When it comes to high -quality minimal design, here in InconnuLab, we have a little weakness. We love to feature in our Blog artists and companies that inspire us and give us new and exciting ideas. That’s happening to us with KINTO from Japan, who design and produce tabletop and household accessories that marry Japanese tradition to the needs of everyday life.

KINTO was established in 1972, first as a wholesaler of ceramic tableware and porcelain in Shiga, Japan and after a successful decade, started importing selected tableware from Europe. It was only in mid- 90s that KINTO started developing original products, based on the experience and tradition of the previous years and is now exporting all over the world.

The KINTO products are developed through ”small realisations in everyday life”. It’s a long process that starts with an original idea by one of the product development teams, which is then discussed and re-discussed within the company to arrive in a more concrete concept and product image. Then, in -house or freelance designers are required to visualise the concepts while they work together with the development team to decide on the best materials, style and form. Based on these decisions, various mock-ups are produced, so that the team members can actually test how they feel while using them and whether the design works or not. The final product will be the result of many trials and experiments in order to make sure it satisfies the user.

KINTO is now housing a second brand ‘atelier tete‘, established in 2012, which features beautifully designed tableware produced through traditional Japanese techniques and craftsmanship.

Visit KINTO’s website here: http://www.kinto.co.jp

and Like their Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/KintoJapan