Small Tsuki Cup by Yasuda Kawara

On an architectural trip around Japan, you might be struck by the strength and variety of the roof tiles that you see.

In Niigata, these kawara tiles are made in the Yasuda region of Agano.  A snowy corner of Japan, the tiles made here need to be strong to withstand what the elements throw at them, and are fired at more than 1200 degrees to achieve a hardness.

But they are also a tactile material, full of textual quality.

It is almost a shame to leave them just for roofs.   Partially inspired by this emotion, the Yasuda Kawara makers paired with the designer Satoshi Umeno to produce a special series of Tsuki (‘moon’) tableware.

From the series these small cups are a striking representation of their material’s potential, and maintain a particular Japanese feel.

The cups have a diameter of 65mm, and a height of 50mm.  They weigh 105g, and have a capacity of 75ml.