Kitaoji Rosanjin (1883–1959) was an artist who forged his own path across calligraphy, painting, ceramics, and lacquer. He was also a highly discerning gourmet. He cooked, ran a restaurant, and shaped with his own hands the pieces suited to his cuisine. His words, “Tableware is the kimono of food,” reflect his belief that food is complete only when presented in the right vessel.

The makers in this collection keep his designs alive through utsushi, the practice of learning from a master by recreating his work and bringing it into daily life. Some workshops have a direct connection with Rosanjin himself. Others have faithfully reproduced his originals, drawing on pieces held in museums and other archives.

None of these wares were made to sit on a shelf. Each one is waiting for a meal to bring it to life. Cherished and handed down through generations, they allow Rosanjin’s aesthetic to live on.