Miso Jars

These miso jars bridge the gap between function and story. Each one reflects how fermentation time shifts with ingredient ratios, blending the art of pottery with the narrative of fermentation. Recipes aren’t just written—they’re embedded in the jars themselves, making the process both visible and tangible.

development

Focusing on key variables in miso making: fermentation time, koji ratios, and salt content, I Explored ways to represent them using intrinsic pottery elements like clay texture, type, and height.

designing for intuition

I chose clay bodies to differentiate data points, emphasizing their natural properties over glazes. Only the interior is glazed in vibrant red—a nod to Japan's red lacquerware and the bold spirit of fermentation. Height subtly indicates time: the taller jar for year-long ferments, the shorter for half that time.

Red clay (lid): Represents fermentation time. A full circle corresponds to 1 year, visually reinforcing the patience and care required for traditional miso-making.

Tan clay (body): Encodes the koji-to-substrate ratio, the cornerstone of miso's flavor profile.

Greyish-blue groggy clay (base): Reflects the salt content, a vital element in preserving the miso and shaping its taste.

development

Focusing on key variables in miso making: fermentation time, koji ratios, and salt content, I Explored ways to represent them using intrinsic pottery elements like clay texture, type, and height.