A sand-toned Japanese matcha bowl, handmade by Nankei Pottery in Yokkaichi from unglazed Banko-yaki clay. Its straight-sided "Kittate" profile gives a clean, modern silhouette, and the wide opening is ideal for whisking and savouring matcha or hojicha. It also doubles as a bowl for small side dishes, rice or seasonal desserts.
The matte Suna-neri clay has the look of weathered stone, a calm, neutral backdrop for the vivid green of matcha. Left unglazed inside and out, the porous, iron-rich clay absorbs the tea's harsher tannins, softening astringency and highlighting delicate flavours. Each bowl is hand-finished by master potters in a 13-step process, and over time the surface develops a seasoned patina, deepening in colour and gaining a subtle lustre from the teas you brew and the touch of your hands.
Also available in black.
Details
- Maker: Nankei Pottery
- Material: natural unglazed clay
- Measurements: approx. 9.5 cm wide × 7.5 cm high
- Capacity: approx. 400ml full, or 250ml at 70%
- Colour: sand clay (Suna-neri)
- Finish: unglazed inside and out
- As each piece is handcrafted, bowls may differ slightly from piece to piece
- Made in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Japan
Explore more Nankei Pottery Japanese ceramics.
Care: Hand wash only with a mild, neutral detergent and a soft sponge; avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh cleaners. Air-dry thoroughly before storing.
As this piece is unglazed, oil stains can occur more easily than on glazed ceramics, but they can usually be removed with a little detergent and a brush.
Because these bowls are unglazed and crafted from raw, mineral-rich earth, you may notice subtle orange blushes or tiny dark iron spots on the surface. These are not defects, but the natural mineral colours of the clay reacting to the high heat of the kiln. Each piece is a unique record of its firing, carrying the honest fingerprints of the Japanese landscape.
