Fire bowl 1820 - 1840

This grey ceramic fire bowl was crafted by Kinkozan. Its decoration is based on a motif of a stylized paulownia crest amidst swirling clouds and water. During the Meiji era, the decorative arts were promoted in Japan as the country was opening up to the West. This bowl reflects the era’s interest in intricate designs rooted in Japanese artistic traditions. The paulownia crest, often associated with the Japanese government, was used to assert a unique cultural identity. The bowl embodies a moment when Japan was navigating its place on the global stage. The bowl is not just an object of beauty; it is a symbol of cultural pride and national identity during a time of significant transformation. It evokes feelings of cultural identity as well as adaptation.