omniture

"Cloud", a porcelain espresso cup and saucer inspired by contemporary Singapore and traditional Japanese craftsmanship

White cloud over blue sky, produced by Miyama of Japan and Singapore based company HULS Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. was inspired by the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
2016-11-25 10:00 3305

TOKYO, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- HULS Inc., a company which specialises in the global business of Japanese craft industries based in Tokyo and Singapore, launches "Cloud" espresso cup and saucer on 15th December 2016 both in Singapore and in Japan. The product is a result of the collaboration between a Singaporean designer and a Japanese ceramic manufacturer in the Mino region.

Espresso cup with a cloud shape handle
Espresso cup with a cloud shape handle

"Cloud" is a white porcelain espresso cup and saucer inspired by the closeness of the clouds and skies over Singapore. It is designed by a Singaporean designer, Casey Chen and manufactured by Miyama, a Japanese ceramic company located in Gifu prefecture which is renowned for their Mino ware and under the direction of HULS.

Casey was inspired by dedication and attentiveness to details of the workers and the unique decoration technique of applying patterns on porcelain using Japanese paper which characterises Miyama's specialty in the field of Japanese ceramic tableware.

“Cloud” cup and saucer is inspired by the clouds and skies over Singapore
“Cloud” cup and saucer is inspired by the clouds and skies over Singapore

The collaboration between Singapore and Japan, in the creative and craft industries had flourished in recent years. Singapore's unique cultural diversity and Japan's craft industries are both rooted in tradition and this combination became the source of the creation of the finished product. The blue detailing of the saucer symbolises both the sky as well as the Singapore Peranakan blue and the matte texture of bisque porcelain realises a quality feel of Miyama. With its egg-shaped base and cloud-shaped handle, "Cloud" exudes a fun coffee time with a free and relaxed mind. A cup holder for espresso machine is included in each package. This product will be released simultaneously in Singapore and Japan.

- Casting

The method of slip casting is used for the production of "Cloud". Slip casting is a type of ceramic molding technique which uses plaster molds instead of using the potter's wheel. By pouring slip into plaster molds and drying it until its hardened, this technique makes it possible to create thin and strong ceramic products.

- Risen Yaki

"Risen-yaki" is a decoration technique of applying patterns on porcelain using Japanese paper. Copper plates are used as original template for the paper. Japanese paper with patterns is first applied by the craftsperson by hand on the surface of white porcelain one by one and when the paper is removed the patterns will adhere to the porcelain creating beautiful patterns of lines and texture. The technique of "risen-yaki" adds a special touch to porcelain. In 1846, the technique of transfer printing by copper plates was used for the first time in Japan in Inazu-cho, Mizunami of Gifu prefecture where Miyama is located. To date, only a few potteries in this area are still using this technique to the present day.

- About the designer

Casey Chen (b.1971) is a Singaporean designer/ artist who excels in a figurative approach to his work. He had gained international recognition by winning a design award in New York City. "Cloud" is his first collaboration with Japanese craft manufacturers.

- About the manufacturer

Miyama Co., Ltd. was established in 1977 in Mizunami area in Gifu prefecture where manufacturers of ceramic tableware for export are concentrated among production areas of Mino ware. The advanced technique that Miyama has developed over decades has enabled them to realized the complex form of "Cloud".

- About Peranakan color

The blue color used for the saucer of Cloud reflects a sense of Peranakan culture which is a part of Singapore's multi-cultural heritage. Peranakan design has influences of Chinese, Malay and European sensibilities and the uniqueness of Peranakan style can still be observed in the pastel colored buildings, textile and embroidery around Singapore.

- Details:

Made in                 

  Japan

Material                  

  Porcelain

Color                       

  Peranakan Blue/White

Size                        

  [Cup] drinking spout outline Φ5.2 × inner diameter Φ4.5 × H6.2 (cm) 


  [Saucer] Φ12.8 (cm)


  [Holder] Φ5.4 × H1 (cm)

Weight                   

  [Cup] approximately 90g


  [Saucer] approximately 160g

Capacity Approximately 60cc (cup full capacity)

RRP(Japan)             

  S89 (GST included)

- Sales and Promotion

This product will be released on the same day both in Singapore and in Japan. Inspired by the 50th year anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, it will be made available for retail in places like lifestyle shops or museum shops and can be ordered at our website (http://cloudespresso.com/) exclusively for customers in Japan. We can offer image sources of the designer and manufacturer to the media or stores for their sales promotion.

- About HULS

HULS is a creative company based in Tokyo and Singapore. Through global website productions, products planning or providing resources and information, we support and help in the overseas expansion of Japanese businesses. We are always on the look out for potential Japanese products/materials manufacturers/ industries for overseas expansion. We are focused on the development of the creative industries in Asia while being centered around Singapore. Under the concept of "Roots & Touch", we aim to establish a platform that will bridge across international borders strategically by connecting different cultures and businesses together.

- Our website about Japanese crafts

KOGEI STANDARD is a bilingual website for expanding Japanese crafts to overseas by introducing company, people and beautiful crafts.

http://www.kogeistandard.com

- For more information, please contact:

The website for "Cloud"
http://cloudespresso.com

Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20161123/8521607671-a
Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20161123/8521607671-b

Source: HULS
Keywords: Art Entertainment
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