Ingegerd Råman × Porcelain / Koransha [Story2]Focus on the hands

Within Koransha’s vast complex in Arita is a warehouse dedicated entirely to moulds. Rows of shelves are lined with plaster moulds of varying shapes and sizes, while a 3D printer allows designs to be created with ease and precision. For a porcelain maker working exclusively with moulds, this collection provides the keys to producing a wide array of products. In contrast, Ingegerd Råman’s concept for Tokyo Craft Room places the creation, consistency and repetition of forms firmly in the maker’s hands. Each product will be an iteration, rather than an exact reproduction, and will have a character of its own — evidence of the partnership between designer and maker.

In many ways, the key outcome from Råman’s research trip was establishing the foundations and philosophy for her latest collaboration with Koransha. The desire to create handmade forms resulted in several additions to the project team, with three local potters tasked with producing her designs on the pottery wheel. Once complete, the cups will be finished, glazed and fired by Koransha.

The design process began with a sketch of a drinking vessel: a tea cup with a slight taper and no handle. While tea culture around the world is laden with customs, traditions and other complexities, the cup’s design hones in on the simple action of drinking. “Tea sets are often so formal, so I wanted to create something that’s more crafted,” explains Råman. “Handmade cups are based on feeling; they are not made by simply following a drawing.”

In Arita, the potters received the initial sketch along with a drinking glass that Råman designed for Kimura Glass in 2017. Bearing a similar form to the tea cup, the glass served as a tangible reference as the potters began to familiarise themselves with the design. From this starting point, the early prototypes were quickly developed and provided the basis for refinements. The first batch were thick and square-edged, prompting the removal of material from the body and a more rounded lip. Subsequent batches saw proportions altered and details refined, with a slight bevel added to the base, creating an impression of floating.

“When you start working on a collaboration, you realise that everyone understands things differently — the same word can have different meanings. It’s always important to find a common language between designer and maker,” says Råman.

As the porcelain cups took shape, Koransha worked to develop two custom-made glazes. In addition to a shade of celadon, which caught Råman’s eye during her visit to the factory, a sparkling black was created using one of the designer’s own recipes. The brief for the glazes also focused on the handmade form, calling for a consistency that would allow the body to remain visible. The glazes, along with the other elements of the design, came to life through an iterative process, with simple concepts gathering depth and detail on their journey towards completion.

>>Continued in Story 3

Ingegerd Råman

Ingegerd Råman is one of Sweden’s most renowned designers of glass and ceramics. Simplicityand timelessness are the key characteristics of her work that have helped Råman enjoy acareer of longevity and success. She creates objects that are balancedand discreet but alsowarm–a feeling of joy and beauty are inherent in her works. Råman believes her objects donot come to life until they are used.Multifunctionality plays a large role in her designs and pieces can often be combined with oneanother and reassembled in various combinations. Råman has designed for several importantScandinavian and international manufacturers, most notably Johanfors Glass, Skruf andOrrefors. Her work is exhibited by museums such as the National Museum of Fine Arts inStockholm, the Corning Glass Museum, The National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo, CraftsGallery. Raman haswon the Excellent Swedish Design Award no less than 17 times.

Koransha Co. Ltd

Koransha was founded as a maker and exporter of Arita porcelain in 1875 by Eizaemon Fukagawa and three partners. After the company was dissolved in 1879, Eizaemon founded Koran, the company that would later become Koransha. The company developed Japan’s first porcelain insulator and this made a significant contribution to the modernisation of Japan when it was used in the construction of the telegraph line between Tokyo and Nagasaki. Today, the company relies on three core product groups: porcelain art, electrical insulators and fine ceramics. It owns a series of printing technologies and has the ability to create plaster molds using an NC modeling machine as well as having a selective colour glazing capability – a high level of quality control is always sought.