“THE RICE BOWL” is a rice bowl that is designed to fit perfectly in the user’s hand. The 12 centimeter diameter of the rice bowl is derived from the average diameter of a Japanese person’s hand when a half-circle is made with the thumb and pointing finger. In other words, it is the perfect size that naturally fits in the hands of the user. The height is set at half the diameter, which is 6 centimeters). The ratio between the pointing finger and thumb is said to be exactly 2:1, and this ratio does not change in any configuration of the hand.
Therefore, we hypothesize that this ratio creates the ideal relationship between the hand and the rice bowl.
In the development phase of the project, we came across an interesting fact.
In ancient times, the “Wan” bowl used to be called “Mari” (old Japanese term for ‘ball’). The name is said to derive from the spherical shape of the bowl being denotative of a ball. Aside from the variations with differing shapes, the ‘ideal bowl’ is said to be one that creates a 4-sun (12 centimeter) sphere when two bowls are cupped together. In other words, the bowl measures to a diameter of 12 centimeters and 6 centimeters in height, resembling the same 2:1 ratio as “THE RICE BOWL”. Moreover, this 12-centimeter (4-sun) diameter is the common standard even amongst the multiple regions across Japan. However, the reason behind this measurement remains unknown to the people living in these regions.
The measurement units such as “sun” that are embedded in the ancient history of Japan derive from measurements and proportions of the human body, collectively known as “Shindoshaku”. Ironically, with the countless iterations of re-design in the modern era, rice bowls are now sold in various shapes, sizes, and proportion to meet the demand of the mass, yet these traditional methods of measurement deriving from proportions of the human body have been lost in the process of standardization of measurement systems. However, one can argue that our pursuit of designing the ideal rice bowl had unintentionally become the restoration of an ancient design that had been forgotten over time. Rediscovering the background of this tactile object and designing with this organic proportion was a very interesting experience.
We manufactured the same-shaped rice bowl in 5 different regions in Japan that are known for their distinct pottery styles. The styles include Arita (Saga Prefecture), Kiyomizu (Kyoto Prefecture), Shigaraki (Shiga Prefecture), Seto (Aichi Prefecture), and Mashiko (Tochigi Prefecture). In order to enhance the characteristics of each style, the clay, glaze, and finish are all white-colored. These collectible bowls allow the user to enjoy the various expressions of Japanese pottery.
ARITA (Saga Prefecture)
Potter: Fujimaki Seitou
Material: Amakusa white porcelain, “Hishaku-Gake” technique
Arita is a region known to first discover kaolin in Japan 400 years ago. Arita-yaki porcelain has been widely recognized in and out of Japan, being extensively exported to Europe between the 17th and 18th century as “Imari” and was traded with a value equivalent to gold. The transparent complexion of white that is distinct in Arita porcelain is a result of the exquisite craftsmanship, and met the high demand to the Dutch East India Company. “THE RICEBOWL – ARITA” is finished with the “Hishaku-Gake” (Ladle-pouring) glazing technique.
KIYOMIZU (Kyoto Prefecture)
Potter: Ito Seitojo
Material: Red clay soil, “Kohiki” technique
The name is said to derive from the fact that there were kilns near the Gojo-zaka area of Kyoto near the now popular tourist attraction, Kiyomizu Temple. Catering to the vast demands of traditional cuisine and tea ceremonies in ancient Kyoto, the Kiyomizu-yaki porcelain is a result of not only the variation of technique and material, but also the craftsmanship itself. Craftsmen in the early Edo period, namely Ninsei Nonomura and Kenzan Ogata, who have pioneered the techniques and designs, established the present day Kiyomizu style. “THE RICEBOWL – KIYOMIZU” is finished with the white-colored slip, or ‘engobe’ that has been used in singularity as well as to prime the bowl for the layering of colors.
SHIGARAKI (Shiga Prefecture)
Potter: Yamatatsu Togyo
Material: Koshigaraki clay ‘Hosome’, No glaze; Vitrified
Shigaraki ware is an old traditional pottery that has a history of over 1000 years, and is considered one of the ‘Six Old Kilns’ of Japan. The high heat resistance and plasticity of the local sandy clay from the bed of Lake Biwa is ideal for creating large-scale products such as the Tanuki Raccoon dog sculpture, jars, and hibachi grills. Located in the Kinki region of Japan, Shiga prefecture has a very distinct culture and thriving Zen Buddhist traditions that made this region the Mecca for potters. To enjoy the color and texture of the natural white clay, “THE RICEBOWL – SHIGARAKI” utilizes the fine-grained “Koshigaraki” clay and is vitrified with no glaze.
SETO (Aichi Prefecture)
Potter: Marumitsu Toki, Shibata Seitojo
Material: Kosome clay, Clear “Kan-Nyu” Crackle glaze
Considered one of the ‘Six Old Kilns’, “Setomono” (Products of Seto) were so widely used in the Eastern area of Japan it became a generic term for ceramics. In the middle ages, Seto was said to be the only region that applied glazes to their pieces. The kaolin layer of the Seto region is known as one of the few locations in the world that contain an abundance of fine clay and quartz sand ideal for earthenware. “THE RICEBOWL – SETO” uses the exemplary “Kosome” clay, and a clear glaze is applied to fully enjoy the crackled texture.
