TDR Interviews: ARJ Los Angeles

Timeless and minimal intertwined with a feeling of warmth - wares and objects by its brands effortlessly embody and celebrate both function and design creating harmony amidst the chaos of our day-to-day lives. From Kaneko Kohyo born in 1921 being Japan's largest producer of Tokkuri (sake serving bottles) as well as tableware that’s utilized by some of the finest chefs in Asia and Europe to 1616 / Arita Japan bringing an alluring collection of Aritayaki (traditional Japanese pottery made by local craftsmen using clay from crushed stone) and renowned ceramic artist Hayoon Kim proposing a new lifestyle with her ceramic cutlery, weaving the gap between daily life and art.

We decided to know more - so read on as Jung fondly narrates the story of the one-of-a-kind ARJ Los Angeles and tells us what’s next.

The Design Release: Tell us about ROW DTLA

Ahrong Jung: Nestled in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles - ROW DTLA is an all-encompassing destination for entrepreneurs, creatives and designers spanning over 32 acres of historic buildings.

TDR: What is ARJ Los Angeles and how did it come about?

AJ: A refreshing exquisite showcase of artisanal tableware and objects sourced from Japan and Korea - ARJ Los Angeles simply started from our genuine passion for artful creations as well as our own quest for the perfect, table-completing-piece.

The brand name itself reflects our mission to provide ARJ products that align with the vibrant lifestyle and essence of Los Angeles, California.

TDR: What is it inspired by?

AJ: ARJ draws inspiration from the captivating fusion of a rustic yet refined French farmhouse style and the serene calmness of a Japanese Zen garden.

This unique blend forms an inviting harmonious space and we wanted to recreate this aura within the Californian lifestyle - transforming your beach house in Malibu into an oasis of beauty and tranquility.

TDR: Why is it centered around century-old artisanal Japanese ceramics?

AJ: So while the market today offers plenty of high-end over-the-top tableware options, none of them provided the feeling of comfort we were seeking.

These century-old artisanal Japanese and Korean ceramics have always captured our attention with their timeless designs and enduring quality - they’re not just decorative pieces, but rather items that we can envision cherishing for the next decade and beyond!

TDR: Tell us more about the Japanese philosophy this space and the collection is rooted in.

AJ: The soul of our space and collection is deeply rooted in the Japanese philosophy of 'Monozukuri'.

'Monozukuri' extends beyond the act of crafting products; it represents a mindset and an unwavering pursuit of perfection. When we are surrounded by such objects - we find ourselves grounded, centered and stable, experiencing a sense of peace within our space.

TDR: Who does ARJ Los Angeles represent and which brands does it showcase?

AJ: We represent a diverse range of brands and artists, featuring an amalgamation of esteemed brands with a heritage of over a century, as well as promising young creative talents.

Our curated selection includes renowned names - Marunao, 1616 / Arita Japan, Jiseungmin Gonggi, Hataman Touen, Kaneko Kohyo and many others. We take pride in exclusively showcasing their entire collections within the United States.

TDR: How were these brands chosen and what was the selection process?

AJ: The brands we have chosen to partner with are carefully selected based on our strict principles - we collaborate with individual artisans and family-owned producers, ensuring a long-standing history of over 100 years.

For each and every artisan or brand we represent, we personally visit their factory and meet them in person, making frequent trips to Japan and Korea to establish strong connections and ensure authenticity, sustainability and honesty in every aspect of our products.

TDR: What products do the collections feature?

AJ: Currently, our product lineup comprises tableware such as plates, bowls and platters as well as drinkware from jugs to mugs and teapots.

Additionally, we offer a selection of flatware, chopsticks, glassware and various décor objects to add a touch of style and charm to your surroundings.

TDR: How do the wares celebrate both design and function?

AJ: A perfect example for this is Marunao's 16-sided chopstick - with a rich history of over 100 years, the skilled wood maker meticulously crafted this stunning chopstick which boasts a distinctive rounded shape created by its sixteen sides.

This design not only feels natural in your hand but further ensures a secure grip, elevating the dining experience!

TDR: What materials and color palettes do these pieces center around?

AJ: Our collection revolves around an obsession with muted shades, finishes, textures, and materials.

We find inspiration in nature and particularly through colors like cream, taupe, sand and sage as well as the use of natural materials from wood to stones, glass and silver - these elements are our favorites as they bring a sense of organic beauty to our collection.

TDR: According to you, which of the pieces truly stand out?

AJ: One of our favorites is the Patina collection fabricated by Jiseungmin Gonggi - the artist's vision was to intricately craft porcelain pieces with a texture reminiscent of stone or metal.

This perfectly aligns with our brand philosophy, combining serene beauty with a vintage farmhouse-style feel.

TDR: What were the challenges while bringing this space together as envisioned?

AJ: One of the main challenges we encountered was curating a cohesive collection of various artists' works that fit under the ARJ brand - we were mindful not to create a generic store atmosphere.

We wanted our customers to easily envision utilizing our products into their everyday lives. We had to make difficult decisions to exclude certain pieces to maintain a cohesive environment that truly reflects our vision and philosophy.

TDR: What was your favorite part about this entire process?

AJ: The best part was undoubtedly the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion and vision. Witnessing the sheer excitement of customers as they enter our store and exclaim - "I have never seen anything like this!" is truly rewarding.

Seeing the artists' delight upon realizing their creations are loved by customers in the US brings immense satisfaction and joy!

TDR: What is ARJ Los Angeles working towards?

AJ: Our goal is to create a welcoming space that provides a constant source of fresh inspiration to all who visit.

Our vision for ARJ is to serve as an attracting meeting point where Eastern and Western elements merge, giving rise to a unique and inspiring beauty - to pursue this, we are continually seeking to discover and collaborate with more brands and artists who share and reflect our core values.

TDR: What's next?

AJ: We currently serve both retail customers and industry professionals, together with interior designers, restaurants and many others.

We aspire to expand and bring the beauty of ARJ to a wider audience in various formats - we are only just getting started!