Hakuji
White Vessels
A vessel that carries life
With the hope of transforming the circulating life energy around us into something special
We have crafted these vessels.
From the moment a vessel is born into this world
It is gifted with the fate of being loved for a long time.
What a beautiful fate that is.
From the moment we are born until our final breath,
we both receive and connect some form of life.
What does a meal (time) mean to you?
In the past I feel that,
I took eating for granted,
had a shallow understanding of what it meant to receive life,
and spent those moments so heartlessly.
Through my experience of delivering food from 2011,
and by a miracle formed from the thoughts of many people and nature itself,
I came to realize the gift of receiving something precious
"now," "here," and "in this moment."
The essence of meals, mealtime itself,
and the power that connects everything,
each time, I cherish the thoughts, and my heart becomes Hakuji.
The curves of destiny/the rim trace the torus.
This time, the kiln of Hakuji is located in Arita, Saga, a town renowned for pottery and home to Tsuji Seiji-sha, a lineage that has continued for 15 generations (350 years).
Tsuji Seiji-sha, meticulous craftspeople, have a historical connection to the imperial family in old Japan, having been involved in crafting vessels for them.
Hakuji's white is the color of gratitude.
I sincerely wish for this vessel enchanted with the "miracle of life"
and, above all, for all of you be blessed with good health.
I wonder,
how many times have I been to this place?
Looking at the familiar mountains of Arita,
driving along the main street while overlooking the old town,
parking the car,
and head towards a narrow alleyway,
into the maze like, intricately woven narrow alleyway,
traditional tonbai fences and a charming gate appear.
Tsuji Seiji-sha
Here is Tsuji Seiji-sha, where Hakuji is crafted.
An ancient, and reputable kiln known for crafting imperial vessels.
Even now, important moments for the imperial family are celebrated with vessels made here.
Inside Tsuji Seiji-sha's inner room. Unlike the dazzling Arita-yaki,
the Tsuji family's works exude modesty, dignity, and majesty.
Soft,
beautiful lines consisting of a single shade of blue,
a sense of carefulness with a calming reassurance,
and a dignified air and quietness, reminiscent of visiting shrines and temples.
The inherited history and spirituality are manifestations that need no words.
I vividly remember the sensation that ran through my entire body
the moment I passed through that gate for the first time.
This initiative began when I showed a sketch of the torus that I had traced and written notes on
to a friend living in Arita, saying, "I want to make this a reality.”
The encounter with the Tsuji family was fate,
and I never thought they would agree to such a request at first.
However, unable to forget that moment
and being fully aware of it being impossible,
This initiative began when I showed a sketch of the torus that I had traced and written notes on
to a friend living in Arita, saying, "I want to give it a form.
The encounter with the Tsuji family was fate,
and I never thought they would agree to such a request at first.
However, unable to forget that moment
and being fully aware of it being impossible,
I asked my friend if it was possible to talk with them.
Crafting Process for Vessels:
- The mold maker brings the design to life by crafting a three-dimensional mold with plaster.
- Clay is skillfully shaped on a potter's wheel to form the mold, adjusting the thickness after it has started to dry.
- Using a mold casting technique, the shaped clay from the potter's wheel is pressed into the mold.
- Once dried, the base is carefully shaved to create the desired plate shape.
- After the shaving process, a cloth is used for a final touch before firing at 950 degrees.
- The piece is then dipped into glaze.
- After drying, the finishing touches are applied.
- Name engraving.
- It goes into the kiln, where it is fired for 18-19 hours at temperatures ranging from 1280 to 1290 degrees.
- Brush the base.
Stages 1 to 4 now often involve creating CAD data, utilizing 3D printing for shaping, and using machines for clay pouring until the baking stage.
However, at LIFESTYLIST, every step is carried out by skilled hands, resulting in a vessel that exudes warmth and craftsmanship.
On the day as the heat was still subsiding, two days after the final firing,
I came to Arita.
I could still feel the hot air from the kiln, and as the heavy door opened,
Being able to share the emotions and excitement of this past year with Mr. Tsuji and my friend brings me immense joy.
I sincerely extend my respect and gratitude to all the artisans in Arita for their skills and kindness,
from the bottom of my heart.
It is truly a beautiful vessel that can accompany us throughout our lives.
It has acquired dignity and has become a vessel for everyday use.
With this Hakuji,
I hope a wonderful energy spreads across each an every one of your dining tables.
The person who made this project a reality, Mr. Hiroki Tsuji,
if someone were to think, "I want the same thing a hundred years later,"
even if neither I nor Mr. Hiroki no longer exist in this world, Mr. Hiroki's descendants
might recreate the same thing.
The meticulous dedication and passing down of skills for such a unique item also reflect a sustainable aspiration that I felt at Tsuji Seiji-sha.
