How to Find Your Perfect Matcha Bowl: A Guide to Different Kinds of Chawan
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Tijd om te lezen 5 min
"The beauty of a matcha bowl lies not in its perfection, but in its presence."
If you’ve ever browsed matcha bowls online and thought, they’re all so beautiful... but which one is right for me? — you’re not alone. The truth is, the perfect matcha bowl (or chawan , as it’s called in Japanese) isn’t about rules. It’s about feel, function, and finding one that fits your ritual.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through different types of matcha bowls, what makes each one unique, and how to choose one that feels just right — for your hands, your tea, and your moment.
Why the Right Matcha Bowl Makes All the Difference
Using a proper chawan doesn’t just help you make better matcha — it completely transforms the ritual. Instead of rushing through it, you begin to notice things: the sound of the whisk, the warmth of the bowl, the quiet pause between steps.
A matcha bowl is not just a tool. It’s part of the ceremony.
Here’s why choosing the right one matters:
It gives your whisk space to move, creating a smoother, frothier matcha
The shape and weight affect how it feels in your hands
Handmade pieces add presence, texture, and meaning to your tea ritual
Types of Matcha Bowls (Chawan) to Know
1. Classic Rounded Chawan
This is the iconic matcha bowl shape you’ll see in traditional tea ceremonies. It has a wide, open form with soft curves, which gives your chasen (bamboo whisk) plenty of space to move freely and whip your tea into that dreamy, frothy texture.
Why it matters: The rounded shape isn’t just beautiful — it’s practical. It makes it easy to whisk in a circular or "M" motion.
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Perfect for: Daily matcha drinkers, beginners, and anyone who wants a dependable, well-balanced bowl for everyday use. These are bowls you’ll instinctively reach for — morning after morning.
2. Chawan with Spout
A modern take on a classic form, this type of matcha bowl includes a small pouring spout. It allows you to whisk your matcha and then pour it cleanly into a separate cup or glass if you like to serve your matcha in a different vessel.
Why it matters: The spout offers versatility, especially if you enjoy experimenting with matcha-based drinks or like to share your tea with others.
Perfect for: Hosts, multitaskers, and those who love a bowl that’s as functional as it is beautiful. It’s also a great option for cafés or kitchen setups where pouring is part of the ritual.
3. Crackle-Glazed Chawan (Kannyū Style)
These matcha bowls feature a unique surface texture created by fine, intentional crackles in the glaze — known as kannyū in Japanese pottery. Over time, these crackles absorb subtle traces of tea and deepen in color, developing a rich patina.
Why it matters: Every crackle is different. The more you use it, the more beautiful and personal it becomes. This type of bowl evolves with you — a living record of your ritual.
Perfect for: Tea lovers who appreciate the wabi-sabi aesthetic — finding beauty in imperfection, transience, and time. These are bowls that get better with age.
4. Sculpted or Faceted Chawan
These chawans feature hand-carved edges, ridges, or geometric forms that give them a tactile, sculptural feel. Each one feels grounded and earthy in the hands, with a weight that adds presence to your ritual.
Why it matters: The faceted surface gives you a natural grip and turns each matcha session into a sensory experience — you feel the maker’s hand in every angle.
Perfect for: People who love the physicality of pottery — the feel of texture, the grip of ridges, and the story told by the surface. These matcha bowls often become favorites for slow tea rituals and quiet moments of reflection.
5. Minimal or White-Glazed Chawan
These bowls are soft, serene, and calming — usually glazed in white, off-white, or very light natural tones. Often finished with raw rims or unglazed bases, they feel airy, spacious, and soothing.
Why it matters: The simplicity of a white or minimal chawan highlights the vivid green of matcha and invites a feeling of stillness. These bowls don’t try to impress — they invite presence.
Perfect for: Slow mornings, quiet rituals, and anyone who appreciates the elegance of restraint. These bowls are also wonderful gifts for minimalists and matcha purist
How to Choose Your Perfect Matcha Bowl
Still unsure which matcha bowl is right for you? Ask yourself:
How do you want it to feel in your hands?
Light and airy or heavy and grounded?Are you making matcha daily or just occasionally?
Rounded bowls are great for everyday use. Crackle or sculpted chawans feel extra special.What kind of ritual are you creating?
Are you seeking calm, creativity, tradition — or something that’s just yours?
Trust your instinct. Your perfect chawan is the one you keep coming back to.
Summary: What Really Matters When Choosing a Matcha Bowl
If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the options, here’s what actually counts:
Choose a shape that’s easy to whisk in
Pick a glaze or surface that speaks to you
Let the matcha bowl become part of your daily pause — not just a pretty object
Matcha bowls are meant to be used, not just admired. They’re there to support your ritual — messy whisking, sleepy mornings, quiet moments and all.
Q: Can I use a regular bowl for matcha?
A: You can — but you’ll likely struggle to whisk properly or create froth. A proper matcha bowl (chawan) is designed with the right size, curve, and intention.
Q: What size should my chawan be?
A: Most matcha bowls hold around 400–500ml, giving you enough space to whisk without spilling. Shallower bowls are great for summer, deeper ones hold warmth in winter.
Q: Is it better to drink matcha from a bowl or a cup?
A: A cup might work in a pinch, but a matcha bowl (or chawan) is hands-down the better choice — and not just for tradition’s sake. The wide, open shape makes it easier to whisk your matcha properly, creating that smooth, velvety froth. It also feels more grounding and intentional to drink from a bowl — two hands wrapped around warm clay, taking a moment just for yourself. It’s a small shift that changes the whole experience.
Once you try
Q: What is special about a matcha bowl?
A: A matcha bowl (or chawan) isn’t just a container — it’s part of the ritual. Its wide shape gives your bamboo whisk the space it needs to create a smooth, frothy tea. But beyond function, a matcha bowl invites presence. It feels grounding in your hands, warm and textured, with its own personality.
At IKKAI Ceramics, every chawan is handmade and one of a kind — shaped by hand, glazed with care, and meant to turn even an everyday tea into something special.
Ready to Find Yours?
Each chawan is crafted with care, designed to be used, loved, and lived with.
You’re not just buying a bowl.
You’re beginning a ritual.
Daisy Pepping
I’m Daisy, and I’m the quieter half of IKKAI Ceramics. I’m not the one throwing the bowls, but I’m always nearby—helping pack orders, shaping our voice, and keeping things running behind the scenes. What started as just lending a hand has grown into something I truly care about. This little business has become part of our family rhythm, and I feel lucky to be building it together with Abel.
