#Japan #Tokyo #Studio Wani #Natsumezaka Coffee #IEGNIM

Exclusive Collaboration Launch

In a delightful fusion of artistry and coffee culture, the ceramic unit Studio Wani from Hasami, Nagasaki, has joined forces with the popular Tokyo café Natsumezaka Coffee to introduce a stunning line of original mugs. This launch coincides with a special exhibition at IEGNIM in Yoyogi-Uehara, where art and craftsmanship intertwine.

Color Selections and Concept

The mugs come in two distinct colors, representing the key color palette of Natsumezaka Coffee: a serene blue (gosu) and a rich brown (ame). The creation of this unique mug originated from an inspiring visit by Studio Wani's Kenichiro Watanabe to Natsumezaka Coffee, motivating him to craft a piece that embodies the essence of the café’s signature drink, the Natsumezaka Latte. This blend utilizes specialty beans sourced from Ituki Coffee, situated on Hiroshima's Miyajima Island, ensuring a delightful coffee experience with each sip.

Designed without handles, the mug offers ample capacity for a generous serving of café lattes and coffee, appealing to both aesthetics and usability. The use of a technique known as shingi (a method of carving) enhances its grip, making it comfortable even for smaller hands.

Craftsmanship and Design

The creation of these mugs involved meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a soft texture against the warm white porcelain. Originally crafted for in-store use, the overwhelming demand for consumer availability has led to this limited offering. The KINU series silhouette, tailored specifically for Natsumezaka Coffee, features the two charming hues: a delightful blue (gosu) reminiscent of the café's branding and a sleek brown that reflects the tones of lightly roasted coffee.

One of the most striking aspects of this collaboration is the beautiful contrast achieved between the white porcelain and the colored glaze. This unique technique, known as kakewake (layering in pottery), showcases the skill of the artisans involved and results in a visually appealing two-tone finish. Be sure to appreciate the craftsmanship that highlights Mr. Watanabe’s dexterity in executing this intricate design.

Product Details

• - Launch Date: July 26 (Saturday)
• - Price: 5,500 JPY (including tax)
• - Location: Natsumezaka Coffee, 1F R Building, 1-11-10 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo
• - Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Open 7 days a week)
• - Instagram: Natsumezaka Coffee

Exhibition at IEGNIM and Natsumezaka Coffee

In conjunction with the mug launch, an exhibition will take place at both IEGNIM and Natsumezaka Coffee from July 26 to August 3. IEGNIM, a curated selection shop in Yoyogi-Uehara, offers more than 300 original pieces, including the latest additions from the DINOSAUR and WREATH series, along with new works from Kenichiro Watanabe's KINU series. Attendees can anticipate a chance to meet the artisans on July 26 and 27.

Exhibition Details

• - Exhibition Dates: July 26 - August 3
• - Venue 1: IEGNIM

- Tickets will be distributed starting at 11:30 AM on the opening day, July 26, so early arrival is suggested.
- Address: 1F, 3-11-5 Nishihara, Shibuya, Tokyo
- Opening Hours: 12:30 PM - 6:00 PM (Open every day during the exhibition)
- Instagram: IEGNIM

• - Venue 2: Natsumezaka Coffee

- In addition to the collaboration mugs, various children’s tableware will also be available. A washi-dye workshop is scheduled for July 27, but prior registration is required due to limited capacity.

This exclusive mug collaboration is a testament to the beauty of craftsmanship and the joy of imbibing art with everyday experiences. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece that’s not just functional but also reflects the richness of Japanese artisan culture.