From the very beginning, Sucabaruca and Aureola, was about involving people from different cultures and countries; Luca Nichetto, a designer from Venice, Italy, but residing in Stockholm, Sweden; Lera Moiseeva, designer and artist of Russian origin, but New Yorker by adoption; Mjölk, a purveyor of objects and furniture from Japan and Scandinavia; Canadian ceramicist Alissa Coe, who carefully crafted the prototypes and the first edition of the sets; Kihara Inc, the manufacturer of the sets, skillfully handcrafted each piece in Arita, Japan. All of these people have enriched the project, making it an extraordinary melting pot of ideas and energy on an international scale.

We chose to work with Kihara because of the history and expertise of the makers in the studio. Arita was one of the first places to produce porcelain wares in Japan in the early 17th Century. The work that was produced was heavily influenced by Korea, using an underglaze in blue, the Sometsuke porcelain became the primary finishing technique.

Today, Arita ceramics are considered both works of fine art as well as vessels primarily used for function. Kihara, a studio that has been producing for over 400 years, uses a traditional white glaze with blue undertones. The company still produces work with techniques that have remained unchanged while also incorporating new technologies to enhance the nature of the material.

The Sucabaruca Coffee Set is rich in cultural and formal references that come from the influences of several people involved in the project. The main cone-shaped body is reminiscent of Carmencita, the famous character created by Armando Testa in1966 for the tv show Carosello. The lines in the ceramic are meant to emphasize the uniqueness of the pieces which can be stacked and combined in various ways.

Set includes pot, filter funnel and 3 cups.

The Aureola Tea Set was designed based on research about ancient and modern tea sharing rituals that play a significant role in the social relationships in several countries. The tea ceremony represents an important tradition in many areas of the world, and particularly in Asia, influencing numerous other cultures. By observing how tea is consumed in Russia, Luca Nichetto noticed that the infuse is served not in cups but in small bowls without the handle and realized how this small detail gives more solemnity to the whole ritual.

Set includes pot, strainer and 2 bowls.

Hey! It’s our first visit (in a long time) to someplace other than Scandinavia or Japan! Off to London with a three day stay in Kent for our friends Hollie & Pete’s wedding.

After a slightly terrifying taxi ride from the airport (did you know you can prebook a taxi that will meet you at the airport with a sign? Much better than traipsing through London with luggage on the tube and train after no sleep) we took a walk in the nearby village of Bearsted to grab a bite at a pub and take in the spring scenery.

Hi! We’re terrible at selfies and we’re ok with that.

Day two meant a hen spa day for me, and a trip over to Whitstable for John. Windy Corner Stores is a cute cafe.

When John has an idea in his head…vintage trench coat shopping…

Lunch was full at the highly recommended Wheelers Oyster Bar. Next time!

A perfect intimate wedding at The Secret Garden. Probably my last turn at bridesmaid.

Had to share this photo of the bride and groom, in front of this super rad Bluebird Coach. Coolest. I missed out on getting some inside detail shots, like the milk glass electric lights.

Kent was a nice easygoing start to our trip.