Why We Love It
This genuine Raku pottery matcha bowl set features a hand-sculpted red Raku ware chawan bowl, a bamboo whisk (chasen) handmade in Nara prefecture, and a bamboo scoop (chashaku). In a class by itself, this authentic Raku ware bowl with the two most essential Japanese tea accessories make a truly unique gift for any matcha lover.
This Raku matcha bowl has been handcrafted by a 4th generation master artisan from Juraku kiln. 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. The red hues of this Raku matcha bowl are not from any glaze but rather reflect the actual color of the clay itself. The iron in the clay oxidizes during firing, turning the finished Raku pottery red.
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 set, contains one ceramic bowl, one bamboo whisk and one bamboo spoon
- 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 4” (10.5cm), height 3” (7cm)
- Product code: 95805RD
We ship to every country in the world direct from Tokyo.
We offer three levels of service: Standard, Express and FedEx Priority.
1) Standard shipping is by registered airmail, which usually takes about 10-14 days.
2) Express shipping uses Japan Post’s EMS service, and usually takes between 6-10 days.
3) FedEx Priority usually takes 2-5 days.
All options include tracking information.
FREE shipping uses Standard shipping is available on orders over $99, unless registered airmail services to your country have been suspended by Japan Post. In the USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany and Australia registered airmail is temporarily suspended but you can still take advantage of Free Shipping on all orders over $149 with Express Shipping, which can be as quick as 6 days!
Taxes & Customs
All our products are sent to you direct from Tokyo, Japan. Shipments from Japan to your country may be subject to additional taxes and handling fees imposed by the customs authorities and mail carrier of your country and region. Such costs are the responsibility of the customer.
Customs and import rules vary by country and region, so unfortunately we’re not able to estimate these in advance. The best way to be sure if any such charges will be applied is to check with your local customs authority.
For customers in Japan, the price includes 10% consumption tax. This tax is removed for customers outside of Japan.
Shipping Updates - March 2023
Due to the pandemic and the current situation in Eastern Europe, postal services to some countries have been temporarily suspended by Japan Post, however FedEx services are still available. If you are in one of the countries named below you can either choose FedEx Priority, or you can choose to have us hold on to your order until postal restrictions are lifted.
Countries with postal restrictions (Currently only FedEx available)
South America: All countries
Europe: Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Cyprus, Georgia, Kosovo, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovakia
Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Timor-Leste, UAE
Africa: All countries
Oceania: All countries except Australia & New Zealand
Within Japan
If you're in Japan you will receive your shipment within 1-2 days on the island of Honshu (the main island, including Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto), or 2-3 days for the rest of Japan. It may take an additional day if you order on a weekend or if you are located in Okinawa or the outlying islands.
If you're staying in a hotel in Japan, please include the reservation name and room number, otherwise your hotel may refuse to accept your package.
Free Shipping
All orders over US$99 or equivalent (not including shipping fees) are eligible for free shipping, except in countries where registered airmail services have been temporarily suspended by Japan Post. In the USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany and Australia, where these services are currently suspended, you can still take advantage of Free Shipping on all orders over $149 with Express Shipping!
Tracking your Shipment
As soon as your order has shipped we will send you a confirmation email with a link to your order status. You will be able to track your shipment from there. It is the customer's responsibility to track shipments, and we will not be able to refund the shipping fees charged by the courier in case a shipment is returned due to non-collection.
If you would like to return or exchange your order for whatever reason, we're here to help! We offer no hassle returns or exchanges within 30 days of receiving your order. You can return your product for a different product, or a refund to the original payment method.
*Please note the following conditions to our return and exchange policy:
- Items must be returned unused and folded in the original packaging
- Discounted items or items purchased with store credit are not eligible for refund
- Shipping costs are not refundable. Shipping costs refers to the full amount paid to Japan Post or FedEx.
- You must provide proof of postage showing the postage date within the 30 days
- For hygiene reasons, we cannot accept returns on earrings, futon mattresses, or mattress covers
- Items marked Direct from Designer, have a refund period of 7 days instead of 30.
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 plastic bag (don’t worry about the paper wrapping) and send to the address that we provide, noting on the customs form ‘Returned Item’. Please note that you must bear the shipping costs.
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 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.
Who decides if I receive a refund or a replacement?
You do!
If you are entitled to a refund or replacement as described above, it is your choice which you receive.
If we no longer have the same item in stock, we will suggest one or more similar items. If you do not want the similar item, we will provide a refund instead.
How long will my refund take?
We will process the refund within 2 days of receiving the returned item.
