624085 Sun May 31 23:01:04 -0700 2009 11 2 Los Angeles Area 0 4731551 I'm preferably looking for something in the Los Angeles area. We had previously bought some fantastic mugs and bowls at the Mitsuwa located in Torrance, but unfortunately the shop in that market doesn't seem to carry the items we had bought anymore. Wondering if there are better options that are closer in proximity. Sun May 31 23:01:04 -0700 2009 174778 troublemaker 1 4731562 The place I like for stuff like you're looking for is Rafu Bussan, 326 East Second Street, Los Angeles 90012 in Little Tokyo. It's one of the older businesses in the area and the ladies who work there are very helpful. They still gift wrap for free (for a clumsy clod like me it's a plus). Phone is 213-614-1181. They close at 6pm and they're closed one day during the week (which I've forgotten) so you'd better call first. Sun May 31 23:07:24 -0700 2009 4731551 57299 Feed_me 1 4731564 Here are a couple threads with recommendations: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/49835 And newer: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/618440 If you are looking for modern Asian, stop in at one of the larger World Markets as well, they have some pretty things. Sun May 31 23:08:17 -0700 2009 4731551 40486 Cinnamon 1 4731566 Try Rafu Bussan in Little Tokyo. Large selection of mugs and bowls. Ask for Carol. 326 E 2nd St Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 614-1181 (Closed Wednesdays) Sun May 31 23:11:15 -0700 2009 4731551 11914 monku 1 4732239 There is a shop where the old Mitsuwa market was, 3rd and Alameda. Their stuff is more everyday use while Rafu Busan is nicer stuff. Mon Jun 01 08:33:51 -0700 2009 4731551 251532 bgazindad 2 4732300 They're still there, Utsuwa-No-Yakata Little Tokyo Galleria Market 333 S. Alameda St. 1 hour free parking and $10 purchase anywhere gets you 2 hours free parking. Mon Jun 01 08:54:25 -0700 2009 4732239 11914 monku 1 4732937 Much thanks everyone, I'll be checking out these spots in my free hours this week! Mon Jun 01 11:56:37 -0700 2009 4731551 174778 troublemaker 2 4734009 There was also some Japanese place mentioned downtown but I can't find that thread now! Mon Jun 01 17:46:39 -0700 2009 4732937 40486 Cinnamon 1 4734790 If you are willing to go online, Rishi Tea has stunning Japanese tea cups and bowls and serving pots http://www.rishi-tea.com/store/teacups/ Another small company has an exquisite slection of Japanese kitchen pottery. http://www.yuzumura.com/s-2-japan.aspx The Yuzu Mura stuff is all hand-made and I think it is a labor of love for the American proprietor and his Japanese girlfriend to bring the limited goods back to the U.S. to sell. I have bought some really stunning pieces from Yuza Mura, but they are not mass-produced, so once they are snapped up, they are gone. Everyhing I have bought from Rishi or from Yuzu Mura I would buy again. I haven't seen anything in L.A. of this quality. Tue Jun 02 01:55:18 -0700 2009 4731551 27951 omotosando 2 4735111 En in Silverlake on Hyperion has some better quality goods which the owner brings from Japan from frequent trips. Tue Jun 02 06:39:54 -0700 2009 4734790 13554 cls 1 4737346 There is a cool Japanese shop in the mini-mall at Crescent Heights and Sunset in Hollywood. It's on back corner far from the McDonald's. Tue Jun 02 18:04:51 -0700 2009 4731551 12909 Hershey Bomar 1 4737362 there is a wholesale japanese dishware/restaurant ware store on alameda between 6th & 4th named Eden Restaurant Supply. They have a large variety as well as great prices. They are in the same complex as the GRAINGER company on the east side of alameda one block north of 6th. Hope you find what you are looking for. Tue Jun 02 18:10:54 -0700 2009 4731551 163664 tooth