Visit Small Masterpiece (based in Los Angeles)
Meet Jason Murakawa, founder/owner
Find A one-of-a-kind collection of 18th and 19th century tableware ranging from Haviland-Limoges fine china to early American pressed glassware to embroidered linens. The entire 750-piece collection is available for loan for dinner parties and social gatherings. While most of his clients are within the Los Angeles area, he’s open to shipping the items as well.
The Backstory Tired of using basic, generic tableware from rental companies, Murakawa began collecting antique pieces to use for the various fundraisers and parties he hosted at his LA home. This proved to be an easy task for the globetrotter who enjoys handpicking museum-worthy pieces from flea markets and antique shops around the world. When the collection grew big enough to throw a 50-person dinner party, he realized that he was on to something.
A firm believer that family heirloom tableware is meant to be enjoyed and used rather than admired from behind glass, Murakawa decided to start an antique tabletop rental company called Small Masterpiece about six months ago. He’s no stranger to entrepreneurial ventures: Murakawa owns a graphic design company specializing in corporate identity. He also has more than eight years of experience in decorating tabletops for events attended by as many as 400 people.
Though his fees are higher than your average party rentals, it’s worth the extra cost for this bred graphic designer’s good taste. “I’ve created a uniform look for the collection using the shape of the glass, height, or overall design to tie every piece together though each is very unique,” says Murakawa, who credits his design sensibility to his east coast state of mind. “There’s no point in keeping these items in a cabinet and not using them, especially sterling silver flatware. The more you use it, the better it looks.”
Published on March 4, 2010
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We recognize that all of us, no matter where we are from or what we do, have memories that are precious and often part of our everyday lives. At The Fine Art of Family, our mission is to highlight the unique stories behind how people capture, celebrate, and share these memories, specifically through their most prized heirlooms, photographs and collections.