Tsuki Bowl by Yasuda Kawara

On an architectural trip around Japan, you might be struck by the strength and variety of the roof tiles that you see.

In Niigata, these kawara tiles are made in the Yasuda region of Agano.  A snowy corner of Japan, the tiles made here need to be strong to withstand what the elements throw at them, and are fired at more than 1200 degrees to achieve a hardness.

But they are also a tactile material, full of textual quality.

It is almost a shame to leave them just for roofs.   Partially inspired by this emotion, the Yasuda Kawara makers paired with the designer Satoshi Umeno to produce a special series of Tsuki (‘moon’) tableware.

From the series this bowl is a representation of it material’s potential, and holds a particular Japanese feel.

It has a diameter of 123mm, and a heigh of 4.5mm.  The bowl weighs 320g, and holds 150ml.