Brand Story: Rinka Collection by Kaneko Kohyo
2024 marks the 103rd anniversary of Kaneko Kohyo. The company has maintained its traditions while facing various obstacles, adapting to different historical backgrounds, and moving with the times. Now in the hands of the fourth generation, the company aims to build a legacy that will be cherished for generations and continue for another 100 years.
The Rinka collection is inspired by blooming flowers and designed with everyday dining in mind. The rustic look gives a sense of warmth, yet it is modern enough to fit any occasion—whether it’s a casual afternoon tea with friends, a formal meeting setting, or a family dinner. The soft, mellow glaze exudes a relaxing feeling and timeless appeal.
The challenge of creating the Rinka collection begins with achieving the handmade texture while maintaining the durability of porcelain. Often, to achieve a rustic and antique feel, low firing temperatures of 800 to 1,300°C are used. However, this usually results in lower durability for everyday use. Porcelain, which requires firing at around 1,200 to 1,400°C, needs higher temperatures that make it difficult to maintain the desired texture and shape.
Another obstacle they faced was creating pieces that are lightweight yet retain the authentic charm of handmade artistry. Thicker rims make the pieces heavier and more difficult to use every day, while thinner rims increase fragility. Additionally, porcelain shrinks about 15% during firing, which often deforms the shape and texture.
Even after perfecting the production process, the glazing step still requires an enormous amount of manual effort. To achieve the unique rustic look, artisans meticulously paint along each edge and rim with a brush before applying layers of glaze to every single piece. Overcoming these challenges requires a great deal of passion and consistency from the craftsmen. Through trials and errors, they finally created the elegant yet modern Rinka collection.
I have always been amazed by the Japanese spirit of continuing a family business for many generations. Each generation inherits precious skills passed down from the previous generation while overcoming and embracing new challenges that come their way. The company’s legacy, resilience, and established customer trust, built on a foundation of high-quality products, highlight its ongoing success and industry leadership. This is the main reason I want to start a shop to share the stories of these artisans. I look forward to writing more blogs and sharing their stories, with my favorite Rinka coffee mug in hand.
