i-sapte
PRODUCT DETAIL
① Double-sided Bowl φ8.6×H6cm
② Presentation Plate φ17×H3.2cm
③ Flat Plate W18.8×D9.5×H1.65cm
④ Fan-shaped Plate Saranip W9.5×D18.1×H1.65cm
⑤ Fan-shaped Plate Aotora W9.5×D18.1×H1.65cm
⑥ Small Bowl Round φ8.8×H1.3cm
⑦ Small Bowl Square W8.6×D8.6×H1.3cm
⑧ 1 Cutlery Rest Sik／Morew W9×D4×H0.2cm（2set）
Product design by Yoriyuki Suzuki(JUNKO KOSHINO Co.,Ltd)
Junko Koshino’s design concept of “Taikyoku”* includes concepts of “round” (symbolizing fully created things, such as nature, the earth, and space) and “square” (symbolizing logical things made based on human reasoning). Utilizing these concepts, we seek to create peerless design through the unity of opposing aspects of two distinct cultures: Ainu traditional craft, which primarily uses wood as a medium, and Nousaku’s metal casting techniques, which uses tin.
* “Taikyoku”, which roughly translates as “extreme contrast”, is the beauty created by melding two different things while retaining their opposing characteristics.
PROFILE
NOUSAKU
In 1916, Nousaku began manufacturing Buddhist ritual objects, Japanese tea sets and vases made of brass and bronze in Takaoka, Japan. The city has flourished since 1609, and built its reputation as the center of the copper industry in Japan over those 400 years.Casting is a manufacturing process in which a molten metal is poured into a mold to form an object of the desired shape. Every Nousaku product starts with the creation of a sand mold, and then undergoes several finishing processes. Hand-finishing by experienced craftsmen accentuates its material beauty and fineness.
Toshiya Kawanano
Ainu Craft Artist / Native of Osachinai, Biratori Town, HokkaidoSince 2008, has been actively involved in the cultural heritage activities of the Ainu people as a staff member for the Iwor Regeneration Project in the Biratori region of the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Ainu Culture Promotion and Research. Organization (*) Also, a member of the Nibutani Craft Cooperative Association, diligently working as a young craftsman on the creation of Ainu traditional crafts.
In recent years, has produced many Nibutani Ita. Striving to create works that are appreciated for their "beautiful patterns," not only by the seniors in the Nibutani community but also by those unfamiliar with Ainu crafts. Pays attention to detailed preliminary drawings before entering wood carving.
Born and raised in Nibutani, BIratori Town, actively involved in various activities beyond the production of Ainu crafts. Aspires to continue passing on the knowledge learned from seniors to juniors and endeavors to become a trusted figure in the local community regardless of age.
In 2020, participated in the Hokkaido Ainu Association's "Hokkaido Ainu Traditional Crafts Exhibition" and received an encouragement award.
*Since the fiscal year 2020, it has been incorporated as the Biratori Town Ainu Culture Promotion Public Corporation.
Shogo Harada
Ainu Craft Artist / Native of Nibutani, Biratori Town, HokkaidoBorn and raised in Nibutani, has been actively involved in preserving the Ainu culture as a staff member for the Iwor Regeneration Project in the Biratori region of the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Ainu Culture Promotion and Research Organization (*) since 2008. In addition to his role in the project, he was a member of the Nibutani Craft Cooperative Association, where he dedicate himself as a young artist to creating works of Ainu traditional crafts.
In 2020, participated in the "Ainu Craft Sales Expansion and Artisan Development Program" conducted by Hokkaido. In the production of "Nibutani Ita," he prioritizes the design of patterns, the precision of carving, and overall aesthetic appeal. He strives to carry on the spirit of Nibutani and actively engages in local initiatives.
*Since the fiscal year 2020, it has been incorporated as the Biratori Town Ainu Culture Promotion Public Corporation.