TOBIKANNA ZIMON AOYU (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

diameter: 5.91inch (15cm) height: 2.56inch (6.5cm), standard Matcha bowl size
Traditional Shigaraki-Yaki (Shigaraki pottery)
Made by Eizan Okuda
Measurements are approximate because each item is formed by hand.

This Matcha bowl is made in the kiln of Shigaraki, which is one of the six major old Japanese kilns. The texture of the clay is the most essential characteristic of Shigaraki Yaki ware, creating its natural, simple style. Therefore, you can feel the unique texture of the clay itself.

The technique called TOBIKANNA is used for the surface of this bowl. The artisan is able to use this technique to create uneven patterns naturally using trimming tools when forming the Matcha bowl on the potter's wheel.

While imagining the completed form, Eizan Okuda, who is the craftsman of this work, shapes and characterizes it, considering the usability, thickness of the glaze, and so on. In this way, he creates unique TOBIKANNA ZIMON patterns on the surface of this bowl, imagining the rippling waves on the water.

The pale blue color of this Matcha bowl is very impressive. It adds a cool impression and is in harmony with the flat form of this bowl and TOBIKANNA patterns. Eizan Okuda uses this blue color glaze called AOYU, which is inspired by Biidoro glass. Cracking called KANNYU occurs due to the different levels of shrinkage between the earthenware and glaze. It looks like beautiful glasswork. Each pattern of cracking is so different that each bowl is unique. The irregular cracked lines and light blue glaze color are well reflected on this Matcha bowl.

In order to emphasize the beauty, he intentionally glazes the center of the Matcha bowl and the edge of the outside, thickly with AOYU. The thick, dark blue glaze creates a graceful and mysterious atmosphere. It is just like a placid, rippled lake.

This Matcha bowl is flat and open style. The flat style was originally developed in order to choreograph coolness in the summer season in the Middle Ages before the advent of air conditioning. Of course, it can be used not only in the summer season but throughout the year.