For our Contained Vessels exhibition, we asked Ryuji Mitani to share his thoughts on the containers that accompany everyday life. His reflections remind us that daily rituals are shaped not by grand objects, but by small gestures such as pouring tea, serving breakfast, storing letters, keeping tools close at hand. Below, in his own words, are the intentions behind a selection of pieces featured in the exhibition.
Coffee Canister and Measuring Spoon
This holds 200 grams of coffee beans. Keeping them in the bag works, but transferring them to a container makes the space feel tidy and the act more pleasant each day.
Tea should be moved from its package into a canister — it makes it easier to use, and even sitting on a shelf it looks beautiful.
Originally made to hold wagashi, but it would also serve well for food at a gathering or picnic.
The butter case was the first tableware I ever made. Natural wood suits the breakfast table, and the butter’s oils gradually bring out a soft sheen on the surface. Even when stored in the refrigerator, the butter doesn’t harden too much. It was my first standard.
I thought it would be nice to have a small container where toothpicks could be neatly kept beside a plate of fruit — or beside a bowl of olives when having a drink.
Bringing cutlery for everyone to the table in one shared box has become common in both homes and restaurants. Because this box is carved from solid wood, it feels natural — creating a sense of ease and familiarity.
At home, we use it for powdered cheese. It’s also perfect as a sugar pot for tea.
For breakfast in bed. Or for a meal when you have a cold. The raised rim prevents dishes from slipping — a small but comforting detail.
A case for cotton swabs kept on the edge of the sink. Even for things we pass by without noticing in our busy days, I sometimes want to say, “thank you”.
Letters from loved ones shouldn’t be left in a cluttered drawer. I wanted to make a special box for keeping only those.
A boat connects where you are now to somewhere else. When you feel like going somewhere, the shape of a small boat nearby can quietly carry your thoughts away.
Images courtesy of Kazuhiro Shiraishi
October 25, 2025
Shop the Collection
'Y' (1996) - Painting
Ryuji MitaniI am 'Y' (1996) - Painting. A body bent into a letter, a shape caught between gesture and symbol. The figure is mine, but the meaning’s yours.
$5,200 USD
Tea Case - Nano Glass Finish (OUT OF STOCK)
Ryuji MitaniI am a Nano Glass Finish Tea Case. You’ll see only the wood grain, but there’s something hidden beneath my surface, preserving every leaf with care.
$240 USD
Boat (2025) (OUT OF STOCK)
Ryuji MitaniI am a Boat (2025). I carry what words cannot, only distance and a sense of direction.
$1,950 USD
Teacup with Lid - Noir Urushi (OUT OF STOCK)
Ryuji Mitani for Nalata NalataI am a Noir Teacup with Lid. Small in size, infinite in depth. My darkness reveals every reflection, every pour of tea.
$420 USD
Cotton Swab Case
Ryuji MitaniI am a Cotton Swab Case. I’m proof that even the smallest details deserve a clean look.
$275 USD
Lighthouse (2025) (OUT OF STOCK)
Ryuji MitaniI am a Lighthouse (2025). I stand watch, tall and steady, waiting for what drifts near.
$3,500 USD
Toothpick Container
Ryuji MitaniI am a Toothpick Container. I keep things tidy, one point at a time.
$380 USD
Coffee Case (OUT OF STOCK)
Ryuji MitaniI am a Coffee Case. The morning begins when my lid lifts and ends when the cup is empty.
$450 USD
Round Two Tiered Box (OUT OF STOCK)
Ryuji MitaniI am a Round Two Tiered Box. What’s inside is for you to discover, one layer at a time. With two tiers, I have endless possibilities to hold sweets, treasures, and everything in between.
$1,250 USD
Tall Coffee Cup with Lid - White Urushi (OUT OF STOCK)
Ryuji Mitani for Nalata NalataI am a White Urushi Tall Coffee Cup with Lid. I keep coffee warm while life refuses to sit still.
$520 USD
Butter Box - Black Walnut
Ryuji MitaniI am a Black Walnut Butter Box. Born from a question about messy butter, I turned critique into craftsmanship. Half practical, half poetic. I keep mornings smooth.
$285 USD
Cutlery Box - Nano Glass Finish - Chestnut Wood (OUT OF STOCK)
Ryuji MitaniI am a Cutlery Box. I keep things in line and even the chopsticks behave when I'm around.
$285 USDRelated Entries
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