In a world dominated by rushed and often unconscious choices, AGOBAY advocates for a change of pace: we encourage taking the time, to create with intent and to celebrate handmade design that feels, sounds and smells good.

In a world dominated by rushed and often unconscious choices, AGOBAY advocates for a change of pace: we encourage taking the time, to create with intent and to celebrate handmade design that feels, sounds and smells good. Collaborating with artisans who have mastered their skills over decades, each object we craft or curate undergoes an elaborate manufacturing process. With every use, these pieces evolve in beauty, and embody a deliberate choice made to last and enchant throughout a lifetime.

agobay NS IM-2023 2L0A7701 teaser

agobay NS IM-2023 2L0A7701 teaser-mobile

teaser-supersmall agobay NS IM-2023 2L0A7701

The perfect pieces

Meaningful Objects

Objects

The Perfect Pieces

In a hurried world dominated by rushed and often unconscious choices, AGOBAY advocates for a change of pace: we encourage taking the time, to create with intent, to honour traditional craftsmanship, and to celebrate handmade design that feels, sounds and smells good.

agobay NS IM-2023 2L0A7701 og-bild

Handcrafted products are built to last. Not only in a practical sense, due to the invested expertise, time and high-quality materials, but also on an emotional level. When we see, smell and touch these creations, our senses awaken.

Handcrafted products are built to last, not only in a practical sense due to the invested expertise, time, and high-quality materials, but also on an emotional level. From delicate irregularities in leather pouches to subtle glaze variations on ceramic bowls – each nuance narrates a story and reflects the artisan’s personality. These marks of authenticity not only remind us of humanity’s ability to transform raw materials into functional works of art but also make each item even more precious and personal.

agobay NS IM-2023 2L0A6470 teaser

agobay NS IM-2023 2L0A6470 teaser-mobile

agobay NS IM-2023 2L0A6470 teaser-supersmall

Craftsmanship

CRAFTSMANSHIP

A Path to Perfection

A perfectly shaped ceramic bowl – with subtle variation in its glaze. A soft leather pouch – featuring a delicate irregularity in its texture. A gleaming brass vessel – gradually changing hue with every touch. As we hold an artisanal product in our hands, it's often only through closer inspection that we notice its unique characteristics and realise that it has been crafted by hand, from natural material, with an abundance of time, expertise and dedication. This is the captivating beauty of craftsmanship.

agobay NS IM-2023 2L0A6470 og-bild

Discover the profound bond that connects us to Japan. It involves our values, art of living, approach to craftsmanship and connections with talented artisans. It lives on in our name and in the meaning of our Japanese logo, ‘genkei’.

Discover the profound, multi-faceted bond that connects AGOBAY to Japan. It’s embodied in our name and the meaning of our Japanese logo, ‘genkei’. It encompasses the values and principles we live by, and is celebrated through a genuine appreciation of true craftsmanship. This is something we deeply respect, wish to learn from, and raise awareness about – together with our partnering Japanese artisans, designers and visionaries who accompany us in our journey in pursuit of beauty with a purpose.

agobay NS 013 mikiko 2L0A5022 teaser-landscape

agobay NS 013 mikiko 2L0A5022 teaser-prortait

agobay NS 013 mikiko 2L0A5022 teaser-superwide

JAPANESE SOUL

Enduring Values

JAPAN

agobay NS 013 mikiko 2L0A5022 og-picture

Embracing beauty in life’s smallest details, we created the perfect coffee mug alongside Swiss ceramist Therese Müller. Discover the journey behind this handcrafted AGOBAY exclusive and savor life’s little pleasures, sip after sip.

At AGOBAY, we constantly seek beauty, even in the smallest details. Our commitment has driven us to create the perfect coffee mug – one that delights all senses and is suitable for everyday use. Crafted in collaboration with Swiss ceramist Therese Müller, each mug reflects balance, simplicity and minimalism, and has a surprisingly soft touch. Explore the journey behind our creation and feel inspired to elevate your daily coffee ritual, savouring life’s little pleasures, sip after sip.

agobay NS IM-2023 2L0A5040-1-1

agobay NS IM-2023 2L0A5042(1) 1(1)

agobay NS IM-2023 2L0A5040-3

Balanced and soft

The AGOBAY Coffee Mug

AGOBAY mug

AGOBAY Coffee Mug

agobay NS IM-2023 2L0A5040-1-1-1

‘Za kekkai’ stone

In the quietness of the dawn at one of Kyoto’s oldest Zen temples, Buddhist Zen monk Tosei Shinabe sits in deep meditation, practising 'zazen' (‘za’ 坐, Japanese for seated and ‘zen’ 禅 for meditation). His journey takes him to the mystical Awaji Island, the 'land of birth' in Japanese mythology, where he selects stones imbued with the earth's raw beauty. Wrapped in Seima rope made from the finest Japanese hemp, his ‘za kekkai’ stones serve as a silent testament, a Dharma tool, to the boundary between two spiritual realms, a line as delicate as it is profound.

01 mobile agobay PS JG0006 2L0A1113

Suiteki sauce pourer

The spherical body of this pouring vessel tapers gently to a spout with poetry that makes your heart ache. Crafted by handpicked artisans in Takaoka, in the Toyama Prefecture of Japan, which has been renowned for its copper craftsmanship since the late nineteenth century, Suiteki’s shape is reminiscent of a water drop swinging slowly. Its beauty doesn’t hinder its function – the base fits wonderfully in your hand with a satisfying weight, and the delicate spout allows you to pour liquids with intention, from soy sauce to salad dressing. 

00 teaser agobay PS JA0002 2L0A9982

Vietnamese ‘Tokkuri’ pitcher

In Japan, ceramic ‘Tokkuri’ pitchers are often used for serving sake. Shingo Oka’s ‘Tokkuri’ has a hand-thrown appeal and is finished with blue drawings, reminiscent of those on Vietnamese ceramics, which have a smudged effect.

00 teaser-portrait agobay PS JH0007 2L0A9459

agobay MT 0024 shingo-oka 218

AGOBAY espresso cup with saucer

Savouring the sight of the flawlessly proportioned espresso cup, evokes a sense of serenity. Crafted out of an unwavering pursuit of perfection, this AGOBAY exclusive epitomises the ideal form.

00_teaser_agobay_PS_SA00AF_2L0A9839

01 mobile Agobay NS 002 Therese-Mueller 2L0A6510

AGOBAY tea caddy

Borne of the desire to create a minimalist and natural tea caddy, this AGOBAY exclusive embodies the harmonious fusion of inviting aesthetics and practical functionality. Elaborately crafted in collaboration with the skilled woodcraft artisans Akiko Kuwahata and Ken Winther, the design of this walnut tea caddy is a testament to the artistry of true craftsmanship.

00 teaser agobay PS DA0002 2L0A6893

01 mobile agobay NS 010 akiko-ken-made 2L0A4775

AGOBAY coffee mug with saucer

Savouring a long coffee, a cappuccino or a flat white in a flawlessly proportioned mug, while appreciating its almost velvety touch, adds beauty to this comforting daily ritual. This AGOBAY exclusive turns each coffee into a fully gratifying experience.

00 teaser agobay PS SA00AE 2L0A5971

01 agobay PS SA00AE 2L0A6154

Gourd teacup

The sight of this ceramic teacup sometimes feels more calming than the tea it holds. Crafted with a narrow opening to keep the aroma within for full enjoyment, it fits comfortably in your hands. Handmade in Mikawachi, in the Nagasaki Prefecture, it is created by Japanese artisans who have been passing on their crafts since the mid-eighteenth century.

00 teaser agobay PS JA0019 2L0A3578 kl

01 mobile agobay NS IM-2023 2L0A6913

Treasure bowl with brass tie

This bowl crafted from exquisite black walnut is a true testament to the art of woodworking. Its unassuming elegance is adorned with intricately carved lines, showcasing the marriage of simplicity and meticulous craftsmanship. This remarkable AGOBAY exclusive features brass ties that adds a touch of luminosity to the otherwise understated and quiet presence of this piece.

00 teaser agobay PS JE0013 2L0A6685

Teapot for one

Discreetly asking for your touch, this unobtrusive yet artful teapot for one, made of white porcelain, stands out due to the uniquely shaped strainer. Its ‘houhin’ shape makes it comfortable for holding and easy to pour any kind of tea. It enhances the aroma and taste of any tea while beautifully reflecting the soul of Japanese brand OGATA, which is dedicated to the preservation of age-old skills and traditional craftsmanship.

00 teaser agobay PS JA0022 2L0A1368

Tea caddy, small

Crafted by the Yagi family for six generations, Kaikado caddies are handmade in Kyoto, Japan. Known as ‘chazutsu’ in Japanese (‘cha’ is the Japanese word for tea, ‘zutsu’ for canister), they are typically used for storing tea and coffee; this one specifically to store green tea. However, Kaikado caddies can also hold different items, including seeds, beans and anything that must be kept from moisture.

00 teaser agobay PS JC0001 2L0A2199

Hohin teapot

Especially created for brewing ‘gyokuro’, Japan’s most refined and exclusive green tea, this small teapot without a handle is called ‘houhin’ in Japan. It is handcrafted in Arita, in the Saga Prefecture.

00 agobay PS JA0014 2L0A3463

01 agobay NS 006 simplicity yakumo saryo 2L0A0803

Oil and vinegar set

A harmonious blend of simplicity and presence defines the oil and vinegar set, showcasing two elegantly matched containers, accompanied by snug-fitting caps that seal in the essence of the rich aromas they contain.

00 teaser agobay PS SA00AA 2L0A9597

agobay NS 002 therese mueller 2L0A6296(1)

Sake cup, ‘Fuki-urushi’

Discover the essence of simplicity and true craftsmanship in our bell-shaped sake cup. This exquisite piece, with its thin body, embodies the harmony between form and function, a celebration of refined artistry. Adorned with the finesse of ‘fuki-urushi’ wipe lacquering, it bears a touch of tradition while exuding timeless elegance. This cup goes with the ‘Fuki-urushi’ sake pitcher.

00 teaser agobay PS JE0012 2L0A3132

Matcha tea bowl (2024)

Texture plays an important role in this softly curving matcha tea bowl. A drip glaze has been applied around the rim of this smooth white porcelain. This tactile element gives your fingers something to play with while also adding visual appeal.

00 teaser-portrait agobay PS SB0032 2L0A4450

agobay NS 0025 helga ritsch 2L0A2980

Breadbasket 

Our quest to find the right breadbasket that adds a touch of warm, minimalist elegance to any setting has met its match. The walnut wood's inherent allure imparts an understated sophistication, but it is the intricate interplay of two wooden rings, separated by the midnight blue cloth that cradles the bread, that truly sets this piece apart.

00 teaser agobay PS DA0004 2L0A7003

Coffee tray set

Allow the simple, warm elegance of our walnut coffee tray set to captivate your senses. This set conveys the perfected aesthetics of timeless daily essentials – to be shared or savoured in peaceful solitude.

00 teaser agobay PS SA00AB 2L0A9467

agobay NS 002 therese mueller 2L0A6286

Cast iron teapot

The cast iron teapot is manufactured in Yamagata, Japan, and crafted by the 15th generation of the Kiheiji Kikuchi foundry. Established in 1604, the craft house's tea kettles were chosen as gifts for the Japanese Emperors for decades. Today, it is the choice of exquisite five-star hotels and tea lovers worldwide.

00 teaser agobay PS JF0002 2L0A2588

01 mobile agobay NS IM-2023 2L0A6311

Rice bowl

Crafted individually on the pottery wheel, this bowl exudes a sense of peacefulness with its simple lines and perfected shapes. Its small size makes it ideal as an everyday rice or cereal bowl, but it can also be used to enjoy the tranquillity of a tea or for any purpose you see fit. 

It is handcrafted in Arita, in the Saga Prefecture, a town renowned for being one of the first sites in Japan to produce porcelain.

00 teaser agobay PS JA0015 2L0A1088

Sencha Tea

Sencha is the most commonly enjoyed tea in Japan. It is made with the first buds of tea and is known for its balanced bitterness and umami flavour. Grown at a single estate spread out on sloping terrain around Higashi-Shirakawa, Japan, our Sencha refreshes the palate and is rounded out by a subtle, sweet aroma.

00 teaser agobay PS tea-packaging 2L0A7367

The spherical body of this pouring vessel tapers gently to a spout with poetry that makes your heart ache. Crafted by handpicked artisans in Takaoka, in the Toyama Prefecture of Japan, which has been renowned for its copper craftsmanship since the late nineteenth century, Suiteki’s shape is reminiscent of a water drop swinging slowly.

00 teaser agobay PS JA0001 2L0A9943

02 mobileAgobay NS 01 2L0A7529

Pouch S, black

Elegantly minimalist and remarkably versatile, this pouch serves a multitude of purposes. Its true luxury lies in its double-leather lining: impeccably crafted, subtle to the touch and yet imbued with a robustness that transforms it into the ideal lifelong companion.

00 teaser agobay PS JB0003 2L0A1807

01 agobay NS 004 arts-&-science daikanyama 2L0A7621

Issue 20

After a decade of Openhouse, the magazine celebrates its 20th issue, highlighting the beauty of shared experiences. From exploring intimate moments to family anecdotes and revived traditions, it introduces you to homes and personalities radiating warmth and timeless splendor.

agobay PS journal openhouse No20 shop-picture

Glass teapot

Designed with functionality and minimal aesthetics in mind, this OGATA glass teapot is handmade in Sakai, in the Fukui Prefecture and in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture. It is perfect for observing the captivating spectacle of leaves unfurling slowly in hot water while indulging in the serene pleasure of a green or herbal tea.

00 teaser agobay PS JA0004 2L0A0730

01 mobile agobay NS IM-2023 2L0A6770

In the quietness of the dawn at one of Kyoto’s oldest Zen temples, Buddhist Zen monk Tosei Shinabe sits in deep meditation, practising ‘zazen’ (‘za’ 坐, Japanese for seated and ‘zen’ 禅 for meditation). His journey takes him to the mystical Awaji Island, the ‘land of birth’ in Japanese mythology, where he selects stones imbued with the earth‘s raw beauty. Wrapped in Seima rope made from the finest Japanese hemp, his ‘za kekkai’ stones serve as a silent testament, a Dharma tool, to the boundary between two spiritual realms, a line as delicate as it is profound.

00 teaser-portrait agobay PS JG0008 2L0A0306

Flower plate

The special glaze used for this plate gives it a refined touch, while maintaining a natural, almost unglazed look. It is designed by Shinichiro Ogata and handcrafted in Arita, in the Saga Prefecture, a town renowned for being one of the first places in Japan to produce porcelain.