In the ever-shifting world of design, where trends come and go with the seasons, some objects retain a timeless allure. Tachikichi, a Kyoto-based ceramics house founded in 1752, is one such name that has quietly shaped the landscape of Japanese tableware for centuries. What began as a deep appreciation for their work—stumbling upon pieces here and there over the years—has evolved into an understanding of their profound place within 20th-century design movements. Whether intentional or serendipitous, many of these designs echo the bold gestures of Postmodernism while carrying subtle nods to the fluidity of Art Nouveau and the restrained rigor of Bauhaus.

Among its most striking contributions is Adam & Eve, a contemporary tableware line introduced in 1968 under the creative direction of a then 28-year-old Toshio Tomita. This collection was a revelation, fusing Western design sensibilities with the precision of Japanese craftsmanship. It redefined modern dining aesthetics and, for a time, dominated Japan’s pottery market. Though Adam & Eve faded into obscurity as mass production took precedence over artisanal integrity, its revival in 2016 signals a renewed interest in objects that tell a story—of their makers, their time, and their place in design history.

A curated selection of Tachikichi designs, including a striking focus on demitasse cups, small yet evocative symbols of refinement first popularized in 19th-century France—will be on display and available in-store. These pieces, beyond their functionality, serve as relics of an era when craftsmanship and innovation worked in tandem to create something enduring.

Photographer: Ryan Loh