Why We Love It
This genuine Raku pottery matcha bowl is presented in a custom-made wooden box, signed by the artist, making a truly unique gift for any matcha lover.
This Raku matcha bowl has been handcrafted by Sasaki Shoraku from Shuraku kiln. Chawan is the ideal vessel for serving matcha powdered tea, whether it’s during a tea ceremony, or simply taking a meditative moment at home.
Why Choose a Raku Pottery Matcha Bowl?
Raku ware (楽焼, raku-yaki) is perhaps the quintessential Japanese pottery. An indispensable centerpiece of the Japanese tea ceremony, this ceramic art form has been highly appreciated by tea masters for its simplicity and austerity. With a history stretching back to 1580, Raku pottery remains today the most sought-after Japanese ceramics, and an unparalleled example of the wabi-sabi aesthetic.
Hand-sculpted rather than thrown on a potter’s wheel, Raku matcha bowls are molded using the tezukune technique, with the palms of the hand. A connection is then created between the master potter, who manually shaped the bowl, and the tea ceremony participant who holds it in their hands.
When dry, the rough clay is trimmed with an iron or bamboo scraper and covered with a translucent or opaque black glaze. The red hues of this Raku matcha bowl are not from any glaze but rather reflect the actual color of the clay itself. The iron in the clay oxidizes during firing, turning the finished Raku pottery red.
This raku tea bowl has been handmade by Sasaki Shoraku from Shuraku kiln. The Shoraku kiln has been producing Raku pottery for three generations, and its famous matcha bowls are considered among the finest by tea ceremony practitioners in Japan.
How to Care for Your Raku Pottery Matcha Bowl
Raku ware is known for its rough surface, which can be quite porous. Before you first use your matcha bowl, it is recommended to medome (“fill the eyes”) of your bowl. To do this, stir a cup of rice in some lukewarm water until the rice starch turns the water cloudy. Submerge your bowl in this starchy water to allow the rice powder to soak into the miniscule holes in the clay. After about 15 minutes, remove your bowl, give it a quick rinse, a thorough dry, and let it sit for 24 hours or so for the starch to set.
To clean your bowl, wash in warm water, avoiding soap unless necessary. Do not place your bowl in the dishwasher, and do not leave soaking. Be sure to dry the bowl thoroughly before putting it away.
Raku bowls are made from soft absorbent clay, so avoid using your bowl for strong-smelling or acidic foods, and be careful not to scratch with knives and other metal tools. .
Details
- Matcha bowl
- Includes custom-made wooden box, signed by the artist
- Handmade in Japan
- Free gift-wrapping in Japanese furoshiki cloth
- Raku ware
- As each handmade product is unique, there will be differences in size, color, and pattern from the photographs above.
- Size: Ø 4” (11cm), height 3” (8cm)
- Product code: 95807RD
We are committed to providing fast and reliable delivery worldwide. All our products are shipped directly from Japan, with tracking provided for every order.
United States
All taxes and duties included. No extra charges on delivery.
- STANDARD 5–8 days: FREE shipping on orders over $99.
- EXPRESS 3–5 days: Your shipping rate is shown at checkout.
European Union & United Kingdom
- STANDARD · VAT & duties not included · 5–8 days: FREE shipping on orders over $99. Taxes and duties may be payable before or upon delivery.
- EXPRESS · VAT & duties included · 3–5 days: Your final total is shown at checkout, with no extra charges on delivery.
Sending a gift? Choose Express to ensure your recipient has no import charges to pay.
Other Destinations
Taxes and duties may be payable before or upon delivery. For more information, please see Taxes & Duties.
- Canada, Australia, Middle East & East Asia · 3–5 days: FREE Express shipping on orders over $99.
- New Zealand & India · Within 1 week: FREE shipping on orders over $199.
- Japan · Next business day: FREE shipping on all orders.
- Taiwan: FREE shipping on all orders.
- Other countries · 4–5 days: Shipping rates shown at checkout.
All delivery times are estimates in business days from dispatch.
If you would like to return your order for whatever reason, we're here to help! We offer no hassle returns within 30 days of receiving your order.
Please note the following conditions for our 30-day return and exchange policy:
- Items must be returned unused and folded in the original packaging.
- Items must be returned to their original shipping location. We will confirm the return address for you.
- Discounted items or items purchased with store credit are not eligible for return or refund.
- Original taxes, duties, and outward shipping costs—the full amount we paid to the carrier, including on orders with free shipping—will be deducted from the refund. This includes VAT collected at checkout for EU & UK Express shipping.
- The customer is responsible for the return shipping cost.
- For hygiene reasons, we cannot accept returns on earrings, futon mattresses and duvets, mattress/duvet covers, or tatami mats.
How do I claim my return?
- Please contact us within 30 days of receiving your order.
- We will confirm the shipping address for you to send the item.
- Please return the item folded in its original packaging to the address we provide.
- Please send your return by normal mail (not courier), marking “Returned Items” on the customs form when returning to Japan. If you send your return by courier (DHL, FedEx, etc.) or do not mark “Returned Items” on the customs form, import duties may be charged. These may be payable by you or deducted from your refund where permitted by law.
- Once we receive the returned item and confirm its condition as unused and undamaged, we will issue your refund, subject to the deductions described above.
Do I have to pay shipping costs?
For change-of-mind returns, the original outward shipping cost paid to the carrier will be deducted from your refund, including on orders that qualified for free shipping. You are also responsible for return shipping costs.
If your order arrived damaged, we will cover both the original and any required return shipping costs.
If a package is refused due to unpaid duties or taxes, outbound and return shipping costs will be deducted from any refund.
Can I exchange for a different product?
Yes! To exchange an eligible, unused and undamaged item, you can follow the return process above and order your replacement through our website.
Alternatively, when you contact us about a return, let us know which product you would like as a replacement. We will hold it for you until we receive your return, subject to availability. Additional shipping costs may apply.
What if my item is damaged?
Very occasionally, items may be damaged in transit. If your item arrives damaged, we're here to help:
- Please contact us as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours of receipt. This helps us make a claim with the shipping company.
- Please keep the damaged item and its packaging, and send us some photos of the damage.
- We will arrange a full refund or replacement, including shipping costs.
The requested 48-hour notification period does not affect your statutory rights.
How long will my refund take?
We will process your refund within 2 days of receiving the returned item. Your payment provider may take additional time to credit your account.
