Japanese medium bowls, Asanoha – Set of 5

Five bowls, five colours, and one pattern of fine stars linking them.

Each bowl is covered, inside and out, with a network of six-pointed stars drawn in a fine line on a white background. The pattern is the same everywhere; only the colour changes: navy blue, olive green, light turquoise, coral red and a very pale lavender. A brown line edges each rim.

This pattern is asanoha, the "hemp leaf". Because hemp grows straight and fast, it symbolises growth and good health; it was once used to decorate newborns' clothes. It is one of the oldest and best-loved geometric patterns in Japan.

The bowls are round and slightly flared, on a small white foot. At 15 cm in diameter and 7 cm high, they are larger than a rice bowl: the right size for soup, noodles or salad.

Together they make a cheerful, coherent table; apart, each keeps its own personality.

A set to share with the family, or to give to someone who loves colour. Made in Japan.

Highlights

• Asanoha pattern: the "hemp leaf", a symbol of growth and good health.
• Five colours: navy, olive green, turquoise, red and lavender.
• Full decoration: the pattern covers the inside as well as the outside.
• Medium size: 15 cm, for soups, noodles or salads.
• Matching: they complement the asanoha rice bowls of the same range.

Product information

• Type: medium bowls, set of 5
• Material: porcelain
• Origin: made in Japan (Toki-Tajimi area, Gifu Prefecture, home of Mino ware)
• Dimensions: Ø 15 cm, height 7 cm
• Shape: round, slightly flared, small foot
• Colours: navy, olive green, turquoise, coral red, lavender, on white
• Pattern: asanoha (hemp leaf)
• Finish: glazed, brown line at the rim
• Presentation: set of 5 bowls
• Style: traditional Japanese, colourful

How to use

Everyone can have their own colour at the table: handy for miso soup, a light bowl of ramen, a noodle salad or a dessert.

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

Frequently asked questions

What does the asanoha pattern represent?

It is a network of six-pointed stars that evokes the hemp leaf. Because this plant grows straight and fast, it symbolises growth and good health.

What portion size?

At 15 cm in diameter, they suit a soup, a small portion of noodles or a side salad.