2021_Focus_Ramen

ramen + rice | the idiosyncratic bowl

April 28 – June 6, 2021

Ramen and rice bowls present a great opportunity to showcase the balance between beauty and function. We’ve been studying up on the functionality of traditional ramen bowl shapes and volumes to help create some parameters for the type of bowls we’ve included in this exhibition. Indeed, not every bowl is a ramen bowl. One important aspect of a traditional ramen bowl is that it is voluminous enough to hold a large amount of broth.

Learn more about traditional ramen bowl shapes, sizes, and functions here.

Rice bowls are a little less specific, but one important aspect is that they are small and can be held in the hand easily while being used. “The diameter of a traditional rice bowl is derived from the average diameter of a hand when a half-circle is made with the thumb and pointing finger. In other words, it is the perfect size that naturally fits in the hands of the user.” – Urdesign Magazine

If you would you like to know more about cooking traditional ramen and rice dishes, head to the links below:

Just One Cookbook: Japanese Ramen Guide for Beginners
A Taste of Culture, Japanese Culinary Arts Programs with Elizabeth Andoh: Kinoko Gohan
A Taste of Culture, Japanese Culinary Arts Programs with Elizabeth Andoh: Tōmorokoshi Gohan
Japan Eats! Heritage Radio Network: Japanese Tableware with Elizabeth Andoh