Vintage Japanese Ceramic Utsuwa Bowl, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-565 (26M-565-2)

Japanese Utsuwa Bowl 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-565-2

A richly textured studio utsuwa with a striking blue-and-white floral interior -- presented in its original signed wooden box.

Utsuwa is a traditional Japanese bowl. This handcrafted Japanese ceramic utsuwa is a compelling example of Late Showa studio pottery, shaped in the wide, low hikidashi style favored for serving food. The exterior is clad in a deep iron-red stoneware clay left largely unglazed, its surface animated by a series of horizontal throwing ridges that give the form both visual rhythm and a satisfying tactile grip. The interior reveals a quiet surprise: a cream-colored glaze ground painted with a loose, expressive blue underglaze motif of flowering branches -- a classic Japanese naturalistic design rendered with confident brushwork. A small impressed maker's seal is visible on the foot ring, and the bowl is accompanied by its original kiri (paulownia) tomobako -- a signed and sealed wooden storage box -- along with original documentation papers, marking this as a considered work by a named studio artist.

This vintage Japanese ceramic bowl is a versatile and beautiful object for the modern home. Its wide, shallow form makes it an ideal decorative display bowl on a dining table, sideboard, or living room shelf -- equally at home holding seasonal fruit, small keepsakes, or simply resting as a sculptural accent. The warm iron-red exterior pairs naturally with Japandi style interiors, wabi-sabi aesthetic arrangements, and minimalist decor alike. The original tomobako adds collector's provenance and makes this a truly distinctive gift for Japanophiles, tea ceremony enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese antique ceramics with documented studio heritage.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Iron-rich stoneware; unglazed exterior with horizontal throwing ridges; cream glaze interior with blue underglaze floral decoration
• Use: Preparing and serving foods
• Modern Use: Decorative display bowl for living room or dining table; fruit or trinket bowl; sculptural accent piece in a Japandi or wabi-sabi styled space
• Features: Matte deep iron-red exterior with horizontal ribbed texture; cream glaze interior with hand-painted blue underglaze flowering branch motif; impressed maker's seal on foot ring; includes original signed and sealed kiri tomobako (wooden presentation box) and original documentation papers
• Dimensions: 8" Diameter x 3 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully resolved piece of vintage Japanese studio pottery -- complete with its original tomobako -- that brings the quiet elegance of the tea ceremony into any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.