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Tastemaker: Meet Reiko Kaneko's Modern China
A ceramicist resurrects traditional English bone china in clever new forms
British designer Reiko Kaneko works with a very traditional English material — bone china. Usually reserved for fine table settings or high society tea parties, Kaneko uses bone china in more playful and everyday applications. Coffee mugs, eggcups, and even shot glasses are all carefully molded from this delicate material. Her minimalist style has a touch of humor that makes each piece approachable and playful.
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| Kaneko set up her design studio in 2007 in London's East End. Here, Kaneko fine-tunes her delicate designs of ceramic and English bone china. Most of her work is manufactured at a small factory in Stoke-on-Trent, England. This town is renowned as the home of pottery in England (it's often called "The Potteries"), so many of the factories here use traditional, artisan methods. |
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| Kaneko drips, drops, marks and stains decorative details with her Drip Tease series. Q: How did you get started in product design? Why ceramics? A: I have always loved sculptures, and just naturally solved briefs in a three-dimensional way when I started college, so it happened pretty organically. I started in ceramics because there was still a good hub of industry in Stoke-on-Trent, and I was able to start small with productions. If it wasn't for the smaller factories, I could never have gone into ceramics. |
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When the makers on the factory floor first came across this breadbasket, they named it "The Boat," since it resembles a Viking ship. The name stuck, inspiring Kaneko to give it a nautical-looking rope handle.
Q: What kind of changes do you see happening in product design today?
A: I think there's a real desire for simple but clever designs. Something that brings in a natural aspect to it, something that enjoys the natural grain of wood, etc.
Q: What are you trying to say with your designs?
A: Sometimes I'm just playing with a bit of humor — just to get a reaction out of people. But more and more, I'm exploring the idea of the changing ways we eat and drink. I want to reach out across cultures, change the way we eat on tables, sofas, etc.
Q: What kind of changes do you see happening in product design today?
A: I think there's a real desire for simple but clever designs. Something that brings in a natural aspect to it, something that enjoys the natural grain of wood, etc.
Q: What are you trying to say with your designs?
A: Sometimes I'm just playing with a bit of humor — just to get a reaction out of people. But more and more, I'm exploring the idea of the changing ways we eat and drink. I want to reach out across cultures, change the way we eat on tables, sofas, etc.
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by Reiko Kaneko
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| These clever sake/shot glasses were designed to embrace the shape of your fingers while they're being held. The grip feels much more natural, and adds a touch of quirky charm. Q: How has your work evolved since you started? How do you see it evolving? A: When I first started, I was interested in humor, visual puns and how the designer communicates with the viewer in that way. I still look into these themes in my giftware ranges, but I'm also interested in the subtler forms in the dining ranges I'm working on. The future is certainly a challenge. I'm looking forward to learning and exploring more. |
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by Reiko Kaneko
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| Breakfast is the most important meal of the day — why not have fun with it? Kaneko's childlike "Breakfast Express" consists of three bone china carriages, linked together with hidden magnets. Choose from an eggcup, toast rack, or salt and pepper cellar. Q: What are some of your favorite new design trends? A: I'm obsessed with beautiful objects and subtler forms at the moment. Q: What are some of your own favorite products? A: I like the simpleness of The Boat and the Arctic ranges, but the Breakfast Express still makes me laugh. |
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by Reiko Kaneko
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| Kaneko designed these soft and elegant Petal dishes for all of the sauces and side dishes that come with Asian cuisine. Turn them around in almost any direction to create an infinite number of tessellations. Q: What designers, past and present, inspire you? A: I'm really interested in Video art at the moment. I find it mesmerizing and beautiful. Doug Foster's works are incredible as well as some unknown Youtube hits, like this. |
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| Reiko Kaneko studied at Central St. Martin's college in England. Although she was born in Britain, Kaneko spent most of her childhood in Japan. Many of her pieces are a combination of more traditional British tableware and serveware, with a distinctly Japanese look and function. More Tastemakers: Asaf Weinbroom Object Creative Daniel Schofield |
Comments
Vel Criste awesome artist! thanks for sharing!
19 months ago · Like
lauren_clemons love it!
19 months ago · Like
joan picone This woman is incredibly talented! At last something new. I love the bread bowl.
19 months ago · Like
CAROLE MEYER This is beautiful....how creative ! I love the drip coffee cups....Thanks for this little visual treat this morning. Carole
19 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Nov. 7, 2011.
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