Curagenda Collectible Artisan Objects
The Curagenda SHOP was born out of our founder Helen's love and obsession with collecting high quality artisan objects during her travels, whether it was a scouting trip or traveling with her clients. Through her network of insiders in art and culture, and her personal taste for design and style, she can find master artisans that have generations in refining their craft. She decided to create a platform and share her findings with a larger likeminded audience, and those that appreciate sustainable crafts.
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KYUSHU
Kyushu, an island Southwest of the main island of Japan, is a land with a unique cultural
landscape and history. With its famous hot springs, dramatic mountains and volcanoes, peaceful beaches, it is a destination that offers spectacular nature, culture and cuisine. When Japan was isolated for around 200 years before the Meiji era, it was only in Nagasaki, in northern Kyushu, that provided an open port for limited trading. Hence, Kyushu had early influences from China, Korea, Southeast Asia, and Europe, which still maintains until the modern day.
Kyushu is home to some of the most important porcelain and ceramics artisans in all of Japan, with Arita being a main hub for Japanese porcelain goods and Karatsu-ware bowls and vessels being highly valued by collectors.
Presented here are ceramics and glassware selected by the Curator directly from studios. Each piece is uniquely handcrafted by artisans in Kyushu, including the following cities: Arita, Karatsu, Saga, Kagoshima, Koishiwara, and Yame.
OKINAWA
Okinawan pottery is distinctive for its use of local materials, including unique glazes made from wood ash, and features functional pieces for everyday use, ceremonial vessels and decorative art. The pottery often incorporates characteristic designs such as the traditional Okinawan shisa (guardian lion-dogs), botanical motifs, and geometric patterns. While many pieces feature earthy brown and gray tones from their clay body, Okinawan potters also developed vibrant blue glazes influenced by trade with other Asian nations during the Ryukyu Kingdom period.
Yachimun (やちむん) is the traditional pottery craft of Okinawa, with roots stretching back to the time of the independent Ryukyu Kingdom. The word "yachimun" comes from the Okinawan language, where "yachi" means "eight thousand" and "mun" means "things" or "objects." The craft flourished particularly in the village of Tsuboya, which became known as the pottery district of Naha.
Today, yachimun remains an important part of Okinawan cultural identity, with modern artisans continuing the tradition while developing new interpretations of these ancient techniques.
Presented here are ceramics and glassware selected by the Curator directly from studios, including Tsuboya-ware and Ryukyu glassware from the infamous Inamine studio.
