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Obori Soma Ware Matsunaga Kiln: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Renowned designer Naoya TOCHIO has unveiled the Obori Soma Ware Matsunaga Kiln, a captivating blend of traditional craftsmanship and innovative architecture. Located in Fukushima, Japan, the Matsunaga Kiln has a history of over 300 years, producing designated traditional crafts. The architecture incorporates the proprietary double-layered structure of Obori Soma Ware, enabling it to hold boiling water while preventing it from cooling down, a feature unique to this daily-use ceramics. The design aims to express this distinctive feature within the architecture, creating a harmonious fusion of different scales of architecture and ceramics.

The project features a top light installation, flooding the interior space with ample light. In the store, it vividly expresses precise colors, while in the workshop, it provides gentle and uniform light through the shoji screens on the ceiling, ideal for delicate work. The top light above the checkout counter serves as a transformative element, altering the impression of the counter's back. This innovative approach to lighting enhances the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the space.

Naoya TOCHIO's design, recognized for its exceptional creativity and impact, has been honored with the prestigious Golden A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This accolade celebrates the remarkable fusion of art, science, and technology, reflecting the designer's prodigious talent and visionary ideas. The Obori Soma Ware Matsunaga Kiln stands as a testament to extraordinary excellence, significantly influencing the world with its desirable characteristics.

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