Great in Small: Japanese Sweets and Dishes for Them

Dishes for sweets made of ceramic and varnished wood, which appeared in old Japan, as well as the sweets themselves, were improved over time. Artisans created a number of objects, different in style and material, of cultural value. In a Japanese feast, the skillful presentation of artistically made dishes with the sweets they contain turns everyday life into a celebration. Aesthetic pleasure from tasting sweets is achieved, including pleasing to the eye, smooth tea utensils without patterns, with natural flowing glaze or decorated with benevolent and thematic designs, often corresponding, like the sweets themselves, to the seasons. Japanese sweetware is recognized as an artifact of high everyday culture and reflects the ethnic traditions, affections and preferences of the people. The relevance of the topic is determined by turning to objects for serving sweets made of porcelain, ceramics, wood, and also using the cloisonné enamel technique. Unlike utensils for the tea ceremony, they have been practically not studied in Russian art history. The significance of the stated topic is dictated by the high interest not only in the classic tea ceremony, but also in everyday tea drinking, an important component of which is dishes and traditional sweets. The practical meaning of the work is connected with the opportunity, on the other hand, to study the morals, customs, and culture of Japan, which contributes to the popularization of factual material and expands cultural horizons. Methods of historicism, comparative analytical, typological were used.