Zogan: Innovative Embedded Ware Dishware

Combining Tradition and Contemporary Design

Elegant porcelain or enamel geometries embedded in durable, dark walnut provide a unique look to TAMEN's Zogan "Embedded Ware" dishes. The challenging combination of these seemingly discordant materials unexpectedly emerges in perfect harmony, creating dishware that is both functional and exquisitely decorative.

The slip- and pressure-cast porcelain is meticulously hand-finished by Japanese craftsmen, leaving no visible seams. It is then bonded with high-grade, heat- and water-resistant adhesive to a dark walnut that has been saturated with resin to prevent warping. The trays, on the other hand, are bonded to laser-cut stainless steel coated with a high-endurance enamel, making them more resistant to nicks and scratches than traditional powder coating.

Zogan dishware comes in various sizes, including a bowl, trays, a decanter/vase, and a cup. Each piece is meticulously crafted to precise specifications. The bowl measures W125mm x D120mm x H40mm, while the trays come in two sizes: Tray S (W250mm x D100mm x H15mm) and Tray L (W350mm x D140mm x H20mm). The decanter/vase measures W60mm x D67mm x H200mm, and the cup measures 65mm x 65mm x 75mm.

Not only are these pieces visually stunning, but they also come wrapped in cloth and packed in custom-made wooden boxes crafted from princess tree wood, traditionally used for high-end gift boxes in Japan.

Zogan dishware is not just for decoration; it is also highly functional. The decanter and cup can be used as an elegant service for sake, wine, or water. The sleek trays and bowl are suitable and safe for food service, making them perfect for presenting hors d'oeuvres or as eye-catching centerpieces on dining room tables or sideboards. The trays' extremely durable enamel coating also makes them ideal for daily use as dresser top valets for coins and keys.

The design of Zogan dishware began in 2016 at Yoshiaki Ito Studio in Brooklyn. Ito then traveled to Japan in 2017 to refine the craftsmanship techniques with artisans in Seto, Aichi, and Tsubame. Another trip to Niigata in 2018 was made to find a solution for resin-impregnated walnut that bonds seamlessly with the other materials. The project was concluded in late 2018, and the dishware was made ready for sale, packaged in elegant custom-made wooden boxes.

Yoshiaki Ito's research for Zogan dishware involved studying traditional Japanese dishware design to find an unusual combination of materials. The challenge of bonding porcelain to walnut required the development of new reliable techniques, which were achieved through direct interaction with experienced craftsmen in porcelain and enamel in Japan. The innovation of using resin-impregnated walnut was the result of extensive trial and error.

The fusion of walnut and porcelain in Zogan dishware employs innovative craftsmanship, resulting in a clean design that belies the challenges of uniting these materials. Making precise geometrically shaped porcelain ware is difficult, as the firing process often causes shrinkage and warping. Finding a porcelain manufacturer to create consistent, precise shapes and identifying resin-impregnated walnut were the two greatest challenges overcome in the design process.

Zogan Embedded Ware combines traditionally distinct Japanese dishware materials by bonding hardwood with porcelain or enameled stainless steel. The fusion of organic and ceramic employs Japanese artisanal craftsmanship, resulting in a design that hides the inherent challenge of uniting these materials. Geometric shapes in bright white porcelain or enamel are embedded in durable, dark walnut, forming sculptural objects that also function as place settings.

Zogan dishware has been recognized for its exceptional design and innovation. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware, and Cookware Design category in 2019. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Zogan dishware is respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings while contributing to a better world.