Japanese Bowl, Raw Clay with Seigaiha Waves

Raw ceramic on the outside, waves on the inside: a bowl that reveals itself in two stages.

On the outside, the clay remains visible, beige speckled with brown, with a grainy texture that is pleasant to the touch. This raw surface gives the bowl an authentic character and a secure grip.

Inside, the brown-grey glaze draws a regular pattern of waves in overlapping arcs, broken here and there by lighter patches. Nami means wave in Japanese. This pattern of overlapping arcs has a name: seigaiha, literally “waves of the blue sea”.

The pattern represents the swell of the open sea in regular fans and takes its name from an ancient dance of the Japanese imperial court, whose dancers wore costumes decorated with it. It is associated with wishes for calm and for good fortune that renews itself, like the waves.

At 20 cm in diameter and 10 cm high, it holds ramen, soups, donburi or large salads. Its organic texture and earthy colours evoke the spirit of wabi-sabi.

Highlights

• Seigaiha pattern: waves in overlapping arcs, a wish for calm and good fortune.
• Two textures: textured raw exterior, glazed interior.
• Large size: 20 cm in diameter for ramen and soups.
• Earthy colours: beige, brown and grey, wabi-sabi spirit.
• Made in Japan: sold individually.

Product information

• Type: large Japanese bowl
• Material: ceramic
• Origin: Japan (Toki-Tajimi area, Gifu Prefecture, home of Mino ware)
• Dimensions: Ø 20 cm, height 10 cm
• Colours: beige, brown, grey
• Pattern: seigaiha waves (nami)
• Finish: raw exterior, glazed interior
• Care: hand washing recommended, microwave safe
• Style: rustic Japanese, wabi-sabi spirit

How to use

On a rough wooden table, with chopsticks and a linen cloth, its natural materials come fully into their own. After washing, let the raw part dry thoroughly before putting it away.

Frequently asked questions

What is the seigaiha pattern?

It is a Japanese pattern of stylised waves in overlapping arcs. Its name means “waves of the blue sea” and comes from an ancient dance of the imperial court.

What does nami mean?

Nami means wave in Japanese. It is the pattern drawn inside the bowl.

Is this bowl dishwasher and microwave safe?

Like all ceramics, it is best washed by hand: the dishwasher is not recommended. It can, however, go in the microwave without any problem.