2 minutes walk from Kakuozan Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line. "sono" is located in the Kakuozan area, which is popular not only in Nagoya but also from far away as a fashionable town. A directly managed store of the tableware brand "Marumitsu pottery" in Seto City, which develops tableware brands such as Studio M and Sobokai. This shop is irresistible for vessel lovers.

When you open the door, you will see a large table with a nice coordination of vessels. And there is a wide variety of vessels, large and small, for everyday use as well as for important gifts in special occasions.

Tablewares that make everyday life a little more special

In 1988, Marumitsu pottery launched “Studio M” as a tableware brand under the theme of “I want to make meals more enjoyable”. After that, he opened 10 stores in Nagoya City, Seto City, and Tokyo, including tableware shops, restaurants, and cooking classes. They have original products that give each store its own characteristics.

One of them is this "sono", which mainly has white bowls centered on Sobokai. Opened in 2010 on Kakuozan, "sono" means "I am" or "I am" in Italian. It seems that the owner named it with the thought of various people enjoying the vessel.

“Even within Nagoya, Kakuozan is a historical yet sophisticated area. At sono, we propose tableware and table coordination that can create a 'a little special day'."

"The charm of sono is its table display, which is designed for a large group of people, so that you can invite your dear friends over to your home or enjoy a holiday brunch with everyone. The store usually have platters about 24 cm in size, but sono has a large selection of 28 cm platters," said Mr. Sahara, who is in charge of the store.

Fun combination of white and color, sono-like vessel

At "sono", they have been using mainly white tableware since the opening. We propose simple yet unique white vessels, such as glossy white and white that gives you a sense of texture.

As a next step from April last year, they have been developing vessels with colors that complement the white while keeping the base color white. In summer it is yellow, blue or pale pink. In winter, you can enjoy seasonally colored vessels such as browns, greens, and reds.

All of the vessels have attractive sono-like sophisticated forms. Incorporating colored tableware also creates a feeling of excitement, wondering, “What kind of colors will I be able to enjoy this year?”

Tips for choosing and enjoying vessels

There are many people who are wondering how to choose a vessel among so many. We asked Mr. Sahara about the key points of choosing a tableware and how to enjoy it.

- Please tell us about the points of choosing a vessel that fits you perfectly.

Mr. Sahara:"There are various types of tableware. When choosing tableware, we always ask our customers, 'What kind of tableware are you using now?', 'What is it used for?' etc. We support you in selecting a bowl while listening to your needs. Even if you want a small bowl, the size and shape of the bowl will completely change depending on what kind of food you want to cook with it, how much you usually eat, and what your family structure is like. The size and shape of the small bowls will completely change depending on these factors."

- The choice of vessel changes depending on how the person lives.

Mr. Sahara: "Yes. Depending on your lifestyle and eating habits, this tableware will change whether it suits you or not.In addition to the shape, there are also colors in the tableware. , The texture is completely different, such as glossy and matte.If you are unsure about which vessel to choose, please contact us and we will propose a vessel that suits you perfectly."

- Please tell us about the tips to enjoy choosing a vessel.

Mr. Sahara: “I think the key to enjoying choosing a tableware is to choose it based on your instinct when you see it. I think people tend to choose the tableware first.However, the tableware is not fixed for each dish.In fact, the tableware is free!I think that using the tableware you like will make cooking more enjoyable.”

- It's best to choose with intuition "This is it!" the moment you see the vessel.

Mr. Sahara: “Intuition is extremely important. I think that by using your favorite tableware, you don’t want to cook today, but you can make dishes that match this tableware, and your motivation will increase. Some people say that they are not good at cooking, but they like sono's tableware, and their awareness of cooking has been alleviated. I want many people to feel rich through meal time."

Five vessels recommended by sono

This is sono's original black vessel. By incorporating black glaze, it creates coolness and sharpness, and it is a vessel that raises your maturity. The lustrous shadows of the light are also attractive, and it is recommended for those who like pottery and those who want a higher-grade pottery. (from 850 yen)

A vessel with a unique form. I use the technique of "overglazing", which involves spraying silver onto black clay and firing it in a kiln. It features an interesting flowing form in its simplicity. With this vessel, you can create a gorgeous look on the entire table. It is easy to use and can be used regardless of genre, from Japanese dishes to Western dishes. (Small/2,200 yen, Large/3,700 yen)

A plate with a cute taste is decorated with mint leaves. Can be used as a cup saucer or as a small plate. There is an antique cup above. The atmosphere that adds elegance without being too cute is attractive. (Small plate/1,200 yen, Cup/2,100 yen)

A convenient compote for parties and gathering spaces. It is a main plate to share with not only cake but also grilled vegetables and meat ◎. It is a “sono”-like vessel with a form that is gorgeous and has no waste. (8,000 yen)

A classic original vessel that has been around since the opening of "sono". Using traditional techniques, you can enjoy the expression of white. The black soil color is also accented by the shavings. (Small/1,000 yen, Large/2,200 yen)

A store that serves as a reference for table coordination

You can enjoy various table coordination in the store. I am attracted to the wonderful coordination of dishes, glasses, cutlery, etc. that makes me want to take a closer look.

A little technique of putting a gorgeous small plate on top of a large plate is also helpful.

Add a spoon or cloth to the glass to make it more party-like.

By coordinating a large plate, a small plate, and a glass on top, tea time with friends will be fun!

Table coordination lessons are also popular!

At "sono", we offer table coordination courses based on the concept of "making the dining table more vivid". You will learn how to add a special touch to tableware in everyday cooking, how to create a table that complements your food, and how to combine tableware to create a dinner party with your friends.

There are three classes: Standard Class, High Class, and Master Class. In the "Standard Class," which is easy for first-time participants to join, you will learn how to choose and place dishes, and complete a coordination for one person. This is a lesson that can be practiced right away at home.

"High class" is a course held once every three months. This is a lesson to complete the coordination for two people. You can acquire more specialized knowledge than the standard class, and you can even learn how to use the margins of the table.

The "Master Class," held twice a year, is recommended for those who want to take the next step up from the High Class! This course is recommended for those who want to take it to the next level! In this class, students are required to complete a table setting for four people, each based on the concept of a seasonal scene.

"sono" tablewares that you can enjoy a little special feeling in your daily life. Wedding gifts in original boxes are also popular, so why not enjoy choosing each piece here?