Shoebill Kobachi Small Bowl

Adorned with the playful gaze of the Shoebill, this ceramic kobachi small bowl brings a touch of whimsical elegance to the modern table. Each piece is meticulously hand-painted in a palette of soft, muted tones using the technique of Japanese paper dyeing, or washi-zome, ensuring that every shoebill possesses a slightly different expression. These subtle variations in the brushwork imbue each bowl with its own personality, making no two pieces exactly alike.

The design is elevated by delicate gold stippling—tiny, shimmering accents applied to the bird’s head, torso, and feet. These metallic details catch the ambient light, adding a refined luster that highlights the creature’s charm. The Shoebill is depicted in different poses on the exterior and the interior base. This intentional contrast creates a playful sense of discovery.

Crafted for everyday comfort, the bowl features a gently rounded rim with a reassuring thickness that feels substantial yet smooth in the hand. Its versatile proportions are perfectly suited for individual servings of crisp salad, fresh fruit, or morning yogurt. Whether used for breakfast or a light dessert, this piece serves as both a functional vessel and a conversation starter.

Higashi Kiln

Higashi Kiln’s works are famous for their glass-like smoothness and use of soft and pastel colors that resemble watercolor paintings. This unique style utilizes the beauty of Tobe ware ceramics without being bound by its conventional frameworks.

The painting is performed by woman artist Ohigashi Alyne. Born in the Philippines, she has been creating beautiful, innovative Tobe ware at Higashi Kiln for nearly forty years.

Tobe Ware

Tobe ware is porcelain produced in the Tobe region of Ehime Prefecture, located in the northwest of Shikoku Island. The white porcelain, with its beautiful, slightly bluish hue from the iron content, continues to be highly valued and loved. Tobe ware maintains a strong respect for traditional handicraft techniques, even amidst modernization.