STONEWARE ROUND
In contrast to the linear design of the previous STONEWARE lineup, the ROUND series is characterized by a soft, round shape, as the name suggests. While focusing on a wide range of color variations, we selected colors that convey a sense of warmth and depth.
We interviewed designer Shigeichiro Takeuchi about the background of the new collection.
The lovely rounded shape.
The matte, rustic textured exterior and glossy interior.
Warm coloring.
STONEWARE ROUND, handmade one by one by Vietnamese craftsmen, will gently add color to your coffee break and dining table.
PRODUCT STORY Vol.13
—— What made you decide to add the new ROUND series to STONEWARE?
The STONEWARE series is a collection that I really like. It has a lot of fans in the MOHEIM lineup and so many people are using it. Everyone is posting about it their feeds and stories on Instagram, so I can feel the popularity firsthand.
It was probably around the winter of 2022 that I began to think that I would like to create a line with a different feel than the existing STONEWARE….
While previous STONEWARE products have been characterized by linear designs, we wanted to incorporate “circles” and “curves” in the new series. I wanted to base the ROUND on a simple semi-circle, as if the universal shape of a circle were simply halved. The soft design is the opposite of STONEWARE’s linear form, but straight lines, curves, and circles all share the same primitive nature. One of the things I wanted to do was to express a primitive design in the tableware that was different from the existing collection.
—— What are the specific features of the ROUND series, and what were some points you focused on?
As I mentioned earlier, the first thing to consider was form. From the beginning, my concept was to create MUG and PLATE with a primitive, yet rounded shape that would fit easily in the hand.
Especially for the MUG, I was particular about its shape. When drinking coffee or café au lait in a mug, I think there are people who hold the cup with both hands and enjoy it slowly. You feel the warmth of the drink in the palm of your hand, which seems to enhance the flavor. Imagining such a scene, we aimed to create a design that would feel comfortable even when holding the MUG as if it were wrapped in both hands.
And I made the ROUND series thicker than the existing STONEWARE. This is to create a chubby form and a design that gives the user a sense of weight. I also took into consideration the appropriate thickness of the material to enhance heat retention.
—— The form looks completely different from the existing STONEWARE. Did you encounter any difficulties while designing it?
Indeed. I wanted to express a different aesthetic from the existing one.
I spent quite a bit of time adjusting its subtle curves. Because it is so simple and primitive, even little details affect the balance. Therefore, I was very particular about the position of the handles and the balance and fine-tuning of the curves.
As for how I actually finished the product, I made a number of mock-ups with a 3D printer and verified them. I use mock-ups to confirm details that cannot be seen from 2D drawings alone…for example, the actual look and feel of the product when touched or held in the hand. Especially for the MUGs, I made at least 10 of each size. After all, when you make something in 3D, you can clearly see parts that are not obvious in 2D. I checked and adjusted with the actual mockups for parts that could not be verified on the drawings.
—— We have heard that some people have been asking for a STONEWARE with a rounded shape for some time.
Yes, you are right. We have been told by several coffee shops we have dealt with that they want round shaped mugs…. We received this request especially from shops that specialize in café latte. The reason is that the shape of the cup also determines the taste and appearance of a café latte that uses steamed milk.
The “convection” of steamed milk is important for a café latte. The rounded bottom of ROUND’s MUG encourages the convection of the milk, creating a rich flavor. Therefore, we can say that one feature of this product is that it allows you to taste a particular latte, which could not be achieved with the conventional linear STONEWARE.
The MUG in ROUND has a capacity of approximately 200 ml for the S size, 270 ml for the M size, and 360 ml for the L size when full… three sizes that are perfect for a variety of drinks such as cappuccino, black coffee, cafe latte, soup, and more.
—— And it is the color variation of ROUND that catches the eye.
From the beginning, I wanted to offer a completely different color variation than the existing STONEWARE. At the same time, I wanted to do the same for ROUND this time, offering seven colors, so that customers can choose their favorites from a wide variety of colors.
Until now, most of them have been in blue tones, such as turquoise, blue, and light blue, and the pink has a cool grayish tint. We chose more “warm and cozy” colors for the ROUND. The colors chosen to link to the shape are warm or deep colors. In particular, I have added deep green and bordeaux, which have never been used for STONEWARE before. I hope that they will give a sense of calmness, gentleness, and warmth.
—— The color of yellow seems especially fresh to me. The coloring reminds me of ginkgo leaves in autumn.
Seven colors were chosen for the ROUND color variation, which fit well with any color combination. In this color variation, yellow is the accent color. I wanted the collection to be calm overall, but I also wanted bright colors that would softly lift my spirits…so I chose this yellow color.
Yellow is a warm color that is particularly good for cheering people up, I think. As you say, colored ginkgo is a perfect description for this color. When you see a yellow-colored ginkgo, you feel the autumn deepening and at the same time, your heart is lifted…it is a color that makes you feel happy and uplifted, isn’t it? I guess the color also evokes other springtime images of mimosa and dandelion.
—— ROUND has a glazed finish both outside and inside, unlike the existing STONEWARE…
To achieve this color variation, I decided to use a glazed finish on both the outside and inside, instead of using colored clay as before. However, the focus on matte on the outside and glossy on the inside… remains unchanged from the previous STONEWARE line-up.
As you will see when you touch it, the texture on the outside is almost as good as the colored clay finish…or rather, it has a more matte feel to it. It has a comfortable, rustic feel, and is a texture that STONEWARE fans will love.
—— Any recommendations on how to use the ROUND series?
As I mentioned earlier, I think the S size of the MUG is perfect for enjoying a cappuccino or black coffee. The M size is very versatile and can be used for coffee, tea, café lattes, and many other occasions. The L size is recommended for soups, and is a great size for those who want to drink plenty of café au lait.
The S size of the PLATE is useful for serving small sweets, or you can use it as a set of MUG saucers. Size M is moderately sized and works well for dining occasions. It can be used safely not only for hearty dishes such as salads and pasta, but also for curry and rice because of its high edge.
Choose your favorite size, your favorite color, and colorfully decorate your daily table with the ROUND series.
