Reiko Kaneko

A British-Japanese designer, Reiko Kaneko makes typically English ceramic tableware and home accessories with a Japanese twist.

UNIQUE CERAMIC TABLEWARE

Having studies Art & Design at Central St Martins College, in 2007 Reiko Kaneko established her own London studio and, since then, hasn't looked back. In 2009 she was shortlisted in for the Elle Decoration UK Design of the Year and also won the Hidden Art Award for her unique ceramics and brand. Much of Britain's ceramics industry has moved abroad, but a small and vital industry of mould makers, model makers and casters still exists, which Kaneko utilises fully in her work. All Reiko Kaneko ceramics are made in Stoke-on-Trent by skilled craftspeople, resulting in a mix of traditional manufacturing techniques and contemporary designs.

HUMOROUS DESIGN

Visitors to the Reiko Kaneko website can browse the full range online, which includes mugs, tea cups and saucers, Christmas baubles, egg soldier cups, pet bowls and miniature vases. The Japanese twist comes in the elements of humour featuring in this quintessentially English collection. These twists include the Drip Tease, in which gold drips down the side of a mug or cup; the Lip Tease, in which the gold imprint of a pair of lips around the rim of a mug or cup feature; or a Heart design, in which the shadow of the handle is silk screen printed to create a subtle heart shape on the mug itself. This is witty design, but design that maintains an elegance through the integrity of the manufacturing process and simplicity of form.

BLOG

Reiko Kaneko complements her excellent collection of tableware and home accessories online with a good blog called Design Dots. This features posts on the various design events Kaneko attends, some of her design ideas and points of design interest for readers. Kaneko is clearly a talented young designer and this site is well worth checking out.

29 October 2010