Japanese Shodai-Yaki Ceramic Rest

Meet our Japanese Shodai-Yaki Ceramic Rest, handcrafted by Fukuda Rui of Ojiro Mizuho kiln, who makes use of the tradition of folk art pottery "Shodai ware". These rests are perfect for placing your chopsticks, forks or chashku. Each one is sold individually.

As a second generation of the Ojiro Mizuho kiln founded by his father, Hosui Fukuda, he has worked at reviving the traditional Shodai ware. After he returned to his hometown, he began to exhibit his pottery in Tokyo and overseas, such as in Germany.

About Shodai ware: Shodai ware (called Shodai yaki in Japanese) is a form of pottery baked mainly in the northern part of Kumamoto prefecture. This craft is distinguishable due to its simple texture, strong form, and bold design, which is due to the pouring method of applying enamel. Shodai clay with high iron content is used as the potter's clay, which is covered with dark reddish-brown enamel, but its characteristic design is produced by pouring differently colored enamels like yellow and white. These are produced from the ash of straw or bamboo grass. There are three color groups depending on differences in the mixture of enamel: blue, yellow, and white. Shodai ware has also been called gotoku-yaki, which means "five virtues", because it does not corrode, does not transmit odor, is protected from moisture, has antibacterial effects, and a long life span. This is why Shodai ware has become popular not only for tea utensils, but also as practical tableware for daily use.

Dimensions: approx. φ 1.8 ~ 2" (4.5～5cm)

Glazed ceramic. Food-safe. Lead-free.

Made in Japan.