Original Japanese Chawan. Kuroshinju means "black pearl". The bowl gets its name from its shiny surface, which is reminiscent of mother-of-pearl. This piece of craftsmanship was made by hand by one of Japan's best ceramic manufacturers. The bowl comes from Gifu Prefecture, which has earned a worldwide reputation for unusual and high-quality stoneware. The play of colors on the surface complements the dark bamboo perfectly. The shape of the chawan is reminiscent of a large cognac snifter and was specially designed for the traditional tea ceremony.