It might seem like an unlikely marriage but the ceramicist Reiko Kaneko successfully blends Japanese and British influences to create fine bone china tableware and home accessories. Tea sets by the young designer are now exclusively available at Dubai Mall's luxury multi-brand boutique, Symphony.
A graduate of London's Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, Reiko established her studio in the UK capital in 2007. Born in Britain but raised in Japan, she has developed a unique style that combines the best of both cultures. Her ceramics are made in the UK's Stoke-on-Trent, the home of bone china, and combine centuries-old production techniques with contemporary designs.
We love the Lip Tease, a tea cup, mug and saucer set that turns lipstick marks into a decorative feature. Available in gold or platinum, the lip print is suitably subtle but still stands out against the milky white of the bone china. The collection's gentle humour is characteristic of Reiko's creations and is a delightful way of dealing with a very traditional material. The simplicity of Reiko's designs ensures that the charm of the bone china is not lost, merely enhanced.
Reiko Kaneko tea sets, Dh100 to Dh475, from Symphony, ground floor, Dubai Mall, 04 330 8050, www.symphony.ae
