Japanese Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl Makuzu Kozan Meiji Period

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A beautiful ceramic vessel in the form of Bo, the so-called monk's alms bowl from the studio of Japanese Potter … Read more A beautiful ceramic vessel in the form of Bo, the so-called monk's alms bowl from the studio of Japanese Potter Makuzu Kozan, also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), 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 artists 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.
Of a relatively large size, this piece was made as a decorative center piece for display. It was brilliantly decorated with underglaze paint of a green-on-green bamboo motif, using the novel technique developed by Kozan called Fuki-e (the blow painting). As a result, the bamboos appear took on a three-dimensional quality as if appearing in a mist. Known as one of the most creative ceramists, circa 1887, Kozan started experimenting with new chemical colors from the West in the format of his porcelain glaze. New colors allowed him to create underglaze design that appeared bright, smooth and glossy. To create design that is realistic and dimensional, more common in the western paintings, he was inspired by the native Japanese ink painting technique developed around 1900 by Yokoyama Taikan (1868-1958) and Hishidan Shunso (1874-1911) called Morotai (Hazy style) and used colors on the porcelain like ink on paper. The fuki-e technique was demanding and uniquely featured in the works of Kozan studio.
The vase displays a classic elegant form and a rather unconventional monotoned color scheme. The bamboo decoration climbed the shoulder to reach the mouth rim, another characteristic of the Kozan's work. It was signed underneath in the artist's seal.
For a piece in Khalili Collection, with a similar form and motif but in blue and white. see figure 240 on page 343 of "Splendors of Imperial Japan. Arts of the Meiji Period from the Khalili Collection". See detail photo.
A vase with similar bamboo motif and green color was exhibited in "Meiji, Splendors of Imperial Japan" in Musee Guimet Paris, 2018. See detail photo. See less