The Journal

What Is a Hanko? The Beautiful Japanese Seal With a Personal Story

A Hanko is a Japanese personal seal used to leave a name or identifying mark on paper. Discover how Hanko differ from Inkan, the roles of Jitsuin, Ginkō-in and Mitome-in, how artisans carve a seal,...

How to Spot Authentic Jingdezhen Porcelain in a World of Imitations

A practical collector’s guide to judging authentic Jingdezhen porcelain through provenance, materials, brushwork, foot finishing, marks, pricing, and seller transparency—without relying on myths or...

Arita vs. Kutani Ware: Two Japanese Porcelain Traditions, One Beautiful Choice

Place Arita and Kutani porcelain side by side and two distinct sensibilities emerge: one shaped by luminous porcelain, exact form and measured decoration; the other celebrated for color, brushwork ...

A Guide to Japanese Pottery Styles: Find the Ceramic That Feels Like You

Explore Japanese pottery styles from Bizen and Hagi to Arita and Kutani. Compare materials, aesthetics, uses and care to find the right ceramic for you.

Father’s Day Gifts for the Dad Who Has Everything: 12 Meaningful Ideas Made to Last

Discover meaningful Father’s Day gifts for the dad who has everything—from hand-cut whisky glasses and artisan teaware to personalized seals, heritage games and creative tools.

Wood, Bamboo or Metal Chopsticks? The Choice That Changes Every Meal

Wood feels warm, bamboo feels light and grippy, and metal offers lasting durability. Compare comfort, care, food pairing and craftsmanship to find the chopsticks that suit your table.

Chinese Seals Explained: The Art, History and Meaning of Yìnzhāng

Discover the history, symbolism and craftsmanship of Chinese seals (yìnzhāng), from seal script and carving styles to materials, personalization, use and care.

Ultimate Guide to Chinese Mahjong: Rules, Tiles, Setup and How to Play

There is a sound that belongs unmistakably to Mahjong. A hundred tiles tumble face-down across a tabletop, clicking against one another as four pairs of hands sweep them into the center. Walls rise...

What Size Ramen Bowl Do You Need? The Home Cook’s No-Guesswork Guide

Buying a ramen bowl should be simple. Then you start shopping. One bowl is 32 oz. Another is 40 oz. A third is 50 oz. Some sellers give only the diameter. Others describe a bowl as “large” without ...

The Right Whisky Glass for Every Pour: Bourbon, Scotch and Japanese Whisky

Amber whisky catches the light differently in every glass. In a narrow tasting glass, the spirit gathers beneath a tapered rim, bringing malt, fruit, smoke and oak closer to the nose. In a broad tu...