food served in bowls; bowl dish
Refers to dishes served in individual bowls, such as donburi or noodle bowls, often contrasted with plate-served food.
この店は鉢物が充実している。
This restaurant has a good selection of bowl dishes.
potted plant; bonsai
Common in gardening and bonsai contexts; refers to plants grown in pots or containers.
ベランダで鉢物を育てている。
I'm growing potted plants on the balcony.
Compound of 鉢 (hachi, 'bowl' or 'pot') and 物 (mono, 'thing'). The meaning extends from 'things in bowls' to both food and plants.