SALIU - A Japanese crafted vision of the future
By bringing together the tradition of Japanese craftsmanship and modern design, SALIU strives to overcome the challenges of the future by reviving the local industry and protecting local resources.
Located in Toki city - the birthplace of Mino ware production that boasts a 1300-year history - SALIU highlights the exquisite techniques of Japanese crafts by collaborating with local workshops (kilns, lumbermills) where talented craftsmen have inherited know-how and passion for generations.
Shaping local materials
The East part of Gifu Prefecture is blessed with abundant natural resources and high-quality clay, that SALIU benefits from. Conscious of the nature’s greatness, the company contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals’ Project (SDGs) by gradually selecting local natural resources and privileging noble materials when developing a product.
The Yama Sakura series was launched based on the Goal 15 of the SDGs that includes a sustainable management of forests and the protection of ecosystems.
This Yama Sakura series is made from Japanese wild cherry tree. SALIU purchases wild cherry wood logs from local tree-thinning activities that are implemented in Nakatsugawa city to protect and maintain healthy local forests. These wood logs are entirely sawn at a local lumber-mill.
A part of the SALIU Yama Sakura series sales profits is donated to organizations that carry out multifaceted activities such as forest conservation, community development and succession planning. Every year, a group of the SALIU team joins the planting activity of these tree to assure a virtuous circle.
Made in Japan pride
Using local resources, SALIU also strives to maintain alive the local knowhow of the region, by collaborating with local kilns and local lumbermills, where techniques have been passed down for generations. By creating made in Japan items that are produced within a driving distance from the company, it can nurture its relationships with craftsmen, visit their workshop and benefit from their expertise and opinion about the making process. The production can also be adjusted depending on the available resources and the customer needs. SALIU is proud of this prosperous mutual support network build over the years.
With SALIU, enjoy the essence of local skills and know-how enhanced by a timeless design. The fruit of a beautiful collaboration.
Hirotaka Umehara, a talented craftsman of the Gyokko 2nd generation, creates by hand exquisite teapots, teacups, and vases.
The power of timeless design
The SALIU team strives to create highly functional items that feature simple lines while including its vision of Japanese aesthetic. Giving priority to practicality and design, each piece embodies the wish for durability through a timeless atmosphere.
Selected for “sozo_comm”, a lifestyle-related industry brand development activity by the METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan).
Enhanced culinary enjoyment
SALIU revisited the possibilities of heat-resistant clay to create the cookware series The Chef. Baking, steaming, roasting, grilling, simmering become possible with only one item. Paired with a trivet, it can be brought from the kitchen worktop to the dining table, so the number of dishes to wash (and water) can be reduced. Whether it is a ceramic charcoal grill, a traditional ceramic rice cooker or a dish pan, all of them are conceived to highlight the pleasure of cooking and emphasize the change of season.
Overcoming challenges for a bright future
The last few years and decades have brought their share of challenges that SALIU has been overcoming with passion and innovation. Facing the change of lifestyle brought by the global pandemic, the aging of the ceramics industry and the environmental issues, the company took initiatives to contribute to the dynamization of the local industry and community.
SALIU pottery studio
"The survival of Japanese craftsmanship is essential.
The local industry around us is aging and is having hard time seducing the young generation. Unfortunately, more and more local manufacturers must cease their professional activity, not being able to find successors.
With the opening of the open-factory SALIU pottery studio, we will contribute to the industry longevity by being part of the manufacturing process and we can also have control over material waste. Designed to welcome visitors, we would also become closer to our clients."
Hideo Hayakawa, CEO of LOLO Co., Ltd.
SALIU high-pressure slip casting / SALIU pottery studio – kiln
The company is now focusing its attention on going global, so she can share her vision of an enhanced lifestyle to the world. By offering her products on the international market, she can not only add value to the reputation of Made in Japan products and Japanese craftsmanship, but she can also drive attention on environmental and social issues that our industry is facing (in Japan).
Syo teapot / The chef Charcoal Grill
*SALIU is digitally participating in New York Now Digitial Market, a modern wholesale market for retailers and specialty buyers related to on-trend decoration and lifestyle items.
More here.
* SALIU has been digitally exhibiting on the Maison & Objet platform. Find them here:
www.mom.maison-objet.com/en/brand/14062/saliu
Website www.lolo-inc.co.jp
Instagram lolo_saliu
Contact www.lolo-inc.co.jp/contact
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