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How to Choose a Matcha Bowl
Shape, size, depth and feel all affect how a chawan performs. Learn what to look for before choosing yours.
Read the guide
Explore by ceramic tradition or by the way you enjoy matcha.
View all 49Two practical guides to help you choose with confidence and understand what makes a Japanese chawan special.
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Shape, size, depth and feel all affect how a chawan performs. Learn what to look for before choosing yours.
Read the guide
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The price of a chawan reflects much more than clay. Discover the craftsmanship, tradition and artistic value behind Japanese matcha bowls.
Read the articleA matcha bowl, or chawan, is more than a vessel for tea. Its proportions, weight and shape are designed around the act of whisking, holding and drinking matcha.
Across Japan, traditions such as Mino, Arita, Kutani and Kyoto produce bowls with very different textures, glazes and forms. Some are quiet and understated; others celebrate expressive decoration, layered glazes and the marks left by the firing process.
The best chawan is not simply the most elaborate one. It should feel comfortable in the hands, offer enough room to whisk freely and suit the way you enjoy matcha at home.
Practical answers to help you choose and enjoy your chawan.
Chawan means “tea bowl” in Japanese. In the context of matcha, it refers to the bowl used to whisk and drink the tea. Matcha chawan are generally shaped to give the whisk enough room to move while remaining comfortable to hold.
A bowl with a fairly open interior is usually easiest for everyday matcha because it gives the chasen enough room to whisk efficiently. The ideal size also depends on how the bowl feels in your hands and how much matcha you normally prepare.
Yes. Our matcha bowls are made in Japan and selected from Japanese ceramic makers and specialist workshops. Depending on the piece, they may reflect traditions such as Mino, Arita, Kutani, Kyoto and other regional Japanese ceramic styles.
Price can reflect the maker, forming and glazing methods, firing process, ceramic tradition and amount of handwork. Everyday bowls can be very accessible, while pieces made by established artisans or using demanding techniques may command considerably higher prices.
From preparation to storage, discover the pieces that belong naturally beside your chawan.