Japanese tableware, a traditional Japanese craft, is used in a variety of restaurants due to its delicate beauty and reliable techniques. Famous items such as Arita ware, Hasami ware, and Wajima ware also give off a unique presence in Western table settings, creating a luxurious dining table.
The charm of enjoying Western food with Japanese tableware
Traditional Japanese tableware creates unexpected harmony in Western table coordination. The white porcelain Arita ware has its transparent texture to enhance the delicateness of French cuisine, while the lacquered dishes feature deep colours that accentuate the rich colours of Italian cuisine.
Key points for coordinating Japanese tableware
It is common to stock Western tableware by series or brand, but the appeal of Japanese tableware is the idea of "combination". By combining different designs, shapes and materials, a dining table with a richer look can be created. We will introduce some of the key points to consider when incorporating Japanese tableware if you are used to Western tableware.
1. Incorporate the idea of "leading and supporting characters"
For those who are used to matching Western tableware, we recommend first thinking of "one main character" and "a supporting character that enhances this." For example, a large, dyed platter is used as the main feature for the main dish, and a small, unpainted white porcelain plate is placed on the side. Rather than just putting everything together, focusing on it makes it easier to incorporate it.
source:Everything about Japanese tableware
2. Create a sense of unity with color tones
Even if the type of dish or pattern differs, matching the color tone can help maintain a sense of unity. For example, when you coordinate with a "blue" style, harmony can be created by combining Arita-yaki indigo-colored dishes with a bluish white porcelain or celadon. This is easy to incorporate into a way of thinking that is similar to Western tableware coordination.
3. Mixed Western and Japanese tableware
Instead of replacing everything with Japanese tableware at first, it is also effective to combine Western tableware with Japanese tableware. for example:
- The main dish is made with Western dishes that you usually use, as well as Japanese dishes for appetizers and desserts.
- "Plate style" where small bowls of Japanese tableware are placed on a dinner plate for Western tableware
- Drinks are divided into Western dishes and dishes are Japanese dishes, such as by purpose
source:TABLE MANIA
4. Enjoy contrasting materials
The uniform texture of Western tableware allows you to enjoy the texture of Japanese tableware. Deliberately combining different materials such as porcelain, ceramic, lacquerware, and glass creates depth and change in the table. In particular, lacquerware such as Wajima lacquer creates a beautiful contrast with glass and silver cutlery, giving it a modern impression.
source:Queen Ann
Step-by-step when incorporating Japanese tableware
- First, let's start with one point: Instead of changing everything at once, try incorporating Japanese tableware from just one piece, such as appetizer plates and small bowls.
- Finding "common": It will be easier to harmonize if there are elements (colors, shapes, tastes, etc.) that are common between existing Western dishes and new Japanese dishes.
- How to incorporate the seasons: Japanese vessels value the seasonal feel. Choose cherry blossom patterns during spring cherry blossom viewing season, cool blue dishes in summer, foliage and fruity dishes in autumn, and warm vermilion and lacquerware in winter, and you can feel the change of seasons at the dining table.
- Integrates with tablecloths and decorations: Try reviewing the tablecloth to match your Japanese tableware. Textiles with textures such as white and beige linens and indigo-dyed runners bring out the best in Japanese tableware.
Japanese tableware, a traditional Japanese craft, has value that goes beyond just tableware due to its high artistry. Japanese tableware that gives off a sense of "imperfect beauty" and "wabisabi" that are different from the orderly beauty of Western tableware, brings a fresh look to your everyday Western style. Be sure to incorporate it in little by little and turn your daily dining table into a special experience with beautiful Japanese tableware created by the skills of Japanese craftsmen.