Mashiko-yaki Spoon: Kikkou

Mashiko, Japan, was home to the potter Shoji Hamada, a pioneer of Japan’s Mingei or folk arts movement. It was Shoji Hamada who also initiated Britain’s modern studio pottery movement, together with Bernard Leach. Today, there are over 300 potters working in a variety of styles in this small town just two hours north of Tokyo, not least Hamada’s grandson Tomoo.

Mashiko-yaki (mashiko ware) is characterised by its rustic, hand-crafted style. Everyday objects are designed to be practical and without pretension, the ‘hand-crafted art of ordinary people’.

This lovely spoon has been handmade for us in Mashiko from the local red clay, special to the area. The Kikkou pattern is painted by hand. This motif is meant to reflect a tortoise’s shell and is symbolic of intellect and longevity.

Use for tea, sugar, coffee and spices.