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.

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JAPANESE SOUL

Enduring Values

JAPAN

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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KIKUCHI HOJUDO

A tea legacy in iron

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.