Early Japanese Awaji Pottery Vase from Meiji Period

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...

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...

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 delicate and rare Japanese ceramic vase by the important Meiji imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa 1887-1910. Dated to his underglaze phase post 1887 after he successful...