Ceramicist Jonas Lindholm's exploration of the mug, realized with Japanese craftsmanship

Axel

More Than a Special Vessel, It's a Constant Companion in Daily Life

Ceramicist Jonas Lindholm's ultimate line, realized with Japanese craftsmanship. The beloved classic mug is reborn as the Japanese-made 'Axel'.

Text by Satsuki Wakabayashi

Based in Osaka, 'dieci' is an interior shop offering a curated selection of items from around the world. Among them, ceramicist Jonas Lindholm's white line of mugs is a well-known staple.

The newly launched 'Axel' is a noteworthy new line, where the mug design by the Swedish ceramicist is realized in porcelain with the cooperation of a manufacturer in Arita, Saga.

Ceramicist Jonas Lindholm's exploration of the mug, realized with Japanese craftsmanship | Axel

It all began about five years ago when Jonas, visiting Japan, explored Japanese ceramics with dieci and became interested in producing his work in Japan.

Due to the limited production of his handmade pieces and the challenge of breakage during transport for his delicately crafted ceramics, production in Japan was initiated.

The partner they teamed up with is 'Housen Kiln' in Arita, Saga, known for its Arita ware. This kiln continues to inherit tradition while embracing new challenges, such as collaborations with designers both domestically and internationally.

The simple cylindrical mug reflects Jonas's technique and aesthetic in its details, with a thin body and uniformly thin glaze towards the base. Through repeated trial and error and prototyping, the beautiful line pursued by Jonas has been born.

'Axel' is a familiar name in Sweden and also the name of Jonas's beloved son. It carries the sentiment of wanting it to be not a special vessel, but something that is always there in daily life, something cherished.

While maintaining a beautiful form and thinness, the porcelain's lightness and ease of handling make it dishwasher and microwave safe, resulting in a more practical item.

We look forward to future releases in the 'Axel' series, born from collaborations with Japanese artisans.

Axel / Mugcup