Ryu Mei Ippuku Shino Tataki Sakura Matcha Chawan (Matcha Bowl), Red

For Japanese matcha green tea ceremony use. This is a small size "Ippuku" matcha tea bowl or chawan. What is Mino-yaki? Mino-yaki has history that dates back about 1,300 years. The pottery of this style made in that period is called Mino-Momoyama ware. Production of porcelain, which is much harder, whiter and more durable than pottery, began in Kyushu in the beginning of the Edo period. Pottery used to reflect the taste of tea masters as tea ceremony grew in popularity. In Toki City, porcelain production began in the last days of the Edo period. Ever since then, Toki City has been a center for production of pottery and porcelain, being supported by techniques and craftsmanship established over a long span of time. Mino- yaki ware has now a 50% share of the pottery market currently in Japan. How do you care for Mino-yaki ware? Please remember that potteries are in fact more fragile than porcelains. Do not use the microwave, oven or dishwasher. Washing it by hand is best. Cold or hot water with a mild soap is great. Please dry well. Do not soak the pottery. It can get moldy. If the product has stains, use kitchen bleach.