These low sided salad bowels were made at the Tobe-ware kiln of  Masataka Nakata.  They are finished in a hand patterned rendition of the classic ichimatsu pattern.  This chequerboard motif is a classic one in Japanese visual design, and for example has been recreated in the Olympic logo, and elsewhere.

Tobe-ware is a tradition in blue and white ceramics practiced in Ehime, on Japan’s Shikoku island.  Originally an eighteenth century offshoot of the larger porcelain region of Arita, today it is known for small family kilns and traditional methods.

Masataka Nakata has been a Tobe-ware potter since apprenticing aged 18, and established his own kiln in 1974.  In his work he uses the patterns that have recurred in Japanese porcelain since the Meiji and Edo eras, and gives a sense of material by retaining some impurities in the clay.

These bowls are striking demonstration of his work for the table.

Tobe-ware is a tradition in blue and white ceramics in Ehime, on Japan’s Shikoku island. It has its origins in the late 18th century decision of the local feudal domain to import potters from the large porcelain region of Arita. Since then Tobe-ware has continued in a parallel tradition, and is known today for its small family kilns, and dedication to hand painted techniques.

Masataka Nakata is an exponent of this tradition, with the small kiln he founded in 1974 producing Tobe-ware work with a dedication to classic patterns, and rooted in its material. While the ceramic patterns have their origins in the Meiji or even Edo periods, there is also a contemporary, stylish appeal to Nakata’s forms.  Everything produced at the Nakata kiln is hand made and hand painted.

The pattern available here is Karakusa which is a traditional foliage type scroll.

Size: φ19cm H 6cm 495g