Small Japanese Bowls, Deep Blue with Plum Blossom – Set of 4

Four small deep blue bowls, with fine flowering branches inside.

The outside is an intense, plain blue, softly nuanced, which gives the bowls an understated look. The inside reveals the decoration: fine dark branches and small white flowers set on the blue, which gradually appear as the meal goes on.

In Japan, the plum tree, ume, is the first tree to blossom at the end of winter, sometimes still under snow, well before the cherry tree. Its flowering heralds the return of spring, and its blossom symbolises perseverance and renewal. It is one of the best-loved patterns in Japanese tableware.

Small, at 13.5 cm in diameter and 6.1 cm high, they are perfect for rice, miso soup, side dishes, sauces or a dessert. Stacked, they take up little room in the cupboard.

They complete the plates, salad bowls and large bowls in the same plum blossom decoration for a matching set, or sit alongside plain tableware for a touch of colour.

Highlights

• Ume pattern: plum blossom inside, a symbol of renewal.
• Plain blue outside: an understated look, the decoration is revealed during the meal.
• Small size: rice, miso, side dishes or desserts.
• Set of 4: they stack easily.
• Made in Japan: matching the whole plum blossom range.

Product information

• Type: small Japanese bowls
• Contents: 4 bowls
• Material: porcelain
• Origin: Japan (Toki-Tajimi area, Gifu Prefecture, home of Mino ware)
• Dimensions: Ø 13.5 cm, height 6.1 cm
• Colours: deep blue, white
• Pattern: branches of plum blossom (ume)
• Finish: glazed, glossy
• Care: dishwasher and microwave safe
• Style: traditional Japanese

How to use

Serve miso soup or rice in these bowls for a complete Japanese meal, and keep one for sauces or pickles. With the large plates in the same decoration, they make a harmonious set.

Frequently asked questions

What does the plum blossom symbolise in Japan?

The plum tree, ume, is the first tree to blossom at the end of winter. Its flower heralds spring and symbolises perseverance and renewal.

How many bowls are in the set?

Four bowls with the same decoration, 13.5 cm in diameter.

Are these bowls dishwasher and microwave safe?

Yes. Being porcelain, they can go in the dishwasher and the microwave.