Japanese Porcelain Stem Bowl by Makuzu Kozan Meiji Period

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A Japanese porcelain stem bowl with beautifully decorated glazed surface by Makuzu Kozan, also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), one … Read more A Japanese porcelain stem bowl with beautifully decorated glazed surface by Makuzu Kozan, also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), one of the most established and collected ceramists from Meiji Period. The exterior of the bowl is covered in a bright green glaze with bamboo leaves motif covered in a dust of snow. This is one of the popular designs from the underglaze period by Kozan. It is a wonderful way to showcase new color palettes and the gradient technique called Morotai (Hazy style). The shape of this stem bowl is unusual and scarce in the existing Makuzu Lpzan's pieces. It was inspired by the dishes used for offering on the temple altars. The bowl is signed on the base in blue underglaze mark "Made by Mazuku Kozan"
Makuzu Kozan, also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), one of the most established and collected ceramists 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. 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. To create design 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 (1868-1958) and Hishidan Shunso (1874-1911) called Morotai (Hazy style) and used colors on the porcelain like ink on paper. The fuki-e technique was demanding and uniquely featured in the works of Kozan studio.
Two pieces in Nasser D. Khalili Collection are of comparable interest (see last three pictures). Page 51 illustrated a jar with nearly identical design motifs in blue. Page 69 illustrates a bowl of a comparable form. See less