Two Oribe finishes for matcha

Product Description

Premium Oribe Matcha Bowl is a handmade ceramic bowl for whisking and enjoying matcha. It is made in Seifu, Japan, and is shaped and glazed by hand.

Choose between two Oribe finishes: Sketch Oribe has elegant brushwork with subtle green glaze accents, while Black Oribe has a deep black glaze. Sketch Oribe holds 15.2 fl oz (450 cc); Black Oribe holds 13.5 fl oz (400 cc).

Each bowl is made individually, so slight variations in shape, glaze, and texture are to be expected. These differences are part of the character of handmade ceramic ware rather than defects. The shape is designed to fit naturally and comfortably in the hand during matcha preparation and serving.

Each bowl weighs approximately 1.21 lb (550 g) and is individually boxed in an elegant wooden box. The box makes the bowl suitable for gifting as well as for use in daily tea rituals or formal tea settings.

Care: Hand wash is recommended. Do not use in a microwave or dishwasher. Avoid soaking and abrasive cleaning to preserve the integrity of the glaze.

Product Information
  • Variants: Sketch Oribe (15.2 fl oz / 450 cc) and Black Oribe (13.5 fl oz / 400 cc)
  • Dimensions & Capacity: See individual variant details above
  • Weight: 1.21 lbs (550 g)
  • Packaging: Individually boxed in an elegant wooden box (6.10 × 6.10 × 4.13 in / 155 × 155 × 105 mm)
  • Origin: Handmade in Seifu, Japan
Material

Pottery

Care instructions

Hand wash recommended. Not suitable for microwave or dishwasher use. To preserve the integrity of the glaze, avoid soaking or abrasive cleaning.

Artisan & Craft
Artisan & Craft

Handcrafted in Seifu, Japan, with the craft work carried out in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, under the supervision of Kazufumi Wada.

Notes

Because each bowl is handmade, slight variations in shape, glaze color, and texture are natural and make every piece individual.

Questions & Answers

Can I use this bowl for everyday matcha preparation?
Yes. Its shape is described as comfortable in the hand for matcha whisking and enjoyment, whether used in a formal tea setting or as part of a daily ritual.
What should I expect from the handmade finish?
Each bowl may vary slightly in shape, glaze, and texture. These differences are a natural result of being handmade and contribute to the character of the individual piece.
What comes with the bowl?
Each bowl is individually boxed in an elegant wooden box.
How should I care for it?
Hand wash is recommended. Do not use it in a microwave or dishwasher, and avoid soaking or abrasive cleaning to help preserve the glaze.
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Made by Kazufumi Wada in Toki City, Japan

Kazufumi Wada carries forward a legacy of over 90 years at Keizan Kiln, founded by his grandfather Keijiro Wada, with an unwavering commitment to the timeless art of Japanese ceramics. A true master of his craft, Wada creates each piece entirely by hand—eschewing molds in favor of intuition, tradition, and an acute sensitivity to clay, glaze, and flame. His work is defined by a pursuit of glaze richness, achieved through meticulous control of kiln temperature and firing time, resulting in surfaces that feel both organic and refined. A member of the Mino Ceramics Association, Wada has earned numerous accolades, including selections to prestigious exhibitions such as the Asahi Ceramic Exhibition, Chunichi International Ceramic Exhibition, and the International Ceramic and Porcelain Festival. In recognition of his artistry, he was awarded the 35th Takuo Award by the Mino Ceramic Art Association. Through his guidance and creations, Kazufumi Wada offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the living tradition of Japanese pottery.

FAQs

All you need to know about Japanese Pottery.

What types of traditional pottery are made in Japan?

Japan is home to several renowned pottery styles, including Mino ware (Gifu), Bizen ware (Okayama), Arita and Imari ware (Saga), Shigaraki ware (Shiga), and Mashiko ware (Tochigi). Each region has its own distinct materials, glazes, and firing techniques that reflect local history and aesthetics. Toki City in Gifu Prefecture is particularly renowned as the heart of Mino ware (Minoyaki)—the most widely produced pottery style in Japan.

What materials are used in artisan Japanese pottery?

Most artisan pottery in Japan is made from locally sourced clay, often mixed and refined by hand. Natural minerals and ash are used in glazes, and many pieces are wood-fired or fired in traditional climbing kilns (noborigama), producing unique surface textures and natural variations.

Are artisan Japanese pottery pieces safe for food use?

Yes. Authentic artisan pottery is made with food-safe, lead-free glazes and is carefully fired at high temperatures to ensure durability and safety. However, it's important to follow care instructions, especially for unglazed or porous ceramics.

What makes Japanese pottery different from Western ceramics?

Japanese pottery often emphasizes wabi-sabi—the beauty of imperfection—resulting in organic shapes, subtle asymmetry, and natural glazes. Unlike Western ceramics, which may prioritize uniformity, Japanese pieces often celebrate the individuality of each item, reflecting the artist's hand and the firing process.

How should I care for artisan-made Japanese pottery?

Hand-wash pottery with mild soap and avoid extreme temperature changes (like placing hot items into cold water). Some unglazed pieces may absorb moisture, so allow them to fully dry before storing. Avoid microwaves or dishwashers unless the piece is specifically labeled as safe for such use.

Do I need to season my matcha bowls before using them?

In most cases, seasoning a matcha bowl is not necessary—especially if the bowl is fully glazed, as the glaze naturally seals the surface and makes it ready for use. However, if the bowl is unglazed or has a raw clay base, a simple seasoning process called medome can help prevent cracking or staining. To season, soak the bowl in warm water mixed with a spoonful of cooked rice or flour for about 30–60 minutes, then rinse and let it dry completely. This step helps fill tiny pores in the ceramic and adds durability over time.