3cmhighx7cm

– Contemporary faceted bowl by Eriko Yura with striking geometric form – Exterior glazed in soft celadon greens and yellows with crystalline texture – Interior lined with brilliant cobalt blue glaze creating dramatic contrast
Summary: This is a contemporary small bowl by Japanese ceramic artist Eriko Yura (由良えりこ). The piece showcases a boldly faceted, gem-like exterior form with angular planes that catch and reflect light. The outer surface is glazed in soft celadon greens with touches of pale yellow, creating a subtle iridescence across the rough, crystalline texture. Inside, the bowl reveals a stunning surprise – a brilliant cobalt blue glaze that pools and glows like deep water. This contrast between the quiet, faceted exterior and the vibrant interior exemplifies Yura's contemporary approach to ceramic art, where sculptural form and colour interplay create a sense of discovery. The piece appeals to collectors of modern Japanese ceramics, those drawn to geometric abstraction, and anyone seeking functional art with visual drama.
Eriko Yura is a contemporary Japanese ceramic artist known for her innovative approach to form and surface. Her work reflects a departure from traditional symmetrical pottery, embracing instead the language of sculpture, architecture, and gemstone cutting. The faceted surfaces of her pieces recall the angular planes of raw crystals or brutalist architecture, while the glaze choices root her firmly in Japanese ceramic tradition. Celadon glazes, with their subtle green-grey tones, have been prized in East Asian ceramics for over a millennium, associated with jade, natural landscapes, and refined taste. Yura's use of celadon is both homage and reinvention – she applies it to irregular, contemporary forms, allowing the glaze to pool and break differently across each facet.
The bowl's exterior is composed of numerous angular planes, hand-carved or faceted to create a gem-like surface. Each plane catches light differently, creating a dynamic visual experience as the viewer moves around the piece. The celadon glaze flows unevenly across these surfaces, pooling in recesses and breaking thin on ridges, revealing subtle variations in colour from pale jade to golden-green. The texture is slightly rough, with crystalline or sugary qualities that invite touch. The interior, by contrast, is smooth and glossy, coated in a rich cobalt blue glaze that glows with intensity. This blue is not timid – it commands attention, creating a dramatic reveal when one looks inside the bowl.
The making process for such a piece requires considerable skill. The clay is first shaped – likely hand-built or thrown and then altered – before the faceting is carved into the leather-hard clay. Each plane must be carefully considered to maintain structural integrity while achieving the desired visual effect. After bisque firing, glazes are applied. The celadon glaze is brushed or dipped over the exterior, while the interior receives its coating of cobalt blue. The piece is then fired to high temperature (likely cone 9–10, around 1,250–1,300°C), during which the glazes melt and mature, developing their final colours and textures. The result is a piece that balances sculptural boldness with functional utility.
In contemporary interiors, this bowl functions as both art object and vessel. Displayed on a sideboard, coffee table, or shelf, the faceted exterior catches light like a sculptural gem. The surprise of the blue interior adds an element of delight – a private treasure revealed only to those who look closely. The piece harmonises with minimalist décor, natural materials, and neutral palettes, while adding a pop of colour and geometric interest. Used for serving small portions, holding jewellery, or simply as a contemplative object, the bowl brings artistry into daily life. For collectors of contemporary Japanese ceramics, Yura's work represents the vitality and innovation of the current studio pottery movement, where tradition meets bold experimentation.
Condition: The bowl appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips, cracks, or structural damage. The rough, crystalline texture of the exterior glaze is an intentional aesthetic feature. Please review the images carefully for condition details.