Japanese pottery is a popular souvenir item for foreigners. A wide variety of pottery is sold in Japan, ranging from Minoyaki and Hasamiyaki sold in department stores and mail-order websites, to reasonably priced items that can be purchased at general stores. If you are a foreigner who loves Japan, you may want to buy ceramics with Japanese patterns that you like, or you may want to give unique Japanese ceramics as souvenirs to your friends and family. Therefore, in this article, we will introduce six pottery pieces that we recommend to foreigners as Japanese souvenirs. Please refer to them when you stop by a nearby department store or general store during your trip to Kyoto or Osaka.
Flat tea bowl, a ceramic ware that can also be used as a small bowl
The pottery recommended as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners is the “ Hiraichawan ” (3,300 yen including tax).
The flat bowl is flatter and larger than a regular rice bowl. It can be used not only as a rice bowl, but also as a small bowl for serving side dishes and desserts. Because the patterns are painted by hand, the coloring, thickness of lines, and detailed design of the patterns are different on the same product, making it possible to obtain a flat teacup that is unique in the world. Flat teacups were originally used as summer matcha bowls in the tea ceremony. It was often used in Japan during the period from May to October because it could create a cooler presentation when serving and was sometimes used with summer kimonos. For this reason, they are also called “summer tea bowls. This pottery is recommended for those who want to feel the Japanese summer and seasonal atmosphere.
Hime Tonsui Tenmoku,” pottery with a stylish simple design
The next popular Japanese souvenir pottery for foreigners is “Hime Tonsui Ten moku” (880 yen including tax).
Tonsui” refers to a small bowl, usually deeper and larger in size than a small plate, with a smaller handle. It is sometimes used as a serving bowl for nabe (hot pot). Since this “hime tonsui” is smaller than a typical tonsui, it is perfect for holding small bowls or condiments such as sauces and sauces. The glossy black color creates a chic atmosphere, making it easy to use for both Japanese and Western cuisine in a variety of settings. Note that “Hime Tonsui Tenmoku” is Hakusan Pottery, which is made with careful finishing and a high level of proficiency in firing. Hakusan Pottery develops basic and simple designs that can be used regardless of lifestyle or what is on the table, which changes with the times and life stages.
Morning glory bowl, white [Tsururin Pottery] “ pottery with morning glories painted on it
The “ Morning Glory Bowl, White [Tsururin Kiln] ” (2,640 yen including tax) is also recommended as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners.
The “Morning Glory Bowl, White [Tsururin Kiln]” is pottery with a motif of morning glories painted on it. Measuring 12.5 cm x 6.6 cm, it is suitable for serving a modest amount of one dish or side dishes for one person. Because it is deeper than shallow small dishes, it is ideal for serving side dishes such as boiled and simmered dishes, which often use three-dimensional ingredients and have a lot of liquid. Shobachi is also the ceramic used for the first dish in Japanese cuisine. It has become an important item that sets the first image of a restaurant, such as the appetizer, tsukidashi, sesuke, and kotsuke served in restaurants. In addition, the language of flowers of the depicted morning glories include “love,” “unity,” and “freshness tomorrow. The flowers’ crisp impression when they bloom may be derived from pure love and freshness. In addition to these words, each color of morning glories has its own language of flowers.
Black-colored pottery “ Shigime Dorisaki Plate, Black Matte
The next pottery recommended as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners is “Shigime Torisai Kuro Matte ” (1,650 yen including tax).
This dish is handmade by hand, and the unevenness of the shaved pattern makes it comfortable to the touch. The black depth of the black matte surface of the “Shigime Dish with Black Matte” is expected to enhance the food itself and make the dining table look more attractive. In addition, it is not only a to-dish, but also the perfect size for serving a main dish for one person, and goes well with any side dish. As a result, it is a standard plate that can be used every day at the dinner table. It transforms not only meals but also snacks such as chiffon cakes, cheesecakes, and pancakes into a stylish dining table just by serving them. In addition, this pottery is Mino ware made in the Tono region in southern Gifu Prefecture. It is said to be characterized by its lack of distinctiveness due to the variety of designs. Mino ware has a large number of ceramics that are suitable for dining tables of all ages.
Octagonal Ware Dish Cloisonne,” pottery in the shape of an auspicious spread
The “ Octagonal Dish Cloisonne ” (3,630 yen including tax) is also a good souvenir of Japan for foreigners.
The “Octagonal Yaki Plate Cloisonne” is an octagonal dish with elegant colors and a cloisonne pattern. It has a natural and elegant atmosphere, yet is smooth to the touch. The pattern is drawn with a fine brush, and the transparent white porcelain with a slightly bluish tint gives it an even nobler appearance. In addition, the cloisonne pattern depicted is considered auspicious and is associated with wishes and prayers for good fortune, happiness, and harmony. Furthermore, the shape of this pottery, “octagonal,” is auspicious because it uses the number eight, which means spreading in all directions. Due to the size of the pottery, it can be said that this dishware will be very useful in everyday situations, from serving common side dishes such as horse mackerel openings and croquettes, to serving small amounts of sashimi. For those who want to use dishware with good luck on a daily basis, this is the perfect china for you.
Block Mug Big, “ china that can be stacked and stored happily
The last recommended pottery that we would like to introduce as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners is the “Block Mug Big” (2,200 yen including tax).
This pottery is a mug with a generous capacity of approximately 280 cc at the eighth filler. Because it holds a lot, using it at your desk or during tea time will keep you from getting up from your seat, allowing you more time for work or a break. Although the exterior of the cup has an angular design, the inside of the cup, including the handle and edge, is pleasant to the touch and mouth. Moreover, the inside of the cup is rounded, making it easy to wash, which is a key point for practical use. In addition, the same type of “Block Mug Big” can be stacked on top of each other. The mugs are available in a variety of colors, including red, blue, beige (as shown in the photo above), and green, so they can be stylishly stored even if purchased in different colors. The “Block Mug Big” uses the Hasamiyaki technique, which is impressive for its beautiful white porcelain and indigo painting, making it a perfect item for those who want to purchase ceramics that are uniquely Japanese.
Conclusion
In this article, we have introduced six items of Japanese ceramics recommended for foreigners. There are many different types of pottery in Japan, such as Minoyaki and Hasamiyaki. The variety of pottery is also great because there is a wide range of choices, including flat tea bowls, hime tonsui, small bowls, shaved dish plates, and octagonal ware plates that are said to bring good luck. If you want to buy Japanese ceramics, please visit a department store or general store in Kyoto or Osaka to see the products in person and consider buying them as souvenirs!
