Driven by a creative restlessness, Therese Müller crafts elevated everyday ceramics in her quiet Zurich atelier that are minimal in appearance, precisely proportioned and designed to last a lifetime.

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Swiss ceramics

Therese Müller

Soft Swiss Ceramics

In the shadowy hamlet of Soazza, in Switzerland’s alpine Grisons region, Helga Ritsch has found the peace and solitude she desires to hand-throw her delicate stoneware and porcelain masterpieces.

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Ceramic art

Helga Ritsch

Ceramic Art

Unique Ceramic Art

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Helga Ritsch - Ceramic art

Venture into the immersive, sensory and sophisticated world of Shinichiro Ogata. Explore the origins of his signature aesthetic, approach to craftsmanship and vision for the future of craft.

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Japanese craft

OGATA

Japanese Craftsmanship

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Ogata – Japanese craft

OGATA - Japanese craft

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.

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CHOKO Cup

In Japanese, a ‘choko’ is a small cup traditionally used for drinking sake. This black unglazed ceramic vessel can also double as a tea cup or simply be enjoyed for its visual form – crafted in Toki, Gifu prefecture.

00 teaser-portrait agobay PS JA0029 611A7967

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.

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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.

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Low vessel (2024)

This low white porcelain vessel is slightly translucent, and bears an even outside surface and clean lines. A signature red thread is looped in a tiny stitch over the lip, instead of alongside it, as in some of the artist’s other vessels.

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Drinking bowl

Crafted individually, each piece embodies a unique form and identity, shaped by the artist’s intellectual and physical interaction during its creation. With its minimalist character, this vessel has a presence that gracefully fills the space. Though not immediately visible, the tiny pedestal elevates the bowl, creating an ever-changing interplay of light and shadow around and below it. Despite its delicate appearance, the surface is pleasantly rough to the touch; as your hands glide over the vessel‘s curves, a raw sound emerges, reminiscent of nature and unexpectedly soothing. A multi-sensory piece that promises daily delight, regardless of its intended use.

00 teaser agobay PS SB0029 2L0A6084

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.

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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.

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Painted vessel (2024)

In a creative collaboration between two master ceramicists, this beautifully painted white glazed porcelain vessel emerged, crafted at the wheel of Helga Ritsch and finished with the delicate floral brushstrokes of Shingo Oka.

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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.

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Round teacup

Created specifically for drinking the second infusion, ‘nisenme’, of ‘gyokuro’, Japan’s most refined and exclusive green tea, this cup can also be used perfectly for the first infusion of gyokuro. Its rounded shape is comfortable to hold and provides a pleasant sensation to the touch while sipping the tea. Handmade in Mikawachi, in the Nagasaki Prefecture, it is created by artisans who have been passing on their crafts in this region since the mid-eighteenth century.

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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.

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‘Tokkuri’ field pitcher

This earthy brown pitcher features a motif at its centre of a hand-drawn field. Varying shades, from cream to dark neutrals, are streaked through the material, reflecting the mountainous environment in which Shingo Oka lives and works.

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Inspired by the idea of creating the right jar for burning traditional Japanese incenses, this jar can also be used to safeguard small cherished objects. It is handcrafted in Arita, in the Saga Prefecture, a town renowned for being one of the first places in Japan to produce porcelain.

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Small plate with chopstick rest

Each small plate is a handmade piece with slight differences in colour, pattern, shape and size as a result of the process. 

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‘Tokkuri’ pitcher with motif

Referencing ancient ceramic styles is a recurring theme in Shingo Oka’s work. His mastery and individualism, however, lie in putting his own contemporary spin on them. This diminutive porcelain ‘Tokkuri’ pitcher has been created in the ‘Licho’ style, which dates back to the Yi Dynasty of Korea, founded in the 14th century. From the same period, the drawing motif is reminiscent of early Japanese ‘Imari’ styles.

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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.

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AGOBAY espresso cup with saucer set of 2

Savouring the sight of the flawlessly proportioned espresso cup, while appreciating its almost velvety touch, evokes a sense of serenity. Crafted from an unwavering pursuit of perfection, this AGOBAY exclusive epitomises the ideal form, turning each espresso into an even more gratifying experience.

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Nestled in the palms of your hands, this porcelain teacup feels as calming as the tea it will hold. The full enjoyment of the aroma reaches you through the narrow opening, meticulously crafted by Japanese artisans in Mikawachi.

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Sencha teapot for one

Discreetly asking for your touch, this unobtrusive yet artful teapot for one stands out due to the uniquely shaped strainer. Its ‘houhin’ shape makes it comfortable for holding and easy to pour any kind of tea - especially sencha.

00 teaser agobay PS JA0022 2L0A1368

Hued beak vessel, part of a group of six (2/6-2023)

A beak bowl you'll actively seek out uses for, just to admire its perfect form and the exquisite interplay between the sand-coloured stoneware and the black-coloured engobe. Uniquely crafted, every piece of the group of six is one of a kind.

01 agobay PS SB0024 2L0A6179

Hued beak vessel, part of a group of six (4/6-2023)

A beak bowl you’ll actively seek out uses for, just to admire its perfect form and the exquisite interplay between the sand-coloured stoneware and the brown-coloured engobe. Uniquely crafted, every piece of the group of six is one of a kind.

02 agobay PS SB0026 2L0A6176

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Vessel (medium, 2023)

This sculptural vessel has a presence that surpasses all expectations. Its structural character enriches any surface with its clarity and gentle curvature.

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Stoneware vase (2024)

Helga Ritsch sculpts her ceramics in a secluded mountain village. The earthy grey-brown tones of this small bulbous vase echo her environment. A smudgy touch of blue punctuates the neutral palette, and a smooth glaze offsets the roughness of the stoneware.

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Layered vessel (large, 2022)

The vessel looks as though it has been crafted from four pieces that nestle seamlessly into one another, with the largest forming the base and the smallest adorning the summit.

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High vessel (medium, 2023)

Crafted individually, each piece embodies a unique form and identity, shaped by the artist's intellectual and physical interaction during its creation. With its minimalist architectural character, this vessel has a presence that gracefully fills the space.

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Vessel, part of a group of three (1/3-2022)

Part of a group of 3 white bowls – small, medium and large. Crafted individually, each piece embodies a unique form and identity, shaped by the artist’s intellectual and physical interaction during its creation. With its warm, minimalist character, this vessel has a presence that gracefully fills the space. Though not immediately visible, the tiny pedestal elevates the bowl, creating an ever-changing interplay of light and shadow around and below it. Despite its delicate appearance, the surface is pleasantly rough to the touch; as your hands glide over the vessel’s curves, a raw sound emerges, reminiscent of nature and unexpectedly soothing. A multi-sensory piece, with the perfect aesthetic dimensions, it promises daily delight, regardless of its intended use.

00 teaser agobay PS SB0003 2L0A0937

Ichimonji teapot

Crafted individually, these teapots are made on the pottery wheel by the skilled craftsmen of Tokoname, in the Aichi prefecture of Japan. Located on the western coast of the Chita Peninsula, this region is renowned for its production of ‘kyūsu’ (teapots). 

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Staggered matcha bowl (2022) 

This matcha bowl appears to be formed by three building blocks that gently cascade, one after the other. Despite its somewhat unexpected appearance, once you hold it, you could not imagine it being constructed any other way. Crafted individually.

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Vessel (large, 2022)

Once you hold this vessel in your hands, you won’t want to let it go. Your fingertips will find solace tracing the layered, lined structure of its exterior. The asymmetrical gaps between the lines reveal the care and sculptural knowledge woven into its crafting, adding allure to a piece that feels nothing short of perfect. It captures the essence of finest artisanal craftsmanship, celebrating a profound connection with every singular piece which exists only once.

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Matcha bowl (2022)

This matcha bowl exudes a tranquil elegance, while its depth invites the vibrant green hues of the matcha to pool gracefully, creating a soothing visual experience. The bowl's textured surface adds a subtle tactile dimension. Created to be cradled in your hands, this uniquely crafted piece offers aesthetic appeal and functionality, inviting you to savour each sip in serene style.

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Vessel (medium, 2021)

The clean lines of this nearly triangular vessel stand in contrast to its delicate appearance, further enhanced by its astonishing thinness. A neutral piece in white, it harmonises with almost any environment, while imparting a subtle yet structurally refined accent. Crafted individually, each piece embodies a unique form and identity, shaped by the artist's intellectual and physical interaction during its creation.

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This sculptural vessel has a confident presence. The slightly inclined foot reflects the balance of daily life: fragile in certain moments, grounded in general. Its structural character enriches any surface with its clarity and gentle curvature. Its most unexpected yet remarkable feature is its capacity to produce sound: a subtle glide of your finger from the bottom to the top of the vessel’s interior results in vibrations that manifest as a soothing, delicate sound – reminiscent of the soft whistling of grass in the wind. A creation that brings solace to your senses, while remaining a singular marvel shaped by the artist’s intellectual and physical interaction during its creation.

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Vessel (2023)

This sculptural vessel has a captivating presence that evokes a profound sense of wonder. Its structural character enriches any surface with its clarity and gentle curvature. Its most unexpected yet remarkable feature is its capacity to produce sound: a subtle glide of your finger from the bottom to the top of the vessel's interior results in vibrations that manifest as a soothing, delicate sound – reminiscent of the soft whistling of grass in the wind. A creation that brings solace to your senses, while remaining a singular marvel shaped by the artist’s intellectual and physical interaction during its creation.

00 teaser agobay PS SB0013 2L0A6401

This sculptural vessel has a captivating presence that evokes a profound sense of wonder. Its structural character enriches any surface with its clarity and gentle curvature. Its most unexpected yet remarkable feature is its capacity to produce sound: a subtle glide of your finger from the bottom to the top of the vessel‘s interior results in vibrations that manifest as a soothing, delicate sound – reminiscent of the soft whistling of grass in the wind. A creation that brings solace to your senses, while remaining a singular marvel shaped by the artist’s intellectual and physical interaction during its creation.

00 teaser agobay PS SB0012 2L0A6467

Vessel (medium, 2022)

Crafted individually, each piece embodies a unique form and identity, shaped by the artist’s intellectual and physical interaction during its creation. With its minimalist architectural character, this vessel has a presence that gracefully fills the space. Though not immediately visible, the tiny pedestal elevates the bowl, creating an ever-changing interplay of light and shadow around and below it. Despite its delicate appearance, the outer surface is pleasantly rough to the touch; as your hands glide over the vessel's curves, a raw sound emerges, reminiscent of nature and unexpectedly soothing. The interior of the vessel is glazed, creating an interplay of light and reflections. This multi-sensory piece promises daily delight, regardless of its intended use.

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Crafted individually, each piece embodies a unique form and identity, shaped by the artist's intellectual and physical interaction during its creation. With its minimalist architectural character, this vessel has a presence that gracefully fills the space. Though not immediately visible, the tiny pedestal elevates the bowl, creating an ever-changing interplay of light and shadow around and below it. Despite its delicate appearance, the surface is pleasantly rough to the touch; as your hands glide over the vessel‘s curves, a raw sound emerges, reminiscent of nature and unexpectedly soothing. A multi-sensory piece that promises daily delight, regardless of its intended use.

00 teaser agobay PS SB0015 2L0A6527

Crafted individually, each piece embodies a unique form and identity, shaped by the artist‘s intellectual and physical interaction during its creation. With its minimalist architectural character, this vessel has a presence that gracefully fills the space. Though not immediately visible, the tiny pedestal elevates the bowl, creating an ever-changing interplay of light and shadow around and below it. Despite its delicate appearance, the surface is pleasantly rough to the touch; as your hands glide over the vessel's curves, a raw sound emerges, reminiscent of nature and unexpectedly soothing. A multi-sensory piece that promises daily delight, regardless of its intended use.

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Drinking bowls set of 6 with saucer

This classic pairing, a drinking bowl and its accompanying saucer, acquires a poetic allure. The textured stoneware beautifully complements the duo's delicate appearance. Individually crafted, each creation is adorned with black engobe, creating an additional interplay between materials, colours and forms. Crafted individually, each piece embodies a unique form and identity, shaped by the artist‘s intellectual and physical interaction during its creation. Designed to nestle effortlessly in your hands, it promises an experience that balances comfort with aesthetic pleasure.

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Hued beak vessel, part of a group of six (5/6-2023)

A beak bowl you‘ll actively seek out uses for, just to admire its perfect form and the exquisite interplay between the sand-coloured stoneware and the black-coloured engobe. Uniquely crafted, every piece of the group of six is one of a kind.

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Structural stoneware vessel (2024)

The rough surface of this stoneware vessel is surprisingly pleasant to the touch. Helga Ritsch’s architectural background comes through in the faint ridge and subtle shift from a gently convex form to an opposing concave shape.

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Grooved stoneware vessel (2024)

At first glance, the beauty of this earthy-hued vessel appears to be in its abundant simplicity. However, closer inspection reveals subtle grooves running the length of its circumference, applied manually using a wooden-handled metal tool. 

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Vessel, part of a group of three (2/3-2022)

Part of a group of 3 white bowls – small, medium and large. Crafted individually, each piece embodies a unique form and identity, shaped by the artist’s intellectual and physical interaction during its creation. With its minimalist architectural character, this vessel has a presence that gracefully fills the space. Though not immediately visible, the tiny pedestal elevates the bowl, creating an ever-changing interplay of light and shadow around and below it. Despite its delicate appearance, the surface is pleasantly rough to the touch; as your hands glide over the vessel’s curves, a raw sound emerges, reminiscent of nature and unexpectedly soothing. A multi-sensory piece, with the perfect aesthetic dimensions, it promises daily delight, regardless of its intended use.

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This matcha bowl appears to be formed by three building blocks that gently cascade, one after the other, from the broadest section at the top to the narrowest at the base.

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Teacup

Crafted individually on the pottery wheel, this cup is known as ‘yunomi’, a ceramic teacup which is taller than it is wide. It is handcrafted in Arita, in the Saga Prefecture, a town renowned for being one of the first sites in Japan to produce porcelain.

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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.

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All-in-one tea set

This tea cup has all the parts you need to enjoy a satisfying cup of tea. Created for individual use, the set is composed of a teacup, a tea strainer and a lid, which can be easily flipped over to hold the strainer. It is handcrafted in Arita, in the Saga Prefecture, a town renowned for being one of the first sites in Japan to produce porcelain. The elegant and functional tea set is suitable for various loose-leaf teas.

00 teaser agobay PS JA0005 2L0A07882

Vessel, part of a group of three (3/3-2022)

Part of a group of 3 white bowls – small, medium and large. Crafted individually, each piece embodies a unique form and identity, shaped by the artist’s intellectual and physical interaction during its creation. With its minimalist architectural character, this vessel has a presence that gracefully fills the space. Though not immediately visible, the tiny pedestal elevates the bowl, creating an ever-changing interplay of light and shadow around and below it. Despite its delicate appearance, the surface is pleasantly rough to the touch; as your hands glide over the vessel's curves, a raw sound emerges, reminiscent of nature and unexpectedly soothing. A multi-sensory piece, with the perfect aesthetic dimensions, it can hold small treasures or slices of fruit, promising daily delight, regardless of its intended use.

00 teaser agobay PS SB0001 2L0A1037

Hued beak vessel, part of a group of six (6/6-2023)

A beak bowl you’ll actively seek out uses for, just to admire its perfect form and the exquisite interplay between the sand-coloured stoneware and the black-coloured engobe. Uniquely crafted, every piece of the group of six is one of a kind.

02 agobay PS SB0028 2L0A6181

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Hued beak vessel, part of a group of six (3/6-2023)

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Beaked stoneware vessel (2024)

Gradients of shimmering green crackle glaze coat the interior of this otherwise rough-hewn stoneware pouring vessel. The contrast between the smooth glaze and the raw matt texture of the curved exterior pleases both hand and eye.

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Merged vase (2024)

Helga Ritsch takes familiar shapes and melds them into something new. This black rounded porcelain vase merges two pieces – its opening at the top enriched with deep green Mangan oxids and its surface pressed with evenly spaced grooves.

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Bulbous vase (small, 2024)

While it may be diminutive in size and delicate in appearance, this white vase commands presence. Taking it gently into your palm, you will feel that it also has a pleasing weight to it – more than perhaps anticipated for an object just 12cm wide.