These rice bowls were made by Tetsuo Nagae at his studio in Seto, central Japan. Using the neriage technique they are formed from painstakingly made patterned clay bodies. The texture and unity of pattern achievable by this approach allows for the creation of unique items in craft.

As handmade items there are variations between them by each is around 12 cm in diameter, and 6cm in height. They weigh 180g, and have a capacity of 210ml. They are not suitable for dishwashers and microwaves.

About Sarasagama

Sarasagama is the ceramic business of Tetsuo Nagae, based in Seto. This part of Japan is a major centre of ceramic production, so much so that ’setomono’ (‘things from seto’) remains a popular name for pottery in Japan.

While there is not much in clay that Seto can not produce, it is also home to numerous small and individual makers. Nagae is one of these, and the third generation of his family’s business.

His specialism in the ‘neriage’ technique, which is also sometimes known as nerikomi. This is a labour of love that generates pattern from compacted slices of multi-coloured clays.

Marbling is the entry-level effect achieved by this technique, but Nagae takes it further with complex pattern work including floral motifs and telescopic eyed goldfish. The texture and designs of neriage ceramics make them unique handmade items to own and use.