Echizen Kawara Ceramic Pen Tray – Red Tile

The Echizen Kawara Ceramic Pen Tray – Red Tile is a Japanese pen tray handcrafted by Echizen Seramika in Fukui, Japan.

Made in the same way as traditional Echizen Kawara roof tiles, this piece features a rich reddish-brown tone that reflects the warmth of earthen clay. The color is inspired by Echizen Akagawara—red roof tiles that have long protected homes in snowy regions of Japan. The unglazed brown shading along the lower edge follows the authentic practice of leaving the overlapping parts of roof tiles uncoated, preserving the genuine look of real kawara.

For decades, the artisans of Echizen Seramika have crafted roof tiles that shape the landscape of Japanese towns and temples. Today, they continue that legacy through a new form—transforming the heritage of roof tile making into refined Japanese desk accessories that bring a quiet warmth to modern life. The tray’s smooth surface and gentle curves create a sense of comfort and balance, making it both practical and poetic.

Originally designed as a small ceramic dish, this piece can also be used for serving food or holding accessories. Whether placed on your desk or dining table, it embodies the enduring beauty and craftsmanship rooted in Japan’s architectural traditions.

Details

• Size: 8.3" × 4.2" × 0.6" (21.2 cm × 10.6 cm × 1.5 cm)
  
• Weight: 17.8 oz (505 g)
  
• Brand: Echizen Seramika

Echizen Seramika — From Roof to Desk

Founded in 1952 in snowy Fukui, Echizen Seramika has long protected Japanese homes and temples with its resilient roof tiles. Made from iron-rich Echizen clay and fired at around 1200 °C, these tiles develop a distinctive silvery-gray hue known as gin-nezumi, a quiet color that has shaped Japan’s traditional landscapes for centuries. Today, the artisans of Echizen Seramika have transformed this heritage into contemporary tableware and decorative pieces that celebrate the beauty of earthen craftsmanship.

At Komorebi Stationery, we have reimagined this material and craft through a different lens—creating pen trays and paperweights that bring the enduring strength and understated grace of Japanese rooftops to the creative desk. Each piece carries the wisdom and artistry of generations, connecting your daily writing space with the timeless craftsmanship that once sheltered Japan’s homes.