Ishikawa Hana
Cooking with Intention
Nestled in the heart of Washington, DC, Ishikawa Hana has been a cornerstone of modern Japanese dining since its doors opened in 2015. Drawing inspiration from the culinary traditions of the Ishikawa Prefecture, the restaurant boasts a seasonal kaiseki menu.
The menu changes frequently, showcasing the finest fish, seasonal vegetables, and artisanal ingredients sourced both locally and from Japan. The serene, intimate atmosphere has made Ishikawa Hana a favorite for special occasions, while its high standards of hospitality ensure that every guest leaves with a memorable experience.
Born from a love of tradition and innovation, Ishikawa Hana earned its coveted Michelin star within just three years of operation. Ishikawa Hana has been recognized not only by Michelin but also by a variety of prestigious awards within the culinary world. The restaurant has been featured in the World’s 50 Best as a must-visit for Japanese fine dining and consistently ranks among the top in the region for both food quality and service.


Honoring Roots
Chef Hiroshi Nakamura, born and raised in Kanazawa, Japan, comes from a family deeply entrenched in the culinary arts. His early years were spent in his family's izakaya, where he developed an appreciation for seasonality and the delicate balance of flavors in Japanese cuisine.
After honing his skills in Tokyo's finest kitchens and traveling throughout Japan to study regional specialties, Chef Nakamura moved to the U.S., where he sought to share his vision of Japanese cuisine with an international audience.
Chef Nakamura’s philosophy is rooted in respecting the natural flavors of each ingredient, allowing them to shine in their most authentic forms. Known for his mastery of the knife and his precise cooking techniques, Nakamura creates dishes that evoke a deep sense of harmony. His culinary approach is a delicate balance between modern innovation and the preservation of time-honored traditions. Nakamura’s work is not just about feeding people—it’s about telling a story through food, which has earned him the James Beard Award for Best Chef and the Relais & Châteaux award for culinary excellence.
A Legacy of Craft
After meeting with the team at Ishikawa Hana, it was clear a special partner was necessary to capture the restaurant's dedication to excellence and executing culinary experiences.
The masters at Kawara Ceramics have triumphed in their functional bowl concept incorporating Ishikawa Hana's signature Tuna and iconic color palette.
Kawara delivers a one-of-a-kind product that stands unique in any home kitchen as a beautiful representation of the elegance Ishikawa Hana puts forward with each dish.
Kawara Ceramics Studio
About the Maker:
A hub of creativity and craftsmanship
Founded in 2012, Kawara Ceramics Studio specializes in hand-thrown and handcrafted pottery that honors traditional Japanese ceramic techniques.
Located in a serene studio surrounded by nature, Kawara Ceramics blends the ancient art of pottery with a modern aesthetic, producing one-of-a-kind functional and decorative pieces. The studio's name, "Kawara," is derived from the Japanese word for roof tile, symbolizing both protection and artistry—a fitting metaphor for the studio’s philosophy of crafting pieces that enrich everyday life.
Each piece at Kawara is meticulously designed to reflect a harmony of form and function, embodying the Japanese principle of "wabi-sabi," which finds beauty in imperfection. The studio's collections range from simple, rustic dinnerware to intricate, sculptural vases, each piece created with the same dedication to detail.
Kawara Ceramics has gained a loyal following of collectors, chefs, and home enthusiasts who appreciate the studio's commitment to quality, sustainability, and the personal touch of handmade artistry.

Head Ceramist: Ayako Ishii
Ayako Ishii, the founder and head ceramist of Kawara Ceramics Studio, is a master potter with over 20 years of experience in the craft.
Born in a small village in the countryside of Kyoto, Ayako grew up surrounded by traditional Japanese arts and developed a passion for ceramics at an early age. After training under several renowned Japanese potters, she honed her skills in various styles, from the rugged beauty of Bizen pottery to the refined elegance of porcelain.
Ayako’s artistic journey took her across the world, studying different pottery techniques and finding inspiration in diverse landscapes and cultures. Her work is characterized by its attention to texture, balance, and the interplay of natural materials. Ayako is known for her unique glaze recipes and experimental firing techniques, which give each piece its own distinctive character.
Under her leadership, Kawara Ceramics has become a beacon for ceramic artisanship, blending traditional craftsmanship with a modern, minimalistic approach.

On the Collaboration:
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