Nara Stoneware Bowl 13cm - Beige

This is a small, shallow stoneware bowl, 13cm across and 4.5cm tall, finished in a glossy beige glaze. The glaze is what makes it: it pools paler in the centre, deepens towards the rim and runs in fine streaks down the outside, so the bowl looks as interesting empty as full. The rim is gently wavy rather than perfectly even, which gives the round outline a soft, relaxed feel. The maker gives its capacity as 500ml, and it weighs 0.26KG, light enough to carry comfortably in one hand.

At 13cm across it sits at the small end of tableware, the size we reach for when serving a side of olives, a dip, a scoop of ice cream or a breakfast of yoghurt and fruit. The 500ml capacity means it takes a proper portion of cereal or soup too, despite its low profile. Because it can go in both the oven and the microwave, it moves straight from oven to table with an individual crumble or baked egg, and leftovers can be warmed in it without a change of dish. It suits a kitchen table set for everyday meals, a sharing spread laid out for friends, or a small place setting for one.

Stoneware is fired at a high temperature, which makes it dense and hard-wearing, and it holds heat well. This bowl is 100% stoneware with a glossy glazed surface, and it goes in the dishwasher, so clearing up after a busy meal takes no extra effort. With the microwave and the oven both covered as well, it is a bowl that can be used every day rather than saved for best. For styling, set two at each place, one for a side and one for a sauce, on a linen cloth or a bare wooden table, where the beige glaze and its wavy rim look most at home.

What size is the Nara bowl?

It is 13cm across and 4.5cm tall, with a capacity of 500ml, so it is a small, shallow bowl for sides, dips, desserts or a breakfast portion.

Can it go in the dishwasher, microwave and oven?

Yes to all three. The maker lists it as suitable for the dishwasher, the microwave and the oven, so you can bake in it, reheat in it and wash it without fuss.

What is it made of?

It is 100% stoneware with a glossy glaze. Stoneware is fired at a high temperature, so it is dense, hard-wearing and holds heat well.

Is it suitable for serving food?

Yes. The maker states it is approved for food, so it works well for olives, dips, desserts, cereal, soup or a baked individual portion.

How heavy is it?

It weighs 0.26KG, light enough to hold comfortably in one hand when passing it round the table or carrying it to your place.

Is the glaze one even colour?

No. The beige glaze pools paler in the centre, deepens towards the wavy rim and runs in fine streaks down the outside of the bowl.