Bowl and naoshi Abuku

In Praise of the Unique...

Each set created by Michal carries a carefully chosen name, reflecting its soul and the unique energy that inhabits 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 surfaces and subtle irregularities tell the story of fire, earth, and water, untamed elements that have left their mark on each 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 made exclusively for Kumiko Matcha: a collection of matcha bowls accompanied by their 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.

Each bowl, unique in its own way, possesses a soul all its own, sculpted by the subtle variations of the glaze and the unpredictable nuances of the firing.

This model is unique and handcrafted, meaning that only one piece exists.
If you see a bowl you love, it is 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 culture, and I realized just how essential these creations are in the culinary world.

So I began looking into who made this kind of ceramics, and that is when I came across Michal of Pracownia Shadowland.

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

Michal, Ceramic Artisan

Michal, a passionate ceramicist, specializes in creating unique 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 crafted authentic pieces for a refined clientele. His approach blends marine and Japanese influences, bringing to life unique collections of tableware and bowls, prized by fine dining establishments.

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

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

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

A matcha ritual elevated 🍵

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

Each piece is a work of art, special and unique, to be ordered 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 reflections 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:

• no-breakage guarantee or replacement

• fast delivery in 3-4 business days, free in Mainland France