Japanese Collection

Inspired by the Japanese tradition of pottery and ceramics, Piero Lissoni delights us with a trio of bowls, bringing an innovative twist to a classic object through the choice of natural stone.

The shape and dimensions of the first piece, in cool white Bianco Carrara marble, recall the hiragata, a low bowl traditionally used for drinking tea during the summer months. The ample proportions of the base make this elegant accessory highly practical, as it is exceptionally stable.

The muted pastel pinkish-straw-coloured hues of Crema d’Orcia limestone emphasise the exquisite delicacy of the second bowl, creating a counterpoint to the solidity of the first. Opening up from a circular base, its curves bring to mind a flower gently unfurling.

A classic, graceful cut characterises the third bowl, which delivers a dramatic contrast to the pale shades of the other two. The inky black surface and splashes of white veining make this piece in Nero Marquinia marble a striking accessory which, at 8 cm high is slightly taller. Its form recalls the Japanese sugi-nari models, designed for sipping green tea.

Once again, Lissoni pushes natural stone past conventional limits, creating intriguing allusions to a faraway culture that never fails to fascinate.

“I push a material’s usage to extremes, in this case natural stone, and then also push the quality of that material to extremes, taking it towards a disarming aesthetic.”