Ko-Kutani Flower and Bird Chawanmushi Bowl

This elegant chawanmushi bowl is decorated in the ko-Kutani style and crafted by Kutani ware artisan Tanaka Yuki. A central landscape scene features small birds in flight and at rest among blooming branches and foliage. Swirling black patterns unfold across a muted, deep yellow ground, rendered in fine, hand-painted lines.

Chawanmushi bowls are made for savory egg custard, with a fitted lid that retains heat and aroma during steaming. The lid sits neatly in place, its handle easy to lift. Without the lid, this piece can also be used as a kobachi small bowl for serving appetizers or desserts.

Kutani ware is a traditional Japanese porcelain from the Kaga region in Ishikawa Prefecture, with a history spanning over 350 years. Known for its vibrant overglaze enamel designs and use of five signature colors, known as Kutani gosai—navy blue, red, purple, green, and yellow pigments. This timeless craft has continuously evolved through generations of artisans who balance innovation with a deep respect for tradition. 

Kutani ware exhibits a diverse range of distinctive styles, shaped by evolving artistic tastes over the centuries. Styles such as ko-Kutani, with its bold colors, geometric patterns, and painterly detail, and akae-saibyo, marked by ultra-fine red lines. Many pieces feature traditional Japanese motifs, such as kacho (flowers and birds) and sansui (landscapes), offering a timeless glimpse into the beauty of nature and the seasons.