Japanese Pottery Bowls Set of 3 | Matcha Bowls Small | Vintage Wabi Sabi High Footed | Striped Ceramics | Tea Ceremony Cups | Earthy Brown

The Story Behind This Piece:

Nestled within the lush, rolling mountains of northern Hiroshima Prefecture—a region known for its historically thriving tatara iron-making culture and cold, snow-blanketed winters—stands a century-old traditional farmhouse (Kominka). Deep inside the dark, heavy plastered storehouse (Kura) on this grand estate, these three exquisite high-footed small bowls (Bajohai / Mukozuke) had been peacefully sleeping, untouched by time. Judging from the aged paulownia wooden box and the fragments of old newspapers wrapped around them, these vessels were crafted during the mid-Showa period, around the 1960s, a golden era when the Mingei (Folk Crafts) movement was dynamically redefining the concept of "Yo-no-Bi" (the beauty of utility) in Japan. The master of this wealthy estate was known to host cultural salons, inviting local intellectuals, traveling writers, and tea masters to gather around the irori (sunken hearth) to converse late into the night. These bowls were specifically commissioned for these special occasions, used either as Mukozuke dishes to serve seasonal delicacies or as Bajohai (high-footed cups) to share premium local sake.

The exterior of each bowl is wrapped in a dynamic "Hakeme" (brushstroke) pattern, applied with white slip in a swift, decisive motion. This technique captures the very breath and rhythm of the artisan’s hand, executed without a single moment of hesitation. The sweeping marks of the brush bristles overflow with a rustic yet powerful vitality unique to Mingei pottery, creating a stunning, almost modern graphical landscape on the clay. Turning the bowl inward reveals a mesmerizing interior contrast: a warm, gentle biwa-colored (loquat-colored) glaze punctuated by soft, blush-pink spots known as "Gohonde." These delicate pink blooms look like the very first signs of spring melting through the snow. Over the decades, a fine, web-like network of "Kannyu" (crackleglaze) has developed across the surface, catching the light like a kaleidoscope and granting the pieces a profound depth that only the passage of time can bestow. Near the tall, flared foot of the vessel, a distinct square "Toin" (potter’s mark) is deeply stamped into the clay, serving as an authentic testament that these pieces were individually wheel-thrown with soul, either by a dedicated nameless craftsman or a master artist deeply immersed in the Mingei philosophy.

As Japan entered a period of rapid economic growth in the late Showa era, lifestyles quickly Westernized, and the traditional, formal banquet style faded from daily life. With the master’s instructions to "preserve these treasures safely for future generations," the bowls were carefully wrapped in delicate paper and placed deep within a cedar shelf on the second floor of the storehouse, where the temperature and humidity remained perfectly stable. For over half a century, shielded from the outside world, they slept in total darkness, feeling the biting winter cold and the refreshing summer breeze of northern Hiroshima only through the thick, earthen walls of the Kura.

The reason these beautiful vessels have finally been brought back into the light is a recent archival project dedicated to maintaining the structural integrity of the ancient estate. As the heavy wooden doors of the storehouse were opened and decades of dust were cleared away, these three bowls emerged in miraculous, flawless condition, looking exactly as they did fifty years ago. Those present at the discovery were left breathless. These are not merely antique tableware; they are a living embodiment of "wabi-sabi"—the Japanese aesthetic of finding beauty in imperfection, transience, and natural aging—and hold immense "Mingei historical value," preserved perfectly like a time capsule.

Even within a contemporary, modern lifestyle, the overwhelming presence and rustic elegance of these vessels remain unparalleled. Each of the three bowls possesses its own unique personality through the thickness and texture of the Hakeme brushstrokes, subtle variations in glaze runs, and distinct patterns of pink spots, allowing you to appreciate the true "beauty of irregularity" that only handmade pottery can offer. They are incredibly versatile: perfect as elegant small bowls for breakfast, sophisticated Mukozuke dishes for appetizers on special occasions, or, utilizing the secure and comfortable grip of the high foot, as exceptional sake cups (Bajohai) to share your favorite vintage with close friends. Nurtured by the rich lifestyle of a grand estate in northern Hiroshima and miraculously aged inside a historic storehouse, these masterpieces of traditional craftsmanship are ready to bring warmth, history, and a touch of wabi-sabi into your home. Welcome them into your daily life and begin weaving your own chapter of their timeless story.

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: 6.2 cm (2.44 in)
Base Diameter: 4.5 cm (1.77 in)
Rim Diameter: 9.2 × 9.2 cm (3.62 × 3.62 in)
Maximum Circumference: 29.5 cm (11.61 in)
Weight: 125 g (4.41 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.