NOGIME TENMOKU (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

diameter: 4.92inch (12.5cm) height: 3.15inch (8cm), standard matcha bowl size
Sophisticated Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Tohan Dobuchi at Tohan Kiln

NOGI means the awn or bristle of a rice plant and ME means pattern in Japanese. It is said that NOGIME was named by a tea master in the Muromachi Period because the brownish or silvery fine vertical stripes on the black glaze looks like the richly ripe awn of a rice plant. It seems just like a vivid and vigorous ear of rice emerging from the bowl. The color is also too fantastic. The vertical stripe patterns on the black surface are just like a shooting star shining in the night sky. You will be fascinated by this elegant and graceful NOGIME TENMOKU.

The iron glaze, which is traditionally known for its impenetrable and elusive nature, is used for this bowl. In ancient times, it was said that if an artisan tried to pursue the iron glaze, they would become insolvent. It was developed 800 years ago, and many artisans pursued its technique, but few were successful. Because iron glaze was so difficult to create, it was a great honor for tea masters to acquire such precious earthenware at that time.

This unique shape is one of the traditional forms called TENMOKU Chawan. A part of the rim is uniquely hollowed in a horizontal form in the traditional TENMOKU Chawan. In addition to this, the technique called TSUCHIMISE, which means “show soil” in Japanese, is used for the bottom of TENMOKU style. The unique shape, the diameter of which is just slightly smaller, and the height of which is a little deeper, matches well with the deep black color, creating a sophisticated atmosphere.

This bowl is lighter in weight than it looks, with good usability, since its form and size also fit into both hands when drinking Matcha. The dignified pitch-dark color pairs beautifully with the refined green color of Matcha. You will enjoy the aesthetic and unique atmosphere and supreme green tea moment with this NOGIME TENMOKU.

Specially packaged in a carton box.
Lead-free. Made in Japan.
(Please note that NOGIME TENMOKU glaze pattern is a little different in each work because of the features of the glaze.)