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Astonishing Meiji Ceramics! The works of Miyagawa Kozan from the Makuzu ware Museum Collection
Zojoji Temple
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Artists
Kozan Miyagawa
Miyagawa Kôzan (the first) was born in 1842 into a family that had made its livelihood from ceramics for several generations in Makuzugahara, Kyoto (now the area around Maruyama Park). At a young age, Kôzan studied painting and calligraphy and also made a name for himself at pottery. After the death of his father and older brother, at the age of 19, he took over management of the family business. Soon after the Meiji Restoration in 1868, he decided to move to the burgeoning city of Yokohama. In 1871, he opened the Makuzu kiln in Ota Village (now the Minami district of Yokohama) and began producing ceramics for export, encouraged by a new industrial policy of the Meiji government, the purpose of which was the acquisition of foreign currency.
The takaukibori (high relief) ceramic conceived by Kôzan in which the surface of vases, incense burners and other things was extravagantly sculpted with realistic depictions of animals and plants won awards at expositions in many countries, including the Philadelphia Exposition of 1876 and the name Makuzu-ware became known throughout the world for its creativity. Thereafter, Kôzan, who was alert to what was in and out of vogue in the West, began studying the Qing Dynasty ceramics of China, developed new glazes and bases, and then abandoned earthenware, making porcelain the main Makuzu product. In Japan also, he was appointed as Teishitsu Gigeiin, an artist of the Imperial Household, and became known as someone who contributed greatly to the development and advancement of ceramic art.
This exhibition features the fanciful Makuzu-ware that captivated the world, brought back to Japan from overseas, mainly in recent years, by businessman Yamamoto Hiroshi, founder of the Makuzu ware Museum in Yokohama, who hails from the place they originated.
This year marks 100 years since the death of Kôzan. 45 pieces will be exhibited, mainly his “high relief” and “underglazed” pieces which, with their refined sense of beauty and exceptional craftsmanship, transcend the parameters of mere pottery.
The takaukibori (high relief) ceramic conceived by Kôzan in which the surface of vases, incense burners and other things was extravagantly sculpted with realistic depictions of animals and plants won awards at expositions in many countries, including the Philadelphia Exposition of 1876 and the name Makuzu-ware became known throughout the world for its creativity. Thereafter, Kôzan, who was alert to what was in and out of vogue in the West, began studying the Qing Dynasty ceramics of China, developed new glazes and bases, and then abandoned earthenware, making porcelain the main Makuzu product. In Japan also, he was appointed as Teishitsu Gigeiin, an artist of the Imperial Household, and became known as someone who contributed greatly to the development and advancement of ceramic art.
This exhibition features the fanciful Makuzu-ware that captivated the world, brought back to Japan from overseas, mainly in recent years, by businessman Yamamoto Hiroshi, founder of the Makuzu ware Museum in Yokohama, who hails from the place they originated.
This year marks 100 years since the death of Kôzan. 45 pieces will be exhibited, mainly his “high relief” and “underglazed” pieces which, with their refined sense of beauty and exceptional craftsmanship, transcend the parameters of mere pottery.
Schedule | Sep 10 (Sat) 2016-Dec 25 (Sun) 2016 Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Adults ¥700 (Combined visit to the Tokugawa family gravesite ¥1000) | ||||
| Venue | Zojoji Temple http://www.zojoji.or.jp/en/index.html  | ||||
| Location | 4-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011 | ||||
| Access | 3 minute walk from exit A1 at Onarimon Station on the Toei Mita line, 8 minute walk from exit A6 at Daimon Station on the Toei Asakusa and Oedo lines, 15 minute walk from the North exit of Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines, 1 | ||||
| Phone | 03-3432-1431 | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it  |
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