Bowl 18th century

This ceramic bowl, created by Makazu Kōsai, presents a dynamic interplay between form and surface decoration. The bowl, elevated by a small foot, is enveloped by an intricate design of floral motifs, their outlines deeply carved into the material. The dominant visual effect stems from the contrast between the dark floral shapes and the lighter background, creating a push-and-pull effect that destabilizes our sense of depth. The carved lines define the shapes but also introduce a tactile dimension, challenging the traditional separation between visual and haptic experiences. This textural emphasis, coupled with the rhythmic arrangement of floral elements, invites a semiotic reading where the bowl transcends its utilitarian function, becoming a field of encoded cultural meanings. The artist's intervention blurs the lines between representation and abstraction. Note how the formal qualities of this bowl—the carved textures and the bold contrast of light and dark—encourage us to reconsider the relationship between art, craft, and the cultural values they embody.