ceramics

A Happy New Year 2021! by Kumiko Jitsukawa

Reiwa Sake Happy New Year 2021.jpeg

Dear friends,

Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year 2021! This is a new year, and a new beginning. The things will change.

Japan is now in the Reiwa (令和) era, which translates to “Beautiful Harmony” in English. It is such a beautiful name.  This year, 2021 is Reiwa 3.

The two kanji characters of Reiwa were chosen from the Manyoshu (万葉集), which is the oldest existing collection of Japanese poetry compiled in late 8th century. At the beginning of Reiwa era, the former Prime minister said the Reiwa represents “people are coming together in harmony, creating and nurturing our culture.”

I hope that we will remember the meaning of Reiwa and that the year of 2021 will be a year of beautiful harmony in the world.

All the best,

Kumiko

"Beautiful Harmony" - Reiwa sakecup by Kumiko Jitsukawa

Reiwa sake cup.jpg

Dear friends,

 There's only one month left in 2020, and it has passed so quickly, however, memories from earlier this year seemed to have happened such a long time ago. I'm wondering if you feel the same way?

I've already forgotten that a new era, Reiwa (令和), started in Japan almost a year and a half ago. Reiwa, in English, means "beautiful harmony". It is such a beautiful name and this is what's expected for the future. Unfortunately, it has been a challenging year, consequently, it was difficult to express it as a "beautiful harmony."

The Reiwa sake cup was created by the ceramic artist Kifumi Kawamura to celebrate the Reiwa emperor's birthday for the first time on February 23 of 2020. We finally begin to feel hopeful around this time of the year, so Ki-Chu New York starts selling the Reiwa sake cup which will bring "beautiful harmony" to you. This sake cup is limited and made exclusively for Ki-Chu New York. It makes a great gift for family member, friends, or even yourself.

 PLEASE GO TO: https://www.kichuny.com/new-products/sake-cup-m-ftfj3

If you have any questions, please contact me anytime.  

I wish your future will be filled with "beautiful harmony."

With Love,

Kumiko

Edited by Janice Esminger

 

 

 

 

 

Do you really like your teacup? by Kumiko Jitsukawa

Teacup-Keshiki.jpg

Dear Friends;

What kind of teacup do you use on a daily basis? Do you really like your teacup, or have you never even thought of it. The New York Times bestseller book The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up written by Marie Kondo states only you can know what kind of environment makes you happy. Your feelings are the standard for decision making – specifically, knowing what sparks joy. 

Today I am introducing my favorite teacup to you. I love it and I've used it for many years. You might look at it and think it's a bit old and worn out, but to me, it becomes more attractive the longer I use it. I use the Japanese term shibui, so please let me explain. You can see the cracking and discoloration at the bottom of the cup. They are formed into patterns called keshiki (景色) which literally means scenery.  Cracking is a state in which the glaze is finely cracked. Depending on the extent of cracking, the color brings out marks. The keshiki didn't exist when the teacup was new. A good comparison is a leather with time leather becomes more glossy and deeper in color. In Japan, they said the keshiki makes you more attached so because of the keshiki  I have grown to love my teacup. 

This particular teacup was created by the ceramic Artist, Kifumi Kawamura. Each piece he makes is original. Every time, I drink tea with this teacup I sense warmth and calmness, so even when I'm busy I can't handle it roughly because it's so special to me.

In fact, ceramics last longer than our lives, especially if we take good care. It gives you a good feeling that you have had your ceramic item for a long time. I feel it's important to surround yourself with things you love and you have had for a long time.

See the picture of my teacup. I requested a larger than normal size, so I could also use it for food. It is perfect for appetizers or desserts, especially matcha ice cream!

Matcha ice cream.jpg

You may purchase a similar teacup available in two different sizes. Large 3 3/4” (9.5 cm.) shown and Medium  3 1/4” ( 8 cm.)

Please contact us for more information via the “contact page.” 

Best,

Kumiko

 Edited by Janice Ensminger