Japanese Tako karakusa bowls – Set of 5

Five bowls wrapped in large blue scrolls, inside and out.

The tako karakusa pattern unfolds wide indigo scrolls that curl over a white background. Along the spirals, small round leaves form tight strings. The decoration continues inside, so each bowl seems woven in blue. A fine brown rim edges the top.

Karakusa means plant scrolls; tako means octopus, because the small round leaves recall its suckers. It is one of the best-loved decorations in Japanese tableware.

The bowls are round and fairly deep, on a small foot. At 13.1 cm in diameter and 7.1 cm high, they suit rice as well as soup.

They come from Hasami, in Nagasaki Prefecture, a major centre of everyday Japanese porcelain.

For rice, miso soup or noodles. Made in Japan.

Highlights

• Tako karakusa: the octopus pattern, a Japanese classic.
• Full decoration: the scrolls cover the inside and the outside.
• Set of 5: enough to serve the whole family.
• Versatile size: 13.1 cm, for rice, soup or noodles.
• Hasami porcelain: a major centre of Japanese tableware.

Product information

• Type: bowls, set of 5
• Material: porcelain
• Origin: made in Japan (Hasami, Nagasaki Prefecture)
• Dimensions: Ø 13.1 cm, height 7.1 cm
• Shape: round, deep, small foot
• Colours: indigo blue and white, brown rim
• Pattern: tako karakusa (octopus scrolls)
• Finish: glazed
• Presentation: set of 5 bowls
• Style: traditional Japanese

How to use

Serve the rice and miso soup of a Japanese meal, or a small portion of noodles. They go with the large tako karakusa bowl for a complete set.

As for care, these porcelain bowls are dishwasher and microwave safe.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the name tako karakusa come from?

Karakusa means plant scrolls, and tako means octopus: the small round leaves along the scrolls recall its suckers.

Is there a matching large bowl?

Yes, the 21.2 cm large tako karakusa bowl has the same pattern.