Washoki or Japanese tableware is sometimes thought of as "traditional", and while it is true that it is historically what was used in Japan, that is not to say that it becomes a static genre while the contemporary design world focuses on Western style tableware. Rather just as Japanese washoku cuisine and Japanese nihonshu wine keeps on evolving new flavours, so too does the tableware keep pace to match. Visitors to Nihombashi Mitsukoshi's extensive tableware section will no doubt be familiar with how innovative contemporary washoki tableware can be, both in design and materials.
Sure to catch your eye is the gleam coming from the selection from Nousaku, best known for their work in pure tin. A material perhaps misunderstood, as much which is referred to as tin is actually silver or aluminum. 100% tin on the other hand is highly resistant to tarnishing and enjoys a white shine unlike any other metal.
Nousaku's tin work comes from Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture, a region famed for its metalworkers for over 400 years, and with Nousaku themselves boasting over 100 years to their craft, this is actually a medium with a surprisingly deep history no-matter how contemporary the designs look. Beyond design, tin is an excellent medium for tableware as it is a highly efficient conductor meaning the moment you pour a cold drink into a cup, you will feel the whole receptacle chill in an instant. In addition when it comes to Japanese nihonshu wine, beer or Western wine, tin also removes bitterness and allows for a remarkably smooth taste that you have to experience for yourself.
100% work in tin is also extremely soft, such that you can bend it by hand with relatively little effort. Nousaku takes advantage of this natural feature, making chopstick rests and flower vessels that you can bend to your own liking, the pure tin emitting a soft so-called "tin cry" as it bends that is likewise a compelling experience in and of itself that bonds the owners creativity to that of Nousaku.
The expansive range is not limited to tableware and even extends to a range of accessories that shows just how progressive both washoki and this medium can be.
Japanese Tableware Section
Location
Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Building 5F, Japanese Tableware Section