Hakuji
White Vessels
A vessel carries life.
With the hope of transforming the life energy that flows around us into something special,
we have crafted these vessels.
From the moment a vessel is born into this world,
it is destined to be loved for a long time.
What a beautiful fate that is.
From the moment we are born until our final breath,
we both receive and connect life in some form.
What does a meal mean to you?
In the past, I took eating for granted.
I barely understood what it meant to receive life and spent those moments so thoughtlessly.
Through my experience delivering food since 2011,
and through a miracle shaped by the thoughts of many people and the power of nature,
I came to realize the gift of receiving something precious—
"now," "here," and "in this moment."
The essence of meals, the meaning of mealtime itself,
and the power that connects everything—each time,
I reflect on these things, and my heart becomes Hakuji.
The curves of destiny, the rim, trace the torus.
This time, the kiln for Hakuji is located in Arita, Saga—a town famous for its pottery.
It is home to Tsuji Seiji-sha, a lineage of artisans who have continued their craft for 15 generations, over 350 years.
Tsuji Seiji-sha’s meticulous craftsmen have a historical connection to Japan’s imperial family,
having created vessels for their use.
Hakuji’s white embodies gratitude.
I sincerely wish that this vessel, enchanted with the "miracle of life,"
and, above all, that all of you,
be blessed with good health.
I wonder how many times I have visited this place.
Looking at the familiar mountains of Arita,
driving along the main street that overlooks the old town,
parking the car,
and walking toward a narrow alleyway.
Through the intricate, maze-like paths,
traditional tonbai fences and a charming gate appear.
This is Tsuji Seiji-sha—
where Hakuji is crafted.
This kiln is ancient and renowned for its work with the imperial family.
Even today, vessels from here mark important moments for the imperial family.
Inside Tsuji Seiji-sha’s inner room,
unlike the dazzling designs of Arita-yaki,
the Tsuji family’s works exude quiet modesty, dignity, and majesty.
Soft, beautiful lines of a single shade of blue,
a carefulness that reassures,
and a serene dignity, reminiscent of visiting shrines or temples.
The inherited history and spirituality of these vessels need no words.
I vividly remember the sensation that ran through my entire body
the first time I passed through their gate.
This project began when I showed a sketch of a torus I had drawn to a friend in Arita.
"I want to make this a reality," I said.
Meeting the Tsuji family felt like fate,
but I never imagined they would agree to such a request.
Unable to forget that moment,
and knowing how impossible it seemed,
I asked my friend if it might be possible to speak with them.
Crafting Process for Vessels:
-
Designing the Mold
The mold maker begins by crafting a three-dimensional mold using plaster, bringing the design to life. -
Shaping the Clay
Clay is skillfully shaped on a potter's wheel, with its thickness adjusted as it begins to dry. -
Mold Casting
Using a mold-casting technique, the shaped clay from the potter’s wheel is pressed into the plaster mold. -
Shaving the Base
Once the clay has dried, the base is carefully shaved to create the desired plate shape. -
Final Touches Before Firing
After shaving, a cloth is used to refine the surface, preparing the piece for its first firing at 950 degrees. -
Glazing
The fired piece is dipped into glaze and left to dry. -
Finishing Details
Once dried, finishing touches, including name engraving, are applied. -
Final Firing
The piece is placed into the kiln, where it is fired for 18–19 hours at temperatures between 1280 and 1290 degrees. -
Brushing the Base
After firing, the base is brushed clean, completing the process.
While stages 1 to 4 now often incorporate modern techniques such as CAD data, 3D printing, and machine shaping, at LIFESTYLIST, each step is executed by skilled artisans. This dedication to traditional craftsmanship ensures that every vessel radiates warmth and human touch.
Two days after the final firing,
as the heat was still fading,
I visited Arita.
The hot air from the kiln lingered, and as the heavy door opened,
I felt immense joy sharing the emotions and excitement of this past year
with Mr. Tsuji and my friend.
I extend my deepest respect and gratitude to all the artisans of Arita
for their skill and kindness.
This vessel is truly a beautiful creation,
one that can accompany us through life.
It carries dignity and has become a vessel for everyday use.
With this Hakuji,
I hope a wonderful energy spreads across your dining table.
The person who brought this project to life, Mr. Hiroki Tsuji,
has created something timeless.
Even if, a hundred years from now, neither I nor Mr. Hiroki exists,
his descendants might recreate this vessel.
The dedication and tradition of passing down these skills reflect a sustainable spirit,
one that I deeply felt at Tsuji Seiji-sha.
