About Gohobi
Founded in 2020, Gohōbi is a London-based homeware and lifestyle brand celebrating craftsmanship, cultural diversity and thoughtful everyday living.
We curate distinctive homeware and lifestyle objects from artists, independent makers, specialist workshops and carefully selected manufacturers across East Asia and beyond. Our collection brings together both artisan-made pieces and more accessible everyday designs, chosen for their quality, functionality, character and the enjoyment they bring to daily life.
We believe good design can come from many different forms of making. Some pieces are created in small studios using traditional techniques, while others are produced by experienced workshops and manufacturers with the skills and capabilities to make well-designed objects at a more accessible price.
We take care in selecting the suppliers and workshops we work with, building relationships with trusted partners whose products meet our expectations for quality, craftsmanship and reliability. Products are carefully selected and quality-checked before they become part of the Gohōbi collection, and we continue to work closely with our suppliers to improve materials, finishes, packaging and production wherever possible.
Where possible, we work directly with the people and businesses behind the products, from artists and makers to workshops, producers and farmers. Rather than simply focusing on where an object is made, we consider how well it is made, who we work with, its functionality and whether it deserves a place in our collection.
Through Gohōbi, we hope to bring together objects at different price points and from different ways of making, while maintaining a collection that feels considered, dependable and made to be enjoyed for years to come.
Our philosophy is simple: Buy Less, Buy Better.
We believe in choosing fewer, better-made objects that can be appreciated for years, rather than following short-lived trends. Every piece in our collection is selected with care, balancing quality, character, usefulness and cultural context.
A Brand Shaped by Many Cultures
Gohobi was founded from a life shaped by Taiwan, Japan, Britain and the wider world.
Our founder was born and raised in Taiwan. His family lived through Taiwan’s Japanese colonial period, and some of the language, habits and cultural memories created during that time continued across generations. He was also deeply influenced by classical Chinese culture, particularly its traditions of tea, ceramics, literature, philosophy and appreciation of nature.
After moving to the United Kingdom and later becoming a British citizen, British culture became another important part of his identity. Life in Britain influenced his understanding of individuality, multiculturalism, contemporary design and the meaning of home.
These different experiences continue to shape Gohobi. Although our roots are closely connected to East Asia, we are not limited to one country, tradition or aesthetic. We stock products from Japan, China, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Taiwan and other parts of the world.
We recognise that every culture has its own history and identity. Rather than treating different traditions as interchangeable, we aim to present them with curiosity, care and respect. What connects our collection is a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, meaningful design and the rituals that make everyday life feel special.
Tea, Craft and Everyday Well-Being
Tea is an important part of the Gohobi world. It brings together many of the ideas that inspire us: craft, hospitality, reflection, beauty and connection.
We hope to foster a welcoming community of tea lovers and design enthusiasts who share our appreciation for the many cultures and traditions surrounding tea.
Whether you are discovering a handmade cup, preparing a quiet pot of tea or choosing something meaningful for your home, we invite you to join us in celebrating conscious living and artisanal craftsmanship.
At Gohobi, we believe the most meaningful objects are not simply bought and replaced. They are used, cared for and gradually woven into daily life.
Objects of Craft. Made to Last.
———————————————————————
What Does the Word “Gohobi” Mean?
The name Gohobi comes from the Japanese word ご褒美, meaning a reward, prize or special treat.
We believe in treating ourselves and others to objects that feel meaningful, enriching and joyful. This idea guides our selection of distinctive, high-quality pieces from around the world—each chosen to feel like a small reward in everyday life.
The Japanese name also reflects part of our founder’s family history in Taiwan. It is not intended to suggest that Gohobi is exclusively a Japanese brand, but to acknowledge one of the cultural influences behind its story.
What Inspired the Creation of Gohobi?
Gohobi began with our founder’s search for high-quality, thoughtfully designed East Asian homeware in Europe.
He felt that many beautiful objects associated with East Asian tea, craft and everyday living were either difficult to find or presented without enough attention to their origins, makers and cultural context. She created Gohobi to offer a more considered collection—one that combines elegance and functionality with an appreciation of craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
Over time, the collection has grown beyond East Asia to include products from makers around the world. Every item is personally selected for its quality, character and ability to enrich everyday rituals.
Gohobi is therefore both deeply personal and internationally minded: rooted in Taiwanese experience, shaped by Japanese family memory and classical Chinese culture, influenced by British life, and inspired by craftsmanship from across the world.
Where Are Your Products Made?
Our collection includes products made in Taiwan, Japan, China, South Korea, the United Kingdom and other countries around the world.
We clearly identify the origin of our products wherever possible. Each country and region has its own cultural history, materials and craft traditions, and we believe those distinctions should be recognised and respected.
How Do You Ensure the Quality and Authenticity of Your Products?
We work directly with artists, artisans, producers, farmers and trusted suppliers to source and develop distinctive, high-quality products.
We consider the materials, construction, functionality and cultural context of each item before adding it to our collection. Products are also carefully inspected before being prepared for shipment.
Where products are inspired by a particular tradition or made using a regional technique, we aim to describe their origin accurately and avoid making unsupported claims about age, rarity or authenticity.
Are Your Products Eco-Friendly?
We are committed to making more responsible choices while recognising that sustainability is an ongoing process.
We favour durable materials such as ceramic, wood, bamboo, glass and natural fibres, and we prioritise objects designed to be used and enjoyed over time. Whenever possible, we reuse or recycle packaging materials and work to minimise unnecessary waste.
Our Buy Less, Buy Better philosophy encourages thoughtful purchasing: choosing fewer objects, caring for them well and valuing the craftsmanship behind them.
