Echizen Kawara Ceramic Pen Tray – Silver Gray

The Echizen Kawara Ceramic Pen Tray 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 soft silvery-gray tone known as gin-nezumi—a quiet color that has long defined the elegance of Japanese rooftops. The brown shading seen in parts of the design reflects how real roof tiles are traditionally left unglazed where they overlap, preserving the authentic look and character of true kawara.

For decades, the artisans of Echizen Seramika have created the tiles that protect and shape the beauty of Japanese homes and temples. Today, they continue this heritage through a new form—transforming the spirit of roof tiles into refined Japanese desk accessories that bring calm and balance to modern life. The tray’s smooth matte finish and gentle curves embody both strength and serenity, reflecting the harmony found in traditional craftsmanship.

Originally crafted 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 carries the quiet dignity of Japan’s architectural tradition and the artistry of its enduring craftspeople.

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.