uturano collection 2024
Product Specifications
[Plate]
Material: Mino ware (dishwasher and microwave safe)
Size:
Small: φ154mm × H23mm (3 designs)
Large: φ186mm × H27mm (3 designs)
[Placemat]
Material: Polyester No.11 canvas
Printing method: Sublimation transfer (full color)
Size: 350mm × 470mm (3 designs)
Designs by: Nishiyama Ryo / Hiramura Daiki / Okamoto Tomoya
(Nibutani Craft Cooperative Association)
In 2024, we collaborated with the Noguchi Kanko Group, which operates hot springs and resort hotels across Hokkaido and beyond, to create a line of tableware. Under the theme of “Hokkaido Hospitality,” we developed Mino ware plates and placemats featuring distinctive Ainu patterns designed by three individual artists.
At Noguchi Kanko Group, these plates are used as sweet bowls in guest rooms at “Boro NOGUCHI Noboribetsu” to welcome visitors. They are currently also available for purchase in select hotel shops within the Noguchi Kanko Group’s properties.
The plates come in two sizes that are easy to use in everyday life and can be layered for a stylish arrangement. They complement both Japanese and Western dishes and can also be used as accessory trays.
The placemats follow the same concept as the plate designs, bringing vibrant Ainu patterns to your daily dining table. They can be used not only during meals but also as a base for vases or display items, adding a decorative accent to your interior.
“Uturano” means “together” in Ainu. We hope these tableware pieces can always be part of your dining experience.
[On the Design]
〈uturano〉［kotan-kor-kamuy］
To express the spirit of Ainu culture, which lives in harmony with nature, the patterns were drawn primarily in green. The design is inspired by the Kotankor Kamuy (Blakiston’s fish owl), a sacred being for the Ainu, and the forest that serves as its habitat. With gratitude to the guardian deity of the kotan (village).
(Nishiyama Ryo)
〈uturano〉［nonno］
Although Ainu patterns often give a strong impression, I aimed for a gentle impression on this plate. Using nonno (flowers) and plant vines to convey softness, I chose a slightly deep blue to add a mature touch to the delicate motifs. Please also enjoy the contrast with the white of the ceramic.
(Hiramura Daiki)
〈uturano〉［ikarkar］
I wanted people to appreciate the diverse beauty of Ainu embroidery, so I designed this piece with Ikarkar (embroidery) as the theme. On the plates, cikarkarpe (※1) is represented, while on the placemats, kaparamip (※2) is expressed. Please enjoy the difference between Ainu motifs in wood carving and embroidery.
(Okamoto Tomoya)
※1 Cotton garment made by cutting straight strips of fabric and overlapping them, then stitching embroidery along the overlap.
※2 Cotton garment made by cutting narrow white or colored strips of fabric and sewing them like appliqué.
Profile
Noguchi Kanko Group
Noguchi Kanko Group, which operates over 20 accommodations across Hokkaido and beyond under the motto “Hospitality from the Heart,” was founded in Noboribetsu Onsen and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024. The group provides a wide range of services and added value not only through its hotels but also across the tourism industry, including the establishment of the vocational training school “Noguchi Kanko Hotel Professional Academy” to nurture personnel supporting the tourism sector, the operation of company-led daycare centers that support employee childcare while incorporating “food education” using meals prepared by hotel chefs, and the management of its own farm, “Noguchi Kitayuzawa Farm.”
Nishiyama Ryo
Ainu Craft Artist / Born in 1996 in Furenai, Biratori TownUntil the age of 22, he worked in fields unrelated to Ainu crafts. Encouraged by several seniors, including members of the Biratori Town Ainu Association Youth Division, he joined the newly established Biratori Town Ainu Culture Promotion Corporation in April 2020. Since 2021, he has been engaged in activities to preserve Ainu culture as a staff member of the Ior Revitalization Project in the Biratori area. Having always loved making things, this experience inspired him to begin creating woodcarvings. While referencing traditional patterns depicted in the works of previous generations in Nibutani, he strives to produce works that express his own individuality. Member of the Nibutani Craft Cooperative.
Hiramura Daiki
Ainu Craft Artist / Born in 1997 in Honcho, Biratori TownHe spent his childhood familiarizing himself with craftsmanship while helping his father with carpentry work. In 2020, he joined the Biratori Town Ainu Culture Promotion Public Corporation, engaging in activities to preserve Ainu culture, while also enjoying woodcarving in a workshop built by his father. When creating ita (flat carved wooden platters), he strives for designs that respect traditional patterns without leaning too much toward originality. His future goal is to become an independent woodcarving artist. He aims to create works that spark interest in Ainu culture for people encountering it for the first time. Member of the Nibutani Craft Cooperative Association.
Okamoto Tomoya
Ainu Craft Artist / Born in 1997 in Urakawa, HokkaidoHis paternal family has Ainu roots in Samani Town. From a young age, he enjoyed creating things and studied the Ainu language and dance. For three years starting in 2020, he was part of the 5th class of the “Successor Training Program” at Biratori Ainu Crafts and Heritage Center Urespa, where he learned the basics of Ainu patterns and woodcarving alongside textiles. Since April 2023, he has been fully devoted to woodcarving, aiming to become an independent artist. He focuses on the precision of ramram-noka (scale carving) and carefully considers uncarved spaces in his work. Member of the Nibutani Craft Cooperative Association.