Japanese design at Studio Hafnia

Japanese design is about doing a few things really well. Clean shapes, natural materials and a glaze or a fabric that only grows more beautiful with use. That is the idea we collect here: a selection of Japanese ceramics, textiles, lamps and small objects that we have sourced ourselves from workshops and suppliers in Japan.

That is exactly why Japanese design works so well alongside Nordic interiors. Both are built on simplicity, craftsmanship and things made to last – and that meeting is what many people know as Japandi.

 

Japanese ceramics

At the heart of the selection is Japanese ceramics – plates, platters, bowls, cups and mugs and lidded jars. Much of it comes from the Mino area, Japan's largest ceramics region, where stoneware and porcelain have been fired for more than 400 years. Small differences in glaze and shape are not flaws – they are what makes each piece its own.

From the iconic 1616/arita Japan to the stackable porcelain from Chips Japan, for which we are the exclusive retailer in Denmark. All ceramics are food safe and made to be used every day.

 

Japanese textiles – noren and furoshiki

Textiles have always had a double role in Japanese homes: they divide the room and decorate it at the same time. Our Japanese wall hangings are hand-printed noren in hemp and cotton, supplied with a wooden hanger. Furoshiki are the square wrapping cloths that work just as well on the wall, as gift wrapping or tied into a bag.

 

Rice paper lamps and Japanese lighting

The rice paper lamp is one of the clearest Japanese design icons. The washi paper spreads the light softly and warmly instead of throwing it sharply into the room. Among others we carry Shigeru Uchida's Paper Moon series and Daisaku Chou's Andon lamps from Asano – the family workshop in Gifu where the lamps are folded and assembled by hand, and for which we are the exclusive retailer in Denmark. See them together with the rest of our designer lamps.

 

Matcha and tea rituals

For the Japanese tea ceremony – or simply for a quiet morning – we have matcha accessories: matcha bowls, chasen bamboo whisks, chashaku tea scoops and rests. And chopstick rests to finish the table.

 

Objects with a story

The vintage kokeshi dolls are turned in wood and hand-painted, originally made as toys in northern Japan. The koi koinobori fish in washi paper are traditionally hung in spring and stand for strength and perseverance. And the bamboo fans are equal parts tool and wall art.

 

Frequently asked questions

Is the Japanese ceramic food safe?
Yes. All ceramics in the selection are food safe and tested for daily use with food and drink.

 

Is it dishwasher safe?
Most pieces are, but it is always stated on the individual product page – hand-painted and unglazed parts should be washed by hand.

 

Why are two identical items not quite identical?
Because they are made by hand. Variations in glaze, colour and shape come with the craft and are part of the expression.

 

Can I see the pieces in person?
Yes. You are welcome in our showroom in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, where you can see the glazes in daylight and feel the materials.

 

See also our full ceramics selection and wall decor.