Porcelain is, of course, a material pillar in the history of Japanese design. Today’s modern maker is not only exploring new forms, but new user behaviors that exist outside its home market. Take for example the porcelain Vidro Cup pieces produced by Hasami. Its faceted shape and soft pastel palette clearly place the line for today’s modern buyer, but the process for sourcing and production is the same one that has been used for hundreds of years. Hasami is known for high-profile collaborations, including a recent line with U.S.-based House Industries. By expanding upon traditional uses for porcelain pieces, such as their Soba Choco line, small cups intended to hold dipping sauce for Soba noodles but now offered as receptacles for anything, Hasami is maintaining its cultural relevancy and respect for tradition while expanding its global audience and reach. Photo 5 of 10 in Highlights from the 2015 Tokyo Gift Show by Amanda Dameron

Highlights from the 2015 Tokyo Gift Show

5 of 10

Porcelain is, of course, a material pillar in the history of Japanese design. Today’s modern maker is not only exploring new forms, but new user behaviors that exist outside its home market. Take for example the porcelain Vidro Cup pieces produced by Hasami. Its faceted shape and soft pastel palette clearly place the line for today’s modern buyer, but the process for sourcing and production is the same one that has been used for hundreds of years. Hasami is known for high-profile collaborations, including a recent line with U.S.-based House Industries. By expanding upon traditional uses for porcelain pieces, such as their Soba Choco line, small cups intended to hold dipping sauce for Soba noodles but now offered as receptacles for anything, Hasami is maintaining its cultural relevancy and respect for tradition while expanding its global audience and reach.