Keizan Kiln Sometsuke Octopus Arabesque Soba Choko

Keizan Kiln

Keizan Kiln was founded in 1957, inheriting the tradition of Arita Town, where Japanese porcelain was first created 400 years ago.
As it was founded with the pursuit of the beauty of underglaze blue, there is an astonishing variety of soba choko (buckwheat noodle cups) alone, ranging from classical patterns to modern designs.
Each piece is so unique that you'll want to call it "a once-in-a-lifetime encounter," and as you look at them, you'll find yourself wanting to pick up one after another.

All of Keizan Kiln's works, from molding to painting and firing, are done in their own studio, and the artisans' passion is poured into every detail of each piece.
Perhaps this is why the vessels exude a certain gentleness and suppleness.

Soba Choko (Buckwheat Noodle Cups)

One of its charms is the unique "gosu" (cobalt blue) painting, characteristic of Keizan Kiln, which stands out against the elegant white and moist texture unique to porcelain.
In addition to its visual beauty, its soft feel on the lips and the transparency created when pouring soup make it feel refreshing.

Another feature is the profound meaning embedded in the painting.
For example, "Akae Tsubaki" (Red Camellia) symbolizes strength, passion, and dignified vitality, while "Nazu-na" (Shepherd's Purse) embodies purity, health, and the wish for small everyday happiness.

Learning about the background increased the joy of cooking, and it seems likely to be useful for entertaining guests as well.
When you think that such small wishes and stories are embedded in everyday tableware, your affection for them deepens when they are set on the table.

Because it is porcelain, it has low water absorption and is resistant to stains, making it easy to wash and maintain.
The ease of keeping it clean is also a welcome feature for everyday use.

Multi-purpose vessel

When you think of soba choko, you usually imagine a bowl for eating soba, but when you actually hold one, you'll be surprised by its versatility.
Its high practicality, which allows it to be used as a small bowl or dessert cup, is also a welcome feature.

It pairs particularly well with Japanese sweets like "anmitsu."
Combined with the cute "karako" (Chinese children) painting, the transparency of the agar, the vibrant colors of the fruit, and the luster of the brown sugar syrup are beautifully reflected in the small form of the soba choko.
Soba choko also expands the fun of choosing different bowls to match your mood.

Steamed egg custard with a bamboo steamer

I thought the soba choko would be the perfect size for serving small portions of side dishes and "aemono" (dressed dishes), so I decided to try making chawanmushi (steamed egg custard) using a bamboo steamer.

Thanks to its moderate thickness and gentle roundness, the heat distributes evenly.
The egg mixture solidified softly inside the cup, and when I opened the lid, the surface was beautifully smooth.

Inside, I added small amounts of chicken, shiitake mushrooms, ginkgo nuts, and mitsuba (Japanese parsley).
The colors of the ingredients and the pattern of the vessel intertwined, resulting in a visually gentle dish.
The palm-sized nature unique to soba choko also gives it a perfect feel.

When you use Keizan Kiln's vessels with a free spirit, their ease of use makes you want to try new dishes and presentations.

A vessel that invites coolness

Keizan Kiln's vessels are characterized by their clear appearance, woven from the blue of the underglaze and the white space of the white porcelain, which evokes a sense of coolness even visually.
Each time you serve food, the table setting is instantly harmonized, bringing a tranquil atmosphere.

Also, Keizan Kiln's vessels feel more like "decorating" than "storing," and the overlapping colors and patterns and the balance between the vessels beautifully arrange the inside of a shelf.
As my collection of favorite vessels gradually grows, the fact that they are stackable and easy to store is also a great help.

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Maker: Keizan Kiln / Arita-cho, Nishimatsuura-gun, Saga Prefecture
Material: Porcelain
Size: Approx. φ78 x H62 mm
Capacity: Approx. 150ml (full)

Microwave: OK
Dishwasher: OK
Oven: Not OK

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[About the product]
*Please note that each item is hand-painted, so there may be individual differences in patterns and shading.
*Since this is an overglaze product, the overglaze pattern may fade with prolonged use, depending on usage conditions.
*We recommend washing with dish soap and a soft sponge, etc.