Red Lacquer Chrysanthemum Bowl (Kikubachi)


A deep bowl formed as an open chrysanthemum flower. The rim is cut into a continuous ring of 24 rounded petal lobes, and each lobe continues down the outer wall as a softly modelled vertical facet, so the petals seem to fold in toward the base. The bowl is finished inside and out in shunuri, a warm vermilion lacquer polished to a soft lustre, with subtle negoro-like accents at the rim: the red has been deliberately rubbed back at each petal tip to reveal a fine line of the black ground beneath. Underneath, a red foot ring frames a recessed field of black lacquer, echoing these dark accents. The bowl has no further ornament, relying on form and colour alone. It comes with its tomobako, inscribed on the lid Kikubachi (chrysanthemum bowl). The inside of the lid bears the signatures and seals of the carver, who signs from Kyoto (Heian), and of the lacquerer; unfortunately their names are illegible.