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Yamato Harunobu Shoroku Kiln

Hagi Ware Himon Oval Bowls (Set of 2)

Hagi Ware Himon Oval Bowls (Set of 2)

Regular price $139.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $139.00 USD
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Only 3 left in stock

Fired in the heart of Yamaguchi with a technique passed down for over a century, these Himon Oval Bowls embody the elemental beauty of Hagi ware. Each piece is shaped by hand and fired with a natural ash glaze that invites the unpredictable: ribbons of earthen red, smoke-gray, and warm ochre bloom across the surface in a quiet, volcanic dance.

The edges ripple like wind-carved stone, while the matte texture speaks to the softness of the Daido clay beneath. As you use them, the glaze will deepen and evolve—an echo of the Hagi no nanabake, the seven stages of change that define true Hagi ware.

Sold as a pair, these bowls are ideal for serving side dishes, fruit, or simply for display. Each piece is unique, bearing the subtle marks of flame and time.

Detail

Size: W 7.9in x L 5.1in x H 1.6in / W 20cm x L 13cm x H 4cm
Material: Ceramic

Due to handmade porcelain and glazing characteristics, each product has subtle variations in size, shape, texture, and appearance.

Care & Use

  • Handwash only
  • Do not use in the oven or microwave
  • Keep it dry
  • Avoid sudden temperature changes
  • Avoid metal scrubs or abrasive detergents
  • Store safely
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Earth remembered in flame: the quiet strength of Hagi ware

Hagi ware is a centuries-old ceramic tradition rooted in the soft earth and contemplative aesthetics of Japan’s tea culture. It began over 400 years ago when potters brought from the Korean Peninsula were invited to settle in Hagi by the ruling Mōri clan. Their kilns became official suppliers to the feudal lords, and the pottery they produced reflected both Korean influence and local refinement—marked by gentle colors, open clay bodies, and a quiet humility in form.

One of Hagi’s defining features is its responsiveness to time and touch. The local Daido clay resists vitrification, giving each piece a warm, tactile softness. Over years of use, tea seeps through the fine crackle of the glaze—known as kannyu—gradually darkening the vessel and deepening its luster. This subtle transformation, called Hagi no nanabake, or “the seven changes of Hagi,” is treasured as a sign of a vessel’s life in dialogue with its owner. Unique phenomena such as gohon spotting—delicate pink hues caused by firing variations—further reflect the natural unpredictability of the kiln. Once restricted to the elite, Hagi ware has since become widely admired for its organic textures and meditative beauty, remaining one of Japan’s most beloved ceramic traditions.

Brand History

The roots of Yamato Harunobu Shoroku Kiln reach back to the Meiji era, when Harunobu, son of Sakutaro—the founder of the original Shoroku kiln—established his own workshop in the Hagi tradition. Though its precise founding date is unknown, the kiln has been active for over a century, preserved through generations under the name Yamato Harunobu Shoroku. Located in Yamaguchi City, the kiln is distinguished by its dedication to complete on-site production. More than 1,000 tons of native Hagi clay are stored and processed within the property, and even the water used in the clay and glaze preparation is drawn from a deep well beneath the kiln. Every step—from soil refinement and glaze formulation to shaping, firing, and finishing—is carried out within the same grounds. This self-sufficient approach allows the kiln to maintain both material integrity and artistic continuity. Today, the current generation continues to uphold this legacy, crafting vessels that embody the spirit of Hagi ware: rooted in nature, refined through time, and made entirely by hand.