Back in July, as an accompaniment to the Takayoshi Narita Wrought Iron Cookware Exhibition, we held a lunch with Narita-san’s friend Chef Seiko Tanaka of Hibari in Tokyo. We invited a small group of guests, some via raffle, to join us in celebrating and experiencing his cookware, dishes, serving ware and spoons.

There isn’t too much left from this exhibition, it really spoke to people, but we hope to work with Narita-san again soon.

SHOP THE EXHIBITION HERE

We held the lunch in our home, whereby I am sure you can see some familiar pieces in the background! Pictured: Chef Seiko Tanaka, Studio Junction’s Peter Tan and Christine Ho Ping Kong, and Studio Tint’s Takayoshi Narita.

The table is set with wonderful stainless steel plates that look like the moon due to the finish. A stainless steel bowl and serving spoon, and iron platters really make the colourful food pop.

Guests mingling with John.

Pork roasted in the oven in the wrought iron wok.

Freshly made gyoza fried in a wrought iron pan.

This was an incredible meal, please if you find yourself in Tokyo visit Hibari.

We had the pleasure of hosting our third exhibition with Japanese potter and Tea Master Masanobu Ando, entitled Momogusa, the name of the gallery he founded with his wife Akiko Ando. The exhibition itself explores the work of both Masanobu Ando through his pottery, and also the textile work of Akiko Ando along with specially commissioned craft work and stationary designed by Masanobu Ando and sold exclusively through Momogusa.

“Mjolk presents works from the world-famous Gallerie Momogusa. Selected and curated by owners Masanobu Ando and Akiko Ando, the gallery showcases everyday objects that are both utilitarian and yet extraordinarily thoughtfully crafted. The exhibition will include Momogusa original products and publications alongside the ceramics of Masanobu Ando and the clothing of Akiko Ando.”

SHOP THE EXHIBITION HERE

Soap dishes

A soft white wall vase inspired by England.

Two amazing Chawan (Tea bowls) the one on the left is made with a silver glaze, and the one on the right is made with real gold powder.

The full set-up for the Chinese tea ceremony. During the last exhibition Mr. Ando perfomed the Japanese tea ceremony, and this time he wanted to share something different.

Textiles by Akiko Ando

A chabako, Tea ceremony set

—————————————————————————————————————————-

Thank you to everyone who came out to the opening party!

Frank dressed in one of Akiko Ando’s sarongs, selected specially for him. Elodie rocking the princess vibes.

Getting a lesson in how to wear a sarong.

Mr. Ando performing a Chinese tea ceremony.

As always, we had a very engaged and enthusiastic crowd.

We had the opportunity to visit our customer Lord Rumi Verjee, who owns and operates Thomas Goode & Co., purveyor of dishware for the Queen of England. He gave us a behind the scenes tour of his shop, and I really regret not photographing the old catalogs, with their hand painted patterns.

Very cool, an old timey automatic door. Step on the platform and counter weights open the doors.

Another stop was The New Craftsmen. It was nice to see new British design and craft.

We passed by Marble Arch station every day, and I couldn’t help but really enjoy these designs on the tube walls.

We visited the Victoria and Albert Museum. Love these David Kirkness chairs.

Lucie Rie ceramics.

Lucie Rie’s studio

So much marble.

John was on a hat buying mission.

Visited Another Country.

A cute little street, a nice family and lovely evening.