Japanese Studio Ceramic Centerpiece Okumura Shozan Meiji Period

A beautifully crafted large ceramic bowl as a centerpiece by Okumura Shozan (1842-1905) in the Kyo-yaki style. A classic ovoid form with flatly inverted rim of swirled scroll pattern, the piece was decorated with naturalistic floral pattern with a lightly relief. The execution is precise with carved in silhouette outlines and expertly application of colors. Great attention was paid to the details of the flowers and leaves giving it an impression of woodblock print. Signed on the lower part as "Made by Okumura Shozan".
Okumura Shozan (1841-1905) is a Japanese potter from the end of the Edo to the Meiji period. Born in Omi in Shiga Prefecture, his birth name is Yataro. After working as a ceramic teacher of Kyo-yaki, he started working in Gojozaka, Kyoto, independently in 1890. He researched old glazing techniques and was renowned for recreating the works of earlier Edo artists such as Ninsei Nonomura and Ogata Kenzan. He won the award at the National Industry Expo for his works known as Shozan ware for their high quality.
Shozan was also known as a hand-on "studio artist" who involved himself in all the process of ceramic making, except for grinding and mixing of the clay.