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Award-Winning Redesign of Traditional Kagoshima Kurojyoka Shochu Teapot by Yuki Ijichi

Yuki Ijichi, founder of Zero Hours Design Studio, has received the prestigious Golden A' Design Award in the Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware, and Cookware category for his contemporary reinterpretation of the Kurojyoka, a traditional Kagoshima earthenware teapot used for serving shochu. The project, initiated at the request of MATHERuBA, aimed to update the classic vessel to suit modern living while maintaining its cultural roots. The result is a product that not only serves as functional drinkware but also as a bridge between Kagoshima's rich shochu culture and today's evolving lifestyles.

The redesign process involved extensive research into the origins and traditional forms of the Kurojyoka, with inspiration drawn from historical abacus shapes referenced in local literature. Ijichi's approach was to adapt the vessel's form-originally designed for use over a Japanese hearth-to fit contemporary environments and daily routines. Unlike previous iterations, which remained unchanged despite shifts in lifestyle, this version modernizes the silhouette and usability while honoring the craftsmanship of Satsuma ware.

To ensure accessibility and everyday practicality, the new Kurojyoka is produced using casting molding, a technique that enables mass production while retaining artisanal quality. The teapot is crafted from durable porcelain and finished with a glaze made from Kagoshima's distinctive shirasu soil, reinforcing its connection to local materials. Overcoming the challenge of limited mass production capabilities in Kagoshima, Ijichi collaborated with a Nagasaki potter for manufacturing, while preserving the authenticity of Kagoshima through the use of regional resources. The redesigned set includes a teapot, cup, warmer, and pitcher, each thoughtfully dimensioned for modern use.

Since its completion in November 2019, the modern Kurojyoka has been available for purchase, garnering acclaim for its thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation. The Golden A' Design Award recognizes Ijichi's achievement in advancing both the art of product design and the cultural legacy of Kagoshima's shochu tradition, setting a new standard for contemporary tableware that honors its origins.

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