Antique Japanese Sumida-gawa Bowl with a Mythical Phoenix

Dimensions: 7-0" x 4-1/2"

This unique globular form Flambe' bowl, (celadon foundation with oxblood splashed accents), has rounded sides, a wide mouth with an everted rolled rim, and beautifully carved shoulders, surmounted by a light blue pale bluish glazed Phoenix bird in high relief. Its wings are outstretched and tail feathers flowing as it ducks under clouds in flight. This is a very unusual piece with an unidentified incised pottery mark.

Vintage Condition: Great to exceptional. “As is”, and retains the original craft/workmanship. Any discoloration, chipping/cracking, surface wear, or structural damage was noted. 

NOTE: The Phoenix is common in East Asia, and is “the” sunbird, which the sun is often represented in the art form of a strange bird with a long feathery tail. In China and Japan, the mythical Phoenix was adopted as a symbol of the empress in an imperial household. This mythical bird represents fire, the sun, justice, obedience, fidelity, and the southern star constellations.