Meiboku Bowl / Zelkova

Product Description

Product Story

General Product Information

Winner of the 1996 Good Design Award and the 2021 Long Life Design Award.
This long-selling masterpiece is the embodiment of Japanese craftsmanship.

Crafted from Japanese Zelkova (Keyaki) wood sourced from natural domestic forests, each bowl is meticulously hand-carved by skilled artisans in Odawara after being seasoned and dried for approximately six months. The artisans even hand-forge the very blades they use for carving, ensuring that every product is infused with their heart and soul, without compromise.

For the finish, we use a safe urethane coating—the same high standard used for Japanese school lunch bowls. You can enjoy the unique texture and natural grain of each piece, as no two bowls are ever exactly alike.

This generous vessel beautifully complements any dish, including Western cuisine. With its compact size, it is perfect for any occasion—whether as a rice bowl, a yogurt bowl, or a nut bowl. Feel free to use it however you like.

 Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：500 years ago / 1500AD / Sengoku period in Japan

The origins of Odawara Lacquerware date back to the mid-Muromachi period, born from the marriage of premium timber from the Hakone and Izu forests and the masterful technique of woodturning (rokuro-biki). The craft evolved significantly as lacquer masters gathered for the construction of Odawara Castle, and further flourished under the patronage of the Sengoku warlord Hojo Ujiyasu, who pioneered the vibrant "Iro-Urushi nuri" (colored lacquer) technique.

By the Edo period, Odawara’s strategic position as a prominent castle town and a major post town along the Tokaido road allowed the craft to thrive. From durable daily necessities like bowls and trays to ornate military equipment, the lacquerware gained immense popularity even in the capital of Edo. Today, this tradition of "sturdy and graceful beauty" continues to breathe and evolve in the heart of Odawara.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Studio Sonobe
At Studio Sonobe, the art of creation begins with "patience." Each piece of wood is seasoned naturally for over eight months, allowing it to settle before the transformation begins. Under the skilled hands of veteran artisans, life is breathed into the timber as it is meticulously shaped, moistened by the pure spring waters of the local Sakawa River.

"We refuse to waste a single sliver of wood that took decades to grow."
This philosophy is the heartbeat of their workshop. From the finished vessel to the smallest wood chip repurposed as fuel, their commitment to a zero-waste, circular process reflects a profound respect for the forest.

With the motto "Making a delightful table even more delightful," Studio Sonobe creates original designs that bridge tradition and modern life. These are more than just utensils; they are soulful companions that bring the gentle warmth of nature into your hands, staying close to your heart for a lifetime.

Craftsman Passion

"A true master is born only when they can craft their own tools."
Inside the Sonobe Sangyo workshop, there are as many "unique, singular tools" as there are artisans—instruments shaped to fit one hand and one hand only. Before they ever touch the wood, they forge the steel and hone the blades of the tools they will use.

Your Contribution to Craftsman

Customer Voice

Due to the market structure (link for full articles are attached bottom), craftsman have not known who the customer is and how customer reacts to their work. We made a “Message to Craftsman” box at purchase page. We will deliver all message to every craftsman. Our review will be also shared to craftsman so please leave your comment and evaluation on review section!

Income for Craftsman: Craftsman get only less than 10% of selling price?

As written above, craftsman have not controlled last phase of sales channel that resulting in selling price is set by third-party without craftsman’s recognition. There are some cases that only less than 10% of selling price is given to craftsman. We promise with our customer / craftsman that we offer the fair trade with craftsmen in our contract!

We made an article about above problem and our challenge. Please have a read from below link.
Current state of the Crafts Market / Benefits brought by Suigenkyo

Measurement

S：Width 10.5cm / Depth 10.5cm / Height 6cm / Weight 100g
M：Width 11.5cm / Depth 11.5cm / Height 6.8cm / Weight 165g
L：Width 13cm / Depth 13cm / Height 7.4cm / Weight 175g
XL：Width 14cm / Depth 14cm / Height 8cm / Weight 250g
2XL：Width 15cm / Depth 15cm / Height 8.5cm / Weight 300g

Material & Caution

Materials

Zelkova

 

Caution

Individual Difference

Each piece is handmade, so there are individual differences even in the same series. We hope that you will understand the change by handmade.

Delivery Date

Please note that it will take about a month for delivery if we do not have the item in stock.