Recommended Mino Ware Donburi Bowls: From Simple Designs to Unique Patterns

March 10, 2025

(Updated on: March 26, 2025 )

Photographer Wada (lives alone)

Hello. This is UTSUWABI editorial staff.
This time, we will introduce Mino ware bowls.

This time we will introduce recommended Mino ware donburi bowls.

Mino ware has a wide variety of designs.
Therefore, there are a wide variety of rice bowl products, from simple bowls suitable for everyday use to luxurious bowls that are perfect for gifts.

In other words, if you're having trouble choosing a donburi bowl,
If you search among the many Mino ware options, there's a good chance you'll find something that suits your taste.
Please read this for reference when choosing a pottery.

Donburi list page

Characteristics and recommended points of Mino ware donburi bowls

1. The characteristic is that there is no characteristic

Mino ware has such a variety of techniques that 15 types, including Oribe and Kiseto, have been designated as traditional crafts.
Since it does not have a specific style, it is said to be characterized by its lack of characteristics.
There are a wide variety of patterns, colors, and shapes, so it's fun to choose.

2. Easy to use and practical

Because Mino ware has such a wide range of products, there are many casual items that fit well with everyday dining, such as modern designs that can be used with Western dishes.
In addition, many products are relatively durable, hard to break, and are microwave and dishwasher safe.
There are many products that are thick and have a gentle texture.

3． Reasonable price

Mino ware accounts for over 50% of the national production of ceramics.
Since we have a system for mass production, many of our products are relatively reasonable.
For this reason, it is suitable for purchasing additional items or bulk purchases for the family.

With the above-mentioned characteristics, Mino ware seems to be perfect for making bowls, which are everyday utensils.
Mino ware has a variety of styles, from traditional natural textures, to modern industrial products, to luxury items such as matcha tea bowls.

There are so many variations that you are sure to find a bowl that suits the generation and occasion you are using it for, such as entertaining on special occasions or as a gift.

Introducing recommended Mino ware donburi bowls

[UTSUWABI Special Order] Donburi Bowl Brown L | Mino Ware

A pottery that feels the warmth of rough earth.
The donburi bowl has a simple and unobtrusive design, so you can serve it with anything you want.

A curry bowl that is just topped with curry from a retort bag looks stylish like a cafe.
Since it is deep, it can be used for juicy dishes such as noodles and stews.

Another point is that it is easy to match with any type of pottery.
You can use it not only with Japanese tableware such as Sometsuke and Yachimun, but also with Western tableware.

There are 3 colors in total. We also recommend combining it with different colors and giving it as a gift!
I think it would be appreciated as a tasteful and practical gift.

Spica Suirin Noodle Bowl | Mino Ware

Stylish donburi bowl with calm tones.
The randomly applied glaze pattern stands out against the dark background, giving it a very luxurious feel.

Just by serving it in this bowl, your everyday meals such as udon or rice will look upgraded.

The rough texture and concentric relief make it easy to lift.
A bowl that combines practicality and design can be used in a wide range of situations, from everyday use to entertaining.

You can use this bowl for a long time without getting tired of it, which makes even a simple green salad look expensive.

Small Donburi Bowl Karatsu Tokusa 13.5cm/5.3in | Mino Ware

A pottery featuring thin hand-drawn lines on a white background.
It has a clean and stable form with no elevated areas.

It's small for a donburi bowl, so it's perfect for when you're hungry or want a light meal.
You can also serve it as a small bowl with a small side dish or miso soup.

As it has a simple design, it goes well with Western tableware.
Therefore, it can also be used like a soup cup or cereal bowl, which is very convenient.

They are easy to stack, so if you live alone, you can use them as rice bowl or small bowls.
If you live in a household with many visitors, it would be useful to have several of them as serving bowls.

Small Donburi Bowl Chrysanthemum-shape | Mino Ware

A simple donburi bowl with a white background and carvings on the sides.
The Kikuhana series bowls, which look like flowers, are wonderful no matter what you serve them with.

It's a small size for a bowl, so if you like rice, you can use it as a rice bowl.
It can also be used as a bowl or soup cup by serving salads and desserts.

It is also thick and durable, and is microwave and dishwasher safe.
Practical bowls that can be used for any menu are convenient to have as everyday utensils.

We also recommend using it with small bowls and plates from the same series!
By total coordination, you can create a stylish cafe-like dining table.

Wakura Donburi Bowl | Mino Ware

A tasteful donburi bowl with deep green and brown lines that stand out.
Because the diameter is wide and deep, this bowl is perfect for eating rice such as oyakodon.

The chic colors make the ingredients on top of rice and noodles stand out beautifully.
For this reason, we recommend using it in menus with lots of ingredients, such as Kenchin udon and seafood bowls!

The surface has been carved using a cutting technique, so it fits comfortably in your hand.
When lifting it, your fingers fit into the recessed part to prevent it from slipping.

The muted tones of the bowl look great when paired with similar-colored oribe or patterned utensils.
You can also use items made of different materials as accents, such as wooden trays and brass spoons.

Round Small Donburi Bowl | Mino Ware

This donburi bowl is characterized by its round shape.

A small bowl that fits comfortably in both hands is a good size for when you're feeling a little hungry, or as a bowl for children.
You can make it into a small bowl by adding small side dishes such as simmered dishes, ohitashi, and fried tofu.

Also, the crack-like pattern on the surface is called "Kairagi",
a technique originally used in tea ceremony items.
The glaze has not completely melted and the curly pattern has a unique taste.

The simple design makes it easy to coordinate with other outfits.
You can also pair it with Western tableware such as Arabian paratissi or patterned tableware.

Donburi Bowl Thick Blue Stripes Nijimi-Tokusa | Mino Ware

A donburi bowl with bright blue lines on a white background.
The thickness of each line is different, giving it a unique handmade feel.

The linear form is easy to lift and perfect for bowls.
The high ground is wide and stable, making it suitable for eating by digging into it.

In addition to using it for rice and noodles, it is also recommended to use it as a bowl for serving meat, potatoes, etc.
Pair it with dyed utensils to create a clean blue and white dining table.

By the way, the pattern on the surface is "Tokusa" which is often seen on Mino ware.
The grass is said to be an auspicious pattern for wishing for growth and prosperity, as it represents a plant growing straight.
You can also give them as a pair as a wedding gift or your parents' birthday.

Donburi Bowl Straw Pattern Orange | Mino Ware

An eye-catching donburi bowl with bold colors of orange and brown.

The striped pattern drawn on the entire surface is called "Mugiwarate" because it is reminiscent of ears of wheat.
This is a traditional pattern that has been passed down since the Edo period, and can be seen on tall items such as bowls and choko cups.

Because each piece is hand-painted, the thickness may vary slightly.
In addition, the striped pattern on the inside makes simple dishes such as kitsune udon and simmered dishes stand out.

The bottom part is slightly stepped, making it easy to lift.
You can also combine it with different colors of blue to give it as a wedding gift or a gift for your parents.

Rice Bowl Brown Stripes Tokusa 15cm/6in | Mino Ware

A bowl with alternating striped patterns of different thickness on a white background.
The striped pattern called Tokusa is a pattern that has been passed down since the Edo period and is often seen on Mino ware.

With simple colors and a slightly modern design, these utensils will go well with whatever you put on them. It can be used not only for rice and noodles, but also for all kinds of dishes, such as salads, soups, and stews.

Because it's deep, it's perfect for when you want to eat a full meal of rice, or for eating soups with lots of ingredients, such as pork soup.

The curved opening makes it easy to serve and take out.

Ryukyu Drop Deep Bowl | Ramen Bowl Mino Ware

A cute donburi bowl with an eye-catching dot pattern on the inside.
Since the circle design are hand-drawn, each one has a subtle difference in color shading and shape, which gives it an indescribable taste.

The outside is carved using a shinogi technique, which not only has a beautiful design, but also fits comfortably in your hand.
The wide mouth allows you to see the ingredients of seafood bowls and other dishes clearly, whetting your appetite.

The donburi bowl has an international design that can be used in both Japanese and Western styles.
It won't look out of place when serving Asian dishes such as nasi goreng or pork rice.

It would also be great to serve large portioned dishes such as salads and braised pork.
If you place them in the center of the table together with pottery with different arabesque patterns, it will make your dining table look gorgeous.

High 5-inch bowl, flower crest, pottery, Aianna Mino ware

A small bowl with a pretty arabesque pattern on a white background.
This is a donburi bowl with a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere, with a motif of Vietnamese Annan ware.

It's a small bowl, so it's a good size to grab a bite to eat when you're feeling hungry.
You can also use it as a soup cup or small bowl.
It is also suitable for bulk purchases as it does not take up much space when stacked.

It is also wonderful to pair with dyed items such as Arita ware.
If the colors are similar, you can create a unified table coordination even with patterned items.

Multi-use Bowl Blue Tokusa | Mino Ware

A shiny donburi bowl with a beautiful contrast between dark blue and white.

The top part is slightly stepped, so it has a nice texture and is easy to hold!
You can easily grab it with one hand when loading and unloading the cupboard or when serving food.

Also, it's large, so it's a good size for having plenty of rice or noodles.
If you serve oden or stew dishes, it will create a slightly formal atmosphere like a Japanese restaurant.

The auspicious Tokusa pattern is perfect for celebrating your parents' birthdays or longevity!
It would also be nice to coordinate with a similar color pottery such as dyed pottery on a special occasion.

If you're having trouble choosing a donburi bowl, try searching among the many Mino ware to choose from

This time, we are featuring Mino ware donburi bowls.
Mino ware has a wide variety of products, from simple ones to those with an Asian flavor. I hope this article has helped you understand its diversity.

Donburi is a convenient tableware that can be used for various dishes.
If you want one, but want something with a modern design that can be used for Western food, or something smaller that can be used as a small bowl, then why not try looking for one from Mino ware?

There are many variations in not only design, but also shape, size, and weight, so you can find your ideal bowl.

You can view the rice bowls introduced this time from this page.