Designer Spotlight: Hasami Porcelain’s Stunning Everyday Dinnerware
I recently moved from New York to Los Angeles, and when I was thinking about what I’d need for my new kitchen, I knew that I wanted all-ceramic dinnerware. So, I started doing some research to figure out what brands, or which designers, might be the right fit. When I stumbled across Hasami Porcelain’s stackable bowls, mugs, and plates, I was immediately smitten, not only for the stunningly simple and practical design but also for their neutral tones and the fact that each item can be used in so many ways.
Hasami Porcelain is the brainchild of the Japanese designer Takushiro Shinomoto, who moved to Los Angeles in the early aughts and now resides in Venice with his wife, Keiko. The duo run Tortoise General Store, where they sell a curated selection of home goods made by Japanese artisans, including Shinomoto’s own line of porcelain pottery.
Tortoise isn’t the only place you can find Hasami Porcelain, though. Boutiques all over the world have stocked their shelves with Shinomoto’s natural-hued bowls, glossy grey teapots, and round wooden trays (which, psst, means you can find them on Garmentory).
With my own collection of coffee mugs, dinner plates, and tall miniature bowls (for my morning yogurt) on the way, I reached out to Shinomoto to get the backstory on Hasami Porcelain. We spoke over email about what makes the line unique, how living in LA has influenced his designs, and what he likes to cook at home.
Where is Hasami Porcelain produced? TS: The town of Hasami in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan.
Where do you source your materials from? Porcelain is sourced from Amakusa then mixed with potter’s clay found locally around Hasami. The blend of porcelain and clay creates the line's tactile texture and warm feeling.
How often do you travel home to Japan? Before COVID, I was traveling four to five times annually. After COVID, that’s dropped to one to two trips, until things return to normal. Most recently, this summer I traveled to Hokkaido, Japan for a photoshoot.
Can you explain how seasonal conditions contribute to the singularity of each piece of Hasami Porcelain? Seasonal conditions such as temperature and humidity are organic factors that affect the composition of the clay as well as how the glaze runs over the textured surface when fired. Both factors create color and texture variations that define the line’s personality.
How has living in Los Angeles had an influence on your designs? Living outside of Japan has allowed me to notice more of what contributes to Japan's uniqueness, and I’m able to see Japan’s design and craft culture from a distance for a wider view. Since moving to the United States I have a deeper understanding of Japan, and can better connect Japanese products to the US market.
Beyond individuals who buy Hasami Porcelain for their homes, where can you find your wares? Through Instagram, I’ve seen Hasami Porcelain in homes, but also coffee shops, hotels, all sorts of places. I went to the Ace Hotel in Kyoto last week and saw they were using it at their restaurant. Right now, we’re planning a commercial-use line called “White Line” that will be for restaurant use only.
How did you come up with the idea to create stackable wares? Hasami Porcelain was inspired by the Japanese “Jyubako.” Jyubakos are tiered boxes that can store and serve food. This dual function as servingware and storage led to Hasami Porcelain being a modular, stackable line that’s multi-use.
What are the qualities that make Hasami Porcelain great vessels for serving food and beverages? The simple form and natural texture feel both neutral and organic. I wanted to create a line that could be universally accepted and used without borders so it could suit any type of food and blend with any culture.
Can you talk about the multifunctionality of some of the pieces? Certainly. For example, the smallest plate in the line could be used as a condiment dish for sushi, a coaster for a drinking cup, a lid for a mug or container, a tray for jewelry, a catch for a used tea bag, server for butter when making toast, a dish for a planter to rest on, and so on. With every piece, I want the user to find the best function that suits them.
Do you have a favorite piece from your line? I don't have a favorite piece in the line. Hasami Porcelain is a total balance. Each individual piece is not precious, but when used together as a total collection, something very unique appears.
Which pieces do you use the most? The medium mug, small round bowl, all kinds of plates
What do you like to cook at home? Simple grilled vegetables, fish, and meats. Of course, I cook Japanese dishes as well. We use Hasami Porcelain at home every day.