Why We Love It
This genuine Raku pottery matcha bowl is presented in a custom-made wooden box, signed by the artist, making a truly unique gift for any matcha lover.
This Raku matcha bowl has been handcrafted by Hideki Nishijima from Shuraku kiln, who opened his own kiln in 1972. Chawan is the ideal vessel for serving matcha powdered tea, whether it’s during a tea ceremony, or simply taking a meditative moment at home.
Why Choose a Raku Pottery Matcha Bowl?
Raku ware (楽焼, raku-yaki) is perhaps the quintessential Japanese pottery. An indispensable centerpiece of the Japanese tea ceremony, this ceramic art form has been highly appreciated by tea masters for its simplicity and austerity. With a history stretching back to 1580, Raku pottery remains today the most sought-after Japanese ceramics, and an unparalleled example of the wabi-sabi aesthetic.
Hand-sculpted rather than thrown on a potter’s wheel, Raku matcha bowls are molded using the tezukune technique, with the palms of the hand. A connection is then created between the master potter, who manually shaped the bowl, and the tea ceremony participant who holds it in their hands.
When dry, the rough clay is trimmed with an iron or bamboo scraper and covered with a translucent or opaque black glaze. In the traditional Japanese method, the bowls are briefly fired at low temperatures, taken out from the hot kiln at the peak of the firing, and allowed to cool in the open air.
Born in Kumamoto in 1948, Hideki Nishijima opened his own kiln, named Shuraku, in 1972. His works are humble and warm, with distinct wabi-sabi sensibility. Nishijima has participated in many solo and group exhibitions and has been recognized as a regular member of the Japan Crafts Association since 2000.
How to Care for Your Raku Pottery Matcha Bowl
Raku ware is known for its rough surface, which can be quite porous. Before you first use your matcha bowl, it is recommended to medome (“fill the eyes”) of your bowl. To do this, stir a cup of rice in some lukewarm water until the rice starch turns the water cloudy. Submerge your bowl in this starchy water to allow the rice powder to soak into the miniscule holes in the clay. After about 15 minutes, remove your bowl, give it a quick rinse, a thorough dry, and let it sit for 24 hours or so for the starch to set.
To clean your bowl, wash in warm water, avoiding soap unless necessary. Do not place your bowl in the dishwasher, and do not leave soaking. Be sure to dry the bowl thoroughly before putting it away.
Raku bowls are made from soft absorbent clay, so avoid using your bowl for strong-smelling or acidic foods, and be careful not to scratch with knives and other metal tools. .
Details
- Matcha bowl
- Includes custom-made wooden box, signed by the artist
- Handmade in Japan
- Free gift-wrapping in Japanese furoshiki cloth
- Raku ware
- As each handmade product is unique, there will be differences in size, color, and pattern from the photographs above.
- Size: Ø 4½” (12cm), height 3” (8cm)
- Product code: 95806BK
Free Shipping
- USA, Canada, Europe, Middle East, and East Asia: Enjoy FREE express shipping on all orders over $99!
- Australia, New Zealand, and India: Enjoy FREE shipping on all orders over $199 USD.
- Japan: Enjoy FREE shipping on all orders.
Shipping Times
- USA, Canada, Europe, Middle East, and East Asia: Orders usually arrive within 3-5 days after shipment.
- Australia, New Zealand, and India: Delivery is usually within a week, depending on local customs.
- Japan: Orders typically arrive within 24 hours after shipment.
- All other countries: Orders usually arrive within 4-5 days after shipment, depending on local customs.
Taxes
- Shipments from Japan may be subject to additional taxes and handling fees imposed by customs and mail carriers. Customers are responsible for these costs.
- Customs and import rules vary by country, for example the USA usually doesn’t charge any extra fees, but the EU sometimes does. See here for information on selected countries.
- If an order is returned due to refusal to pay local taxes or customs duties, the full two-way shipping costs will be deducted from any refund.
- Shipments in the US may be subject to sales tax where mandated by federal and local authorities. Sales tax will be calculated at checkout.
- Shipments within Japan are subject to consumption tax, which is included in the price.
Shipping Locations
- All our products come to you from Japan.
- Especially for customers in the USA, we can now also ship some items from our location in California to ensure the fastest delivery!
Track Your Order
- Once your order has shipped, we will send you a confirmation email with a link to track your shipment.
- Please note that it is the customer's responsibility to track shipments. If an order is returned due to non-collection, the full two-way shipping costs will be deducted from any refund.
If you would like to return your order for whatever reason, we're here to help! We offer no hassle returns within 30 days of receiving your order.
*Please note the following conditions to our return and exchange policy:
- Items must be returned unused and folded in the original packaging.
- Items must be returned to their original shipping location (this is usually in Tokyo).
- Discounted items, or items purchased with store credit are not eligible for return or refund.
- The original outward shipping cost (the full amount that we paid to the courier) will be deducted from the refund.
- The customer is responsible for the return shipping cost.
- For hygiene reasons, we cannot accept returns on earrings, futon mattresses and duvets, mattress/duvet covers, or tatami mats.
How do I claim my free refund?
Please contact us and we will confirm the shipping address for you to send the item.
Please return the item folded in its original packaging and send your return by mail, marking “Returned Items” on the customs form. If you send your return by courier (DHL, FedEx, etc), or do not write “Returned Items” on the customs form, import duties may be levied which must be paid by the sender or subtracted from any refund.
Once we receive the returned item and have confirmed its condition as unused and undamaged, we will issue a refund not including shipping costs or duties.
Do I have to pay shipping costs?
We offer a full refund of the product, not including the original outward shipping costs. You must bear the cost of return shipping.
If you received the original order damaged, then we will also cover both the initial and the return shipping costs.
Can I exchange for a different product?
Yes! To exchange an unused and undamaged item, you can process the return as described above and reorder the new item through the website.
Alternatively, when you notify us about a return, let us know which product you would like as a replacement, and we will hold it in stock for you until we receive the original return. Please note, there may be additional shipping costs.
What if my item is damaged?
Very occasionally items may be damaged in transport. In the unlikely event that you item arrives in a damaged condition:
We ask that you contact us within 48 hours of receipt. This enables us to make a claim with the shipping company.
Please keep hold of the damaged item and provide some photos of the damage.
We will issue you with a full refund or replacement, including shipping costs.
How long will my refund take?
We will process the refund within 2 days of receiving the returned item.
