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Ceramic chopstick rest shaped like salt grilled sweetfish with natural glaze in black and beige tones.
Close-up of chopsticks on the sweetfish-shaped rest, highlighting its intricate detailing and glaze transitions.
Distant view of chopsticks placed on the sweetfish-shaped rest, showcasing its realistic texture and earthy color palette.
Ceramic chopstick rest shaped like salt grilled sweetfish with natural glaze in black and beige tones.
Top view of the salt-grilled sweetfish chopsticks rest, capturing the delicate fish design and speckled glaze effect.
Artisan shaping a small piece of clay by hand during the early forming stage of ceramic production
Artisan rolling a ball of clay by hand as part of the traditional forming process in ceramic craft
Ceramic chopstick rest shaped like salt grilled sweetfish with natural glaze in black and beige tones.
Close-up of chopsticks on the sweetfish-shaped rest, highlighting its intricate detailing and glaze transitions.
Distant view of chopsticks placed on the sweetfish-shaped rest, showcasing its realistic texture and earthy color palette.
Ceramic chopstick rest shaped like salt grilled sweetfish with natural glaze in black and beige tones.
Top view of the salt-grilled sweetfish chopsticks rest, capturing the delicate fish design and speckled glaze effect.
Artisan shaping a small piece of clay by hand during the early forming stage of ceramic production
Artisan rolling a ball of clay by hand as part of the traditional forming process in ceramic craft

Salt-Grilled Sweetfish (Ayu) Chopstick Rest

Price
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  • Free shipping on orders USD $199+
No Dishwasher Feature
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A tiny grilled fish that is not for eating but for delighting the table. The Salt-Grilled Sweetfish (Ayu) Chopstick Rest captures the charm of Japan’s beloved summer fish in playful ceramic form. Traditionally enjoyed salt-grilled and served with daikon and soy, here the sweetfish takes on a new role as a whimsical yet practical support for your chopsticks.

Handcrafted in Mino ware, each piece is individually shaped, painted, and glazed by skilled artisans. The attention to detail brings the fish to life, from its curved body and textured fins to the subtle shading of its salt-grilled surface. These miniature works of art reflect both humor and mastery, reminding us that dining can be joyful as well as refined.

Perfect for brightening everyday meals, starting conversations, or gifting to food lovers, this Ayu chopstick rest is more than an accessory. It is a celebration of Japanese craftsmanship and the playful spirit of the dining table.

Explore our full Chopstick Rests collection to find more fun and unique designs.

Dimension

2.7" × 0.5" × 0.8" H (6.9 cm × 1.2 cm × 2.1 cm H)

Weight

0.5 oz (13 g)

Material

Pottery

Craft Type

Mino Ware

Brand

Ihoshiro Kiln

Mino Ware

Mino ware is a traditional pottery from Gifu Prefecture with a history of more than 1,300 years. Its origins trace back to the Nara period, when early potters began producing simple earthenware. During the Momoyama period (late 16th century), Mino became Japan’s leading center for ceramics, giving rise to distinctive styles such as Shino, Oribe, and Kizeto—each deeply connected to the aesthetics of the Japanese tea ceremony. Today, as Japan’s largest pottery-producing region, Mino continues to evolve with contemporary life, blending timeless craftsmanship with modern design to support the way people eat and live every day.

Chopstick Rest

When setting the table for a Japanese meal, chopstick rests (hashioki) are a must-have item. These rests are essential for hygiene so the chopsticks don’t touch the table. They are also a wonderful way to add whimsy, charm, and a personal touch to your table setting. With so many themes and designs to choose, chopstick rests are quite popular to collect. It's fun to switch them up for different seasons, menus, and occasions.

Shipping
We ship from our US warehouse, usually within 2 business days.
US Standard Shipping is $15, with Free Standard Shipping on orders over $199. International rates vary by destination. We do not currently ship to EU countries.

Returns
Eligible items may be returned within 30 days of delivery. Sale items are final sale, except for purchases made during our sales events. Items purchased using discount codes and bundle sets remain eligible for returns.
US customers can add Free Returns at checkout; otherwise, a $25 return shipping fee is deducted from the refund. International return shipping costs are deducted from refunds.

For full details, please see our Shipping & Returns page.

>> Product Care Guide

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Ihoshiro Kiln

Located in Mizunami City, Gifu Prefecture, Ihoshiro Kiln brings warmth and playfulness to the tradition of Mino ware. Founded in 2006 as a small in-house workshop, it has grown into a lively studio where skilled artisans craft charming chopstick rests that brighten everyday dining. Each piece reflects the joy of handmade creation, blending artistry, whimsy, and gentle functionality to bring a touch of delight to every table.

Clay artisan shaping a small figurine by hand, using a carving tool with rows of unfinished pieces drying on the table.

Small Works, Great Care

Watch Ihoshiro Kiln's potters carve and shape each ceramic chopstick rest — a glimpse into the patient, careful craft behind every beautifully formed piece.

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Ceramic asparagus chopstick rest handcrafted by Ihoshiro Kiln being carved by hand in a Japanese pottery studio

FAQ

How big are your chopstick rests?

Most JOC Goods chopstick rests measure 2.5–4.5 cm (about 1–1.8 in) long, which is the standard size for Japanese chopstick rests — intentionally compact to sit unobtrusively beside a plate. Exact dimensions in centimeters are listed on each product page; please check before ordering, as the real piece is often smaller than photos suggest.

Are the small dents, pinholes, or texture marks on this ceramic piece a defect?

No. These marks are normal characteristics of handcrafted Japanese ceramics, formed during shaping, glazing, or firing in small kilns. Subtle dents, tiny pinholes, and slight texture variations are part of the artisan process — not defects. If you see clear cracks, chips, or peeling glaze, please email support@jocgoods.com with photos.

Are the small black or dark specks in the glaze safe?

Yes, the dark specks are safe. They are natural iron minerals in the clay that react during high-temperature firing, leaving small marks under the glaze. They do not affect food safety, durability, or performance, and are part of the organic character of handmade Japanese pottery.

Do your ceramic dishes contain lead or cadmium?

Some glazed ceramic pieces may contain trace amounts of lead or cadmium sealed beneath the glaze, at levels safe for food use. Japanese ceramic tableware is regulated under the Food Sanitation Act, which sets leaching limits for lead and cadmium in glazed tableware. Testing standards differ by country, so we cannot guarantee compliance with every regional regulation.

Why does each handcrafted bowl or plate look slightly different from the photo?

Each piece is shaped, glazed, and fired by hand in small artisan kilns across Japan, so subtle differences in color, glaze pattern, weight, and even rim shape are expected. No two pieces are identical. This natural variation is what makes each item one of a kind, not a quality flaw.

Even if a ceramic piece is dishwasher safe, should I still hand-wash it?

Dishwasher-safe pieces can go in the dishwasher, and doing so will not damage the glaze. That said, ceramic (earthenware) is more prone to chipping than porcelain, and pieces can knock against the rack or other dishes while loading and unloading — which is the most common cause of small chips. For longevity, hand-washing with warm water and a soft sponge is gentler.

Can I add a gift message to my order?

Yes. You may add a personalized gift message of up to 250 characters at checkout — it is printed on a card and included inside the package. Prices and order details are never shown on the card or anywhere in the shipment, so the recipient sees only your message and the gift itself.

Will my order be wrapped as a gift?

Yes. Every JOC Goods order is wrapped in a traditional Japanese furoshiki cloth before shipping at no extra charge — both gifts and personal orders. If your order includes many or large items, the furoshiki may be packed inside the box rather than wrapped around them. Prices are never included in any shipment.
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