This Akazu-yaki (赤津焼) confectionery bowl showcases the refined aesthetics and long ceramic tradition of the Akazu kilns of Seto, Japan. Crafted by the artist 龍泉 (Ryūsen), the piece exemplifies the region’s characteristic balance of subtle glaze work, natural textures, and expressive brush painting.
The bowl features a soft, pale glaze with a gentle translucence, providing a serene backdrop for the bold, free-flowing black brushwork that encircles the exterior. The motif—suggestive of wind-swept grasses or reeds—captures a sense of movement and seasonality, a hallmark of Japanese ceramic artistry. The interior continues this understated elegance, allowing the form and craftsmanship to speak for themselves.
The foot shows a traditional hand-thrown swirl, emphasizing its handcrafted nature. The bowl is housed in its original kiribako (桐箱)—a paulownia wood storage box—and includes inscriptions identifying the work, as well as an informational leaflet describing the qualities of Akazu-yaki pottery.
Generously sized, this 菓子鉢 (kashibachi) is intended for serving sweets or seasonal treats, but its artistry also makes it a beautiful display piece. A fine example of contemporary Akazu-yaki, it embodies both utility and aesthetic charm.
