1616/Arita, Japan/MANZ Hojicha Cup

1616 / MANZ "Contour"

Based on the archives of Danish ceramic artist Ricard Manz and brought to life through dialogue with his daughter, Cecilie, the Tea Cup and Hojicha Cup were created. At the intersection of Danish and Japanese cultures, these pieces embody a timeless perspective on everyday objects.

Characterized by a slightly flared rim that ensures a smooth drinking experience and a form that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, these cups are perfect companions for quietly savoring the simple pleasures of daily life, whether with tea or coffee. Availablein “Celadon,” with a celadon glaze, and “Natural,” with a clear glaze.

Born in Germany, Ricardo Mants began his journey in ceramics at the young age of 14. He later moved to Sweden, where his work at Gustavsberg introduced him to the possibilities of studio ceramics and small-batch production.This period marked the beginning of a lifelong journey to explore the relationship between form and function, leading to his unique body of work that combines the warmth of handcrafted pieces with technical precision.

In the 1970s, he came to Japan with his wife, Bodil Manz—also a ceramic artist—and their two young children. The family stayed in Arita, the heart of Japanese porcelain production, where they worked in local studios, engaging with techniques passed down for centuries and blending them with their own Nordic perspective.The 1616 / MANZ “Contour” collection, to be released in 2025, marks a return to those experiences in Arita and can be seen as a quiet homecoming to the place where Richard Manz’s design philosophy was forged.

■ Richard Manz (1933–1999)

Ceramic artist. Born in Esslingen, Germany, in 1933. He established his own studio with his wife, the ceramic artist Bodil Manz. He was the father of designer Cecilie Manz.

■ 1616/arita japan

Arita, Saga Prefecture—the home of Arita ware—is said to be the place where Japan’s first porcelain was produced in 1616.In collaboration with the people of Arita—who possess a wealth of experience and technical skill — designer Teruhiro Yanagihara serves as creative director for this new ceramics brand , which weaves together stories while engaging in a dialogue with the history that has unfolded to this day . While upholding tradition, the brand experiments with design approaches that differ from those of the past, inviting new designers for each series.

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