"PukuPuku proposes how to use Japanese tableware that suits the current era <<193rd>>" :: Recycle News

Exterior view of Nakamichidori store

"Kichijoji PukuPuku Nakamichi-dori Branch" offers reasonably priced antique Japanese tableware, such as stamped small plates and namasu plates. It's easy for beginners to enter, and it's a store that serves as a gateway to antiques. It is also popular with foreign tourists and is bustling with a wide range of customers.

Suggesting how to use Japanese tableware that fits the current era

"The seal small plate has a standard size and is easy to store, which is also attractive. Some people enjoy collecting them." That's what Yoriko Fukuda, a staff member of Kichijoji PukuPuku, says. About 15,000 items are in stock at the store. 70% of them are Imari, and other antique Japanese tableware such as Seto ware and Mino ware are displayed.

Ms. Yoriko Fukuda

Restaurants sometimes come to the store and buy it because of its variety and quantity. It is said that even a ryokan in as far away as Yamanashi came to buy them. “There are a lot of customers, so we have a lot of customers who don't know what to choose. We ask them what size and pattern they are looking for, and then make a proposal,” says Mr. Fukuda. I try to teach young people how to use tableware. “A deep tea bowl with a lid can be used as a regular dish container without having to wrap it. Also, if you combine a soba sake cup with a small plate and make it into a cup and saucer, it will be appreciated as a gift. We are proposing ways to use it that suit you.” In the future, we would like to increase the number of physical stores.

As the number of online shops increases, we want people to pick up the products directly and feel the goodness of tableware unique to the past. “I hope to hold events such as table coordination and Kintsugi one day,” says Fukuda.

In order to make it easy for customers to pick up, small stamped plates are lined up on a flat stand. There are various patterns, and just looking at them is fun

The most popular pattern is the "Mijinkarakusa" pattern. In the early Meiji era, the color of the lid becomes brighter with the dye. Mr. Fukuda says, ``From the Meiji period onwards, Western tastes were incorporated into the patterns, making them modern. There is also an atmosphere similar to that of Royal Copenhagen tableware, so you can mix it with other Western tableware without feeling out of place. says

Namasu plates with a flat bottom and a little depth are also popular. It is used as a serving plate for salads and simmered dishes, and for serving soups such as oden. “There aren’t many modern tableware with flat bottoms, so they seem to be very useful,” says Mr. Fukuda.

Separate corners by era, and show the goodness of each

Tableware from the Edo period to the end of the Edo period to the Meiji period and tableware from the Taisho era onward are displayed in separate corners. The goodness of each tableware is made to stand out. "If you put them together, it seems that the Edo period items are expensive. By displaying them separately, I try to convey the value of each item to customers." (Mr. Fukuda)

The patterns on tableware from the Edo period to the Meiji Edo period are all handwritten. The pattern drawn is also pictorial

Taisho to pre-war Taisho to pre-war Small plates are printed. The number of colors used has increased, creating a gorgeous impression

Popular Products with Foreign Tourists

The wooden boxes used to mold Japanese sweets are popular with foreign tourists. It can be displayed as it is, or it can be wrapped in plastic wrap and used as a mold for soap or paper clay. Even in Japan, there are cases where writers purchase it to create works.

Wooden confectionery mold

Glass tableware is often purchased by young Korean women. Cute designs sell as souvenirs

Glass tableware

The Nishi Koen-mae store, perfect for antique lovers

The Nishi Koen-mae store is just a few minutes' walk from the Nakamichi-dori store.

In contrast to the Nakamichi-dori store, which has many reasonably priced items, this store mainly sells tableware from the Edo period to the Taisho period. Because it is located in the back of the shopping street, it is a space where elderly people and antique lovers can relax and browse the products.

Vol.456 (2019/01/25 issue) Page 13