Large Japanese Ceramic Vase by Makuzu Kozan Meiji Period

A large Japanese ceramic vase by the celebrated Meiji imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa 1880-1890s. 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 an impressive size and was potted in the classic baluster form with an elegant proportion. The surface is decorated using a combination of techniques of low relief sculpturing and underglaze paint to depict a copper red dragon slithering in the fish-scale waves, which was meticulously carved and covers the background of the entire vase. The five-clawed dragon nearly wrapped around and circumvent the vase. Around the short neck and the mouth, cloud patterns were created using a cobalt blue underglaze.
The vase has a striking presence: its proportion, texturized surface, the composition which leaves much negative space, and the contrast of the blue and copper red with the white carving, all come together in this piece of ceramic art. 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.
Reference: A very similar vase was recorded and dated between Meiji 23rd to 28th year (1889-1895; see last two photos).
For another jar by Makuzu Kozan decorated with entwined dragons on a stylized wave ground in the Khalili Collection, see Oliver Impey et al., The Nasser D. Khalili Collection, vol.5, Ceramics, Part I: Porcelain, London, Kibo Foundation, 1995, cat no. 12.