Reiko Kaneko's plates for applicant manufacturer Neff explore how the colour, shape, texture and weight of crockery can intensify perceptions of flavour.
The collection, designed by Stoke-on-Trent-based ceramicist Kaneko, are based upon research carried out by Professor Charles Spence in the field of gastrophysics that shows how the feel of the crockery can trick the brain into experiencing a richer taste sensation.
Debuted at Eurocucina 2018, the limited edition set includes a starter plate, a main dish bowl and a desert bowl designed to heighten the taste of each stage of a meal.
Kaneko designed a brown stoneware main dish, blue starter dish and pink dessert bowl
Inspired by the sea, the fine bone china starter plate features white and blue glazing and bears a rough texture reminiscent of fish scales. It's designed to intensify the taste of seafood or fish based starters by heightening the perception of saltiness through its angular shape. The angular main dish bowl is made from black stoneware with a rough, sandpaper-like texture designed to enhance the sensation of spiciness. For example, it can heighten the taste of ginger in a dish such as Thai green curry.

Based on the shape of a raspberry, the dessert bowl is designed to bring out the fruity flavour of sweet dishes. The pink colour boosts the perception of sweetness, while the outer, rounded, raspberry-like texture triggers associations with the fruit.
The dessert bowl brings out the fruity flavour of sweet dishes...