AKABI Bizen-ware Matcha Bowl

AKABI - The Living Fire-Marked Matcha Chawan by Souma Mitsuru

Handcrafted in Bizen, Okayama, home to one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns. Bizen-yaki is unique because it is entirely unglazed. Every texture, color, and pattern on this bowl is a Yohen (窯変 kiln transformation), a gift from the path of the flame and the falling ash during a nonstop 10-14 day firing.

Why AKABI is special

• The "Living Clay" Effect: Bizen is remarkably porous and iron-rich. This "breathing" clay is famous for its flavour-enhancing properties. It is said to mellow the bitterness of matcha and soften the texture of the water, creating a cup that is sweeter and more rounded than one whisked in glass or porcelain
  
• The "Akabi" Scarlet Glow: Named for its fiery red personality, this piece features the sought-after scarlet markings Hidasuki (緋襷) and earthy Sangiri (桟切り) gradients. These aren't painted on; they are the chemical result of rice straw reacting with the iron in the clay under intense heat
  
• A Lifetime of "Growth": Bizen is one of the few ceramics that gets more beautiful with every use. As you whisk matcha and handle the bowl, the clay absorbs the natural oils from your hands and the tea, developing a deep, leather-like luster over the years. This is known as yōhen no bi (窯変の美), the beauty of transformation.
  
• Unrivaled Durability: Fired at extreme temperatures for weeks, Bizen ware is legendary for its strength

Product Details

+ Dimension: Approx. D128mm x H80mm

+ Region: Bizen, Japan

+ Artist: Souma Mitsuru

+ Material: Clay

+ Forming: Wheel throwing

+ Shape: Ido-gata