Ode to matcha bowls

Why it is important to find a perfectly imperfect matcha tea bowl or chawan for your daily zen rituals.

One reason for having a proper matcha bowl is to have enough space to whisk the tea as the taste greatly depends on it. Matcha bowls are larger than regular tea cups and are specially designed for comfortable whisking.

Not all matcha bowls – called chawans in Japan – are created equal. The best ones do not come from factory lines, but are handcrafted by ceramic artists. This is where form meets function and is elevated by unique artistic expression. You don’t have to go crazy about a matcha bowl, but if you decide to go all in and have a full experience, get ready to embark on a personal quest for your perfect matcha chawan. It may sound like sprinkling magic dust, but matcha really does taste better in authentic ceramic bowls, probably because of the more porous surface allowing the tea to breathe and open up its nuanced taste while being whisked.

We encourage you to embark on a quest by seeking a direct contact with the ceramic artists who make chawans. Visit them, have matcha with them, learn about the creative process and the efforts that go into making beautiful bowl, choose the one you like and use it often.

In the image you see a wood fired chawan made by Lithuanian ceramic artists Dormante Penkinski. It came from one of the very first firings when she attempted to sculpt chawans and it remains one of our most favourite bowls used daily.