Originally posted on Spoon & Tamago by @Johnny_suputama).
Hiiro is a modern, ceramic water carafe made from traditional bizen-yaki. It’s the result of a joint-effort between product designer Shizuka Tatsuno and Daikura, a pottery studio specializing in bizen-yaki.
Bizen-yaki is a type of Japanese pottery that dates back to around the 14th century. It originated in Bizen province (present-day Okayama) and is often characterized by an earthen-like, reddish-brown color, and an absence of glaze.
Keeping with that tradition, product designer Shizuka Tatsuno has created a slick and elegant form, one that is uncommon for bizen-yaki, in which the cup nests perfectly on top of the carafe. And the Daikura potters execute on her designs, created beautiful works of craftsmanship.
There is an old Japanese saying that “water doesn’t go bad in bizen ware.” This probably has a lot to do with the high mineral content of the clay, which helps to purify the water and even improve the taste.
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