Vintage Japanese Lusterware Sugar Bowl with Lid

There’s something unmistakably theatrical about Japanese lusterware from the early–mid 20th century, and this sugar bowl captures it beautifully. Finished in a rich, smoky cobalt blue with a mirror-like iridescent sheen, the surface reflects light, color, and surroundings in a way that feels almost liquid. It’s the kind of piece that quietly steals attention from across the room.
The form is classic and balanced: a rounded body, elegant loop handles, and a domed lid topped with a simple knob. The luster glaze shifts subtly between blue, lavender, and silvery tones depending on the light—an effect that made these pieces so desirable in the Art Deco and post-war eras. Produced in Japan for export, pieces like this were meant to feel modern, glamorous, and just a bit exotic on Western tables.
This bowl works equally well as a functional sugar bowl, a small candy dish, or a decorative accent on an open shelf or bar cart. It pairs effortlessly with milk glass, chrome, mirrored trays, and other Deco-era tableware.
Details
•Origin: Japan
•Era: Early to mid-20th century
•Material: Ceramic with high-gloss luster glaze
•Color: Cobalt blue with iridescent finish
•Includes lid
•Condition: Very good vintage condition with light age-appropriate wear
A striking example of Japanese lusterware—elegant, reflective, and undeniably collectible.