「NEW BOOKS」UTSUWA

The Vessels Encountered by Yukiko Ishimura of Nara’s 〈Kurumi no Ki〉,with a Selection Introduced Alongside Their Stories

Forty years ago, before the term or concept of a “lifestyle shop” existed, the café and store 〈Kurumi no Ki〉 in Nara pioneered this style. Attracting fans from beyond the prefecture, the shop’s food and goods are carefully curated by its representative, Yukiko Ishimura.
Among these, the presence of vessels (utensils) has been a significant starting point and a cherished focus for Ishimura.

This book, structured in five chapters, introduces a selection of vessels that Ishimura has encountered and holds dear from her teenage years to the present.

The first chapter recounts her teenage experience at the Nogi Shrine antique flea market in Tokyo, where she was taken by her aunt who ran a ryokan (traditional inn), and purchased her first white porcelain and blue-and-white vessels—marking the origin of her connection to vessels.

The second chapter highlights Chinese tea utensils, as well as teabowls, teacups, glasses, and mugs that Ishimura, who cherishes moments of conversation, considers “vessels that accompany time spent talking with others.”

The third chapter focuses on the many artisans she respects, trusts, and loves, including Ryuji Mitsuya, whom she regards as “a particularly special artisan,” and Kazumi Tsuji, whom she felt compelled to meet after reading an article and subsequently visited. These are vessels by artisans with whom she has shared an era.

The fourth chapter features antiques from China and Korea acquired during travels, as well as vessels by contemporary Korean artisans with a modern aesthetic.

The final chapter introduces vessels by younger artisans who inspire Ishimura with a desire to grow together.

From visiting admired artisans in the beginning, to mutual inspiration through interactions with peers, and recently finding discovery and surprise in the work of younger artisans, the many vessels Ishimura has collected are fateful encounters. Each one has “delighted her eyes,” forming a once-in-a-lifetime story with these vessels.

Publisher Seigensha

Published  2025

Pages 128

Size 235x180mm