Bowl and naoshi Nezumi iro

In Praise of the Unique...

Each set created by Michal bears a carefully chosen name, a reflection of its soul and of the unique energy that dwells within it. These pieces tell a story, capture an emotion and embody the harmony between the artisan, the material and the elements.

These bowls and naoshi reveal a singular, organic texture that invites an intense sensory experience. The rough patches and subtle irregularities tell the story of fire, earth and water, untamed elements that have left their mark on every piece.

The glaze, applied with care, shifts through deep and ever-changing colors, giving each bowl a unique personality, marked by the heat of the kiln that brought it to life.

These creations come from an artistic commission exclusively for Kumiko Matcha: a collection of matcha bowls with their matching naoshi of rare beauty.

They are more than mere objects: they are living works of art, witnesses to a dialogue between the artisan and the elements, between the flame of the kiln and the hand that shapes it.

Each bowl, one of a kind, has a soul that is entirely its own, sculpted by the subtle variations of the glaze and the unpredictable nuances of the firing.

This model is unique and handmade, meaning that only one piece exists.
If you see a bowl you love, now is the time to make it yours.

The Story...

During my visits to Warsaw, I was often amazed by the magnificent ceramics I discovered there. Poland is home to a rich ceramics scene, and I realized just how essential these creations are in the culinary world.

So I began searching for who made this kind of ceramics, and that's when I came across Michal of Pracownia Shadowland.

Visiting his studio, I was captivated by his ability to blend the ancestral Japanese forms with textures inspired by the seascapes of Poland. Let me tell you his story...

Michal, Ceramic Artisan

Michal, a passionate ceramicist, specializes in creating one-of-a-kind ceramics for Japanese restaurants in Poland. Based in Gdansk, on the shores of the Baltic, he draws his inspiration from the seascapes and Japanese art. Coming from a family of artists, he studied fine arts, devoting himself to ceramics as soon as he acquired his own kiln in 2015.

Since then, Michal has been crafting authentic pieces for a discerning clientele. His approach blends marine and Japanese influences, bringing to life unique collections of tableware and bowls that grace fine dining tables.

A word from Michal: "We chose ceramics because we felt that it had chosen us; it is the material we feel most at ease working with and expressing ourselves through. Over the last six years, we have specialized in creating our own shapes for plates, cups and bowls; we ended up creating our own product line and opening a small but efficient factory."

The Crafting Process

The bowls and naoshi are made by Michał from stoneware. Most are thrown on a potter's wheel, but some models are hand-built from a ball of clay.

Each piece is fired twice in an electric kiln. The second firing, with the glaze, reaches temperatures of 1250 degrees Celsius.All the glazes we use are of course food-safe.

The shades of color vary depending on each piece's position in the kiln due to heat variations, and the applied glaze gives each bowl a unique personality.

It is a deliberate choice to preserve this element of the unexpected, and for me, it is what truly makes up the charm of his ceramics. Not everything is standardized as in industrial production.

An elevated matcha ritual 🍵

Using Michal's bowls and naoshi means transforming your matcha preparation into a soothing moment. The slightly hollowed bottom of the bowl gathers the suspended matcha for a final sip that is concentrated and flavorful. Its soft texture and the applied glaze create an interplay of reflections under the light, making every ceremony unique.

Each piece is a work of art, special and unique — order it only if it "calls" to you, whether to treat yourself or to give a truly beautiful gift.

When preparing matcha tea, leave most of the bowl empty to admire the color of the matcha during your own matcha tea ritual. Take note of the texture and the sheen of the matcha.

Dive into the collection and discover the set that resonates with your own essence.

Included:

• The bowl and its naoshi

• The wooden box, hand-painted by the artist

Shipping and Guarantee:

• guaranteed to arrive undamaged or replaced

• free express delivery in 3-4 business days to mainland France