RISO porcelain continues to explore the wonderful relationship between food and ceramics through the creation of exquisite tableware that could be called the art of the banquet. With a studio in Arita, the home of renowned pottery making, the company has been producing ceramics for use in restaurants for over 60 years. In recent years, the company has expanded its sales channels overseas, and its custom-made porcelain pieces are used in famous restaurants around the world.

The roots of RISO porcelain date back to the late Meiji period (1868-1912), and its name is a reference to the Korean-born potter Lee Sampyeong, who is considered the father of Arita Porcelain. From its earliest days, this studio gained a reputation for its dyed ceramics. This is a traditional hand-painted underglaze technique that originated in China in the 13th century and is particularly beautiful in white and blue. Shinji Terauchi IV happened to find a piece of dyed pottery in his backyard and was completely fascinated by the colors and details that remained after several hundred years. This experience became the foundation of his philosophy of creating timeless beauty. It continues to inspire his relentless quest for new techniques and designs based on dyeing techniques.

How can traditional Japanese tableware blossom in the modern food scene? Shinji Terauchi IV always collaborates with domestic and international chefs to create original pieces from this perspective. For example, chef Andoni Aduriz of the Michelin two-star restaurant Mugaritz in Spain and Yoji Tokuyoshi of Ristorante Tokuyoshi in Italy. While inheriting tradition, Yi Zhuang Ceramics Factory is never bound by it, but actively incorporates the latest digital technology to challenge new forms. Shinji Terauchi asserts that technology is nothing more than a tool. He is convinced that the key to successful design is derived from years of experience as a craftsman. The company’s showroom in Arita displays a wide variety of the company’s work, and visitors will encounter creations that will make them want to shout with delight, from hand-painted vessels with the unique Arita Porcelain dyeing process, in which patterns are drawn in blue on a white background, to contemporary designs.