Kodama Wooden bowl

In short, no. But let us explain.
We recommend caring for your wooden bowl with the same attention that went into crafting it. While it may be tempting to use a dishwasher or microwave for convenience, doing so can damage the finish and compromise the natural beauty of the wood.
Like many pieces of fine Japanese tableware, Kodama is best hand washed with warm water, gentle soap, and a soft sponge.
This thoughtful care helps preserve both its function and timeless appearance for years to come.

Yes, absolutely.
The Kodama wooden bowl is handcrafted from high-quality elm wood, carefully selected for both its beauty and safety. Each piece is coated with a thin, food-safe layer of polyurethane that enhances its durability while preserving the natural feel of the material.
Like other traditional Japanese dinnerware, it is designed for daily use at the table, allowing you to enjoy soups, rice, and side dishes with peace of mind.

The versatility of the Kodama wooden bowl makes it perfect for a variety of dishes.
While traditionally associated with soup, it also works beautifully for serving rice, side dishes, fresh fruit, or even small salads.
As a Japanese bowl, it embodies both form and function; ideal for creating thoughtful, well-balanced meals.
Its natural wood offers gentle insulation, keeping warm foods warm and elevating even the simplest meal into a sensory experience.

Yes, and that’s part of its charm.
Over time, your Kodama wooden bowl may develop a richer patina and deeper tones; subtle signs of its journey with you.
This natural aging is celebrated in Japanese aesthetics, where materials are admired for their impermanence and quiet transformation.
Like much of authentic Japanese tableware, Kodama becomes more beautiful through use, echoing the story of your meals, your seasons, and your moments.

Each Kodama wooden bowl is more than just handcrafted; it carries a story.
Shaped from carefully selected elm using traditional techniques, every bowl is slightly different, reflecting the natural grain of the wood and the hand that shaped it.
The name Kodama (木霊), meaning “echo” or “tree spirit,” speaks to the deep respect for nature that defines Japanese craft.
As a piece of Japanese wooden tableware, Kodama embodies authenticity, soul, and the quiet presence of something made with intention.

Yes, the Kodama wooden bowl is crafted not only to be admired, but to be used.
Its natural durability and food-safe finish make it ideal for daily meals, whether you're enjoying miso soup, side dishes, or something simple and comforting.
Like other pieces of refined Japanese dinnerware, it brings a quiet elegance to routine moments, helping you turn the everyday into something more mindful and meaningful.

The beauty of the Kodama wooden bowl lies in its quiet versatility.
While traditionally used as miso soup bowls in Japan, pieces like Kodama blend effortlessly into Western-style tableware. Its natural grain and warm tones pair beautifully with ceramics, glassware, or even stoneware, perfect for serving soups, starters, or desserts.
As part of refined Japanese tableware, it adds balance and intention to any dining style.

Yes, the Kodama is a gift that feels truly personal.
Why? Because each wooden bowl is handcrafted and shaped from solid elm, with natural grain patterns that make it one of a kind.
This uniqueness sets Kodama apart from generic, mass-produced gifts. It carries the quiet beauty of something chosen with care, a mindful gesture that conveys thought, meaning, and a genuine connection to the person receiving it.

Yes.
The Kodama wooden bowl is made in small batches by Kaji, a family-run workshop in Gifu Prefecture.
Only carefully sourced elm is used, selected for both quality and environmental responsibility.
The production process respects traditional handcrafting methods, avoids waste, and supports ethical, long-term relationships with local artisans. Every bowl is a reflection of mindful, sustainable craft.

In Japan, wooden bowls are often chosen for serving soups because of their gentle, insulating properties.
Unlike ceramics or metal, wood doesn’t become too hot to touch, making it ideal for warm dishes like miso soup. Its organic feel also adds a sense of calm and connection to nature during meals.
With Kodama, you experience the warmth and essence of Japanese wood.