Mino Ware - Spring Cherry Blossom Matcha Bowl - 10cm/12.5cm

🌸 Japan's Largest Ceramic Production Specializing in Exquisite Tableware -- Mino Ware 🏮 Hailing from Gifu Prefecture, Japan (Toki, Tajimi, Mizunami, Kani), Mino ware is one of Japan's oldest regional kiln ceramics. The tradition of crafting tableware with Mino ware dates back to the 14th century, and today, approximately sixty percent of Japan's domestic ceramic tableware is Mino ware, leading the nation in production volume. Mino ware tableware is renowned for its minimalist design, natural materials, and elegant forms, considered among Japan's most exceptional ceramics. Its characteristics include pure colors, fine textures, and smooth glazes, positioning it as premium tableware in Japanese ceramic offerings. In 1988, it was officially designated a National Traditional Craft. 🍵 This matcha bowl embodies a spring ambiance. Two sizes are available: a smaller one (10cm diameter) and a larger one (12.5cm diameter). Beyond their size, the bowls also differ slightly in color and shape. The smaller bowl is a deep gray with a more rounded base profile, while the larger bowl is a light gray with a more squared-off base, reflecting a rustic wabi-sabi aesthetic. The bowl's body is adorned with elegant gray tones, selectively glazed with white in parts, over which beautiful, soft pink cherry blossoms are painted, creating an atmosphere of full bloom and spring. Japanese tea ceremony places great importance on the preparation and enjoyment of matcha, using specialized "matcha bowls." This set is aesthetically pleasing. The bowls feature a wide opening and a broad base with smooth, vertical walls, making them easier to whisk matcha and preventing spills. This makes them especially suitable for beginners in the tea ceremony. 【Characteristics of a Matcha Bowl】 Typically made of pottery, matcha bowls generally possess the following features: ✅ Wide Opening: The mouth of a matcha bowl is usually wider than that of regular rice or soup bowls, facilitating the use of a bamboo whisk to mix the matcha. ✅ Thicker Walls: Matcha bowls tend to have thicker walls to help maintain the temperature of the tea. ✅ Unglazed Base with a Distinct High Foot: This aids in handling and allows for air circulation. ✅ Surface with Crazing (Crackle Glaze) or Handmade Marks: These absorb the tea, and over time, the glaze color gradually changes. In tea ceremony, this transformation is considered a process of "nurturing the bowl," allowing the vessel and user to grow together. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54330808333_ee126d225e_w.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54330589951_447605facd_w.jpg ※ Comes with a gift box. ※ Product Dimensions: Small Bowl: Diameter 10cm × Height 6cm Large Bowl: Diameter 12.5cm × Height 7.5cm ※ All pieces are handcrafted by artisans. Slight variations in color and pattern placement are normal and not considered defects. Colors may also vary depending on your screen display. Please refer to the actual product. Thank you.