Ceramic Asian Art and Furniture

Zen (禅) Our Zen Vase is aptly named for its wide circular shape, exuding a sense of ease and peace. Its soothing curves evokes the shape of planet earth. Lo...

A stunning pair of ceramic vases with gilt, paint and high-relief decoration by imperial artist Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916, also known as Miyagawa Kozan) circa 1876-81 (late Meiji period). These vases belong to early period (1876-1881) of Kozan's repertoire, during which time the high relief sculpturing (known as Takauki ware) was used as a distinguished technique on top of the traditional gilt and paint ornaments of satsuma ware. Due to the relatively limited production and the fragile nature of these wares, not a large quantity of the examples remained in the first place, not mentioning a fine matching signed pair in such impressive sizes. Not only a rarity, this pair of vases is also superb in workmanship, thus the fine example of the work from that short and unique period of the artist's career before he switched to the underglaze period. In a conceptually mirrored fashion, the surface is richly decorated with flying cranes among large lotus leaves and flower, like an idyllic aqua scenery of pure poetry on a circular scroll. The high-relief appliques were rendered and composed in realistic fashion but with a dramatic touch. They are literally about to break the surface free, alive and in motion. The dark colors of the glaze were used to set a moody tone. The approach to create this type of ornamentations is more akin to sculpturing an ink painting in three-dimension than ceramic making. It is not hard to imagine the demand of both the artistry and the technique. Both vases were signed as "Makuzu Kozan Kiln" and each further with another name and seal, which are most likely the individual artist involved in the making process. Similar signatures can be seen in the reference book below. For similarly Takauki vases, see Miyagawa Kozan Makuzu...

Japanese contemporary decorative porcelain vase, dramatically hand painted in platinum, set against a stunningly shaped porcelain body in black, a signed masterpiece belonging to the...

Large, Chinese Longquan style celadon vase with a stunning lotus leaf pattern underglaze and Greek key detail on the perimeter of t...

Japanese contemporary porcelain vase featuring gilded ring handles presents traditional Imari floral motifs against a fine crackle-glaze background on a beautifully shaped porcelain body. Bordered in blue and set off by a simple geometric design rendered in gold, the two scalloped panels depict peaches and pomegranates in shades of orange surrounded by green and brown foliage against a soft cream background. The pomegranates have burst open to reveal their ripened seeds. The two panels are connected by a traditional floral motif with golden peonies...

Zen (禅) Our Zen Vase is aptly named for its wide circular shape, exuding a sense of ease and peace. Its soothing curves evokes the shape of planet earth. Lo...

Contemporary dimpled platinum-gilded decorative porcelain vase, an exquisite piece crafted, hand painted and signed by a highly acclaimed porcelain artist of Japan’s Imari-Arita regi...

Zen (禅) Our Zen Vase is aptly named for its wide circular shape, exuding a sense of ease and peace. Its soothing curves evokes the shape of planet earth. Lo...

This stoneware vase of a jar form was finely decorated with low relief carving and delicate colored glazes depicting bundles of peony flowers. It was made by Ito Tozan I (1846-1920) circa 1890-1900s in the late Meiji Period. The color pallet was both bold and subtle, with dark green and rusty leaves with golden outlines and white and light yellow peony petals covering much of the surface. Impressed with potter's mark on the base. Examples of two pieces by Ito Tozan I were in the collection of MNAAG (Guimet) Paris. Inventory no. MG 13790 an 13792. A vase with similar shape and decoration techniques is featured as Lot 1340 Fine Japanese Art, 13 Sep 2017 Bonhams New York Tozan Ito I established his ceramic business in Kyoto 1867. His studio made both porcelain and stoneware in a style some considered Satsuma while they retained a sophistication of Kyoto ware...

Exquisite Japanese contemporary decorative porcelain vase, platinum-gilded and hand-painted porcelain vase in a stunning cylinder shape and signed by highly acclaimed award-winning m...

Exquisite Japanese contemporary porcelain vase, intricately hand painted on an elegant gourd shape, a signed masterpiece by a Kutani master porcelain artist. The spirit of Kutani war...

Exquisite Japanese contemporary decorative porcelain vase, hand painted in underglaze blue on a beautifully shaped body in pure white, a signed piece by widely acclaimed master porce...