Japanese Pottery | Katakuchi | Serving Bowl | Handmade | Scalloped Rim | Wabi Sabi | Blue Grey | Rustic Ceramics | Textured | Kitchenware

The Story Behind This Piece:

Embraced by the rugged, majestic mountains of the Chugoku region and deeply steeped in the historic legacy of "Tatara" iron smelting, the northern part of Hiroshima Prefecture serves as the setting for this magnificent chronicle. Here stands a grand, historic estate (kominka) belonging to a prominent, wealthy farming family that has preserved the local heritage, agricultural fields, and ancestral traditions for generations, guarding a heavy, white-walled storehouse (kura). It was from a traditional wooden box kept safely within the second floor of this storehouse in northern Hiroshima, breaking decades of quiet seclusion away from direct sunlight and harsh climate shifts, that this authentic Hakeme White-Glazed Katakuchi Bowl emerged, retaining its breathtaking terracotta texture and watery luster perfectly intact.
This magnificent, uniquely proportioned bowl was manufactured during the 1970s and 1980s (the mid-to-late Showa period), an era when Japan experienced rapid economic growth and witnessed a poetic, intentional fusion of Western modern lifestyles with traditional "Mingei" (Japanese folk art) aesthetics. The lady of this northern Hiroshima estate was deeply devoted to the philosophy of Soetsu Yanagi, who championed the "beauty of selflessness" in functional everyday tools, yet she also possessed an exceptional eye for sophisticated cosmopolitan design. In the fluid, endearingly rounded daruma-like form characterized by rhythmic, horizontal wheel-thrown ridges (rokurome) along the exterior, paired with the vigorous brushstrokes (hakeme) applied by an anonymous master craftsman, she recognized the highest form of craftsmanship. Most notably, the dramatic, undulating rhythm of the fluted rim, which folds elegantly outward, was born out of absolute functional necessity for easy pouring—yet it radiates an overwhelming, sculptural presence that elevates it to a work of contemporary ceramic art. She chose this piece as a primary vessel for preparing and presenting fresh, foraged mountain vegetables to endure the harsh winter months, and as a majestic centerpiece for pouring local sake when hosting distinguished guests.
During the Showa and Heisei eras, this modern spouted bowl radiated an incredible presence within the serene, shadow-filled spaces of the kominka, beautifully contrasting against the dark wooden pillars seasoned by years of hearth smoke that epitomized the aesthetic of wabi-sabi. However, as lifestyle dynamics shifted and family gatherings became less frequent by the early 1990s, this cherished piece was carefully wrapped in straw and entrusted once more to the absolute stillness of the storehouse, accompanied by the silent hope that it would one day return to a world that appreciated its handcrafted warmth. Decades later, in the modern era of Reiwa, a major archival opening of the storehouse was conducted to honor the home's historical legacy for the next generation, bringing this white-glazed masterpiece back into the contemporary world.
Today, the value of this vintage Hakeme katakuchi bowl extends far beyond that of an ordinary antique utensil; it represents the profound rediscovery of Mingei values within modern living. The microscopic network of natural crackles (kannyu) gracefully webbed across the glaze, combined with the subtle flashes of scarlet fire marks (hiiro) left accidentally by the kiln's flames, are organic elements achieved only through the passage of time—the absolute pinnacle of wabi-sabi. The raw, powerful texture of the exposed iron-rich clay at the foot (kodai) beautifully symbolizes the ruggedness and richness of Hiroshima’s northern mountains. Even when placed within a sophisticated modern minimalist interior, a luxury rustic farmhouse setting, or a contemporary Scandinavian-styled space, the overwhelming physical presence of this bowl grounds the environment, inviting us to contemplate spiritual rather than material wealth. We invite you to welcome this unique heritage—a timeless gift from the earth of northern Hiroshima finally delivered across the generations—and make this extraordinary story a beautiful centerpiece on your daily table.

Condition & Notes:
Please note before purchasing.
This is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.
Due to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:
* small scratches or scuffs
* fading or discoloration
* glaze irregularities or imperfections
* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear
* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts
Vintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.
These characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.
They are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.
We kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.
We do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.
Please review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.
Please note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.
Only the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.
Display stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.
Thank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.

Dimensions:

Height: 7.0 cm (2.76 in)
Depth: 15.0 cm (5.91 in)
Width: 15.0 cm (5.91 in)
Base: 6.0 cm (2.36 in)
Maximum Circumference: 32.0 cm (12.60 in)
Weight: 365 g (12.87 oz)

Shipping Information:
All items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
For shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.
For all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.
Each item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.
International Buyers – Duties, VAT & Taxes:
Import duties / customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.
However, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, and other local import-related charges are not included in the item price unless otherwise stated.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
Depending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.
For many higher-value international orders, VAT/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.
Please note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT/GST or local import-related charges are included.
Even when customs duties are covered by us, VAT/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.
We do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.
Please ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.
If a package is returned due to an incorrect address, unpaid VAT/GST or import-related charges, refusal, or failed delivery, all return and reshipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.
International deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.

Damage During Shipping:
In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:
* the damaged item
* the outer shipping box
* the inside packaging condition
* the shipping label
Please keep all packaging materials and damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.
Minor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.

Returns & Refunds:
All items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.
Due to the nature of vintage and antique items, we generally do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds except where required by law or covered by shipping insurance.
Returns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:
* change of mind
* customs delays
* minor differences in condition
* color differences
* texture variations
* size impression differences
* natural signs of age and wear
However, if severe loss or damage during shipping is officially confirmed by the carrier’s insurance, we will respond within the scope of the insurance coverage.
For customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.

Safety & Usage:
These items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.
They are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.
Vintage ceramics may contain historical materials or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.
We cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.
Please enjoy them as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.
Handle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.

Liability Disclaimer:
We cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, allergic reactions, injury, loss, or issues resulting from the use, handling, aging, restoration, transportation, or storage of vintage or antique items.
All products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.
By completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Additional Notes by Region:
■ United States
State taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.
California Proposition 65:
Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.
■ European Union (EU)
Our shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.
Import VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
■ United Kingdom
Our shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.
Import VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.
The buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.
■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand
Import VAT/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.
For Taiwan:
Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.
■ Hong Kong
Hong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT/GST on imported goods.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.
We’re happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.
Thank you for considering a piece from our kura — each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.
This piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.
On our official website, we share:
– the story of the kura (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered
– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life
– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere
We hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.