Japanese Matcha Bowl, Speckled Brown, in Gift Box

An earth-toned matcha bowl, crossed by a broad white brushstroke, hiding a flash of deep blue inside.

On the outside, the light brown glaze is finely speckled with dark dots, like stone or volcanic sand. A wide band of white, laid down in a single gesture, wraps almost all the way around. The brush has left visible streaks and a few speckles show through the white, which gives it the look of having been painted by hand.

The inside has a completely different mood. On a dark brown, almost black background, a stream of intense blue runs near the rim, with lighter highlights where the glaze thinned out during firing. This contrast between the mineral exterior and the blue hidden inside only reveals itself when you hold the bowl.

The chawan is the bowl in which matcha is prepared and drunk: a powdered green tea whisked in hot water with a bamboo whisk, the chasen, until a fine froth forms. Its low shape with straight sides, 12 cm in diameter and 7.5 cm high, gives the whisk room to work, and the bowl sits comfortably in both hands.

The play of the glazes makes each bowl a little different: the extent of the blue and the path of the brushstroke vary slightly from one piece to the next.

It comes in a black gift box with a calligraphed label. A simple gift idea for someone discovering matcha, or looking for a proper bowl for their tea break.

Highlights

• A true chawan: a low, straight shape designed for whisking matcha with a chasen.
• Two faces: a speckled brown exterior with a white brushstroke, a dark interior lit up with blue.
• Natural variations: the white stroke and the depth of the blue change from one bowl to another.
• Comfortable to hold: a compact 12 cm size that sits well in both hands.
• Ready to give: delivered in its black gift box.

Product information

• Type: matcha bowl (chawan)
• Material: porcelain
• Origin: made in Japan (Toki-Tajimi area, Gifu Prefecture, home of Mino ware)
• Dimensions: Ø 12 cm, height 7.5 cm
• Shape: low, straight sides, small foot
• Exterior: speckled light brown, broad touch of white glaze
• Interior: dark brown, stream of deep blue
• Finish: glazed, glossy
• Presentation: black gift box
• Sold without whisk
• Style: traditional Japanese, inspired by the tea ceremony

How to use

Before preparing matcha, warm the bowl with a little hot water, then empty and dry it: the froth will be finer. Sift one or two scoops of matcha, pour in water at about 80 °C and whisk briskly in a zigzag until a light froth forms.

As for care, this porcelain bowl is dishwasher and microwave safe. A simple rinse in hot water is often enough after matcha.

Frequently asked questions

What is a chawan?

It is the bowl used in Japan to prepare and drink matcha. Its wide, low shape leaves room for the bamboo whisk to froth the tea.

Can it be used for anything other than matcha?

Yes. It also works for a matcha latte, a café au lait or a small bowl of cereal in the morning.

Are all the bowls identical?

The shape and colours are the same, but the white brushstroke and the blue interior vary slightly from one piece to another.

Is the whisk included?

No, the bowl is sold on its own, in its black gift box.