Miya Company Whale Ramen Bowl

Made in Japan, this ceramic ramen bowl features a large whale gliding along indigo waves. Surrounded by dark cresting waves, the “kujira,” or whale, has symbolized good fortune, strength and the vastness of the sea in Japanese coastal folk art for centuries. The glazed exterior shows off flowing blue-and-white water—a millennia-old pattern called “ryūsuimon”—that’s balanced out by the earth-toned footed base. Due to the high-temperature glazing style, no two bowls are alike. With its 8.25-inch diameter, the bowl is perfect for ramen, noodles, rice dishes, soup and more. The bowl is safe to use in the microwave and dishwasher.

This piece is an example of Mino ware, a 1,300-year-old ceramic style known for its organic shapes, natural glazes and wabi-sabi philosophy.