Bizen Ware “Botamochi” Oval Serving Bowl by Yayoi Shimizu

A Quietly Beautiful Bizen Ware Bowl with a Natural Kiln-Fired Pattern

Bring the warmth and character of traditional Japanese pottery to your table with this Bizen Ware Botamochi Oval Bowl, handcrafted by ceramic artist Yayoi Shimizu in Okayama, Japan.

With its softly rounded oval shape, natural earthy surface, and subtle circular Botamochi pattern, this bowl has a quiet beauty that allows the food itself to take center stage.

The pale, gently contrasting pattern in the center beautifully highlights the colors of vegetables, fruit, appetizers, and other dishes. Its slightly deeper form also makes it practical for foods with a little sauce or liquid.

From traditional Japanese side dishes to Western-style appetizers and seasonal fruit, this versatile bowl brings a natural warmth and understated elegance to everyday dining.

What Makes the “Botamochi” Pattern Special?

The soft circular mark at the center is a traditional Bizen firing effect known as Botamochi (牡丹餅).

Before firing, small pieces of highly heat-resistant clay are placed on the surface of the vessel. These pieces protect the areas underneath from direct contact with ash and flames during firing.

Once the protective clay is removed, a softly defined circular pattern remains.

The result is a distinctive natural marking created by the interaction of clay, fire, ash, and time. No two pieces will ever have exactly the same pattern.

This is one of the unique characteristics that makes Bizen Ware so special.

The Beauty of Bizen Ware

Bizen Ware (Bizen-yaki) is one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, a group of historic pottery traditions with centuries of history.

Unlike many types of Japanese ceramics, traditional Bizen Ware is generally made without applying a glaze. Instead, the natural clay is fired at a high temperature, allowing the interaction between the earth, flames, and ash to create the surface colors and patterns.

Natural firing effects such as Botamochi, Hidasuki (scarlet markings), and Goma (natural ash markings) are characteristic of Bizen pottery.

Every piece carries its own unique “landscape” created inside the kiln.

A Bowl That Becomes More Beautiful Through Use

Bizen Ware is meant to be used and enjoyed—not simply displayed.

Before using Bizen pottery for flowers or food, some experienced collectors traditionally moisten the surface with water. The clay can become slightly deeper in color, creating a richer, more settled appearance.

As the bowl is handled and used over time, its surface gradually develops character.

In this sense, a Bizen Ware vessel is never truly “finished” when it leaves the kiln. It continues to evolve through everyday life, becoming a personal piece shaped by the hands and table of its owner.

This oval bowl is designed to do exactly that—to quietly grow more beautiful as it becomes part of your daily life.

Designed for Everyday Dining

The oval shape makes plating easy and gives you plenty of freedom when arranging food.

It works beautifully with both Japanese and Western dishes, including:

• Japanese side dishes such as seasoned green beans

• Fresh seasonal vegetables, such as Japanese water eggplant

• Small appetizers and side dishes

• Seasonal fruit

• Japanese sweets and baked treats

The natural surface provides a calm backdrop that allows the colors and textures of food to stand out.

Product Details

• Name: Bizen Ware Botamochi Oval Serving Bowl

• Artist: Yayoi Shimizu

• Origin: Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan

• Ceramic: Bizen Ware / Stoneware

• Finish: Unglazed, naturally fired surface

• Firing: Anagama kiln firing

• Dimensions: Approx. 19 cm (7.5 in) L × 12.8 cm (5.0 in) W × 3 cm (1.2 in) H

• Weight: Approx. 285 g (10.1 oz)

• Surface: Naturally textured, slightly rough clay surface with a Botamochi firing pattern

• Microwave: Suitable for gentle reheating

• Dishwasher: Not recommended; hand washing is recommended

• Potter's Mark: A square maker's mark featuring the Japanese character “生” is stamped on the base

About the Artist – Yayoi Shimizu

Ceramic artist Yayoi Shimizu creates Bizen Ware in Okayama Prefecture, the historic home of Bizen pottery.

She fires her work in a large anagama (wood-fired climbing kiln), where the flames slowly travel through the kiln and interact with each piece over an extended period.

This traditional firing method creates the warm, gentle clay surfaces and subtle natural variations that are characteristic of her work.

Yayoi Shimizu places particular importance on creating Bizen Ware for everyday use. Rather than treating traditional pottery solely as something to admire, she explores how its warmth and tactile beauty can become part of ordinary daily life.

Please Note: Each Piece Is Unique

This bowl is completely handmade, from forming the clay to the final firing.

Because it is fired using natural flames without a uniform glaze, variations in color, texture, Botamochi markings, kiln effects, and shape are to be expected.

The pattern on your bowl may differ from the piece shown in the photographs.

These variations are not imperfections. They are an essential part of authentic Bizen Ware and are what make each piece a one-of-a-kind work of Japanese ceramic art.

About Craft Ogawa

Craft Ogawa carefully selects Japanese handmade ceramics and traditional crafts, with particular attention to the craftsmanship, cultural background, and stories behind each artisan's work.

Based in Tokyo's historic Akasaka district, Craft Ogawa has a long history of introducing distinctive Japanese crafts to customers in Japan and abroad.

We believe that a craft piece becomes even more meaningful when you understand the story, tradition, and hands behind it.

Bring home a piece of Bizen's natural beauty and enjoy watching it become part of your everyday story.

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Please pay it at your responsibility if required.
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We are looking forward to your order.

About our store :
We are a select store with a long history, with a physical store in Akasaka, Tokyo.
We carefully select and sell wonderful products from all over Japan.

Because of its location in Akasaka, Tokyo, the store is visited by a great number of foreigners living in Japan and tourists from abroad.
The products we sell are purchased by the owner of the store, who is a connoisseur of ceramics and crafts, after thoroughly examining the products. In this sense, we are distinct from souvenir stores in many tourist destinations in Japan.
If you are able to select and purchase a wonderful Japanese craft from our selection, and if you are satisfied with the quality of the products, it will be worthwhile for us to carefully select and purchase them.