Okame and Hyottoko Rice Bowl Pair

This pair of rice bowls comes in two sizes: a smaller vermilion red bowl and a larger cobalt blue one. Visible brushstrokes beneath the glossy glaze create subtle variations in color intensity across each bowl’s surface. Inside the rim of the red bowl is okame, a smiling woman with full cheeks who symbolizes good fortune, while the blue bowl features hyottoko, the comical man with pursed lips. Long partnered in festival dances, the two make a lighthearted couple at the table.

The larger bowl holds 200 ml (6.8 fl oz), while the smaller 160 ml (5.4 fl oz), making both suitable for individual servings of rice. Set them out for everyday meals at home, or give the pair as a thoughtful wedding or anniversary gift.

Soukyu Kiln

Soukyu Kiln is a Kutani ware studio in Nomi, Ishikawa Prefecture, established in 2017. Ceramic artist Sakurai Chie and her husband run the kiln together.

Their work centers on gosai, the five traditional Kutani colors of red, blue, yellow, navy blue and purple. Using paints they blend themselves, they return each piece to the kiln as many times as it takes for the colors to settle as intended. The finished surfaces are vivid, clear and glossy, and they carry the warmth of work done by hand.

Kutani ware is a traditional Japanese porcelain from the Kaga region in Ishikawa Prefecture, with a history spanning over 350 years. Known for its vibrant overglaze enamel designs and use of five signature colors, known as Kutani gosai—navy blue, red, purple, green, and yellow pigments. This timeless craft has continuously evolved through generations of artisans who balance innovation with a deep respect for tradition. 

Kutani ware exhibits a diverse range of distinctive styles, shaped by evolving artistic tastes over the centuries. Styles such as ko-Kutani, with its bold colors, geometric patterns, and painterly detail, and akae-saibyo, marked by ultra-fine red lines. Many pieces feature traditional Japanese motifs, such as kacho (flowers and birds) and sansui (landscapes), offering a timeless glimpse into the beauty of nature and the seasons.