The Bulletin #8

THE BOOK

CHAWANYA / Raku Kichizaemon (2018)

"There is no successful work without a poetic dimension. The only poetic element is the material itself, its language."

This could very well serve as an introduction to this book by the 15th heir of the Raku pottery dynasty, whose grandfather pioneered the technique over 400 years ago in Kyoto. Presented as a subtle blend of ceramics and poetry, this autobiography stands out for its rare simplicity.

The translation by Andoche Praudel and his wife, Kuki Eiko, is compelling, capturing all the humility of a life devoted to art. A fascinating journey through the artist’s world—one that invites reflection and quiet contemplation.

THE RECORD

BAJA SESSIONS / Chris Isaak (1996)

Music has the magical power to take us on a journey. Some albums more than others.
With Baja Sessions, Chris Isaak instantly transports us to a beach in Baja California where, as he writes, "there is more cactus than people, more time than worries, and surrounded by the ocean and the sea".

The ideal record to slow down, and the perfect setting for romance. An album that also reminds us why Chris Isaak is among the last great heirs to the Americana crooner tradition...

THE CRAFTSMAN

MATHIEU HERRERO / Knifesmith

If the greatest artists all have their signatures—whether it's a style, a sound, a scent, or a specific technique—the same is true of the craftsman, who transcends his discipline into something unique. Being instantly distinctive without being extravagant is indeed an art, and with knife-making, Mathieu Herrero has definitely found his.

As the string quartet's luthier, trained in Norfolk, England, he draws his inspiration from traditional French and English regional shapes, but also from often forgotten 18th-century blades, which he brings back to life in the most beautiful and noble of ways.

THE DRINK

THE HANOÏ COOLER

The Hanoï Cooler is not your classic cocktail per se. It’s a personal creation, somewhere between a Gin Martini and a Cooler—born from a strong desire to be transported back to exotic places, where people battled heat and humidity with useless wooden ceiling fans and sharp clothing made of linen and seersucker, rather than cheap air-con.

A classic within our team, and one we hope you’ll enjoy as much as we do.

Measure:

• 1 1/2 measure of Gin
• 1 measure of Dry Vermouth
• 1/2 measure of Lillet Blanc
• 1/2 measure of Japanese Sake
• 3 measures of Lychee juice
• 1/2 measure of Lime juice
• Top up with Tonic Water
  

Garnish: 1 lychee (fruit) / Shiso leaf