Miya Table & Home: Eclectic Japanese Tableware in Palmer Square
By Taylor Smith
Tableware and dining accessories can make a memorable (or ordinary) meal more memorable.
Miya is a third-generation, family-owned business specializing in the import of Japanese tableware and accessories. Their flagship store is located at 41 Palmer Square West in downtown Princeton.
The company was launched in 1947 by Mr. Miya, who operated a flower shop on 28th Street in Manhattan. As his shop evolved, Mr. Miya began importing tableware and gifts from Japan. The unique Japanese aesthetic found a market with New York audiences and the company grew to become the premier importer and wholesaler of Japanese tableware and gifts on the East Coast. Today, Miya, Inc. is owned and operated by Mr. Miya’s nephew and family, Bob Matsukawa and Heidi Moon, who currently reside in Princeton with their three daughters. Operating their warehouse out of Somerville, New Jersey, the couple felt that Princeton was the perfect site to move into a retail operation.
Miya’s storefront in the 1940s
Visitors to Miya will be struck by the variety of ceramic, stylistic, and design offerings. “People who love food tend to love dishes,” says Moon. She also points out that the serving dishes, bowls, and trays are versatile. “They can be used for non-traditional purposes like pasta or fruit.” Sakeware, drinkware, teaware, cups, and mugs are pleasantly artisanal in a manner that celebrates harmony in asymmetry and irregularity.
Blue, white, and earth tones are the predominant palette, along with a huge selection of cat imagery. “The fortune cat is a symbol of luck in Japan. Shopkeepers believe it welcomes good luck into their business,” says Moon, who goes on to say, “I have customers ask why we don’t have more dog items, but we tend to find that people who love cats really love to buy cat art!”
Popular items among students are the ramen noodle bowls. These beautiful objects are frequently offered in a blue and white color scheme, and are microwave and dishwasher safe. The many sauce dishes are a great way to display meaningful jewelry and trinkets in your home. And as the Thanksgiving season nears, keep Miya in mind for hostess and holiday gifts.
Miya Table & Home is open Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For questions, call 609. 212.0282.
To browse their online catalog, visit https://www.miyacompany.com/.