Japanese Tableware as a Gift — How to Choose the Perfect Present

A good piece of Japanese tableware is a gift that keeps giving. Unlike flowers or sweets, a bowl or a plate stays in daily life for years, quietly reminding its owner of the person who chose it. If you would like to give something both beautiful and useful, here is how to choose Japanese tableware — wafuki — as a gift.

Choose by the person

• For a couple — a pair of bowls or cups in two colors. In Japan, matched-but-different pieces are a classic way to celebrate two people sharing a table.
• For a new home — practical plates, cups and small bowls. Choose shapes that stack and store easily.
• For someone who loves to cook — a characterful plate that makes everyday food look its best.

Choose by the occasion

Weddings, housewarmings, anniversaries, thank-yous — tableware suits them all because it becomes part of ordinary life. When in doubt, white porcelain or blue-and-white sometsuke patterns are safe, elegant, and match almost any table.

A few simple rules

Favor pieces that are easy to use every day, that stack for storage, and whose patterns aren’t too particular. If the recipient’s kitchen is unknown, a versatile plate or cup is safer than a very specialized item.

About itowocashi

itowocashi is a small Japanese shop that curates tableware from Arita, Hasami and other pottery regions, chosen to be used rather than only admired. We wrap orders with care and ship worldwide. New to Japanese ceramics? Start with our beginner’s guide to wafuki, or browse our gift guide.