1+0 for A&S – Curry Plate

At 1+0, I am responsible for both design and production. In a world overflowing with objects, I often question whether there is truly a need to create more. Yet, even as I find myself caught in the machinery of a capitalist economy, the desire to make remains undeniable.

Though 1+0’s creations are considered products, they are deeply rooted in craftsmanship—requiring a level of skill that often surpasses traditional artisan work. Mass-produced items have long been associated with disposability, but our approach is different. We aim to create objects that retain the warmth of the human hand, much like the small-batch artisan production of the pre-Meiji era, where each piece carries the subtle traces of its maker.

The curry plate has been a lifelong project for me. The inspiration comes from “curry rice,” a dish that has been a staple since the Showa era. This time, while enjoying the curry at DOWN THE STAIRS, I thought about how I could improve the current 7-sun (approximately 21 cm) rimmed plate with Kōtan glaze—one you’re already using—to make it more practical and easier to eat from. The curry plates I made in my 30s were 8-sun (about 24 cm,) but now in my 50s, I find that 7-sun is just right. By refining the size and minimizing the rim, I was able to make better use of the plate’s surface area while still giving it a clean, refined look that stays true to A&S.

The curry plate was developed in collaboration with a trusted pottery studio that I regularly work with for 1+0 pottery. While I won’t delve into the specifics of the glaze and clay, based on past experience and with input from Sonya, the director of A&S, we made several adjustments to the glaze, ultimately achieving a color tone that blends both Japanese and Western influences. The curry plate has always been a personal project for me, and I designed it to make it easy to scoop even a single grain of rice with a spoon. The shape, with the rim curving inward, is technically challenging and requires a great deal of effort. For this reason, I chose the traditional mass-production method of wheel throwing, which requires skilled craftsmanship, rather than using plaster casting molds. While inspired by curry, the plate’s generous depth makes it versatile and suitable for a variety of uses.

While there has been an increase in stores selling tableware and products, those that offer the opportunity to truly experience and engage with the items are particularly special, creating a meaningful environment for both creators and users. Additionally, seeing these pieces in use on social media highlights the richness they bring to daily life.

Until now, 1+0 has not focused on product development through marketing or research. Instead, my designs have been based on my own personal perspective—thinking, “It would be great if something like this existed,” or “If it were up to me, I’d do it this way.” If I were to compare it to architecture, it’s like considering the quirks of a piece of land, the sunlight, and the flow of air—by unraveling these limitations, individuality emerges, and the structure takes shape through interpretation. Similarly, I search for these conditions and approach my designs as if I’m confirming the right answers along the way. I’m not chasing after trends or doing things just for show; I find the process more interesting when it feels like solving a puzzle. Moving forward, I’m excited to take on new challenges and continue pursuing my work with 1+0.