Contemporary Japanese White Glaze Ceramic Vase by Manji Inoue

A impressively large and unusual stoneware vase in an urn shape 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 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. This vase is dated to the end of Makuzu's life circa 1910-1916 based on similar work created around that time. After achieving domestic and international fame, Makuzu retired and handed the business to his son Hanzan in 1912. He dedicated his time to other selected projects that were more in tune with Japanese sensibility than export aesthetic. He made a group of stoneware pottery pieces inspired by Edo master like Ninsei and Kenzan as well as his own poetic creation. This piece is attributed to that period. Standing of an impressive size, this vase is more like an urn, made with stoneware instead of porcelain. It was coated with a brown iron glaze with a slight translucent quality. Underglaze whit slips were used to draw low relief decoration of bamboo leaves that sparsely scatter on the surface. Slightly more elaborate scrolling vines and autumn flowers circles under the mouth rim. Same white slip inlay was used to sign the vase under the base. The whole effect of the piece is unusual. With its dark glaze in contrast with the sparse white decoration that is more abstract and geometric than realistic, it appears almost modern with an Art Deco flavor. For stoneware urn and vase in the similar genre by Makuzu Kozan: see figure 113 on page 182 of "Sekai ni Aisa Reta ya Kimono" MIYAGAWA KOZAN MAKUZU...

Made by Japanese ceramic artist Makoto Yabe (1947-2005), this stoneware vase features a globular body supported by a round pedestal foot. A similarly shaped neck extends to a rimmed mouth opening. Robust in form with thick wall, the vase is noted for its irregular cloved form. The surface is covered in a beige-yellow glaze, on top of which, dark brown strokes and thick white feldspar slip were artistically applied in a splashed and washed pattern. Together with some random shallow incision lines, they form an abstract painting with textured surface where some slip forms small droplets at the end of the stroke. The work was created in traditional Japanese manner and reflects the beauty of Wabi Sabi, a Zen aesthetic for the imperfect perfection. The base was incised with the artist's cipher. "Makoto Yabe's work beautifully exemplifies the transmission of Japanese ceramics to the West. Born in Fukushima, Japan, Yabe began studying ceramics in Kyoto at the age of nine. He completed his training at the age of 24, with a four-year apprenticeship under Jinmatsu Uno and Sango Uno. Yabe then came to Boston, where he was an integral member of the local ceramic community, yet he maintained his Japanese roots. As an instructor of ceramics, Yabe worked in the Boston area at numerous schools and universities, touching the lives of all his students and expanding their knowledge and appreciation of studio ceramics." Biography sited from Pucker Gallery...

A rare porcelain vase by Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa 1870-81 (late Meiji period). The vase is dated to the earlier work from Kozan's studio during his early period (Takauki-ware p...

A finely decorated and glazed Japanese porcelain vase by Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa 1900s Meiji Period. The vase is of a classic bottle form with baluster body and short neck. It was decorated with underglaze white magnolia blossom on a pleasant celadon background. The stamens of the flower were artistically rendered in a low relief, giving the design a realistic appeal with the dimension. Miyagawa Kozan...

Introducing a breathtaking contemporary Japanese vase crafted by the renowned porcelain artist Yasushi, who worked in Arita during the mid t...

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Pale blue celadon glazed porcelain vase by Kato Tsubusa (b. 1962) Incised with maker's mark, together with a signed wooden box, Japan, late 20th century.

A modern take on the classic vase, this white ceramic version is a versatile piece for any decor. Designed with a wide base, this design makes it perfect for pairing with larger arrangements. This elegant white ceramic vase...