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Arita Collection
Arita Collection
POINT OF VIEWS
POINT OF VIEWS
Asami Oguro is the lead project manager
for bespoke accessories for Stellar Works,
working with designers and developing a
range of home objects including ceramic
vessels, lighting, and rugs.
Would you describe your position with
Stellar Works? When did you first start
collaborating with the company?
Asami Oguro: I started working at the
company in 2007—even before the
establishment of Stellar Works as an inde-
pendent brand. So it has been 12 years now.
Please briefly describe the collaboration
with Arita porcelain. How was it special?
Will this project continue to develop in
coming years?
AO: In the history of the renowned Arita
ceramics, the period from 1616 to 1650 is
known as“Shoki Imari.” The production
methods used during Shoki Imari denoted
more freedom and dynamism, both in tex-
ture and patterns. Thus, ceramics created in
this era lead one to feel a warm connection
to the craftsmanship and the unique design.
Arita Vessels is a collection of porcelain
that seeks to reproduce the character of
Shoki Imari. As such, the iron powder free-
ly appears in specks on the surface and
the finish is irregular to let the true beauty
of this product shine through. In addition,
the outer shell is left without glaze leaving
it raw, allowing it to be touched and felt—
honouring its rich history.
For the Arita Vessels, the set of seven
ceramic bowls and plates started as a
project ensemble under A Cabinet of
Curiosity that included seven objects to
be displayed in a glass cabinet, each of
which carried emblems of seven animals
which relate to the seven sins, namely
lust, gluttony, sloth, greed, wrath, envy, and
pride.
Each ceramic piece is a different size with
varying heights and volumes, blurring the
typology of bowls and plates to respond to
the contemporary lifestyle of full flexibility
with distinction. Each vessel shape offers
endless functional possibilities, yet any
combination of them suggests a rebirth of
a personalised table styling.
For Arita Liquid, these containers which
were inspired by Chinese traditional wine
bottles, offer two sizes and can be used
for cold or warm liquids. The cups can be
stacked at the neck of the bottle to com-
plete the visually interesting set, while the
brass holder offers a graceful detail to the
simple white shape.
What other goals or projects would you
like to see develop with Stellar Works and
ceramic accessories? Are you focused on
ceramics exclusively or other materials as
well?
AO: I am in charge of developing all of
Stellar Works accessories, such as rugs,
throws, lighting and so forth. We will be
adding to the collection in the coming year
including a linen rug and throw which is
made out of 100% pure organic linen from
Belgium; The Louisiana Lamp, a beautiful
pendant lamp in copper finish designed
by Vilhelm Wohlert for Louisiana Museum;
and a new rug collection called“WALL,”
designed by Space Copenhagen that will
come in six colour variations in three sizes.
How will the accessories line add to the
Stellar Works brand?
AO: Accessories are a small but very
important element that completes the col-
lection of the Stellar Works brand.
4 — Fabrication of Arita Collection
5 — Rooftops in Arita, Japan
6 — Craftsman at work on Arita Collection
7 — Neri&Hu, Arita Liquid Collection
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