In the world of design, inspiration can strike from the most unexpected places. For Hachiman, the revered Japanese houseware brand, and its North American partner Chilewich, that spark came directly from the serene coops of Martha Stewart’s Bedford farm. The result? A captivating new collection of buckets and watering cans, imbued with the subtle, natural beauty of Stewart’s prized hen eggs.
A Palette Hatched in Bedford
Imagine the soft, muted greens emerging from a hen house: one egg shell leaning towards a gentle sage, another towards a rich olive. These aren’t just any eggs; they are the exquisite yield of Martha Stewart’s Olive Egger and Cream Legbar hens. It was these delicate, naturally-hued shells that captivated Stewart and subsequently set the unique color palette for Hachiman’s latest special edition.
Hachiman, a cult favorite renowned for its thoughtful design and utility, hails from a picturesque riverside town in Japan’s Gifu prefecture. Its introduction to North America was facilitated by Chilewich, a company with whom Stewart has enjoyed an ongoing collaboration since 2024.
The Genesis of a Collaboration
The journey of Hachiman to Stewart’s farm began years earlier when John McPhee, CEO of Chilewich, first encountered the brand’s signature buckets in a Roman design store. “The combination of beauty and utility—thoughtful design—was instantly apparent,” McPhee recalls. This initial admiration blossomed into a partnership, leading to Hachiman’s North American launch in January 2025.
Having sent Stewart Hachiman pieces to try at home, Chilewich later posed a pivotal question: what would a “Martha” version of these items look like? Stewart’s response was immediate and inspired. Kristin Harris, Chilewich’s VP of Design and Creative, recounts the moment: “When we first shared our Hachiman collection with Martha, she was sitting in her kitchen, a basket of eggs on the counter.” A brief glance at the dark green prototypes, and Stewart knew—she wanted the serene, natural hues of her favorite eggs translated onto Hachiman’s iconic forms.
The Delicate Art of Color Matching
Transforming nature’s subtle artistry into durable plastic was no small feat. The precious eggs were carefully transported from Stewart’s Bedford farm to Chilewich’s design studio in New York City’s Flatiron District. There, the design team meticulously held the shells against Pantone chips, striving to capture their unique beauty for industrial reproduction. “I’ve matched a lot of unexpected items in my career—yarn, hosiery, handprinted swatches, nail polish—but never eggshells!” Harris shares, highlighting the novelty and joy of the process. Remarkably, Hachiman achieved the perfect color match on the very first attempt.
Innovative Design, Inspired Hues
The new collection features two of Hachiman’s most celebrated indoor/outdoor designs, now available in these exclusive, egg-inspired tones.
The Multi-Purpose Bucket: More Than Meets the Eye
A winner of Japan’s prestigious Long Life Design Award, Hachiman’s Multi-Purpose Bucket is a testament to versatile functionality. Its ribbed, stackable form holds far more than just water. An ingenious opening in the handle allows for hands-free hose filling, while the robust lid can support up to 330 pounds, making it an instant stool or side table. Available in three sizes, from a compact 1.1-gallon mini to a spacious 5.3-gallon extra-large, these buckets are truly indispensable. “They are ideal for all kinds of outdoor tasks and double as stools, side tables, coolers, and compost bins,” Stewart affirms. “Use them indoors to store everything from children’s toys and treasures to pet food and crafting supplies.”
The Garden Beetle Watering Can: Gentle Flow, Smart Design
Recognized with both the Red Dot Design Award and Japan’s Good Design Award, the Garden Beetle Watering Can redefines garden hydration. Its widened spout features grooved channels, designed for a softer, more sprinkler-like water flow, as Stewart explains. “The open-top design makes it easier to incorporate plant food—no more clogged nozzles.” The smaller 0.4-gallon can conveniently nests inside the larger 1.3-gallon version for efficient storage.
Sustainable Style, Worldwide Reach
Beyond their aesthetic appeal and practical design, both the Multi-Purpose Bucket and the Garden Beetle Watering Can are crafted with sustainability in mind. Molded from recyclable polypropylene, they are free of phthalates and PFAS, and engineered to withstand prolonged sun exposure, ensuring longevity and eco-conscious use.
This unique collection, born from a humble farm egg and brought to life through thoughtful design, is now available for purchase. Find these exquisite pieces at chilewich.com, the Chilewich Store in New York City, and select retailers worldwide. Embrace the blend of natural beauty and unparalleled utility, curated by Martha Stewart and crafted by Hachiman.
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