Culture
Rikumo
Step inside…
Image courtesy of: Bon Appetit, photographed by: Morihata Intl
Kaz and Yuka Morihata opened Rikumo as a way to connect Japanese craftsmen and artisans with an international audience that proudly celebrates the value of Japanese design. Throughout the year, the founders travel to Japan in order to discover local craftsmen and artisan collectives that truly represent both traditional and contemporary Japanese aesthetics.
The hope is to help sustain the unique character and artistry of traditional craftsmanship and to share special pieces with a modern and international public.
Banko Yaki Ceramics. Made of Japan’s Miya prefecture style, these plates come in muted earth tones. Naturally, the pieces differ from one another because they are all handmade.
Image courtesy of: Bon Appetit, photographed by: Morihata Intl
Rikumo opened in 2009 as an online store solely dedicated to featuring high-quality Japanese housewares to savvy American consumers. After Yuka, a native to Tokyo, returned from a three-year stay in Japan, she came up with the idea of introducing Japanese products that Americans could easily integrate into their homes and lifestyles.
Yuka says (courtesy of Philly Voice), “That was my first living experience in Japan since I was 15. I could see things not just from a Japanese people’s point of view, but I could see things differently because of being [in the U.S.] long enough to know everyone’s lifestyle and what they get excited about.”
Beautiful Japanese ceramics!
Image courtesy of: As Rakestraw
In starting their brand, Yuka says her mission was to expose her local Philadelphians to products that are cherished and commonplace in Japan, but unfamiliar in America. It is important to emphasize that even though these items blend in seamlessly with their American counterparts, they don’t necessarily represent traditional Japanese culture.
Tanaka Contrast Bowl.
Inspired by the ancient Japanese tradition of kintsugi, this bowl is made by the famous Japanese artist, Keiichi Tanaka who has always been fascinated by the beauty of functional objects.
Image courtesy of: Rikumo
The store’s interior is graciously and thoughtfully designed. Up in front is a “garden zone” which is complimented beautifully by the sounds and sight of a Japanese bath. The middle part of the store is a “merchandise zone” that encompasses the clay pots and yoshii towels that the Rikumo has become well-known for. The back of the store is the “knowledge zone”… here, customers can lounge and refelct while enjoying complimentary tea.
Eventually, Kaz and Yuki plan to have events at the store. Within the dedicated space, artists from Japan will lecture or design for customers. This will be an information sharing arena which will grow as there will be more and more events to host.
My Dish, oval in brown color.
Made by Kodama Toki who runs a one-woman ceramic studio, the piece features a soft white speckled surface. The thin brown drip along the edge provides a stunning accent. All of Toki’s pieces are hand-made using plaster molds (a technique originally used for mass production).
Image courtesy of: Rikumo
Whether you are looking for a brass bottle opener or ultra-soft towels, the stunning items that are curated by the husband and wife team at Rikumo are sure to astound you with their simple elegance. If a trip to Japan isn’t in your immediate future, maybe a trip to Philadelphia’s Rikumo will fill the temporary void!
