Brilliant porcelain across the Pacific Ocean – Old Noritake: Beauty Bridging East & West

[Inscription] Makkuzu Ware

[Year of Manufacture and Artist’s name]　The late Meiji Era / Miyagawa Kozan 

MIYAGAWA Kozan (1842 – 1916) was a Japanese potter and craft artisan of the Meiji Era (1868 – 1912). When he was 35 years old, his Makuzu Ware, which often featured striking images in high relief, was first displayed at the American Centennial International Exposition of 1876, held in Philadelphia. Reviewers from many countries highly praised his offerings. Later, in 1896, Kozan assumed the position of Artist of the Imperial Household. Since ancient times, the red sea bream, as prominently seen in this work, has not only been prized for the beauty of its shape but also highly valued as a lucky fish that was considered indispensable for auspicious occasions, especially in the western part of Japan.