Large Japanese bowl, Tako karakusa

A large bowl where the blue spirals leave almost no white, inside as well as out.

The tako karakusa pattern covers the whole surface: wide indigo scrolls, fringed with small tightly packed leaves, winding and linked by fine stems. The decoration continues without a break from the outside to the inside, so the bowl seems woven in blue. Only the foot stays white, ringed with a fine brown line.

This pattern is one of the most popular in Japanese tableware. Karakusa means plant scrolls; tako means octopus, because the small leaves along the spirals recall its suckers.

The shape is wide and flared, with a well-opened rim. At 21.2 cm in diameter and 7.5 cm high, it is a real meal bowl.

As the pattern is so dense, the joins between the spirals vary a little from bowl to bowl.

For ramen, udon, a donburi or a large salad. Made in Japan.

Highlights

• Tako karakusa: the octopus pattern, a classic of Japanese tableware.
• Full decoration: the spirals cover the inside and the outside.
• Large size: 21.2 cm, for ramen or donburi.
• Flared shape: a wide-open rim, practical for eating.
• Careful finish: a white foot ringed in brown.

Product information

• Type: large bowl
• Material: porcelain
• Origin: made in Japan (Toki-Tajimi area, Gifu Prefecture, home of Mino ware)
• Dimensions: Ø 21.2 cm, height 7.5 cm
• Shape: wide, flared, small foot
• Colours: indigo blue and white
• Pattern: tako karakusa (octopus scrolls)
• Finish: glazed, foot ringed in brown
• Presentation: sold individually
• Style: traditional Japanese

How to use

It holds a bowl of ramen with all its toppings, an oyakodon or a poke bowl. It can also serve as a small salad bowl at the centre of the table.

As for care, this porcelain bowl is dishwasher and microwave safe.

Frequently asked questions

Is the pattern also inside?

Yes, the spirals cover the whole bowl, inside and out; only the foot stays white.

Can I serve ramen in it?

Yes, at 21.2 cm in diameter it is ramen bowl size and also suits udon and donburi.