TAMAKAGAMI

"Tamagagami"

In ancient Japanese, mirrors were not simply tools for reflecting images, but were revered as sacred vessels that reflected the soul and the truth. In particular, Japanese mirrors, with their rounded, soft curves, harbor spirituality in their refined appearance and serenity, and have come to be praised as "tama-kagami," or precious mirrors, like jewels.

"Jewel" is an archaic word meaning treasure in ancient times, and at the same time symbolizes purity, divinity, and permanence, and the "mirror" associated with it is also a symbol of the spirit that illuminates the self and connects the heart with the world. Filled with such spirituality, the "jewel mirror" opens up quiet time and space for inner gazing, and is more than just an everyday item.

This piece is a reconstruction of the ancient Japanese beauty of form and spirituality that resides in the "Gyokukyo" as a contemporary piece of ceramic art. While borrowing the universal shape of a circle, it is not perfect, but rather has slight fluctuations, shadows, and a warmth that feels when you touch it in your hand. The shifting light that shines on the surface, the soft thickness of the edges, the angle of the rise... It has such a presence that you are aware of everything, and just standing there makes the flow of time seem to slow down quietly.

And this vessel is not only beautiful, but also functions as a backdrop that reflects the colors and textures of the food. The gentle curves of the interior give a soft space for the presentation, and the quiet luster adds gentle shadows to the contours of the ingredients, creating a stage that highlights the food itself. Every time you look at it or pick it up, it sharpens your inner senses and awakens the quiet spirituality that resides between utility and beauty.