Bowl with Phoenixes and Auspicious Motifs 1850 - 1899

This striking bowl with phoenixes and auspicious motifs was created by Eiraku Tokuzen in Japan, likely during the late 19th or early 20th century. The bowl’s images of phoenixes are more than mere decoration. In Japanese culture, the phoenix is a powerful symbol of rebirth and good fortune. The auspicious motifs enhance this sense of prosperity and well-being, reflecting deeply held cultural values and beliefs. This piece speaks volumes about the social conditions that shaped artistic production at the time. Artisans like Tokuzen were often supported by wealthy patrons, who were members of the elite classes of society. The bowl would have been destined for use in ritual displays, where its images would have had symbolic force. To better understand the significance of such an object, we can consult historical records such as trade documents or estate inventories to reveal further insights. Ultimately, the bowl’s meaning is found in its historical and institutional context.