Hasami Ware Sometsuke Gosu Cat Chrysanthemum Small Bowl 9cm [4 Patterns]

This exquisite small Hasami ware bowl combines tradition and playfulness, featuring a dignified white porcelain "Kikuwari" design with playful cats at leisure.

When you gently cup it in your hands, the smooth, almost suction-like feel unique to porcelain and its substantial weight of 185g fit perfectly in your palm. Made at Takayama Kiln in Hasami Town, Nagasaki Prefecture, the "Gosu Neko Kikuwari Kozuke" is a beautiful 9cm small bowl featuring the "Kikuwari" (chrysanthemum-split) design, which has been loved for centuries and mimics the shape of a chrysanthemum flower. While exuding a dignified and formal appearance, the bottom of the bowl is adorned with images of cats relaxing, depicted in the traditional indigo blue known as "gosu." The four adorable poses—"Stretching," "Belly Up," "Patience," and "Crescent Moon"—are so charming that you can't help but smile every time you peek at them. From serving as a thoughtful accent in a small Japanese restaurant to accompanying your relaxed evening drink, this everyday utensil for adults adds a special touch to ordinary moments.

A "White Porcelain x Gosu Blue" Canvas that Enhances the Colors of Your Cuisine

The lustrous white porcelain, fired to perfection, acts as a small frame on your table, making any dish you serve look beautiful. Not only does it perfectly showcase Japanese small dishes like spinach ohitashi and vibrant red octopus sashimi, but it also brings out the fresh colors and luster of ingredients when serving cut fruit or bite-sized desserts after a meal. The pleasant "clink" sound when cutlery or chopsticks smoothly touch the surface is a testament to the high-quality porcelain, fired at high temperatures. As you eat, the indigo blue cat that unexpectedly appears from the bottom brings a sense of warmth and conversation to your dining table.

The Artistry of Artisans: The Richly Textured "Kikuwari" Design

The delicate, undulating rim, shaped like flower petals, is a testament to the inherited craftsmanship of artisans. The smooth curves provide a natural grip when held, expertly fulfilling the practical need for ease of handling when serving or washing. Furthermore, when illuminated by dining lights, soft shadows fall on the relief, creating a three-dimensional effect and a quiet tension throughout the entire piece. This exquisite balance elegantly refines the relaxed cat motif, giving it a "proper" impression suitable for entertaining guests.

Hasami Ware's Real-World Utility, Adapting to Modern Lifestyles

The true essence of Hasami ware, with over 400 years of history as "everyday tableware," lies in its outstanding ease of use. The compact size of 9cm wide and 3.5cm high (130ml capacity) is perfect for serving small portions of condiments or delicacies. The flat bottom, combined with the kikuwari shape, allows for very smooth stacking, fitting beautifully into small spaces in your cupboard. Moreover, it is fully compatible with microwaves and dishwashers/dryers. Its durability, allowing for worry-free use from reheating on busy mornings to post-meal cleanup, is the primary reason you'll find yourself reaching for it every day.

Traditional dyeing techniques, adorable cat motifs that warm the heart, and practicality that perfectly fits modern life. This "Gosu Neko Kikuwari Kozuke" is not just a cute dish; it's a piece of tableware with undeniable quality suitable for an adult's dining table. By simply serving a single side dish, your everyday table transforms into a chic kappo-style meal. We invite you to experience such a rich daily life with this small bowl.

Recommended for:

• Those who want to enjoy appetizers and delicacies stylishly during their daily evening drinks.
• Those looking for high-quality tableware that is easy to care for, such as being dishwasher and microwave safe.
• Those who want a versatile small bowl that goes well with not only Japanese food but also fruits and Western sweets.
• Cat lovers who prefer sophisticated, not overly sweet, tableware designs.