Large Japanese Porcelain Dragon Vase by Makuzu Kozan Meiji Period

Made by the studio of the legendary Japanese imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916), this is a large porcelain vase glazed in a soft yellow color with a subtle gradient, on top of which a lively dragon motif was rendered in breathtaking details. The signature dated the piece to circa 1890-1900s, the mid-stage of artist's underglaze period.
The vase was made in a classic baluster form with the background of an unusual, pleasant tone-on tone color. The emphatic focal point of this piece is a coiled dragon slithering in the midair with his elongated body nearly circumventing the whole vase. The mythical animal was rendered in an orange-hued iron underglaze paint, which contrasts beautifully with the light-yellow background. Great attention was paid in composition to showcase the movement of the dragon as well as the details depicting the face, eyes, claws and the scales. The imagery is full of vitality, creating a dramatic visual effect on an otherwise quiet piece. The craftsmanship displays great refinement from a master's hand. Marked with underglaze blue in a double-lined seal on the base that read "Makuzu Kiln, Kozan Made this".