HIBI, meaning "day to day" in Japanese, is designed to be timeless basics for the everyday table. Tableware that your hands reach unconsciously for every day, and that appear repeatedly on your table possess a tactile quality and offer a special sense of comfort. In the design of HIBI, we pursued fine details to satisfy the senses of the user such as the stability of grip when holding and the gentle feel on the lips when drinking. We’ve removed excess details and gave careful consideration to details that would support the ease of daily movements.
In partnership with KINTO’s product development team, Japanese product designer Shin Azumi worked on the design of HIBI. He shared with us his inspiration and ideas behind the design of HIBI glassware.
“Universality was the concept and starting point of HIBI. Things come to hold a certain value when they become part of our daily life, as they are used each day and simply by ‘being there’ through the years. A source of inspiration for the glass was the goblet from medieval Europe. I imagined something that can be gripped firmly. The medieval goblet looks casual and elegant at the same time, and the gentle lines of the cup would fit comfortably in the hand. In order to reach the final design, I worked on giving originality as a KINTO product and took into consideration the boundary between everyday and extraordinary table scenes. The form was carefully refined through subtle adjustments. When a person and a product truly become one, it is pleasant and even sensual. I hope that people not only look at the product but take it in their hands to experience it.”
“Universality was the concept and starting point of HIBI. Things come to hold a certain value when they become part of our daily life, as they are used each day and simply by ‘being there’ through the years. A source of inspiration for the glass was the goblet from medieval Europe. I imagined something that can be gripped firmly. The medieval goblet looks casual and elegant at the same time, and the gentle lines of the cup would fit comfortably in the hand. In order to reach the final design, I worked on giving originality as a KINTO product and took into consideration the boundary between everyday and extraordinary table scenes. The form was carefully refined through subtle adjustments. When a person and a product truly become one, it is pleasant and even sensual. I hope that people not only look at the product but take it in their hands to experience it.”
[DESIGNER PROFILE]
Shin Azumi
Established ‘a studio’ in 2005 in London, UK. His design works include consumer products, furniture, lighting, electronics and audio equipments as well as spatial design for shops, restaurants, and exhibitions. Since 2016, he is taking the professorship at Hosei University, Faculty of Engineering and Design, in Japan.
