Business Details
Handmade Ceramics Studio in San Jose, CA
Arakawa Pottery is a family-owned studio dedicated to crafting functional and artistic ceramic pieces that bridge tradition and modernity. Founded by Thomas and Kathy Arakawa, our work reflects decades of combined experience in pottery and a deep appreciation for Japanese aesthetics. We specialize in handmade dinnerware, Ikebana containers, and home decor items, all created in our San Jose, California studio. Our commitment to quality is evident in every piece, from soy sauce dishes to large ikebana vases, each designed to enhance daily rituals and artistic expression.We collaborate with restaurants, galleries, and designers nationwide, ensuring our ceramics support both culinary and floral artistry. Visitors are welcome to explore our creative process through weekend studio tours or by appointment. With over a decade of service to the community, we prioritize transparency, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction, ensuring every client receives pottery that resonates with authenticity and purpose.
Services
Handmade Dinnerware
Ikebana Containers
Planters
Studio Tours
Custom Ceramics
Highlights and features
- We offer handmade ceramics with over 10 years of experience.
- Our pottery enhances dining experiences and home decor with unique designs.
- We provide weekend studio tours and personalized customer service.
- Our work is featured in galleries, restaurants, and retail stores nationwide.
- We guarantee satisfaction with every handcrafted piece.
What people say
Excellent service
Unique design
Elevates dining
Tranquil matcha experience
Artistic quality
Services
Handmade Dinnerware
Our dinnerware collection combines functionality with artistic expression, featuring ramen bowls, sushi plates, and soy sauce dishes. Each piece is handcrafted in San Jose using traditional techniques, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. Ideal for enhancing everyday meals or special occasions, our tableware supports culinary creativity while reflecting natural textures and earthy tones.
Ikebana Containers
Designed for ikebana practitioners, our containers include suiban, cylinders, and unique shapes that complement floral arrangements. Handmade in California, these vessels emphasize harmony between flowers and vessel through minimalist forms and organic glazes. They serve both traditional and contemporary artists seeking functional art for their creations.
Studio Tours
Weekend studio tours offer insight into our pottery-making process, from clay preparation to glazing. Visitors observe how we transform raw materials into finished pieces while learning about Japanese ceramic traditions. The experience includes access to our gallery, where customers can view and purchase exclusive works directly from the creators.
Custom Ceramics
We create bespoke ceramics tailored to specific needs, including restaurant tableware and personalized gifts. Collaborating directly with clients, we ensure each custom order meets functional requirements while maintaining artistic integrity. This service caters to businesses and individuals seeking unique, handcrafted solutions for their dining or decor needs.
Planters
Our planter collection features handcrafted ceramic pots in various sizes and shapes designed to enhance indoor plants. The breathable clay promotes healthy growth while the minimalist designs complement modern and traditional interiors. Each planter is finished with food-safe glazes, ensuring safety for both plants and homes.
People
Thomas Arakawa
Co-Founder & Ceramic Artist
Thomas Arakawa co-founded Arakawa Pottery with his wife Kathy, bringing decades of experience in traditional Japanese ceramics. He oversees the studio's production and collaborates with clients on custom projects.
Kathy Arakawa
Co-Founder & Creative Director
Kathy Arakawa partners with Thomas to create functional art that bridges Japanese heritage and modern design. She manages studio operations and community engagement initiatives.
Questions
Do you offer pottery classes or workshops?
We currently do not offer pottery classes or instructions at our studio.
Can I visit the studio outside weekend hours?
Yes, weekday visits are available by appointment. Please call or text us to schedule.
Are your ceramics food-safe?
All our dinnerware uses food-safe glazes and is suitable for daily use.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently offer free shipping to the US 48 states only.
How should I care for my handmade pottery?
Hand wash with mild detergent to preserve the glaze and avoid sudden temperature changes.
Can I request custom-designed pieces?
Yes, we welcome custom orders. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Videos
Reviews (3)
Nathan W.
Feb 03, 2022
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Thomas and Kathy are artists, truly. I have purchased many vases for Ikebana as well as a full set of plates and bowls (which they custom made for me). You can find them at most Ikebana shows in the San Francisco Bay Area-- and a small selection of vases are for sale at Soko Hardware in San Francisco-- but I highly recommend that you visit their studio in the hills above Milpitas. They host several open studio events each year-- and you can call to make an appointment. I have visited several times and been given a tour and received lots of wonderful information about their process. They are wonderful
Anne D.
Oct 11, 2021
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My husband and I visited Arakawa Pottery after seeing a few of their pieces in my sister's home. We were so warmly welcomed by Thomas and Kathy! They told me about the pieces I was interested in and even gave us a tour of their kiln and workroom! It was such a wonderful visit. We purchased several items from their store and I could not wait to get home to display them! Thank you Thomas and Kathy for your warm hospitality and your beautiful pottery pieces! We will visit again the next time we are up north!
Nv D.
Nov 26, 2018
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Hidden charm! Visiting Arakawa Pottery for the 1st time reminds me why I love, support & appreciate small businesses, and why I want to write reviews. If anyone is searching for unique & handmade pots, vases & tea cups/bowls, please come to Arakawa Pottery and meet with Kathy & Thomas. This pottery place is mostly for succulent pots, Japanese flower arrangement pots & wood fired pottery (please contact the store for more details). You will enjoy the ride uphill to the studio. You can meet their cute dog & see every beautiful, one-of-a-kind pots & vases. Also, you can
