Black Japanese pottery chawanmusi bowl with matching saucer against a dark background. Tsukushi

Black Japanese ceramic chawanmusi bowl with lid and matching saucer on a dark background. Tsukushi

Detail of a Japanese pottery black chawanmushi bowl. Tsukushi

Japanese pottery chawanmushi bowl with lid and saucer. Tsukushi

Top view of a Japanese Pottery Black chawanmushi bowl with lid and saucer. Tsukushi

Bottom view of a chawanmushi bowl made from unglazed pottery in black. Tsukushi

Display of a Chawanmushi bowl, lid and saucer on faded black background. Tsukushi

Top view of a black Japanese ceramic chawanmushi bowl with lid and saucer. Tsukushi

Ohmi Ceramics

Kokutama Chawanmushi Bowl Bowl & saucer

¥9,240

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Delivery estimated between 10 August and 16 August.
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100% made in Japan, crafted with integrity and ethical labor practices.

Product Details

In the Box: 1 Handcrafted Chawanmushi Bowl + 1 Lid and 1 Saucer.
Material: Unglazed Pottery
Color Palette: Charcoal Black, Ash Gray, Warm Clay
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Ceramic Bowl Dimensions: Approx. Diameter 3.5" × Height 3.3" (90 × 85 mm)
Ceramic Bowl Weight: Approx. 9.1 oz (260 g)
Ceramic Bowl Volume: Approx. 6.8 oz (200 ml)
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Saucer Dimensions: Approx. Diameter 4.5" × Height 0.8" (115× 20 mm)
Saucer Weight: Approx. 4.6 oz (130 g)

Exclusivity Note: Each Chawanmushi Bowl is made by hand. Slight variations in shape, texture, and color are natural and reflect the unique character of unglazed pottery.

Matte-black and quietly tactile, the Kokutama bowl feels unmistakably hand-thrown the moment you lift the lid.

Master potter Yamamoto Yoshinori shapes the clay and fires it to a deep black finish, leaving it finished without glaze so the fine grain and warm clay line at the rim stay visible.

The lidded chawanmushi bowl and saucer sit stable on the table, holding heat and aroma for chawanmushi, clear dashi soups, savory custards, or small steamed egg dishes.

It is the kind of Japanese tableware that earns a place in daily cooking, then looks natural on an open shelf.

More Information

One of a Kind, Naturally Distinct
Each Kokutama Chawanmushi Bowl begins with hand-shaped clay, so no two pieces come out exactly alike.
Its dark, unglazed surface preserves the honest character of the material, allowing small differences in contour, texture, and tone to remain visible.
These natural variations make every bowl feel singular and unrepeatable, carrying the quiet individuality that defines true handmade Japanese pottery.
Quiet Craft in Every Detail
Rather than relying on decorative excess, the Kokutama bowl expresses beauty through restraint, balance, and skilled handwork.
The black unglazed finish highlights the tactile quality of the fired clay, while the refined proportions show the care of small-batch production.
Each piece reflects the presence of the maker, with subtle irregularities that speak of craftsmanship, not factory uniformity.
Cultural Heritage of the Kokutama Chawanmushi Bowl
The Kokutama piece belongs to the world of the chawanmushi bowl, a vessel traditionally used in Japan for serving chawanmushi, the delicate savory steamed egg custard.
Its form is designed not only for this classic dish, but also for elegant small servings such as light broths, custards, or fine side dishes.
In this way, the Kokutama Chawanmushi Bowl connects everyday dining with the understated refinement of Japanese tableware culture.

Care Guide

About your Kokutama Chawanmushi Bowl
Crafted as a refined piece of pottery art, your Kokutama bowl, lid, and saucer are meant for daily use, not only display.
Gentle attention keeps their beauty alive.

Maintenance

Microwave and Dishwasher: The Kokutama set is microwave and dishwasher safe.
In the dishwasher, place each piece with space around it and avoid overcrowding so surfaces do not touch other items.
Gentle Cleaning: Whether washed by hand or in the dishwasher, use mild detergent and allow the pieces to air dry or softly dry them with a cloth.
Preservation: Handle with care during everyday use, especially when stacking or storing, to maintain the clarity of the glaze and the harmony of bowl, lid, and saucer over time.

The Artist

Kazuma Yamamoto

Location: Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Technique: Kusatsu Ware
Tradition: Sue ware / Shigaraki ware

Kazuma Yamamoto continues his father Yoshinori's mission at the Ohmi Ceramics Research Institute: reviving Kusatsu-yaki, a regional tradition that had nearly disappeared.

Drawing on the ancient spirit of Sue ware, Kazuma fires each piece slowly, coaxing the clay's natural tones into a deep, smoldering black. Rather than glaze, he uses a mud drawn from the shores of Lake Biwa, which melts at roughly 1,100°C (far below the usual 1,250°C) giving his work its distinctive texture and depth.

Through patient, hands-on craftsmanship, Kazuma keeps a fading regional technique alive, one vessel at a time.

Learn more

Bird’s-eye view of a black chawanmushi bowl made of unglazed pottery, set against a faded background. Tsukushi.

Nothing Like the Rest

Because Ordinary Isn’t What You’re After

You could choose a plain ceramic bowl, mass-produced, made without story or soul. Or you could choose something rare: Kokutama, a handcrafted Chawanmushi Bowl with matching lid and saucer, shaped in small batches with care and character.
This is more than tableware, it’s a quiet expression of Japanese artistry, where form, texture, and stillness come together in perfect harmony.

If you believe your home should reflect what you value, such as intention, calm, and beauty, then you already know: the details matter. Some objects disappear. Others stay with you. Kokutama is the latter.

Detail of a black chawanmushi bowl in black on dark background. Tsukushi

Stillness, Designed

The Quiet Between Each Serving

Deadlines, notifications, constant motion. In the midst of it all, the Kokutama Chawanmushi Bowl offers something rare: quiet.

This ceramic cup with ceramic lid and saucer, is more than tableware, it invites presence.
Inspired by Japanese pottery traditions it encourages a slower rhythm, where each serving becomes a mindful gesture.
Unglazed and shaped by hand, Kokutama carries the essence of restraint and balance. Whether filled with warm custard, clear broth, or a delicate egg dish, it transforms the act of serving into something personal, intentional, and quietly beautiful.
The calm with which it was shaped is not lost, it flows into your hands, inviting you to slow down and savor each moment.

Black Japanese ceramic chawanmushi bowl with lid and saucer on faded background Tsukushi

Cultural Notes

More Than a Dish, a Tradition in Form

In Japanese cuisine, Chawanmushi (茶碗蒸し) is a delicate savory egg custard, gently steamed and served warm. The name combines 茶碗 (chawan, meaning “tea bowl”) and 蒸し (mushi, meaning “steamed”), referring both to the dish and to the vessel traditionally used to prepare it.

While Chawanmushi is the name of the dish, the chawanmushi cups used to serve it are just as important. These small, lidded containers are designed to retain heat and protect the custard’s subtle flavor and texture. A classic ceramic cup with lid adds not only function, but quiet elegance to the experience.
Kokutama draws from this tradition. Its form recalls timeless Japanese shapes, yet it is crafted with a contemporary spirit. More than tableware, it is a refined expression of how vessel and ritual come together, bringing warmth, balance, and intention to every serving.

Shelves filled with various Japanese ceramic pots and teapots in a black and white photo, Tsukushi

This black ceramic cup is shaped by hand and paired with a matching lid and saucer. Thoughtfully designed for Chawanmushi, Kokutama brings quiet presence to everyday moments, whether placed at the center of a meal or held gently between pauses.

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Learn More About Kokutama

Chawanmushi Bowl Q&A

Is the Kokutama Chawanmushi Bowl microwave and dishwasher safe?

Yes, it is.
The Kokutama Chawanmushi Bowl, complete with its lid and saucer, is both microwave and dishwasher safe.
Though made using traditional techniques, this piece of Japanese ceramics was created for everyday life.
We recommend placing each part gently in the dishwasher, ensuring it doesn't touch other items, to protect its surface over time.

Besides Chawanmushi, what else can I serve in it?

While traditionally used for Chawanmushi, the Kokutama Chawanmushi Bowl is remarkably versatile.
Its size and form make it ideal for small portions, warm soups, savory custards, or even desserts like panna cotta or fruit compote.
Because it’s a ceramic cup with lid, it also helps retain heat and aroma, making it perfect for gently warming broths or presenting individual starters with elegance.

Is the Kokutama bowl only for food, or can it be used decoratively?

Kokutama is more than a functional bowl.
While it was designed for serving small dishes like Chawanmushi, its sculptural form and unglazed black finish make it equally suited for display.
It fits beautifully within the aesthetic of Japanese home decor, where everyday objects are chosen not just for utility, but for presence.

What makes Kokutama special compared to other bowls?

What sets Kokutama apart is not just its form, but the quiet intention behind it.
Each piece is handcrafted in small batches using traditional methods, shaped without molds, and left unglazed to reveal the raw beauty of the clay.
Rooted in the tradition of Japanese ceramics, it embodies the spirit of the wabi sabi aesthetic, where simplicity, imperfection, and natural texture are embraced.

Would the Kokutama Chawanmushi Bowl make a good gift?

Yes, Kokutama makes a thoughtful and refined Japanese gift, one that feels personal, meaningful, and lasting.

Its handcrafted quality and quiet presence make it ideal for those who appreciate beauty in everyday moments.Whether it’s for a housewarming, birthday, or quiet gesture of thanks, Kokutama stands apart from typical kitchenware.

How will my order be shipped, and can I track it?

Once your order ships, we email you a tracking number and link so you can follow the delivery from Japan to your address.
Shipping is insured, and if you have any questions while it is in transit, we are here to help quickly.

Do you ship to US and EU?

Yes.
We deliver globally, including the US and EU.
Your order ships with tracking and insurance from dispatch to delivery, and we pack every piece with the utmost care so it arrives safe, secure, and ready to enjoy.

Artistic picture of a black chawanmushi bowl and lid in equilibrium on a faded background. Tsukushi

Featured Focus

Kokutama: Black, Still, and Full of Meaning

The name Kokutama (黒玉) is made of two kanji: 黒 (koku, black) and 玉 (tama, jewel or sphere). Together, they form an image of quiet strength, something small, dark, and centered, like a polished stone resting in the palm.

In Japanese culture, 黒 (koku, black) represents elegance, depth, and subtlety. It absorbs rather than reflects, drawing attention inward. 玉 (tama) is often used to describe objects of purity and perfection, like pearls or sacred stones. When joined, these characters evoke calm presence: a humble form holding quiet energy.

Kokutama is more than a name, it’s an invitation to notice stillness, to feel the weight of form and to appreciate the hidden strength in restraint.