This large Kyoto-ware (Kyō-yaki / 京焼) confectionery bowl (kashibachi / 菓子鉢) is the work of Heian Seiran (平安青嵐), a kiln celebrated for refined decorative ceramics rooted in Kyoto’s painterly traditions. The bowl presents a vivid and auspicious composition centered on a soaring phoenix (hō-ō / 鳳凰), a symbol of harmony, renewal, and noble virtue in East Asian culture.
The generously rounded form offers a calm, balanced presence, ideal for serving seasonal sweets or fruit. Its surface is coated in a soft, milky white glaze with fine crackle (kannyū), providing a luminous ground for the overglaze enamel painting. Across this pale field, the phoenix unfurls its wings in rich tones of iron red, gold, turquoise, and cobalt, surrounded by drifting cloud-like motifs that enhance the sense of movement and celestial grace.
A delicately gilt rim encircles the bowl, subtly framing the composition and adding a quiet note of elegance without overpowering the imagery. The interior remains understated and glossy, allowing the contents to take visual precedence while maintaining harmony with the ornate exterior.
Accompanied by its original signed presentation box, this kashibachi carries clear provenance and reflects the refined craftsmanship associated with Kyoto ceramics. Both decorative and functional, it is a striking example of Heian Seiran’s ability to balance classical symbolism, painterly detail, and practical form—equally suited for tea gatherings, seasonal displays, or as a centerpiece in a curated collection.
Size: 16 x 16 x 9cm
