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Rare Japanese Porcelain Incense Burner with Inlays Makuzu Kozan

Creator: Kozan Makuzu
Offered by: Tishu

Description
A porcelain incense burner (koro) made by Japanese potter Makuzu Kozan (also known as Miyagawa Kozan, 1842-1916) circa 1890s-1900s (end of Meiji Period). The koro features an elegant shape with a compressed rounded body supported by three long "deer" legs slightly curving outwardly. The lid features a top knob delicately molded in the shape of a cluster of stemmed Lingzi (longevity mushroom). The koro is completely glazed in light celadon color except for the base which bears the pressed mark of two Kanji characters in archaic font "Makuzu". Low relief white slip inlays decorate the four facades in alternate motifs of Pheonix in flight and clusters of chrysanthemum flowers and paulownia leaves. Round circles circumvent the upper and lower border of the body as well as the edge of the lid. The exterior side of each leg also showcases an inlay of a Lingzi mushroom branch. The decoration of this koro was done in the style of Caledon porcelain from Goryoe dynasty (10th to 14th century) in Korea, which is considered the zenith of such technique in porcelain production.
An old paper label remains on the bottom of the interior, on which it reads the item number, artist's name (Miyagawa Kozan), title (White Goryeo Deer) and historical price tag.
The Goryeo Caledon-inspired piece like this is rare among Makuzu Kozan's existing pieces. There is one such known piece (also a koro) with near identical decoration technique and motif in publication. It belonged to the collection of the last Meiji emperor as illustrated photos (upon request)

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	Japan
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	porcelain
Condition:	Good. Fine antique condition with minimal shelf wear. A small, healed fire line under the lid and a couple of minute kiln dark speck as shown from making process.
Creation Date:	1890-1900s
Styles / Movements:	Asian, Traditional
Patterns:	Asian/Oriental, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	698953

Dimensions

H.	5.5 in;	Diam.	6 in;
H.	13.97 cm;	Diam.	15.24 cm;

Message from Seller:

Our collection ranges from Neolithic Art to 20th century collectible art and design. It spans 5000 thousand years of history and crosses many civilizations and cultures. Our aesthetic strongholds are Mid-century studio design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian Textile Art and Contemporary Aboriginal Art. The diversity is united behind our singular vision to seek for timeless beauty and driven purely by our passion