Ancient Japanese pottery techniques create a sublime coffee-drinking experience. Back in 2015, Starbucks started a new series in Japan called Jimoto Made , which translates as “ Locally Made “. As the name suggests, the new project aimed to shine a light on local craftsmanship with a series of collaborative goods , and now, almost a decade later, it’s still going strong with a brand new addition to the range that’s one of the best we’ve seen.
The new Jimoto Made product is a Bizen ware mug , which is big news for fans of Japanese pottery. Bizen ware has a long history that stretches back almost 2,000 years, making it the oldest of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns , which consists of Bizen , Echizen , Seto , Tokoname , Shigaraki , and Tamba . Made in Bizen, in Okayama Prefecture, this style of pottery is known for its unglazed, rustic appearance , which has fascinated people throughout history, including famous tea ceremony master Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591), who admired its simple wabi sabi aesthetics.
▼ This style of pottery is the closest you’ll get to holding earth, fire and water in your hand. Bizen ware isn’t only esteemed in tea ceremony circles, but coffee-drinking circles as well, due to the fact that the fine pores in its uneven surface make it breathable, which helps to make the taste of coffee more mellow and well-rounded . It’s a sublime coffee-drinking experience that Starbucks wants more people to enjoy, and to do that they’ve created the Jimoto Made.