Japanese Small Bowls Set of 5 | Vintage Oribe Green Glaze | Katakuchi shape Sake Cup | Wabi Sabi Pottery Utsunomiya | Handmade Side Dish Lot 5

The Story Behind This Piece:

Nestled 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.

The 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.

However, 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.

In 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.

In 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.

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: 4.3 cm (1.69 in)
Depth: 8.2 cm (3.23 in)
Width: 8.2 cm (3.23 in)
Base: 4.5 cm (1.77 in)
Maximum Circumference: 23.5 cm (9.25 in)
Weight: 100 g (3.53 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.