Pair of Rare Porcelain Commemorative Vases by Makuzu Kozan Meiji Period

A pair of porcelain vases in classic form, decorated with underglaze blue and copper red painting by Imperial potter Makuzu Kozan. Also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), Makuzu was one of the most established and collected ceramist known to the west from Meiji Period.
The vases are in a classic Chinese form called "Bang Chu Ping" (grain-mallet vase). Harmonious in proportion, it has large surface to showcase the artistry of design. The exterior of the vases is masterfully decorated with fruit-bearing peach trees, in a poetically realistic style. Visually stunning, the compositions of the images are nearly mirrored, but not identical, between the two vases. Underglaze blue was used to depict the branches and leaves, while copper red for the peaches. The peaches are symbol of longevity in the Far East cultures, which is directly linked to the historical background of these vases. The vases each bears a line of commemorative inscriptions in gold kanji. One reads "To celebrate the gold wedding anniversary of Marquis Matsukata Masayoshi (1835–1924) " and the other "Vivid picture of Fairy Peach Thousands of Years, Meiji 43rd year". Both vases are signed "Makuzu Kozan" on the base.
Matsukata Masayoshi was a pivotal historical figure in Japan Meiji period. He participated the Meiji restoration and was known as a reformer and modernizer of the Japanese society. He served as the Prime Minister of Japan from 1891 to 1892 and then again 1896 to 1898. During the time, he visited many European countries and be received by Kings and nobles, even presented with an honorary degree from the University of Oxford. In his later life, he was horned with the title of prince and genrō. As an imperial potter, Makuzu Kozan was commissioned to make this pair of vases for his 50th year wedding celebration in 1910 when the Marquis was 75 years old. It was also six years before the death of the artist himself, when the craftsmanship at his studio was at its zenith. Therefore, it is no surprising that these vases are of very fine quality.
These vases are very rare to come by as a pair in such pristine condition. Furthermore, their ultra-fine workmanship and strong historical context make them the crown jewel for any serious Japanese art collector.