Large Bowl with Cherry Blossoms and Maple Leaves 1800 - 1849

This large bowl was made in Japan by Takahashi Dōhachi III in the 19th century, using glazed stoneware. At over two feet in diameter, this is not your average rice bowl. The size alone suggests it was intended for special occasions. The bowl is decorated with cherry blossoms and maple leaves, motifs commonly associated with seasonal festivals and celebrations in Japan. Look closely and you will see the painstaking work involved in the hand-painted design. The artist has taken advantage of the smooth stoneware surface as a canvas, using delicate brushstrokes to capture the fleeting beauty of nature. The glaze itself is significant, providing a subtle yet luminous backdrop for the imagery. The choice of stoneware, a robust and practical material, reminds us that even the most refined artworks are rooted in the everyday. The creation of this bowl demanded considerable skill and labor, reflecting the high value placed on craftsmanship in Japanese culture. It bridges the divide between functional ware and fine art, inviting us to appreciate the artistry embedded in daily life.