KAWARA OBJECTS

Originating from Kyoto, 'KYO-GAWARA' boasts a legacy spanning 1400 years. Dating back to the 6th to 7th century, the oldest roof tiles in Japan are believed to have originated from the founding of Asuka-dera Temple.

Kyoto tiles prominently feature in the scenic landscapes of Kyoto. Since the 16th century, accomplished tile artisans from across the nation have congregated in Higashiyama to build the Great Buddha Hall of Houkouji Temple. This tradition has endured to the present day. Kyoto-produced tiles undergo a meticulous process of polishing and smoking, resulting in a distinctive deep shine akin to metal, referred to as 'KYO-GAWARA'.

'KAWARA OBJECTS', meaning roof tiles in Japanese, encompass a variety of ceramic pieces developed at the historic workshop of KYOGAWARA Masahisa Asada, who is renowned for specializing in both tiles and traditional temple ornaments.

This project endeavors to translate centuries-old expertise into other interior applications and infuse this unique craftsmanship into modern products.

Collaborating with craftsmen, these three items were meticulously handcrafted using clay with various press molding and rolling techniques.

The table lamp features a hollow cylindrical base with two cutouts to house the light source, covered by a concave shade reminiscent of a roof tile.

The wall sconces were inspired by the eye detail of a sculpture found at the workshop, multiplied on a concave sheet of ceramic. Due to the piece's complexity, a three-part plaster mold was developed to ensure its demolding, which the artisan carefully filled in piece by piece, adding two hooks for wall mounting.

The final piece, a coffee table, comprises a base composed of four interconnected roof tiles and a flat ceramic disk.

All surfaces are meticulously polished before being fired for 35 hours in a controlled butane gas kiln, reaching a maximum temperature of 1150 degrees. As the temperature begins to drop; the smoking process starts, giving the pieces their characteristic metallic finish.

The chosen forms aim to accentuate the distinct materiality of ceramic and push the boundaries of the craftsmen's skill.

2024 // Available for edition.
This project was developed together with Ryosuke Fukusada in collaboration with KYOGAWARA Masahisa Asada.
Photos courtesy of Akihito Mori

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