Rice bowl AB-1 | Hakusan Porcelain

Hirachavan AB-1 Rice Bowl
Design: Masahiro Mori, 1992
Manufacturer: Hakusan Porcelain, Hasami
Material: Porcelain
Dimensions: Ø 15 cm, H 5.5 cm
Awards: Good Design Award 1993; Long Life Award 2004
Made in Japan

Hirachawan (shallow rice bowl) is a series of bowls designed in 1992 by Masahiro Mori for Hakusan Tōki. The name 'shallow' refers to the bowls' shallower and wider profile compared to traditional rice bowls, which are deep and narrow to keep rice warm for as long as possible. Reflecting modern lifestyles where food no longer needs to be a concern, Mori developed the Hirachawan . The shallow bowls allow dishes to be presented more visually and make the designs more visible. Furthermore, the shallower bowls are easier to stack. Hirachawan are suitable not only for rice but also for appetizers, small dishes, soups, desserts, and much more.
Since its launch, the Hirachawan series has remained an extremely popular product line from the Hakusan Tōki factory. With over 100 designs, there's something for everyone. The series received the Good Design Award in 1993 and the Long Life Award in 2004.

Hakusan Porcelain, based in the ceramics town of Hasami on the island of Kyushu, was founded in 1779 and has operated in its current form since 1951. In 1956, product designer Masahiro Mori was hired to revitalize the product range. With his keen sense of design, form, functionality, and reasonable pricing, he left a lasting mark on the company and emphasized that good design is also meant for everyday use.