Cherry and Bird Chazuke Bowl
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Cherry and Bird Chazuke Bowl
Kutani Rice & Chazuke Bowl – Cherry Blossom Bird Motif
Indulge in the beauty of Japanese artistry with the exquisite Cherry and Bird Chazuke Bowl. This stunning ceramic piece is not just a bowl; it’s a celebration of nature’s beauty, intricately hand-painted on a vibrant yellow background, showcasing a delicate bird nestled among blossoming cherry branches. Each glance at this bowl invites warmth and serenity into your dining space, transforming everyday meals into extraordinary experiences.
Artisanal Craftsmanship
Handcrafted in Japan, this bowl embodies centuries of traditional Kutani ware craftsmanship. Renowned for its unique aesthetic, Kutani pottery uses a rich palette of five colors—red, green, yellow, purple, and navy blue—each stroke meticulously applied to create intricate designs that capture the essence of Japanese culture. The combination of floral and fauna motifs not only pleases the eye but also fosters a connection to the natural world, making it a perfect centerpiece for any table setting.
Functional Elegance
Measuring 4.7 inches in diameter and 3.1 inches in height (12 cm x 8 cm), the Cherry and Bird Chazuke Bowl is versatile enough for serving rice dishes and salads, or for elegant display. Its delicate yet durable ceramic composition ensures it withstands daily use while adding a touch of sophistication to your home decor. Enjoy the dual functionality of this bowl as both a practical kitchen item and a work of art that enhances your living space.
What is Chazuke?
Chazuke (also called ochazuke) is a simple and comforting Japanese dish made by pouring hot green tea, dashi broth, or plain hot water over a bowl of cooked rice. It’s often topped with ingredients like salted salmon, pickled plum (umeboshi), seaweed, sesame seeds, or rice crackers. Light, warm, and soothing, chazuke is commonly enjoyed as a quick meal, a late-night snack, or a gentle way to finish a meal.
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FAQs
All you need to know about Japanese Arita Ware.
What makes Kutani ware different from other Japanese ceramics?
Kutani ware is instantly recognizable for its vivid overglaze enamels—greens, reds, blues, yellows, and purples—painted in bold, layered designs. Unlike many regional wares that rely on clay texture or natural glazes, Kutani emphasizes ornamental artistry. Each piece is hand-painted after firing, then fired again at a lower temperature to fuse the enamel. This two-step process creates the signature glossy, high-contrast look unmatched by other Japanese styles.
Is Kutani ware safe to use with food, sauces, and liquids?
Yes. Modern Kutani ware is food-safe and meets Japan’s strict ceramic safety standards. The bright overglaze enamels may look delicate, but they are formulated using lead-free, cadmium-free pigments suitable for tableware. After application, they are re-fired to create a stable, sealed surface. As long as the piece is contemporary and intended for functional use (not antique), it is safe for soy sauce, oils, vinegar, and daily dining.
Why are Kutani colors so bright, and do they fade over time?
Kutani’s signature brilliance comes from metal-oxide-based overglaze pigments, carefully applied in layers to achieve depth and luminosity. After the second firing, the colors are fused into a glassy enamel surface. Under normal use, they do not fade, even after decades. However, prolonged exposure to strong acidic cleaners or harsh scrubbing can dull the enamel. Gentle handwashing is recommended for preserving clarity and shine.
How is Kutani ware made in the Kaga region today?
Artisans in Ishikawa’s Kaga area follow a blend of traditional and modern methods. Local porcelain stone (hakusan-ishi) is shaped, bisque-fired, and coated with a clear base glaze. Once fired to porcelain hardness, painters add the characteristic Gosai-de (Five Colors) palette or detailed motifs such as birds, landscapes, or geometric patterns. After painting, pieces undergo a second firing around 800°C to set the overglaze. Many workshops still rely on individual brushwork, ensuring each item is one-of-a-kind.
Is Kutani ware suitable for everyday use or mainly for display?
Kutani ware is durable enough for daily use, particularly for items such as plates, mugs, and sauce dispensers. The porcelain body is non-porous and resistant to staining, making it ideal for use with soy sauce and other strong-flavored seasonings. However, because the overglaze decoration sits on the surface (unlike underglaze ceramics), it’s best to avoid dishwashers and microwaves unless the maker specifically states they are safe. Many collectors use Kutani both as functional tableware and as decorative art due to its vibrant, expressive aesthetic.