Product Description

The red plum, or ume, arrives before Japan's cherry blossoms, bringing color while winter is still giving way to spring. Against the warm ivory surface of this Mino ware matcha bowl, the red blossoms give the piece a lively character without feeling overly decorative.

Its broad interior is particularly well suited to matcha preparation, giving a bamboo chasen enough space for quick whisking movements. The light-colored interior also makes it easier to judge the tea's texture and foam as you prepare it.

Produced in Japan as Mino ware, the bowl balances traditional Japanese decoration with a shape designed for regular use. It works equally well as a first proper chawan or as a more expressive addition to an existing collection.

Product Information
  • Dimensions: 5.0 in (φ) x 3.2 in (H) / 12.8 cm (φ) x 8.2 cm (H)
  • Box Size: 6.1 in x 6.0 in x 3.5 in / 15.6 cm x 15.0 cm x 8.8 cm
  • Material: Ceramic
  • Packaging: Presentation box included
  • Made in Japan
Care instructions


- Hand wash gently with a soft sponge and mild detergent; avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately to prevent moisture retention.
- Store in a dry place, ideally within the provided presentation box, to protect from dust and damage.
- Avoid using in the dishwasher or microwave to preserve the integrity of the ceramic.
- Embrace the uniqueness of each piece; variations in color and finish are hallmarks of its handcrafted beauty.

Artisan & Craft
Artisan & Craft

Ichiyama, a ceramic maker founded in Toki, Gifu, in 1963, made this matcha bowl. Beginning as Ichiyama Tōen, the company has grown alongside one of Japan’s most important pottery regions while continuing to develop tableware for contemporary use. Its approach is particularly well suited to this chawan: traditional Japanese motifs and familiar ceramic forms are treated with a lighter, everyday sensibility. Here, the red plum decoration gives the bowl its distinctive character, while the balanced shape remains practical and comfortable for preparing matcha.

Note

Small variations in color and finish may occur as part of the ceramic firing process. These natural differences give each piece its individual character.

Questions About This Piece

Is this bowl suitable for someone new to matcha?
Yes. Its broad interior gives a standard bamboo whisk plenty of space to move, making it easy to whisk matcha evenly.
Will the bowl I receive look exactly like the photographs?
Small differences in color and finish can occur during ceramic production.
Can I use a standard chasen with this bowl?
Yes. The open chawan form is designed to provide enough room for normal matcha whisking movements.
How does this bowl compare to more minimal designs?
It adds presence without feeling ornate. You notice it, but it doesn’t overpower the ritual.
When does this bowl feel most at home?
During slower moments — early mornings, cold days, or anytime you want matcha to feel grounding rather than rushed.

Mino ware · Gifu, Japan

Mino ware: 1,300 years of ceramic innovation

Mino ware comes from the Tono region of Gifu Prefecture, one of Japan's most important ceramic-producing areas. Over centuries, kilns in the region developed a remarkable range of styles, from restrained Shino and Oribe pieces tied to tea culture to everyday tableware for modern Japanese homes. Rather than being defined by a single look, Mino ware is known for that diversity. A ceramic tradition that has continued to evolve with the way people actually live and eat.

1,300+ years of ceramic tradition
Made in Gifu Tōnō ceramic region
Remarkable diversity Shino · Oribe · Kiseto · Setoguro
Mino ware · Gifu Prefecture · Japan

Discover Mino

Learn more about Mino ware

What is Mino ware?

Mino ware, or Minoyaki, is the broad ceramic tradition associated with the Mino region of present-day Gifu Prefecture. Rather than describing one fixed aesthetic, the name encompasses ceramics with a wide range of forms, glazes and decorative approaches developed across the region over more than 1,300 years.

Why is Mino ware so diverse?

Mino developed as a large ceramic-producing region rather than around one narrowly defined style. Generations of potters experimented with different clays, firing methods, shapes and glazes, creating a tradition in which rustic tea wares, expressive glazes and practical everyday tableware can all belong to the same ceramic family.

What are Shino and Oribe?

Shino and Oribe are two of the best-known ceramic traditions associated with Mino. Shino is celebrated for its soft white glaze, subtle texture and often understated decoration, while Oribe is known for expressive forms and distinctive green, black and painted surfaces. Together with Kiseto and Setoguro, they are closely associated with the celebrated Momoyama-period tea ceramics of the Mino region.

Where is Mino ware made?

Mino ware is produced primarily in the Tōnō area of eastern Gifu Prefecture, including major ceramic centres such as Tajimi, Toki and Mizunami. The region remains one of Japan's most important centres of ceramic and tableware production today.