This vintage large Shigaraki-yaki (信楽焼) bowl, crafted by 巌陶房 (Gantōbō), beautifully merges Shigaraki’s earthy charm with the painterly aesthetics of Karatsu-e (唐津絵) decoration.
Hand-formed with Shigaraki’s characteristic coarse clay, the bowl is coated in a soft milky glaze enriched with delicate kannyū (貫入) crackle patterns, giving it an antique, weathered warmth. The exterior and interior are adorned with graceful iron-painted floral motifs, executed in the free-flowing brushwork associated with traditional Karatsu wares, an expressive style that emphasizes spontaneity, natural beauty, and rustic elegance.
The bowl’s wide, open form makes it especially suitable as a kashibachi (菓子鉢) for presenting seasonal sweets as a striking centerpiece. Its depth, weight, and presence embody the quiet refinement and tactile charm valued in Japanese tea and tableware traditions.
A wooden presentation box accompanies the piece, inscribed to highlight its theme and origin, further enhancing its value for collectors of Japanese pottery.
