‘Ceramika ceramic tableware showroom, shop and café’ by Claesson Koivisto Rune
In the mountainous Nagano Prefecture of Japan, some 200 km northwest of Tokyo, is Matsumoto, a centre for traditional crafts such as wood, lacquerware and fabric. It’s the home to the Ceramika flagship store designed by Swedish architects Claesson Koivisto Rune.
‘Ceramika ceramic tableware showroom, shop and café’ by Claesson Koivisto Rune
“Ceramika is represented with shops in every major city throughout Japan and through mail order and online business, but Matsumoto is the home town.” says CKR. “The Ceramika showroom is located in the city centre in a former City Hall building along the Matsumoto river. The space was completely stripped and the new interior is deliberately simple but with meticulously refined details. The layout is on a strict repetitive grid.”
‘Ceramika ceramic tableware showroom, shop and café’ by Claesson Koivisto Rune
“The colours and materials of the interior were chosen to harmonise with the porcelain which is mostly blue and white. The project was a fruitful collaboration between the architect and the client. The client and owner of the Ceramika showroom, Mr. Hiroshi Arai, took a personal pride in attending to the quality and execution of every detail in the project.”
‘Ceramika ceramic tableware showroom, shop and café’ by Claesson Koivisto Rune
“The wood furniture was designed by Claesson Koivisto Rune and manufactured by carpenter master Hara-san. This made it possible to use smaller proportions and have a much higher degree of refinement, than usually in a project like this. (And making Mr. Arai’s quality control position not a too burdensome one.)”
‘Ceramika ceramic tableware showroom, shop and café’ by Claesson Koivisto Rune
“Many of the pieces in the project was designed especially by Claesson Koivisto Rune and manufactured locally in Japan. Such as the display furniture, tables and clothes hangers. Other pieces also designed by Claesson Koivisto Rune were produced by manufacturers such as Almedahls, David design, Tacchini, and Wästberg.”
‘Ceramika ceramic tableware showroom, shop and café’ by Claesson Koivisto Rune
“The aim was to create a space which was strict, yet humble. As an enhancing frame for the ceramic objects at display (and a section of illustrated children’s books from around the world!). And – last but not least – the small cafe with both indoors and outdoors seating.”
to the Claesson Koivisto Rune website
