Ceramics

Japan, an exceptionally tall 37" antique monumental monochrome blue cobalt crackle glazed dragon vase with a dramatic and impressive "curling dragon" wrapped around its stem. It was crafted by the master artisans of the Japanese southern Awaji Kiln, from the late Meiji to Taisho period (1910-1920). The impressive porcelain vase crafted in a tubular modernist form with an original brilliant blue tone glazed finish and with an applied curling dragon sculpture. It is unsigned as many normally were from that period and is in original condition with normal kiln origination surface creation imperfections. Dimensions: 37 inches tall and 8.5 inches diameter top and with an 13 inch diameter widest diameter Provenance: private New England collection. Undoubtedly influenced by the modernist movement and more likely by the visit to the Awaji kilns by the noted English designer Christopher Dresser of Linthorpe Art...

A wonderful glaze typical of Chinese "Shiwan" pottery adorns this early 20th Century Chinese storage jar. The jar likely occupied a private home to store grains or other household dr...

This is a Blue Chinese ceramic ginger jar with metal top dating to the Early 20th Century Dimensions: Height 20.5cm Diameter 18cm.  

This is a blue Chinese ceramic ginger jar with metal top dating to the early 20th century Dimensions: Height 18.5cm diameter 17cm.   

A tri-pod ceramic incense burner (koro) by Japanese Imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa late Meiji to the start of Taisho period (1890-1910s). A fine example of the artist's work belonging to the late part of his underglaze paint phase (started around 1887 until his death), the surface of the koro was painted in beautiful shades of blue to depict a continuous landscape not unlike a traditional ink and watercolor hand scroll. The rise and fall mountains recede and fade into the horizon and are dotted with groves of pines. The sky is painted with a beautiful subtle shade of pink, suggesting a time of sunrise or sunset. The koro is fitted with an ensuite reticulated sterling silver hoya (incense cover), pierced with swirling cloud and marked with "pure silver' in Kanji. The base is signed in underglaze blue "Makuzu Kozan Sei" within a double ring. The piece is beautifully potted in form and the decoration was done with expertise using the novel technique developed by Kozan called Fuki-e (the blow painting), in order to achieve the striking landscape known as "Mountain and Water" with sense of dimensions and gradient, the poetic effects normally conveyed only by sumi ink staining on paper. The piece comes with an unsigned tomobako (wood storage box) of a recent age. Also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), Makuzu Kozan was one of the most established and collected ceramist from Meiji Period. Born as Miyagawa Toranosuke, Kozan established his pottery studio in Yokohama around 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. Being one of the most creative ceramists, Kozan started experimenting with new chemical colors from the West in the format of his porcelain glaze around 1880s. New colors allowed him to create underglaze designs that appeared bright, smooth and glossy. He even invented his own receipt of cobalt blue to achieve a much brighter yet softer shade, as evident on this vase. To create landscape 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...

A wonderful blue-green glaze typical of Chinese "Shiwan" pottery adorns this early 20th Century Chinese storage jar. Shiwan ware is a style of Chinese pottery from the Shiwanzhen dis...

This is a Blue Chinese ceramic ginger jar with metal top dating to the Early 20th Century Dimensions: Height 25.5cm Diameter 22cm.  

Chinese celadon, porcelain pot decorated with a raised, tonal botanical and dragon design wrapping the entirety of its bulbous form and accented with foo...

This Chinese oil lamp from the early 20th century features a dark blue glaze which is less common than the more abundant green glaze Chinese oil lamps...

This Shiwan ware oil lamp from the early 20th century features a green/blue glaze which is less common than the more abundant green glaze associated with S...

Large Japonism blue and white crackle glazed hand painted ceramic handle vase or jug with under plate. Measures: Jug Height 13.50 in (35 cm) Wi...

A striking blue and white vase 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 vase is decorated with underglaze cobalt blue 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. He even invented his own receipt of cobalt blue to achieve a much brighter yet softer shade, as evident on this vase. To create landscape 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...

A striking blue and white vase 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 around 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. With a relative large size, this vase is decorated with underglaze cobalt blue using the novel technique developed by Kozan called Fuki-e (the blow painting), in order to achieve the striking dimensional misty winter landscape. The pine trees with upright trunks and down-sweeping branches appear receding into the depth of the mist, forming an visually unending forest. Known as one of the most creative ceramists, around 1880s, 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. He even invented his own receipt of cobalt blue to achieve a much brighter yet softer shade, as evident on this vase. To create landscape 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...

A fine and attractive monochrome turquoise glazed stick neck vase, Awaji Pottery, Meiji Period, Japan, circa 1900. The long neck vase beautifully potted and covered in a striking m...