Japanese Porcelain Dragon Glazed Vase Mazuku Kozan

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A porcelain vase with dragon motif by Japanese imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (circa 1900s. The vase is made in what … Read more A porcelain vase with dragon motif by Japanese imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (circa 1900s. The vase is made in what is considered early phase of his underglaze period during late Meiji era. In a classic elongated baluster form, the surface of the vase was decorated in an unusual pink mist on a white and aubergine background (called Morotai, the Hazy style), on which a flying dragon is showcased on the center. The dragon was outlined in iron red and filled with the aubergine color and was artistically emphasized on its bulging eyes, claws, scales and a long tail. It was the sole focus of the design circumventing the entire body of the vase. The imagery calls in mind the dragon decoration found in Korean Buncheong pottery, with its unique folklore vitality. The craftsmanship is superb with expertly use of colors and rendering of the motion. Kozan Studio experimented with newly available colors from the west starting in the 1880s, which resulted in the expansion of the palette and style that bridged the east and west aesthetic tradition. Marked in underglaze blue on the base with a collection number in red paint.
For a similarly decorated underglaze vase, see the Japanese reference book and the page in the last two photos.
Known also as Miyagawa Kozan (he is one of the most established and collected ceramist from Meiji Period. Born as Miyagawa Toranosuke, Kozan established his pottery studio in Yokohama circa 1870s and later became one of the appointed artist to the Japanese Imperial household. His work was exhibited in many international fairs that the Meiji government participated at the turn of the century and won many grand prizes. See less