Cup 18th century

This is a small cup by Ogata Kenzan, made in Japan during the Edo period, a time when the rising merchant class fueled a demand for art that reflected their aspirations. Kenzan, from a family of Kyoto textile merchants, revolutionized pottery by infusing it with the aesthetics of painting and poetry. Rather than adhering to the precise, refined styles favored by the aristocracy, Kenzan embraced a more expressive, free-flowing approach, mirroring the shifting societal values of his time. His privileged background allowed him to experiment freely, blending high and low cultural forms. Look closely at the cup’s painted floral design, rendered in iron-red, green, and cobalt-blue enamels. Kenzan's work challenged the rigid class structures of Edo society, reflecting a broader transformation in artistic expression. This cup is more than just a vessel; it embodies the spirit of an era marked by change, individuality, and the democratization of art.