Japanese Ceramic Bowl Makuzu Kozan with Original Inscribed Box

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 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...

Tri-pod ceramic bowl likely used as an incense burner (koro) by Japanese Imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa late Meiji period. The signature indicates that it was produce...

A rare footed dish in the form of an open scroll painting with literati landscape from the studio of Japanese Potter Makuzu Kozan. Also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), Makuzu wa...

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...

Japan, Nabeshima style or Nabeshima serving Dish, 19/20C period; Rare and very beautiful serving dish in the form of a crane bird. Stunninly beautiful. Additional information: Mater...

Beautiful pale green ceramic tray featuring white lilies. It is signed on the base by Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan (1842-1916). This tray has no damage and is in perfect condition. It measures 8"diameter and 1 1/8"high. It is a beautiful example of the work of this Meiji Era ceramic artist. Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan (1842-1916) was appointed artist to the Japanese Imperial household...