tsuyoshi kotaniguchi creates simple, symbolic ōryōki wares

tsuyoshi kotaniguchi creates simple, symbolic ōryōki wares
all images courtesy of japan suite

zen tradition has stretched for more than a thousand years, providing a simple, holistic, and symbolic path for those willing to take it. the lifestyle is all encompassing, and meal time is no exception. how do you view your food? is there conscious choice in the items you consume? is lunch a race against the clock, or do you take the time to value the simple relationship between what you are and what you eat?

monks remain vigilant while eating, embracing the amount and quality, and appreciating how the items relate to the body and soul. ‘ōryōki’, meaning just enough is both a tool and philosophy, understanding of which is a vital component of each student’s education. two highly treasured items in the pupils journey are their robe and set of ōryōki, that together symbolize the external and internal elements most necessary to sustain life — clothing, shelter, and food. passing of the objects from a teacher to a novice is a highly important, and sacred rite. to do so is a signification that the apprentice will someday become successor.  

‘ōryōki’ set by tsuyoshi kotaniguchi

each oryoki set consists of three to five lacquerware bowls that nestled perfectly inside each other along with other crucial utensils — spoon, chopsticks, spatula for cleaning. all items are wrapped in a large cloth to be used as a napkin, tied with a knot representing a lotus flower. the small kit is all a monk needs for taking three simple meals every day. 

tsuyoshi kontaniguchi was born and raised in yamanaka, japan. after becoming disillusioned with his work in advertising, he returned home to learn the trade of his father, an ōryōki craftsman. over a decade later he is still learning, perpetually striving to understand the natural materiality and importance of the objects. he feels the nature of the wood is as important as the lacquer used to preserve and enhance the aesthetics of the bowls. 

ōryōki (応量器) means ‘just enough’

also key to the production of the wares, is tategidori, a cutting technique that goes with the grain rather than through it. the practice results in a stronger and longer lasting product, especially for larger pieces like the ‘buddha bowl’ — biggest bowl in set. kontaniguchi utilizes only natural substances, exclusively using materials derived from plants found in japan. he strictly avoids using any synthetics, principally petroleum products like urethane for thinning and toxic metals for dyeing. the oryoki set was created by kontaniguchi and is available through new york atelier japan suite.

monks pay close attention to what they eat, embracing the meal – the amount and the quality of the food

largest, ‘buddha bowl’ in red

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