Covered Bowl

Art Historical Context

This delicate covered bowl created by the esteemed Japanese potteriraku Hozen in 19th century represents the refined ceramic traditions of Japan during the late Edo or early Meiji periods. Measuring just over three inches in height, the compact form reflects the period’s emphasis on elegant, functional objects suited for tea ceremonies or refined dining. As an example of Kairakuen ware, it embodies the transition from feudal isolation to modernization, when Japanese artisans continued to honor centuries-old techniques while adapting to new tastes. Hozen’s expertise shines through in the porcelain body adorned with polychrome glazes, a demanding process that allowed for rich, layered colors and subtle surface effects. This medium highlights the technical sophistication of Kyoto-area kilns, where potters achieved luminous finishes that enhanced both the vessel’s beauty and its cultural role as a symbol of hospitality and aesthetic harmony. Acquired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1879 through public subscription, the bowl offers visitors a tangible connection to Japan’s enduring legacy in ceramic art and the growing Western appreciation for its craftsmanship during the late 19th century.

About the Artist

Eiraku Hozen · 1795–1854

Eiraku Hozen (1795–1854) was a celebrated Japanese ceramic artist and the sixteenth-generation head of the Nishimura family, a Kyoto dynasty of potters whose work was closely associated with the tastes of the imperial court and the refined aesthetic culture of the ancient capital. Operating under the artistic name Eiraku — a name that would become synonymous with a particular style of elegant, tec...