Early 20th Century Japanese Glazed Porcelain Dragon Design Vase by Mazuku Kozan

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A porcelain vase with dragon design by Japanese imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916), circa 1900s. The vase is made in … Read more A porcelain vase with dragon design by Japanese imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916), circa 1900s. The vase is made in what is considered early phase of his underglaze period during late Meiji era. In a classic baluster form, the surface of the vase was decorated with a slithering dragon in underglaze iron red circulating the exterior among pink clouds. The animated rendering of the dragon is fine and detailed, with five claws, scales, long tails and highlighted eyes. The pink cloud is misty and called Morotai or the hazy style, created with a unique technique developed in Kozan's studio called fuki-e by blowing the pigment powders onto the surface. 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.
Known also as Miyagawa Kozan (1842-1916), 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 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.
For a very similar vase, see page 98 illustrate 39 in "Makuzu Ware" by Dr. Yamamoto. See less