Unsigned
Japan, second half of 19^th century

Of circular form, the dark wood bowl of an attractive grain and color, fitted with a shakudo plate decorated with gilt highlights and depicting two sparrows perched on thin branches issuing from leafy bamboo stalks, one bird with the beak open as it sings. The reverse with a central himotoshi encircled by chrysanthemum petals in stag antler.

DIAMETER 4 cm

Condition: Very good condition, minor wear, the bowl with a small age crack, some rubbing to gilt, a small loss to the stag antler chrysanthemum himotoshi.

Take ni Suzume (‘Bamboo and Sparrow’) is a popular theme in Japan that has been considered as a combination of auspicious symbols since ancient times. Bamboo is said to be auspicious because it grows straight and never breaks. Since sparrows make a lot of children, it is said to represent the prosperity of descendants and has been considered to be auspicious. When sparrows and bamboo are depicted together, they represent the idea of harmony and balance. The sparrow perched on a bamboo branch symbolizes the delicate balance of nature and the coexistence of all living creatures. Sparrows, with their ability to adapt to different environments, represent the transience of life and the impermanence of things. Bamboo, with its strength and flexibility, represents the ability to withstand and adapt to change. Together, they represent the idea of wabi-sabi, which emphasizes the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and the natural cycle of life.

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