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

[Inscription] Makuzu Kozan

[Year of Manufacture and Artist’s Name] The late Meiji Era/ MIYAGAWA Kazan

MIYAGAWA Kazan (1842 – 1916) was a potter of the Meiji Era (1868 – 1912) who represented Japan’s craft arts by producing Makuzu Ware, which often featured images in high relief. When first displayed at the Centennial International Exposition of 1876, held in Philadelphia, this ware was highly acclaimed by reviewers from many countries. Kazan eventually became an Artist of the Imperial Household in 1896. Since ancient times, the Chinese have believed that the trees or fruit of peaches give power to the gods. The same was also true of Japan, and people have assumed that peaches are imbued with divine powers to ward off evil spirits from olden times. The contrast of light pink peaches and the blue of the leaves and branches drawn using gosu pigment is exceptionally beautiful. The white porcelain body of the vase further accentuates the design.