The Beak Bowl project was born from a desire to reveal the beauty and mastery of Kumagai's traditional craftsmanship.
This collection of layered objects was inspired by one of the craftsman’s trial glazes and how it rendered visible each step of the production process.
Composed of five different bowls, it highlights every step of the process, from raw clay to fine gold line detail. Each step is visible, differentiated and obvious.
There is no need for further explanation. Through craft and design, the Beak Bowls illustrate the process of their own production.
This creation is meant to be both beautiful and functional, with an educational aspect, helping the customer to appreciate the finesse and precision of the craftsmanship. I believe that understanding the effort and expertise that go into making a product is the first step leading the customer to buy and appreciate it.
A visit to the Kumagaï pottery workshop, reveals the amazing number of steps in the production process.
The raw clay has to pass through many different stages of fabrication to become the final piece. During these steps shape is given to the object, varnishes and glazes are applied and it is fired at different temperatures.
The white coating, cold Shiro Kesho, is applied by hand with a brush. It is used to create a luminous white base to reveal the colors shades and patterns of the enamel. That way, the characteristic look of blue Tenmoku enamel can be enhanced with an infinity of details and nuances.
The final craftsman’s touch, a gold line on the edge of the bowl, comes as an evocation of the gold details of traditional Japanese earthenware.
Founded in 1935, Kumagai has been using a traditional pottery making technique inherited from its founders’ ancestors to develop ceramic products that delight and charm.
Takayoshi Kumagai, the third chairman of Kumagai Co., Ltd.,makes it his personal mission to pass on an appreciation of Kyoto ceramics and the expertise to make them to future generations. He has been developing a new brand "K+", which offers modern and attractive products by combining the beauty of Kyoto ceramics with contemporary designs.
The K in “K+” stands for Kumagai, Kyoto, Kyoto-ware and Kiyomizu-ware. The Plus (+) for collaboration with designers and artists in various fields and from different cultural backgrounds, leading to a fruitful alchemy. Kumagai's goal is to create ceramic products that are both original and contemporary. By introducing “K+” to Japan, and all over the world, he hopes to introduce the enjoyment of and excitement about Kumagai Kyoto ceramics to people’s daily lives.
