ALONGU was founded in 2022 by SAIKAI Tokyo (including well-known brands such as HASAMI Porcelain). The entire collection was designed by award-winning designer Jin Kuramoto. Kuramoto has studied Japanese porcelain making in Japan for several years to create the perfect product for ALONGU. His designs are inspired by the transformation process of Japanese food culture that has developed over countless generations, integrating different styles and reinterpreting them in unique ways. Therefore, the different plates and bowls are intended to be used for a wide variety of international dishes.
- Traditionally made in Hasami, Japan (Nagasaki Prefecture)
- Dimensions: W 15 cm x H 5.5 cm
- Material: Porcelain; Small black iron spots are a natural occurrence during the manufacturing process and showcase individual character and charm
- Dishwasher safe/microwave safe
More about ALONGU:
ALONGU believes in the charm of individual expression, such as natural variations in glaze, but does not produce so-called B-grade products.
Porcelain products are often associated with the image of uniformity. In reality, however, they are the result of numerous processes shaped by nature, from kiln firing, in which the internal condition varies depending on the season and climate, to steps carried out by hand, to the product inspection process, in which black iron spots and glaze variations are traditionally considered as defects become. ALONGU wants to present the beauty of nature and the individual properties of materials. Porcelain vessels are finished with a glaze that creates rich expressions through crystalline reactions. Small points and variations that are generally considered defective are an expression of their character, as ALONGU tries to highlight the individual charm of the products among manufacturers and customers alike.
ALONGU porcelain tableware is made in the city of Hasami, Nagasaki Prefecture. During the brand's development, the roughly 400-year-old porcelain industry involves firing large quantities of ceramics in large climbing kilns, with local people coming together to take turns directing the fire. The spirit of sharing also extends to agriculture: local farmers use a shared water source to grow rice in terraced fields. These collaborative approaches, passed down to this day, inspired ALONGU to create products that enrich the relationships between the people (producers and customers) associated with the brand and the environment. This led to the development and implementation of a sustainable production cycle that takes natural variations into account, meaning there are no so-called B-grade products.
The name ALONGU refers to the pursuit of tableware for today's Japanese cuisine that encompasses various national and regional influences while signaling its future.
Based on the word "along", the unique spelling reflects the Japanese romanization method, combined with kanji characters明論具 expresses the concept of Japanese-made vessels for a wide range of international cuisine.
