Odawara Lacquerware Bowl | Meiboku Bowl Medium | Lacquered Chestnut | Sonobe Sangyo

Odawara Lacquerware – Meiboku Bowl (Medium) – Lacquered Chestnut

A Gentle, Timeless Beauty – A Bowl that Shares the Charm of Wood

In many households, rice bowls and chopsticks are personal, but soup bowls are shared. Yet in Japanese dining, the soup bowl holds an important place — for miso soup, clear broth, or other warm dishes served daily. Too often, however, soup bowls are taken for granted.

The Meiboku Bowl changes that perspective. Crafted from six types of well-known woods, each bowl displays beautiful natural grain and a warm, organic atmosphere. The softly rounded design fits perfectly in your hands, and its thickness ensures you can hold it comfortably without feeling the heat — making it safe and pleasant for children as well. Families can enjoy choosing their own bowl, comparing the unique qualities of each wood.

Chestnut (Kuri) is known for its hardness and water resistance, making it ideal for daily use. It’s strong enough to be used for house foundations and railway ties, and when finished with lacquer, its bold grain patterns truly stand out. This makes it an excellent choice as a first lacquerware piece.

Born from a Respect for Wood – “Lacquerware for Everyday Use”
The Meiboku Bowl is made by Sonobe Sangyo, a workshop in Odawara — a city with over 70 years of history producing practical lacquerware. They handle everything in-house, from lumber processing and woodturning to the final lacquer finish.

Unlike many lacquerware regions where wood is turned along the direction it grew, Odawara lacquerware cuts wood perpendicular to its grain. This method makes the most of each log, reflecting Sonobe Sangyo’s philosophy: “Use wood without waste, reuse it well, and let it return to the earth.”

These bowls don’t just showcase the beauty of natural wood — they carry a message of respect for the material itself. Designed to fit modern lifestyles and needs, they have earned loyal fans who appreciate their authenticity and craftsmanship.

Specifications

Size: Approx. 11.5 × 11.5 × 7.2 cm (4.5" × 4.5" × 2.8")

Material: Chestnut wood (lacquer finish)

Made in Japan

Note: As each piece is hand-turned without molds, sizes may vary slightly.

Care Instructions

Avoid strong impacts, which may cause breakage.

Do not soak for long periods after use.

After washing, dry thoroughly and store away from direct sunlight.

Not suitable for microwave or dishwasher use.