Rare Japanese Porcelain Painted Footed Dish Makuzu Kozan

A rare ceramic bowl with overglaze paint decoration by Japanese imperial potter Makuzu Kozan ((1842–1916). 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 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 fruits during the tea ceremony. It has a very distinguished form with a circular lower body morphing into a square upper portion that further opening with flared rim. The surface has a grey glaze onto which Asagao flowers (Japanese morning glory) on the vines were painted in a free and poetic style. White was used for the petals, green for the leaves with touches of gold highlight. Asagao, the symbol of the summer was rendered in the spirit of Ogata Kenzan, and interestingly the shape of the blossom echoes the unique form the bowl. It was likely reserved for the tea ceremony during the summer months. Under the base, Kozan was signed in black on a white porcelain plaque inlay. For two similar examples of Kozan's work Utusushi Kenzan, see Page 168-169 of the book: Sekai ni Aisa Reta ya Kimono Miyagawa Kozan Makuzu...

A fine Japanese ceramic satsuma plate made by Kinkozan and retailed by Yamanaka & Co. circa 1900-20s (late Meiji to early Tasho Period). The cream-color glazed plate features a very fine decoration of a maple tree in the midst of foliage color-changing in autumn. The poetic composition is stylized but also realistic, with a literati painter's quality, and was advantageously enhanced by the enamel colorings in incredible details. The maple tree is one of the favored motifs by the fine satsuma potters such as Yabu Meizan as it demonstrates the painter's skill. It is signed on the base in gilt kanji seal (Made by Kinkozan) and branded Yamanaka & Co in English. The plate was likely commissioned by the company from Kinkozan for its various galleries in US and Europe. The Kinkozan family established their pottery business first in 1645 and by the end of 19th century, it had become the largest studio producer of Satsuma ware. By the 1850s, Kinkozan Sobei...

A very nice leaf shaped polychrome dish of moulded shape. Unusual shape and painting. Early Edo period. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Japanese Style: Kutani...

Banko-yaki is a type of pottery that began in the northern part of Mie Prefecture in the middle of the Edo period. (The places marked with red circles on the map are the kilns of Banko ware...