Table Setting #199
Cool Summer Vibes on Tanabata

The Star Festival, known as Tanabata, commemorates the romantic tale of Orihime and Hikoboshi, a couple separated by the Milky Way who are allowed to meet just once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month. On this day filled with heartfelt wishes and hopes for a clear starry sky, people gather to enjoy the festivities with colorful decorations and dishes that elevate the mood. Inspired by the Tanabata theme, today's table setting captures the beauty and charm of this age-old celebration.

Contents

• Colorful Star Festival
• The Fusion of Modernity and Tradition
• Featured Item

Key points of this table setting

1. Colorful Star Festival

Tanabata, rooted in ancient Chinese folklore, was introduced to Japan during the Nara period (710 CE–794 CE). Today, this celebration features wishes written on colorful tanzaku paper strips hung on small bamboo branches, and the anticipation of a clear night sky to search for stars. So, it only seems fitting that our table for a Tanabata meal is filled with a starry theme amidst an array of colors.

This table setting showcases the warmth and joy of a family enjoying chilled soba, buckwheat noodles. A sky-blue tablecloth sets the scene, complemented with refreshing, clear Edo Kiriko glass tumblers.

A salad made with fresh vegetables and plump shrimp, garnished with star-shaped decorations, is served in the Bitouen Akae Arabesque Pattern Kutani Bowl. This stoneware piece, a unique find in Kutani ware, highlights the table with its bold, hand-painted arabesque swirls. 

The charming Tasei Kiln Gosu Diamond Arita Chawanmushi Bowl is perfect not only for serving chawanmushi, Japanese steamed egg custard, but also for desserts. The Ominato Bunkichi Hemp Leaf Wazen Kumiko Tray, made from high-grade Akita cedar, exudes the fragrant charm of traditional Japanese ambiance. 

2. The Fusion of Modernity and Tradition

The MERU Flamenco Modern Mino Ware Plate delights with the comforting texture of Mino ware complemented by a vibrant yellow. The dazzling yellow, rare in traditional Japanese tableware, pairs beautifully with both Japanese and Western dishes, bringing happiness to your table.

A Milky Way of colorful soba and star-shaped egg pancakes graces the table, resembling a galaxy of stars. This fun dish, paired with a classic Yamanaka Lacquerware Round Japanese Soba Tray, enhances the joyful spirit that everyone in the family can enjoy.

We hope our festive table setting has inspired you to create your own starry summer memories for Tanabata. With its blend of tradition and modern charm, this tablescape is perfect for other joyous gatherings as well. Here's to many more fun summer events with family and friends, all under the twinkling night sky.

Featured Item

Yamanaka Lacquerware Round Japanese Soba Tray

This round tray, made by Yamanaka lacquerware and featuring a removable bamboo strainer from Miyabi Urushi, is ideal for serving cold soba noodles, recreating an authentic soba restaurant ambiance. Available in black, brown and vermilion, the tray and strainer are easy to clean and versatile, usable separately for various dining purposes. Miyabi Urushi, renowned for its Kiso woodwork from Nagano Prefecture, produces high-quality tableware using fine Japanese woods.

MERU Flamenco Modern Mino Ware Plate 11 in

This eye-catching yellow stoneware plate features a rustic, warm and thick texture with a brown glazed rim, enhancing its vivid color. At 28 cm (11 in), it’s ideal as a platter or cake plate. Part of the Flamenco series, its warm yellow hue, inspired by yamabuki iro, Japanese kerria flowers, results from over a year’s search for the perfect kiln. Launched in 2022, MERU combines traditional Mino ware with modern designs for versatile use.