Matcha bowls – things to think about!

A good matcha bowl is essential for achieving perfectly whisked matcha and a harmonious tea ceremony.

FORM
It’s important that the bowl sits comfortably in your hands, but its shape also affects its ability to retain heat. In winter, a bowl with a straighter and somewhat closed shape is recommended, as it keeps the heat longer. In summer, a more open, V-shaped bowl may be preferable, as it allows heat to dissipate more quickly. For cold matcha, a glass matcha bowl can be a good alternative.

A bowl with a flat bottom facilitates whisking, but it’s also fine to use a katakuchi, a bowl with a spout specifically designed for whisking matcha. It’s ideal when preparing matcha for multiple people at once.

COLOR & PATTERN
According to many tea ceremony masters in Japan, the color of the bowl plays a significant role, both in relation to the season and to your mood. Cool colors, like black, are said to have a calming effect, while warm colors, like red, have the opposite effect. These colors are common in traditional raku bowls.

Certain types of glazes can develop what is known as "crazing"—a network of fine cracks in the glaze that forms when the glaze shrinks more than the clay body during cooling in the kiln. This effect is highly sought after, as it allows water and tea to pass through the glaze layer and into the porous clay body underneath.

MORE THAN JUST A BOWL
A matcha bowl is more than just a simple tool; like the matcha itself, it is a traditional craft and should be regarded as such. Don’t hesitate to choose a unique, handmade bowl—it will enrich your tea ceremony.