{"product_id":"japanese-small-bowls-set-of-5-vintage-oribe-green-glaze-katakuchi-shape-sake-cup-wabi-sabi-pottery-utsunomiya-handmade-side-dish-lot-5","title":"Japanese Small Bowls Set of 5 | Vintage Oribe Green Glaze | Katakuchi shape Sake Cup | Wabi Sabi Pottery Utsunomiya | Handmade Side Dish Lot 5","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Story Behind This Piece:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNestled quietly in the mountainous region of northern Hiroshima Prefecture, there stands a traditional Japanese folk house with a history spanning well over a century. When the heavy, weathered doors of the storehouse located deep within the estate were carefully opened, this exquisite set of five small bowls, boasting a beautiful Oribe-style design, emerged from a dust-covered wooden box, exuding a quiet yet overwhelming presence. Created in the vibrant era of the mid-Showa period, likely during Japan's rapid economic growth in the 1970s, these vessels were born through masterful craftsmanship and represent a striking harmony of deep green glaze and earthy clay. The accidental beauty born from the union of earth and fire has deepened with the passage of decades, embodying the authentic spirit of wabi-sabi that is nearly impossible to replicate in the modern day. This exquisite set encapsulates the memories of a time when daily life was rich with aesthetic sensibilities and intellectual pursuits within that historical house.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original owner of these ceramic pieces was a prominent intellectual and the master of the estate, who served as the central figure of a cultural salon in the region. During that golden era, local writers, artists, and tea masters would frequently gather at the residence, engaging in deep conversations about art and philosophy that lasted through the night. What the master cherished above all was the art of hospitality, which allowed his guests to appreciate the shifting seasons through all five senses, and this bowl set was treated with the utmost care as an indispensable protagonist at the banquet table. The striking, glossy green glaze adorning the surface changes its expression depending on the angle of the light, while the pale blue-green gradation pooled inside reminiscent of the pristine streams flowing through the deep mountains. The bold, organic contour and subtle spout-like rim are calculated artisanal choices that reach completion the moment food is served, making it a masterpiece of high Mingei (folk art) value that prioritizes functional beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, as the decades rolled on, the Japanese lifestyle underwent rapid modernization. With the natural transition of generations, the grand gatherings and vibrant salon activities at the estate gradually wound down. As the center of daily living shifted from traditional tatami rooms to Western-style flooring, the custom of hosting large Japanese-style banquets became a rare occurrence. Consequently, this bowl set, steeped in rich memories, was carefully packed along with other precious tableware and placed deep within the storehouse of the ancient house in northern Hiroshima. This was not the end of its story, but rather the beginning of a long hibernation, waiting for a future custodian who would once again understand and cherish its functional beauty. In the absolute silence and darkness of the storehouse, these bowls breathed in the subtle humidity and shifting air of Japan's four seasons for nearly half a century, refining their profound character and dignity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the modern era, sparked by a sustainable project dedicated to preserving traditional Japanese culture and passing it down to the next generation through a mindful clearing of old storehouses, this vintage set was called back into the light of the contemporary world after decades of slumber. As the renovation of the historic folk house progressed, people were astonished by the undiminished energy of handcrafted labor and the vintage beauty radiating from these vessels—qualities that can never be replicated in today's age of mass production. A crisp, authentic maker's mark resembling a stylized character is clearly stamped on the base, standing as a proud testament to the artisan's dedication and heritage. This release from the storehouse is far more than the discovery of old objects; it is a profound bridge that connects timeless Japanese aesthetics with today's sustainable lifestyles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn modern interior and culinary design, the Mingei value and distinct textural presence of this bowl set bring an incredible depth and artistic contrast to contemporary spaces. While it excels in its original function as a small dish for traditional Japanese cuisine, its unique form allows it to be reimagined as an elegant amuse-bouche cup for nuts and olives in a modern dining setting, or as a sophisticated vessel to elevate desserts. The rich contrast between the dark, time-softened clay and the dynamic green glaze creates an ever-changing beauty that pairs wonderfully even with modern Western tableware. Welcoming this vintage masterpiece into your home means creating a serene space amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, offering you the luxurious experience of savoring the essence of authentic Japanese wabi-sabi with all your senses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Notes:\u003cbr\u003ePlease note before purchasing.\u003cbr\u003eThis is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.\u003cbr\u003eDue to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:\u003cbr\u003e* small scratches or scuffs\u003cbr\u003e* fading or discoloration\u003cbr\u003e* glaze irregularities or imperfections\u003cbr\u003e* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear\u003cbr\u003e* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts\u003cbr\u003eVintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.\u003cbr\u003eThese characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.\u003cbr\u003eThey are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.\u003cbr\u003eWe kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.\u003cbr\u003eWe do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.\u003cbr\u003ePlease review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.\u003cbr\u003eOnly the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.\u003cbr\u003eDisplay stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.\u003cbr\u003eThank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 4.3 cm (1.69 in)\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 8.2 cm (3.23 in)\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 8.2 cm (3.23 in)\u003cbr\u003eBase: 4.5 cm (1.77 in)\u003cbr\u003eMaximum Circumference: 23.5 cm (9.25 in)\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 100 g (3.53 oz)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShipping Information:\u003cbr\u003eAll items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.\u003cbr\u003eOrders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.\u003cbr\u003eFor shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.\u003cbr\u003eFor all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.\u003cbr\u003eEach item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.\u003cbr\u003eEstimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.\u003cbr\u003eInternational Buyers – Duties, VAT \u0026amp; Taxes:\u003cbr\u003eImport duties \/ customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.\u003cbr\u003eHowever, 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.\u003cbr\u003eThese charges are the responsibility of the buyer.\u003cbr\u003eDepending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.\u003cbr\u003eFor many higher-value international orders, VAT\/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT\/GST or local import-related charges are included.\u003cbr\u003eEven when customs duties are covered by us, VAT\/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.\u003cbr\u003eWe do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.\u003cbr\u003ePlease ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.\u003cbr\u003eIf 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.\u003cbr\u003eInternational deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDamage During Shipping:\u003cbr\u003eIn the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:\u003cbr\u003e* the damaged item\u003cbr\u003e* the outer shipping box\u003cbr\u003e* the inside packaging condition\u003cbr\u003e* the shipping label\u003cbr\u003ePlease keep all packaging materials and damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.\u003cbr\u003eMinor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReturns \u0026amp; Refunds:\u003cbr\u003eAll items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.\u003cbr\u003eDue 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.\u003cbr\u003eReturns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:\u003cbr\u003e* change of mind\u003cbr\u003e* customs delays\u003cbr\u003e* minor differences in condition\u003cbr\u003e* color differences\u003cbr\u003e* texture variations\u003cbr\u003e* size impression differences\u003cbr\u003e* natural signs of age and wear\u003cbr\u003eHowever, 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.\u003cbr\u003eFor customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSafety \u0026amp; Usage:\u003cbr\u003eThese items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.\u003cbr\u003eThey are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.\u003cbr\u003eVintage ceramics may contain historical materials or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.\u003cbr\u003eWe cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.\u003cbr\u003ePlease enjoy them as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.\u003cbr\u003eHandle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiability Disclaimer:\u003cbr\u003eWe 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.\u003cbr\u003eAll products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.\u003cbr\u003eBy completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional Notes by Region:\u003cbr\u003e■ United States\u003cbr\u003eState taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.\u003cbr\u003eCalifornia Proposition 65:\u2028Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.\u003cbr\u003e■ European Union (EU)\u003cbr\u003eOur shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.\u003cbr\u003eImport VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.\u003cbr\u003eThese charges are the responsibility of the buyer.\u003cbr\u003e■ United Kingdom\u003cbr\u003eOur shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.\u003cbr\u003eImport VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.\u003cbr\u003eThe buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.\u003cbr\u003e■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand\u003cbr\u003eImport VAT\/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.\u003cbr\u003eFor Taiwan:\u2028Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.\u003cbr\u003e■ Hong Kong\u003cbr\u003eHong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT\/GST on imported goods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContact Us:\u003cbr\u003eIf you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.\u003cbr\u003eWe’re happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.\u003cbr\u003eThank you for considering a piece from our kura — each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.\u003cbr\u003eThis piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.\u003cbr\u003eOn our official website, we share:\u003cbr\u003e– the story of the kura (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered\u2028– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life\u2028– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere\u003cbr\u003eWe hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"meguru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59519130501406,"sku":"A01-372","price":29652.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0954\/8451\/0494\/files\/IMG_9880.jpg?v=1782540559","url":"https:\/\/megurujapan.com\/fr\/products\/japanese-small-bowls-set-of-5-vintage-oribe-green-glaze-katakuchi-shape-sake-cup-wabi-sabi-pottery-utsunomiya-handmade-side-dish-lot-5","provider":"meguru","version":"1.0","type":"link"}