Collection: Kurashima

暮縞(くらしま / Kurashima) is a Japanese ceramics brand founded and operated by ceramic artist Junya Nozawa and his wife, Kimuneko.

Known for its delicate striped designs, calm and understated color palettes, and comfortable tactile feel, Kurashima creates handmade tableware using its distinctive flat-forming technique that quietly becomes part of everyday life. Each piece is designed to bring warmth, character, and a gentle sense of joy to the dining table and surrounding living space.

Its beauty is intentionally understated — something that may quietly blend into your surroundings, only to catch your attention in an unexpected moment. Like a small flower blooming in the heart, each piece is made to add a little warmth, calm, and specialness to the everyday.

Our collection are sourced by Niz Market who has been collaborating with the brand.

暮縞(くらしま / Kurashima) is a Japanese ceramics brand founded and operated by ceramic artist Junya Nozawa and his wife, Kimuneko. The name combines 「暮」, evoking everyday life and the quiet atmosphere of dusk, with 「縞」, meaning stripes or patterns - reflecting the brand’s appreciation for subtle details and the beauty found in ordinary moments.

With a background in digital design, the creators approach ceramics with a spirit of freedom and curiosity, bringing together the natural warmth of clay with playful, thoughtful forms. Rather than treating tableware as simply functional objects, Kurashima sees each piece as part of the scenery of everyday life.

Kurashima primarily uses its distinctive flat-forming technique to shape its ceramics, allowing for expressive forms that are difficult to achieve through traditional wheel throwing while maintaining excellent strength and durability. Particular attention is given to every detail, including weight, texture, and the way each piece feels in the hand.

Kurashima is a ceramics brand run by the married couple, Nozawa Junya and Kimuneko.

When Instagram was still just starting to gain popularity, pottery made by brand founder Nozawa Junya as a hobby was shared on the platform by Kimuneko.

These photos gradually attracted people who loved the work, and this led to the start of their creative activities as a brand.

The name “Kurashima” comes from the striped vessels that served as the brand’s symbol in its early days, and reflects the idea of wanting to add color to everyday life.

We continue to explore ways to use tableware to create a beautiful lifestyle and bring joy to the dining table.

1. Preparing the clay
Clay is prepared and worked to achieve the right consistency for forming. Kurashima emphasizes the natural warmth and texture of the clay as part of the finished piece.

2. Flat-forming the clay
Instead of placing the clay on a pottery wheel and throwing it, the clay is shaped from a flat sheet. This technique gives Kurashima greater freedom to create organic, geometric, and unconventional silhouettes that can be difficult to achieve with traditional wheel throwing.

3. Shaping and refining
The clay is carefully formed into the desired shape, with particular attention to the curves, proportions, weight, and overall feel.
This is especially important to Kurashima because the pieces are intended to feel natural and comfortable when used every day.

4. Adding surface details
Kurashima's designs often incorporate subtle patterns, textures, and calm colors. Their striped pieces, for example, became an important part of the brand's early identity.

5. Drying and firing
Once shaped and finished, the pieces are dried before being fired to harden the clay and create durable tableware. Glazing and additional firing may be used depending on the specific piece and finish.

6. Final attention to usability
Kurashima pays particular attention to weight, texture, and how the piece feels in the hand and against the lips. Their philosophy is that tableware should not simply be functional, but should naturally become part of the scenery of everyday life.

Before Use

Before using your new ceramic piece for the first time, we recommend soaking it in clean water for at least two hours. This allows the clay to fully absorb moisture, helping to prevent odors and stains from setting in.

Daily Care Instructions

Avoid leaving food or beverages in the vessel for extended periods (especially overnight), as moisture may seep through and leave water marks on surfaces. After use, be sure to dry the piece thoroughly to prevent any residual dampness.

Microwave & Dishwasher Use

For longevity, we recommend hand wash and limit microwave use.

Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes

Do not expose your ceramics to extreme temperature shifts (e.g., from fridge to microwave), as this may cause cracking.

On the Nature of Ceramics

Handcrafted ceramics naturally change over time, developing a richer patina with use. This gentle transformation is part of their unique charm. We hope this piece becomes a beloved part of your everyday life.