Large Deep Bowl with Birds and Flowers

This bowl features two birds resting on rocks alongside chrysanthemums and peonies. These are depicted in brilliant red, green, yellow, lapis lazuli, and black on a bluish white porcelain ground. It is thought this deep bowl was originally accompanied by a lid. These multicolor designs are based on multicolor pottery created at China's prominent Jingdezhen kilns, though a completely Japanese multicolor style is on display in the elegant finishing and generous use of white space. Porcelain production in Japan began at the start of the 17th century, when porcelain clay was discovered in Arita, Saga prefecture. The multicolor technique was introduced from China in the mid-17th century, with multicolor pottery production then spreading across the Arita area.

These products were loaded onto boats at Imari, a harbor in the western part of Saga prefecture, and shipped to other countries. In time, they became highly prized objects in Europe and elsewhere. Though this bowl was passed down in Japan, it was apparently made for export, with many similar lidded bowls found throughout Europe. Birds and auspicious flowers such as peonies and chrysanthemums adorn this bowl, rendered in glossy enamel pigments over a clear glaze. The bowl was likely meant for export but never left Japan. Many similar items are now found in collections throughout Europe, where they were sold as luxury goods.

— Museum description: Tokyo National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.