In a world where porcelain is often associated with flawless uniformity and upscale luxury, ALONGU embraces the various expressions and aesthetic characteristics that emerge from the natural processes of creation. These unique variations may appear as black iron spots, glaze inconsistencies, or natural marks, and would conventionally be considered defects. Japanese porcelain tableware manufacturer ALONGU celebrates these as integral aspects of each vessel’s character.
ALONGU designer Jin Kuramoto’s respect for the individuality of raw materials reflects a common theme of traditional Japanese aesthetics—one that is centered on a belief that nature itself does not conform to uniformity. This perspective is integrated into Kuramoto’s minimalist design, resulting in versatile tableware that embraces its roots in modern Asian tableware while also signaling its future. While some traditional features of Japanese tableware are still present in Kuramoto’s designs, they have been slightly modified to accommodate dishes from all over the world. ALONGU’s plates are deeper than the average plate to allow sauce-laden dishes, and the bowls are a bit shallower to be used for anything from salads, stir-fries, and rice bowls.
ALONGU tableware is kiln-fired in the modest, rural town of Hasami, Nagasaki prefecture, where the local 400-year history of porcelain manufacturing is central to the town’s identity. There are currently seventeen active kilns and pottery houses in Hasami, some of them being historic hillside climbing kilns used for centuries. TGS’ own Hasami Porcelain line is manufactured in the same area. A similar ceramic material can be felt when comparing ALONGU’s Matte Grey finish and TGS’ Hasami Porcelain’s Natural finish.
For the first time, TGS has stocked various tableware vessels by ALONGU in their Matte Grey and Tenmoku Brown finishes. Click here to learn more about these exciting new products and elevate your dining experience with a touch of natural beauty.
