The Collection of Useless Spoons｜Yuichi Takemata

Yuichi Takemata’s Cutlery Collection
“The Collection of Useless Spoons” to Be Published

More than two decades ago, crafts researcher Hayao Tatsuzawa published The Cosmos of Cutlery, featuring medieval European utensils carefully selected by Kazumi Sakata of the famed antique shop “Sakata,” rendered in a beautiful dull glow. This new book, Useless Spoons, is a continuation of that legacy: a curious volume that features 74 full-scale reproductions from the Tatsuzawa Collection—now inherited by the author—alongside additional pieces collected by Takemata himself, who is both a metalsmith and a collector.

As the title suggests, the book showcases nothing but “useless” spoons—objects that are no longer tools, but artworks or enigmas in themselves.

To celebrate the publication of this singular book, there will be a special exhibition and pre-release sale at Morioka Shoten in Ginza. A limited set of 5 special posters—featuring three different designs—will also be available exclusively during the event.

On the opening day of the exhibition, a talk event will be held at a separate venue with Yuichi Takemata (author and metalsmith), graphic designer Nobuhiro Yamaguchi (who designed the book), and Osamu Kushida (editor and publisher). The discussion will include behind-the-scenes stories about the production of the book, anecdotes about The Cosmos of Cutlery, and Takemata’s personal relationship with Kazumi Sakata. We warmly invite you to attend.

★ Purchase your copy [here]

Publication Details

Useless Spoons
Yuichi Takemata

  • Editing & Publishing: Osamu Kushida

  • Art Direction: Nobuhiro Yamaguchi

  • Design: Nobuhiro Yamaguchi + Ippei Tamai

  • Photography: Shizuka Suzuki

  • Translation: Futoshi Miyagi, Ben Davis (pp. 208–213)

  • Editorial Assistance: Ichika Tagawa

  • Special Thanks: Yoko Tatsusawa, Toshiko Sakata, Akito Akagi, Shotaro Yoshida

  • Printing & Binding: TOPPAN Cross Inc.

  • Publication Date: June 1, 2025

  • Price: ¥7,000 + tax

  • Publisher: FRAGILE BOOKS
    1-16-17-306 Higashigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-0021

Exhibition to Celebrate the Publication
Useless Spoons
Yuichi Takemata
by FRAGILE BOOKS

Book Exhibition
Dates: May 6 (Tue) – May 11 (Sun), 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Venue: Morioka Shoten, 1F Suzuki Building, 1-28-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Author will be in attendance on May 6 (Tue)

Talk Event

Yuichi Takemata (Metalsmith) ×
Nobuhiro Yamaguchi (Graphic Designer) ×
Osamu Kushida (Editor & Publisher)

Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 (National Holiday)
Time: Doors open at 2:00 PM / Event: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Venue: 9F Auditorium, Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Center
(2-10-18 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
Admission: ¥1,500 (incl. tax)
Reservations: Please register [here]

Profile

Yuichi Takemata

Born in 1975 in Kanazawa. Began studying metalwork in 1995 and became independent in 2002. Opened his studio “KiKU” in 2004, focusing on custom jewelry. Since 2005, he has also created lifestyle objects and tea utensils. In 2010, he opened a second shop, “sayuu.” Centered around these two stores, he has held exhibitions throughout Japan. Takemata’s work is not bound by function or technique—he pursues decorative beauty through varied processes, from aged finishes to meticulous mirror polishing.