A set of three Onta ware rice bowls, each featuring complementary and unique designs. Rice is the staple food of half of the worldwide population, mostly in Asia and in some countries in South America and Africa. In Japanese culture, rice is a fundamental element of every meal and is traditionally served in bowls symbolizing nourishment and sustenance.
Onta ware is hand produced in the small village of Onta in Japan where ten families of potters use traditional methods that have been practiced in the area for over 300 years. The clay used in Onta ware is sourced from stone found in the local mountains and is prepared using a water mill through a process known as kara’usu, which can take up to two months. The pottery is fired in wood-burning kilns, and the glazes are made from natural materials such as straw, iron, copper, and ash. Onta ware has been designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan in 1995. The sound of the water mill is one of Japan’s 100 Soundscapes, a collection of sounds that are culturally significant and protected for future generations.
The rounded shape and depth of Japanese rice bowls are thoughtfully designed for both ease of holding and to keep rice warm. Embracing the Mingei (folk art) spirit, their harmonious patterns celebrate the beauty and practicality of everyday objects. Crafted with shapes that maintain temperature and with ravishing designs, these bowls serve not only as functional tableware but also as elegant decorative pieces that can enhance any dining setting or shelf display.
A set of three Onta ware rice bowls, each featuring complementary and unique designs. Rice is the staple food of half of the worldwide population, mostly in Asia and in some countries in South America and Africa. In Japanese culture, rice is a fundamental element of every meal and is traditionally served in bowls symbolizing nourishment and sustenance.
Onta ware is hand produced in the small village of Onta in Japan where ten families of potters use traditional methods that have been practiced in the area for over 300 years. The clay used in Onta ware is sourced from stone found in the local mountains and is prepared using a water mill through a process known as kara’usu, which can take up to two months. The pottery is fired in wood-burning kilns, and the glazes are made from natural materials such as straw, iron, copper, and ash. Onta ware has been designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan in 1995. The sound of the water mill is one of Japan’s 100 Soundscapes, a collection of sounds that are culturally significant and protected for future generations.
The rounded shape and depth of Japanese rice bowls are thoughtfully designed for both ease of holding and to keep rice warm. Embracing the Mingei (folk art) spirit, their harmonious patterns celebrate the beauty and practicality of everyday objects. Crafted with shapes that maintain temperature and with ravishing designs, these bowls serve not only as functional tableware but also as elegant decorative pieces that can enhance any dining setting or shelf display.
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