This vessel whispers across centuries, carrying the refined sensibilities of Edo period artisans into your hands. Here stands a masterwork that bridges Japan's golden age of ceramic innovation with the discerning collector's contemporary aesthetic. Created by Okuda Eisen (奥田頴川), this extraordinary small bowl exemplifies the sophisticated red-painted ceramic tradition (aka-e) that flourished during Japan's Edo period. The piece arrives with its original scholar's authentication box (識箱), providing scholarly documentation of its attribution and historical significance. Eisen's delicate brushwork demonstrates the technical mastery required to apply overglaze enamels that remain vibrant across centuries. Okuda Eisen (1753-1811) stands among the most celebrated ceramic artists of the late Edo period, credited with introducing advanced Chinese overglaze enamel techniques to Kyoto pottery. Working during Japan's cultural renaissance, Eisen studied Ming and Qing dynasty ceramics, adapting their sophisticated color palettes and painting methods to Japanese aesthetic sensibilities. His workshop in Kyoto became legendary for producing ceramics that rivaled Chinese imports in technical sophistication while maintaining distinctly Japanese artistic character. The red-painted decoration (aka-e) technique requires extraordinary skill, as the iron-oxide pigments must be precisely applied and fired at specific temperatures to achieve the brilliant vermillion tones visible on this bowl. Eisen pioneered methods for creating stable red glazes that neither fade nor flake, a technical achievement that eluded many contemporary potters. The painted motifs reflect classical Japanese design principles, with asymmetrical compositions that create visual movement while maintaining perfect balance. This bowl represents the pinnacle of Edo period ceramic refinement, when tea culture and artistic patronage reached unprecedented heights. The elegant proportions and sophisticated decoration make it equally suitable for traditional tea ceremony or as a centerpiece in contemporary interiors where its historical significance and artistic merit command respect. The warm red tones complement both traditional Japanese and modern European design aesthetics. Condition assessment reveals exceptional preservation for an Edo period piece, with the red overglaze painting intact and luminous. The ceramic body shows the fine, dense quality characteristic of Eisen's workshop, with subtle throwing marks visible on the interior that confirm hand-crafted authenticity. Minor age-related variations in the glaze surface enhance rather than detract from the piece's historical character and scholarly significance. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival with museum-grade protective materials; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Edo period ceramics and guarantee this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours. 1003