Vase 19th century

This vase was created by Makuzu Kōzan I, also known as Miyagawa Toranosuke, during a time of significant cultural change in Japan. Kōzan lived through the end of the Edo period and into the Meiji Restoration, when Japan opened to the West. The Meiji government promoted industrialization and the arts to compete on the global stage. Kōzan’s pottery embodies this shift; while rooted in Japanese tradition, it also reflects new techniques and aesthetics influenced by the West. The vase's lustrous glaze showcases the technical skill and innovation valued during this period. Consider the vase's smooth form and tactile surface; it invites a sensory experience, connecting us to the artist’s touch and the cultural values of craftsmanship and beauty. The vase bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, reflecting the complex negotiations of identity in a rapidly changing world.