Fine Japanese Porcelain Vase with Carving by Makuzu Kozan Meiji Period

A Japanese glazed porcelain vase by the celebrated Meiji imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa 1880-1890s, one of the finest pieces we have handled. Dated to his underglaze phase post 1887 after he successfully mastered the new colors available from the west and used them to the best advantage in his work deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetics. The vase has a graceful proportion of a rounded jar form with a short neck and a flare mouth. The surface is decorated with three roundel vignettes, painted in underglaze copper red. Each roundel showcases a refined brushwork of mythological animals including dragons, phoenix and Koi no Takinobori (a carp that jumps over a waterfall and becomes a half fish half dragon). The same copper red was used to decorate both the shoulder and the base. The pattern of linked long lotus petals was further enhanced with delicate infills of floral patterns. More strikingly, low relief of waves known as Seigaiha (Blue Ocean Ripple) was meticulously carved and covers the background of the entire vase.
The base is signed in underglaze blue "Makuzu Kiln Kozan Sei"
Similar creation with carved surface by Makuzu Kozan is not very common and the research indicates that they were made in the early period of his underglaze phase during his long career. The style of signature indicates the make of the piece to be circa Meiji 30th (1897).
Reference: A closely comparable piece with Seigaiha carving coupled with underglaze copper red paint is illustrated on page 109 of the book "Makuzu Ware" shown in the last two pictures.
Brief Biography:
Also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), Makuzu Kozan was one of the most established and collected ceramists from Meiji Period. Born as Miyagawa Toranosuke, Kozan established his pottery studio in Yokohama around 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. Being one of the most creative ceramists, Kozan started experimenting with new chemical colors from the West in the format of his porcelain glaze around 1880s. New colors allowed him to create underglaze designs 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 Taikan (1868-1958) and Hishidan Shunso (1874-1911) called Morotai (Hazy style) and used cobalt blue on the porcelain like ink on paper. The fuki-e technique was demanding and uniquely featured in the works of Kozan studio. Some of work from his studio also features fine low relief carving in combination with underglaze paint. This bowl is a superb example.