Modern Essence in the Works of Haginoyaki Potter Shiro Hamanaka

Shimo-Tatekōji Street in Yamaguchi City flourished as a castle town for the Ōuchi clan during the Muromachi period and bustled as a post town on the Hagiōkan road during the Edo period. It remains a historic and atmospheric area, still preserving merchant houses with traditional storehouse architecture and the ambiance of old townhouses. In this district, dotted with old townhouses, there are no tall, urban buildings; instead, one finds the accumulated evidence of a meticulous lifestyle, where the pulse of people's lives can be felt. Shimo-Tatekōji, rich in history and retaining the vestiges of its past prosperity, is a place where the tradition and dignity it has built quietly resonate like a basso continuo.

DEGREE opened in this town in March 2007 as a lifestyle-oriented shop focusing on interior雑貨. Contrary to its exterior, which is a renovated old townhouse, the modern interior, with its impression of white walls and a hanging chandelier, displays carefully selected interior goods from across time and around the globe.



The concept of design is inherently ambiguous. This is especially true when it originates from human ingenuity with the fundamental purpose of enriching life, as it can be interpreted in countless ways by the beholder.

The pottery crafted by Haginoyaki artistShiro Hamanakais one of the items recommended by DEGREE. While adhering to the traditions of Haginoyaki, Hamanaka's pottery is characterized by its unique style, infusing modern essence into its forms and glazes. In particular, his goblet series, inspired by skulls and embodying his philosophy of considering a vessel's function in relation to the human body, possesses a significant presence as an objet d'art.

Many customers make the trip to this shop from various parts of the prefecture, and sometimes from as far as Fukuoka or Tokyo. The shop, where visitors are constant, exudes a warm, welcoming atmosphere, complemented by the owner's heartfelt hospitality. It is an exciting shop that promises to evolve further, reflecting the region's craftsmanship through its unique selection curated by the owner.