Rare Japanese Ceramic Glazed Bowl Makuzu Kozan Meiji Period

Description

On offer is a rare ceramic bowl with overglazed design by the famed Japanese ceramic artist Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916), circa … more On offer is a rare ceramic bowl with overglazed design by the famed Japanese ceramic artist Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916), circa 1906-1916. The bowl is rather unusual from the potter's repertoire with its unique glaze colors and decoration, and it likely belonged to a small series that Kozan made in and after 1906. A bowl of similar glaze and nearly identical dragon motif was recorded as a diplomatic present to the British royalty Arthur Connaught (1883-1932) when he represented King Gorge V in Japan in 1906. Other pieces, such as this bowl, were likely made with similar materials and designs afterwards.
Essentially round in form, the bowl has a generous volume with six harmonious lobes. The bottom of the interior showcases a coiled dragon in red, green and gold slithering on a cobalt blue background. The roundel shares an echoing lobed perimeter, which is further outlined by red and turquois bands and rising sun design. The exterior of the bowl features six stylized Japanese camellias in full bloom, red with gold outline. Toward the base, the space was divided into alternate lotus petal shapes centered with designs resembling coins and sea creatures. The overglaze colors were rather unusual, especially the bright cobalt blue and turquois, both far from conventional, even for the potter who was known to use western chemical colors in his work to create new look. The dragon design on the bottom of the bowl, is essentially identical to the dragon motif on the more elaborate bowl presented to Connaught.
On the base, the piece is signed in a red archaic kanji seal "Made by Makuzu Kozan".
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 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.
Makuzu Kozan, also known as Miyagawa Kozan, was one of the most established and collected ceramists 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.
Reference: for two pieces in the same series aforementioned see page 144-146 of the book: Sekai ni Aisa Reta ya Kimono Miyagawa Kozan Makuzu Ware (Japanese Edition). less