Learning from Utensils

We are often asked if we have encountered any hiccups during our creative process and where our source of inspiration originates. So today let us dive into one of our passions: collecting ancient utensils.

Through the study of antiquities, we gain insights into the lifestyles, culinary cultures, religious rituals, and other various aspects of civilizations that have existed throughout history and across different regions. As our collection of antiquities continues to expand, we naturally absorb the different perspectives derived from these objects. We firmly believe that utensils are the most compelling evidence of human civilization. While numerous things succumb to decay and vanish over time, ceramics have proven to endure for thousands of years.

As ancient utensils pass through various hands across different eras, they undergo a fascinating transformation, adopting diverse forms and utilities. As crafters of utensils, it is truly captivating for us to interpret them with intuition and purity. Take, for example, the Korean moon jar which is originally designed for storing fermented food. It has evolved into a highly coveted flower vessel or a prized collectible solely for decorative purposes. At a recent auction at Sotheby’s, a moon jar from the late Joseon dynasty fetched an astounding HKD 27.8 million, causing a stir within the collecting community.

Another interesting phenomenon is the repurposing of certain ancient ceremonial objects. Take, for instance, the trays which were originally used for presenting food during ritual offerings are now commonly used for serving ordinary snacks. On the contrary, the Ido chawan (Ido tea bowls), highly revered in the Japanese tea ceremony, actually originated as the rice bowl used by commoners in Korea. Each individual and each culture brings their own interpretation to artifacts, influenced by their unique perspectives. This is what makes utensils truly remarkable—they possess the ability to ignite imagination and accommodate diverse methods of utilization.

As ancient utensils undergo transformations, the resulting changes can be remarkably diverse. For example, the Rider’s Cup which was originally crafted for soldiers to drink from while on horseback has evolved into an elegant wine glass in the modern world. We believe that these ancient objects encapsulate the wisdom of past civilizations and hold immense value as subjects of study for creators working with objects.

In the realm of creativity, nothing emerges out of thin air. By immersing ourselves in the world around us and embracing the experiences of life, we open ourselves up to endless inspiration. “Art is life, and life is art” is a saying that we deeply resonate with. By pouring our hearts into our work, investing time and patience, and nurturing our skills and spirits, we bring our ideas to life with genuine authenticity. This is the essence of our creative journey and the key to artistic creation.

About Toki Nashiki

With ceramics as the medium, we create practical ware/utensils. Such creation exists between the blurry line of art and design, where the two of us start to rethink our understanding and definition of contemporary ceramics, thereby creating practical ware that is grounded in daily life and stands the test of time.