Sōshū matcha bowl, front view, momiji tree motif in natural clay against deep blue Nanasai Tenmoku glaze

Sōshū matchawan with Tomobako paulownia wood box, Nunobiki Kiln

Sōshū matcha bowl tilted forward, momiji tree in negative space wrapping the body, unglazed amber foot ring

Bottom view of Sōshū matchawan showing unglazed foot ring in natural Shigaraki clay

Interior view of Sōshū matcha bowl, dark Nanasai Tenmoku glaze

Sōshū matcha bowl, side view, sparse momiji leaves in natural clay against a gradient blue Nanasai Tenmoku glaze, unglazed amber foot ring visible

Sōshū matchawan front view, full momiji tree motif

Sōshū matchawan, side view, momiji cluster in natural clay on blue Nanasai Tenmoku glaze

Sōshū matcha bowl, angled view showing momiji tree rising from base

Detail of a Japanese Ceramic matchawan with leaf patterns on a gradient background

Close-up of Nunobiki Kiln seal stamped on base of Sōshū matchawan

Close-up of momiji leaf motif in negative space on Sōshū matcha bowl

Sōshū matcha bowl tilted, full momiji tree and leaves in negative space, amber clay trunk rising from foot ring

Front view of Soshu pottery matcha bowl with tree design on a gradient background

Japanese Ceramic SoShu matcha bowl with leaf pattern on a dark background

Sōshū matcha bowl, front view, plain blue Nanasai Tenmoku glaze side, unglazed amber rim and foot ring

Nunobiki

Sōshū Matcha Bowl

A unique artisan piece — only this exact bowl exists

¥92,000

✔ Express Delivery
Delivery estimated between 19 July and 25 July.
Our Shipping Policy

100% made in Japan, crafted with integrity and ethical labor practices.

Product Details

In the Box: 1 Handcrafted Matcha Bowl + Artisan-Signed Tomobako (Paulownia Wood Box)
Material: Glazed Pottery.
Technique: Nanasai Tenmoku Glaze + Negative-Space Decoration
Color Palette: Autumn Ember, Indigo Nightfall, Twilight Cerulean
Dimensions: Approx. Diameter 4.7" × Height 3.0" (120× 77 mm)
Capacity: Approx. 16.9 fl oz (500 ml)
Weight: Approx. 7.6 oz (215 g)
Origin: Nunobiki Kiln, Shiga, Japan

Shaped by hand at Nunobiki Kiln (Shiga, Japan), the Sōshū matchawan by Taro Kojima measures 4.7" in diameter and 3.0" in height, proportions suited to a standard chasen.

The design portrays a momiji (紅葉) tree , the Japanese symbol of autumn and a motif tied to Higashiomi.

The trunk rises from the unglazed foot, branching across the body in natural clay: warm amber set against a deep blue glaze. The tree is built in negative space. No ink, no paint, only clay left bare where the glaze was not applied.
A subtle relief forms where the two surfaces meet, shifting with the light. This is a singular object: one hand, one firing, unrepeatable.

A work of art that earns its place in everyday life. The Sōshū matcha bowl is made to be present in your most peaceful moments. Hand wash only.

More Information

Autumn Blue in Clay
The name Sōshū (蒼秋), joins two kanji: 蒼, a deep, living blue, and 秋, autumn. Together they evoke the particular quality of the autumn sky above Higashiomi, where the season arrives with unusual clarity and stillness.
Kojima-san gave that stillness a form. The momiji (紅葉) tree rises from the unglazed foot of the bowl in natural clay, branching outward while the blue glaze settles around it as open sky. The tree is not painted onto the surface. It is the surface, left bare where the glaze was not applied.
The result is not decoration. It is a moment of the season rendered permanent in clay and fire, shaped by one hand at Nunobiki Kiln.
A Ceremonial Unboxing
The Sōshū matcha bowl arrives in a Tomobako (共箱), a paulownia wood box historically associated in Japan with works of artistic significance.
The lid carries a handwritten inscription and the seal of Nunobiki Kiln, affirming origin and authorship.
More than packaging, the Tomobako marks the first moment of the experience: a considered opening that mirrors the care given to the bowl itself.

Care Guide

About your Sōshū Matcha Bowl
The Sōshū is a work of craft, but it is meant to be held, used, and lived with. Its character deepens through use, not through display. Bring it into your tea ritual, and care for it gently so it can age with you.

Maintenance

No Harsh Appliances: Keep away from the oven, microwave, and dishwasher.
Gentle Cleaning: After use, rinse with warm water and mild soap, using a soft sponge. Dry with a soft cloth.
Preservation Over Time: Avoid sudden temperature changes and do not leave liquids inside for extended periods.
Cared for with consistency, the glaze and clay will develop a quiet richness that only comes with time.

The Artist

Taro Kojima

Location: Higashiomi, Shiga Prefecture
Technique: Nanasai Tenmoku
Tradition: Kyoto ware / Shigaraki ware

Born in 1940 in Miyagi Prefecture, Taro Kojima spent his formative years training across Kyoto and Shigaraki, absorbing two of Japan's most distinct ceramic traditions before establishing Nunobiki Kiln in Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture.

Nestled near the shores of Lake Biwa, the kiln is a family endeavor where monozukuri is not a philosophy but a daily rhythm. Working with Shigaraki clay, prized for its coarse grain and its deep affinity with fire, Kojima-san approaches each piece as a singular event.

His signature Nanasai Tenmoku glaze is applied entirely by hand. Through firing, it transforms into deep transparency and varied color, capable of rendering natural imagery directly onto the clay, making every piece genuinely unrepeatable.

Learn more

Love the product but....

still unsure about ordering from Japan?

We get it, ordering from overseas can feel uncertain.

That’s why we treat every order with personal care, just like we’re sending it to a friend.
From careful in-house packaging to full tracking and responsive support, Tsukushi's team is here to make sure your experience feels thoughtful, safe, and smooth; from Japan to your doorstep.

You’re not just buying a product, you’re trusting us with something meaningful.

We take that seriously.

In-house Packaging

Packed by hand with multiple protective layers for a safe arrival.

Safe Shipping

100% insured & tracked door to door. If it breaks, we handle everything.

Personal Support

A real person, always. Fast replies, no bots, no ticket system.

Great quality , perfect shipment. Custom sourced for our needs

We asked the Tsukushi team for a custom sourcing service for a knife, and they helped us find exactly what we wanted.The knife arrived really quickly and was perfectly protected for the travel from Japan to Italy. The quality is great, and the details are insane. Really recommended!

Dear Matilde,
Thank you for your kind review!
We are thrilled to hear that you are satisfied with the quality and shipment of your knife. We are happy to have been able to custom source it to meet your needs. Your satisfaction is our top priority.
Thank you for recommending us!

Have a great day.
The Tsukushi team

Great custom source service!

Imballaggio perfetto oltre alle aspettative, servizio eccezionale, prodotto top fuori categoria

Dear Giovanni,

Thanks for your review! It was a pleasure to assist you with sourcing your knife. Regarding the packaging, yes, we go the extra mile to ensure our clients receive their products in the best condition possible.
Wish you a great day.

The Tsukushi Team

Delightful Experience *

TSUKUSHI

Delightful experience with clear perspective with ordering products online. Website is clean and accurate. Quality of packaging was fabulous. Shipping was direct with communication of delivery on time.

Thank you.

Respectfully,
Nicole D. Apperley

Dear Ms. D. Apperley,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with Tsukushi.
We are glad to hear that our website was user-friendly and that you were satisfied with the quality of packaging and timely delivery.
Your kind words mean a lot to us.

We appreciate your support and hope to continue providing you with authentic Japanese crafts and services in the future.
Thank you again for choosing our shop.

Sincerely,
The Tsukushi team

Very pretty cups and very well crafted

Just love the pattern, colour and shape. Very well crafted!

Dear Gabriele,
thank you so much for leaving your lovely review!
We're happy to hear that you love the pattern, color, and shape of our cups. We take great pride in selecting each and every one of our products with care.
Thanks again for your support!

The Tsukushi team

Consiglio

Consiglio

Dear Ms. Blanchaert,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for our store. We are glad to read that you had a smooth experience with us. Thank you for the recommendation.
We wish you a great day, the Tsukushi team.

Customer service was exemplary!

Customer service was on another level and exemplary! Great company to support as they are thorough and friendly.

Dear Nadia!
Thank you for your kind words! We strive to provide exemplary customer service and we are glad to hear that it was on another level for you. Your support means a lot to us. Have a great day!

the Tsukushi team

Good service and fast shipping!

Respons time is fast just like the shipping to Europe and the service is also great 😃

Thank you for your kind words Don!
We're glad to hear that you had a great experience with our service and shipping to Europe.
We strive to provide fast response times and a premium service for all of our customers.

Best Regards
Tsukushi

Great shop for distinctive gifts

A great online shop to purchase interesting and thoughtful Japanese inspired gifts.

I will purchase from them again

Dear Luke,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed shopping at our online store for unique Japanese-inspired gifts.
We can't wait to have you as our valued customer again.
Have a lovely day!

Best regards
Tsukushi

Great experience

Great experience, easy to use and quick acknowledgement and delivery.

Dear Narelle

Thank you! We’re happy to see your review.
Being a small family company, this kind of feedback means a lot to us!

Great articraft

I loved every single piece, and especially my hunt was super excited with the collection. Know what to buy for next Christmas, and the packaging is super too.

Thanks Alessio, we hope your aunt will find something she likes.
Don't hesitate to contact us if any support is needed!

Beautiful Shigaraki ware and excellent service!

My experience with Tsukushi is very positive with quality over quantity service!

They also have fair prices prices imo so it's a good choice choosing them as a Shigaraki ware dealer.

Really listening to and thinking with you in wishes and solutions and keep their word so you as a customer can count on them.

Dear D.,
Thank you for your kind review. We are very happy to read your words of appreciation. Being able to go beyond the standard online catalog offer and help you find the product you were searching for by sourcing it locally was a true pleasure. It is always wonderful to meet people like you, passionate and willing to explore new cultures and crafts.

Impeccabile

Prodotti artigianali di ottima fattura. Una particolare cura all'estetica oltre che alla funzionalità, che non guasta. Il prodotto è giunto in Italia senza problemi e in tempi ragionevoli considerata la distanza. Consigliato a chi ama investire in prodotti di buona qualità.

Dear Matteo

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review for our website and product!
We are thrilled to hear that you appreciate the quality and attention to detail in our artisanal products. We take great pride in ensuring both aesthetics and functionality in our products.

We are also glad to know that your order was delivered to Italy without any issues and in a reasonable amount of time. Your recommendation to invest in quality products means a lot to us.

Thank you again for your support and for choosing our product. We hope to continue exceeding your expectations in the future.

Best regards,
The TSUKUSHI team.

Great website!

Love their japanese tableware, refined and authentic. Impeccable customer service.

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to leave a review!
We are very happy to hear that you are enjoying our selection of Japanese tableware. Our team works hard to provide authentic and refined products, and we are glad to know that you appreciate it.
We are also happy to hear that our customer service was able to meet your expectations. We truly value your support and look forward to serving you again in the future.

Sōshū Matcha Bowl FAQs

Does the Sōshū Matcha Bowl come with a wooden box?

Yes. The Sōshū arrives in its original Tomobako, a paulownia wood box made for this piece. The lid bears the artisan's seal and a hand-written inscription, confirming the bowl's origin and individuality.

Why choose a handcrafted matcha bowl like the Sōshū?

The Sōshū matchawan is shaped without a mold by master potter Taro Kojima. The glaze, the weight, the relief of the momiji motif: none of these can be reproduced exactly. What you receive is not a product from a range. It is a singular object with its own presence.

Can I use the Sōshū for matcha latte or other preparations?

Yes. While designed for whisked matcha, it works well for Koicha, Usucha, and matcha lattes. The open form allows the chasen to move freely and helps incorporate milk evenly. Warm the bowl before use and avoid scalding milk for best results.

What makes the Sōshū Matcha Bowl truly unrepeatable?

The Sōshū is hand-thrown and glazed individually at Nunobiki Kiln by Taro Kojima. The momiji motif is formed in negative space: the boundary between bare clay and glaze shifts with every piece. Combined with the Nanasai Tenmoku firing, no two bowls will ever carry the same landscape.

How should I care for the Sōshū Matcha Bowl?

Wash by hand with warm water and mild soap, using a soft sponge. Dry immediately with a soft cloth. Avoid the oven, microwave, and dishwasher, and do not leave liquids inside for long periods. With simple care, both the glaze and bare clay will develop character over time.

Do you ship the Sōshū Matcha Bowl to the USA?

Yes, we ship to the USA, Europe, and worldwide, with full tracking on every order. Each piece is packed carefully in-house, so your bowl arrives safely from Higashiomi to your door.

Is my order insured, and can I track it?

Yes. Every order is fully insured and trackable from the moment it leaves Japan. We handle packaging personally and offer responsive support, so your piece arrives as it should.