Shallow Bowl - Akahadayama Motogama

Shaped by Hand, Finished by Fire

What drew us to this shallow bowl was the gentle, organic flow of its shape. From its softly rounded rim to the curves that slope toward the center, there is a warmth that reveals the human touch behind its making. The moment we saw it, we imagined the pleasure of serving a meal in it and enjoying the experience of eating from such a beautiful bowl.

Fired in a traditional wood-fired climbing kiln, the bowl develops subtle variations in its glaze, with shifts in color and depth that make each piece unique. The movement of heat and flame through the kiln contributes to the unpredictable beauty of its finish.

During our visit to Akahadayama Motogama in Nara, we had the opportunity to see the historic climbing kilns firsthand. With more than 200 years of history, the workshop continues its tradition under eighth-generation Gyozo Furuse (Noriko Furuse), preserving the Japanese philosophy of yo no bi—the beauty found in objects made for everyday use.

The Individual Character of Handmade Pottery

Each bowl has its own character, with natural variations in shape, glaze, and finish that develop through the making and firing process.

The glazed surface has a subtle sheen that may not be fully captured in photographs. Glaze color and appearance may also vary noticeably from piece to piece. Please note that the bowl you receive may differ from the one shown in the photographs.