Katakuchi / Lipped Bowl

A katakuchi (片口 in Japanese) is a vessel with a spout on one side of the rim. Originally, it was a sake vessel for pouring sake, like a tokkuri (a tall and slender ceramic sake bottle), but it comes in a variety of sizes and shapes and is used for a wide range of purposes other than sake. It is made of ceramics, lacquerware, tin, glass, etc.

As the katakuchi has a spout, in addition to being used to pour sake it is also suitable for serving noodle soup, soba soup, dressing and sauces. Smaller katakuchi can be used for serving condiments, while deeper ones can be used as small bowls for side dishes and desserts and larger katakuchi can be used to serve simmered dishes.  Aside from meals, a katakuchi can also be used as a flower vase to arrange flowers.

A katakuchi filled with soba broth

As a sake vessel, a tokkuri can be said to be the primary substitute for a katakuchi. Other items with a spout, such as teapots and measuring cups, can also be used as substitutes for a katakuchi.

Katakuchi has a larger surface area exposed to the air than tokkuri, so it is said to give the sake a mellower flavor. Also, the wide mouth allows the aroma to spread easily, making it ideal for people who want to enjoy the aroma of sake.

Katakuchi and Ochoko serving sake