Mitsugi Takayuki

TOKUREE explores Japanese x American cultural exchange, with the social activity of sake brewing and drinking as its cornerstone. The name TOKUREE is our phonetic westernization of the Japanese word for a traditional sake serving vessel: tokkuri - 徳利 -. Our first TOKUREE collection is centered around two sets of porcelain sake-drinking tableware made in the village of Hizen Yoshida, on the island of Kyushu. The legendary kilns in this region have been making their pure white porcelain pottery from locally mined rock since the 16th century. These sake vessels are intended as daily-use pieces with an unpretentious, utilitarian spirit. That spirit is carried over to a complementary range of clothing and accessories, inspired by the laborious but delicate work of sake brewing.