**A Fusion of 400 Years of History and Modern Design****About 1616 / arita japan**
Arita, in Saga Prefecture, is the birthplace of Arita-ware and the location where Japan's first ceramics are said to have been made in 1616 by the master potter Yi Sam-pyeong. Even after 400 years, the spirit of uncompromising craftsmanship that never fades has been passed down to the people who support Arita today.
In 2012, designer Teruhiro Yanagihara became the creative director, working alongside the people of Arita who possess abundant experience and skill. Through a dialogue with Arita's history up to the present day, they created a new ceramic brand that connects the narrative of the past. Named "1616 / arita japan" to carry on memories from the distant past, the brand follows the traditions of Arita-ware while attempting a design approach different from anything seen before. The tableware, released with new designers for each series, brings a new interpretation to Japanese tradition and stays close to the lifestyle of the future.
**About Momota Touen: A General Trading Company Conveying Arita's Technology and Passion to the World**
Momota Touen is the manufacturer of the 1616 / arita japan collection. Its predecessor, the Momota family, was engaged in kiln firing under the supervision of the Nabeshima Domain Arita Sarayama Magistrate's Office from 1647 (Shoho 4) to 1871 (Meiji 4).
While inheriting their ancestors' passion for ceramics, Momota Touen continues to engage in uncompromising craftsmanship as a general trading company of Arita-ware, working together with Arita's kilns. The brand "1616 / arita japan," launched in 2012, received high acclaim from design professionals worldwide at the Milano Salone where it first exhibited that same year. It is currently available in over 18 countries, primarily in Europe.
**About Creative Director / Designer Teruhiro Yanagihara**
Born in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, in 1976. Established his own studio in 2002. Based on the philosophy of "designing the situation for design," he has worked on numerous projects that transcend national and genre boundaries. In 2011, he moved his domestic base to Kyoto as a "new place for creation," planning and developing projects to create points of contact with the world.
He serves as the director of DESIGNEAST and the creative director of KARIMOKU NEW STANDARD. His major clients include domestic companies such as KARIMOKU NEW STANDARD, LIM HAIR, and Kimura Glass, as well as numerous international projects including OFFECCT (Sweden), PALLUCCO (Italy), and SERGIO ROSSI (Italy).
**About 1616 / TY "Standard"**
The "Standard" series by Teruhiro Yanagihara uses new materials to develop simple shapes that accommodate diverse dietary habits. Reflecting on the era 400 years ago when ceramics were made as tools, this series was developed with simple shapes to suit modern eating habits. Despite their flexible shapes that do not limit usage, these light gray vessels are made from high-density clay with exceptional strength, carrying the unadorned beauty of Arita-ware into the modern age.
**About TY Palace**
The Palace plate is a special plate created for the "Palace Hotel Tokyo." Its impressive design, featuring a flower shape that combines gorgeousness with delicate beauty, was created by Teruhiro Yanagihara, the creative director of 1616 / arita japan.
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* **Designer:** Teruhiro Yanagihara* **Size:** Diameter 110mm × Height 20mm* **Material:** Porcelain (Arita-ware)* **Country of Origin:** Japan (Arita, Saga Prefecture)
**Handling Instructions:*** Microwave and dishwasher safe.* The TY series "gray" (unglazed) is oven safe. Additionally, as this material is non-absorbent, oil, soy sauce, and other liquids will not soak into it.* [Maintenance] Using a melamine sponge will help clean tea stains, oil stains, and scorch marks more effectively.* Because the TY series "gray" (unglazed) has an unglazed finish, fine black spots contained in the clay may appear. Please note that this is not a product defect.* Due to the "pressure" molding method suitable for mass production, individual differences in the finished size may occur. Please note that this is not a product defect.
**Regarding Image Photos:**Image photos may include photography props other than the actual product. These props are not included with the product. Please be careful to avoid misunderstandings.
**Regarding Handmade Products:**If a product is handmade, individual differences may occur, but all are considered quality goods. Please enjoy the unique qualities of handmade items, where no two colors or shapes are exactly alike.
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