From the heart of Japan to Bolesławiec – when Japanese tradition meets Polish craftsmanship

Is it possible to combine the Japanese tea ceremony with Polish ceramic craftsmanship? The answer is yes—and in an authentic way , deeply rooted in the traditions and aesthetics of both cultures. This was the idea behind the creation of this unique collection of matcha tea sets, created in collaboration. Royal Brand with the Bolesławiec artistic ceramics factory.

The meeting of two worlds

On the one hand, there's Japan. A country where the tea ceremony (chanoyu) has been a spiritual practice for centuries, and every element of the ritual—from the cup to the hand gesture—carries meaning. On the other, there's Bolesławiec , the heart of Lower Silesia, a place known for its exceptional ceramics since the 15th century. It was Royal Brand, fascinated by the depth of Japanese tradition and the mastery of Polish craftsmanship, who initiated the idea of combining these two worlds. Thus, a unique collaboration was born—matcha meets Bolesławiec pottery.

Bolesławiec – the capital of Polish ceramics

The tradition of pottery making in Bolesławiec dates back to at least the 15th century , when the first vessels were made from local clay with a distinctive creamy-gray hue. Their durability and aesthetic appeal were quickly appreciated – Bolesławiec pottery began to be decorated by hand , primarily The stamping technique, which remains a hallmark of local manufactures to this day, has over time earned a reputation throughout Europe, and today, they enjoy worldwide popularity . It's a craft that combines beauty, functionality, and authenticity from generation to generation.

Source: Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec

Passion Enchanted in Clay

Contemporary ceramics, which is still based on hand-made craftsmanship , authenticity and an artistic approach to design, have grown from the rich tradition of Bolesławiec craftsmanship.

Local workshops combine classic techniques—such as stamping and brush painting—with modern aesthetics and high-quality craftsmanship. The ceramics are fired at temperatures reaching 1250°C, ensuring exceptional durability and resistance to abrasion and damage. They are oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe.

It is from such a workshop that Royal Brand bowls (chawan) and stands (kusenaoshi) come – created to honor both Polish and Japanese heritage.

Patterns with a history

The matcha sets feature two designs – BT-001 and BT-002 – inspired by the classic decorations of Bolesławiec pottery. They reference the "peacock's eye" motif and other traditional ornaments characteristic of Bolesławiec handicrafts.

BT-001 – A classic of the Bolesławiec style: "Peacock's Eye" in a modern form

This design is a tribute to the most recognizable motif from Bolesławiec – the so-called "peacock's eye." Individual, rhythmically arranged circles against a navy blue background create a mesmerizing, almost meditative arrangement. The symbolism of the "peacock's eye" is far-reaching – in some interpretations, it protects against evil, while in others it alludes to the beauty, vigilance, and perfection of nature.

Patterns of this type can be found in museum collections of Bolesławiec ceramics dating back to the 19th century, although the "peacock's eye" itself has roots even in 15th-century forms of decoration.

BT-002 – Tradition with a touch of boldness

The BT-002 pattern is a more ornate take on the classic. It's also based on the "peacock eye" motif, but it's been enhanced with brick-red dots and green star-shaped ornaments, bringing a touch of lightness and color variety to the composition. This pattern reflects the distinctive philosophy of combining heritage with modern styling.

This type of decoration utilizes a stamping technique— each motif is applied by hand using sponge stamps and brushes . This requires tremendous precision and skill.

Uniqueness of projects

• Both designs are approved by the National Artistic and Ethnographic Commission.
• The decorations are made using the underglaze method , which means they are exceptionally durable – they do not wear off and retain their colors even after years.
• The materials (glaze, paints) used to manufacture the products are ecologically safe and do not contain cadmium and lead.
• This is a certified handicraft , in which each piece differs slightly from the other – which makes it unique.

A culture that connects

Royal Brand's collaboration with the Bolesławiec artistic ceramics factory is not just an aesthetic project – it is, above all, an intercultural dialogue.

We combine applied art with the spirituality of daily ritual. We demonstrate that in a globalized world, there is room for craftsmanship crafted with passion, patience, and respect for tradition. - says Maciej Barczak, vice president of Royal Brand.

When you purchase a matcha set from Bolesławiec, you become part of this story. It's not just a vessel—it's a story unfolding in your hands.

See available sets:

• Japanese tradition, Polish ceramics – a matcha brewing set from Bolesławiec
  
• Second set – with a new design – coming soon!

We invite you to visit the Royal Brand store , where you'll find not only authentic matcha and brewing accessories, but also a wide selection of spices, extracts, and natural additives to enhance your cooking and daily rituals. Browse our selection and choose the perfect matcha for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is ceramics from Bolesławiec suitable for contact with hot water?

Yes. VENA ceramics are fired at temperatures up to 1250°C, making the vessels resistant to high temperatures.

Is the set dishwasher or microwave safe?

Yes. All elements of the set – both the bowls and stands – are dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe.

Are the sets limited?

Yes. Due to the handcrafted nature and unique nature of the collection, the number of sets available is limited.