The handle is thin and lightweight.

A coffee cup that embodies the techniques of the region

Although Daisuke is originally from Tochigi, he came to Seto because it is an absolute pottery region with a history of over 1,000 years. During his time as a trainee at the Seto City New Century Crafts Museum, a pottery training facility, he learned about the world of antiques from a senior artist active in Seto, and became fascinated by their beauty.

He traveled to Fujian Province in China to study kiln sites, and has continued to create works that reflect his knowledge of the classics and suit the modern era. Daisuke, who is skilled at using the potter's wheel, created beautiful shapes and glazes, while Fumika, a painter, entered the world of pottery and added her own paintings, resulting in vessels that look just like paintings.

Ten years have passed since the company was established, and the theme of their craftsmanship is " We have decided to go from "Bringing good old things to modern dining tables" to " Beyond the Classics ," and are moving forward to a new stage, aiming to surpass the great classics.

Over the past 10 years, SUIYO has focused on potter's wheel manufacturing, gradually increasing production using molds, and from 2023 switched to full mold production. They make the prototypes themselves, with Daisuke using a potter's wheel and Fumika painting the vessels and carving the plaster.

 We then ask the help of specialized businesses that can only be found in this production area, such as mold makers who make the molds, dough makers who apply pressure to the muddy clay using a special pump and pour it into plaster molds to form the products, and specialists in handle making, to complete the manufacturing process.

Seto has a history of mass production, and as such, there are many specialized businesses involved in pottery making. However, their existence is not immediately obvious, and you only become aware of them through acquaintances in the pottery industry.

What do we think is so great about " SUIYO "?

What always impresses me is their willingness to take on challenges. We at Hitotsuchi have become comrades in arms during the COVID-19 pandemic. We wanted to create a school for students who were no longer able to attend pottery-related schools, so we set up a temporary school on Zoom in just three days. For over a month, we spent hectic days teaching together for about an hour every weekday.

 Since then, the company has continued to take on challenges, such as launching a replacement project for the Setomono Matsuri, an annual pottery market that has been held since before the war, which was canceled.

The two members of " SUIYO " are ceramic warriors. They observe the world, look ahead, and take on a variety of challenges. They set precise goals and go through an overwhelming amount of trial and error. Their all-out dedication is refreshing.

Currently, the two have established their own direction as potters, and are striving to make further strides as artists with the potential to be active overseas. Each product they produce is constantly updated. They acquired their pieces when they first met, and it's a fun pottery to collect and compare them five or ten years from now.

[About the product]

Original coffee cup | SUIYO x Hitotsuchi
Material: Ceramic
size: Diameter approx. 8cm (10cm including handle) x height 9.0cm
Capacity: about 250ml
Texture: Matte Microwave: Can be used
Dishwasher: Not recommended Oven: Not recommended
Manufacturer: SUIYO

*Since each piece is made by hand, there may be slight variations in color and shape, but we hope you enjoy the different expressions.

[Precautions when first using]

- Because ceramics have coarse clay particles, soaking them in hot water before use will make them less likely to get dirty.

- Ceramics are absorbent, so to prevent chipping, remove dirt as soon as possible after use, wash with kitchen detergent, and then dry thoroughly before storing.

[Notes regarding returns and exchanges]

For returns or exchanges of this product due to customer convenience, the customer is responsible for the round-trip shipping costs. Even if the product is unused, returns or exchanges due to differences in size, design, or color are at the customer's discretion. Depending on your browser and monitor settings, the color and texture of the product may differ slightly from the actual product. Thank you for your understanding.