What to know before commissioning custom tableware in Japan

A custom tableware commission is a longer process than most people expect, and a shorter one than they fear. At Fresh Citadel, the typical lead time for a set of four place settings is two to three months from the first conversation to delivery. This article explains what happens in that time and what you need to think about before getting in touch.

The first conversation ¶

The most useful thing you can bring to a first conversation about a commission is a clear sense of how the pieces will be used. Not the aesthetic you want, though that matters too, but the practical context: how many people are you making for, what kind of food will be served on these plates, do you have a dishwasher, is the storage space limited in a way that affects the size of the pieces.

Sakura asks these questions at the start because the answers affect decisions that are hard to change later. A plate that is beautiful in a showroom but too large for a small kitchen cupboard is not a successful commission.

Glaze selection and samples ¶

After the first conversation, Sakura will suggest one or two glaze options based on the brief. She fires small sample tiles in the relevant glazes and sends photos, or you can come to the studio to see them in person. The sample stage usually takes two to three weeks, depending on when the next firing is scheduled.

Changes to the glaze choice are possible after the sample stage but not after the main firing has begun. This is worth knowing if you are the kind of person who changes their mind after seeing the first results.

Deposit, timeline, and delivery ¶

A deposit of 30% is required to begin work. The balance is due on collection or before shipping. Sakura does not begin throwing until the deposit is received, which is the point from which the two-to-three-month lead time is counted.

Delivery within Kobe is possible by arrangement. For addresses elsewhere in Japan, Sakura ships using a tracked courier service with careful packing. The cost of shipping is added to the final invoice. For large commissions, such as the restaurant set described in the journal, multiple firings may be needed, which extends the timeline.

If you are thinking about a commission, the best first step is an email to hello@freshcitadel.com with a brief description of what you have in mind. Sakura will reply within two business days.