Japanese Ceramic Bowl Makuzu Kozan Utusushi Kenzan

A rare published glazed ceramic bowl with surface paint decoration by Japanese imperial potter Makuzu Kozan ((1842–1916) with its original inscribed tomobako storage wood box. Unlike the better-known works Kozan made for the expositions in the west and export to the foreign market, this piece exemplifies his work for the domestic market and specifically, the tea ceremony. The bowl was made in the so called "Utusushi" Ogata Kenzan (1663-1743), a celebrated Edo painter and ceramicist. Utusushi is loosely translated as "in the spirit of". It is not at all a simple imitation of a master, but a Japanese concept of embracing the spiritual essence of a master while the creator is free to mix in his or her own unique artistic interpretation and flavor. The bowl was made to hold sweet cakes during the tea ceremony. It has a very distinguished form with a circular swelled lower body morphing into a square upper portion that further opening with flared rim. The surface has a distinct glaze pattern partitioned diagonally in black and brown. On top, snow-covered branches of prunus flowers were painted overglaze in a poetic near-abstract fashion. Blooming in winter, prunus flower is the symbol of the season and cherished for its resistance to cold. The bowl was likely reserved for the tea ceremony during the winter months. A white porcelain plaque with Kozan in black inlay was placed on the black glaze toward the bottom. Under the base, the bowl was further branded with two incised characters "Makuzu" as shown. The original tomobako bears ink inscription and paper slip label "Sweet Bowl...

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 beautiful handmade handled bowl by well-known Japanese ceramic artist Makuzu Kozan II, son of Makuzu Kozan who was appointed artist to the Japanese Imperial household...

A gorgeous, substantial work. Beautifully designed and made. Signed/ chop stamped by the artist on the base. From a prominent Los Angeles collection of Japanese and Asian ceramics ...