Created by Tokyo based designer Yusuke Seki, the latest renovation of the flagship store for Japanese ceramic producer Maruhiro brings life to a centuries-old artistic discipline. Located in the Hasami region of Nagasaki, Japan, which is known for the signature tableware its been turning out since the early 17th century, Maruhiro has been given a highly conceptual update. The main focus lies on a central stacked platform made from nearly 25,000 locally sourced pieces of imperfect tableware, known as “Shinkikiji,” which were found to be flawed after the initial bisque-firing process. By repurposing these unwanted scraps, Seki’s stage represents “Monohara” – the disposal site for such fragments – in a powerful exploration of fragility and strength; the cooperation of each injured piece to create a stable whole pays just homage to the rich legacy of the industrial region.
