Theory of Art Creation 2: "The History of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki and the Masters of the Late Edo Period: The Path of the First Miyagawa Kosai (Makuzu Chozo)"

June 21, 2024

Kyoto is known as a treasure trove of traditional Japanese culture, and Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki are particularly well-known examples. In this article, we will explore the history of Kyo-yaki and the unique appeal of its creators at the end of the Edo period , focusing on the first Miyagawa Kosai (Makuzu Chozo), who played a key role in its creation.

What is Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki?

"Kyoto ware/Kiyomizu ware" is a collective term for ceramics that are hand-made and hand-painted based on traditional techniques and designs that have been passed down in Kyoto. Its history spans over 400 years , and initially it actively incorporated techniques and designs from all over Japan and East Asia to meet the demands of aristocrats and tea masters. As a result, it is characterized by the creation of a wide variety of styles that are not limited to specific materials or techniques .

Kyoyaki : A general term for all ceramics produced in Kyoto
Kiyomizu-yaki : Developed due to the porcelain production that flourished at the foot of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and in modern times, "Kyoto ware = Kiyomizu ware" is often treated as the same thing.

The production area and characteristics of Kiyomizu ware

Main production areas : Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, and the Sumiyama area of Uji City
Official name : "Kyoto ware/Kiyomizu ware" designated as a traditional craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry
Characteristics : Many of the potters are small, family-run, and produce their products by hand, so the amount available is limited. However, they continue to protect their value as traditional crafts through their sophisticated designs and techniques, and continue to be a symbol of Kyoto culture.

The history of Kyoto pottery dating back to before Kyoyaki

Kyoto was the political, economic and cultural centre of Japan throughout the Heian, Kamakura and Muromachi periods, and as the capital with the largest population, the pottery industry has flourished there since ancient times.
However, in this article, we will look at the trends among Kyoto ware artists at the end of the Edo period and explore the appeal of Makuzu Chozo (the first Miyagawa Kosai), who embodied the essence of Kyoto .

Trends at the end of the Edo period: Awataguchi kiln vs. Shimizu Gojozaka kiln

Full-scale porcelain production began based in Kiyomizu Gojozaka, and the two major types of porcelain were established: overglaze pottery and porcelain .

Awataguchi Kiln : A traditional force focusing on colored pottery
Kiyomizu Gojozaka Kiln : With the new porcelain production as a backdrop, the company also expanded into the field of colored ceramics.

During the Bunsei era (1818-1830), the Gojozaka kiln, which had gained economic power, began to produce high-quality painted pottery, and a fierce battle with the Awataguchi kiln ensued (the "Conflict between the Awataguchi and Gojozaka Potters"). However, the Awataguchi kiln was eventually forced to accept the Gojozaka kiln's production of high-quality painted pottery, ushering in a "golden age" in which tradition and new trends blended together.

Master craftsmen who defined the Golden Age: Ninsei, Kenzan, Eisen and their disciples

The golden age of Kyo-yaki was built by master craftsmen such as Ninsei , Kenzan , and **Eisen**. Among them, many excellent potters emerged one after another from Eisen's school, including Aoki Mokubei , Kinkodō Kamesuke , and **Ninnam Dohachi**. Furthermore, many apprentices were trained around them to inherit their techniques and designs, and they sent out a wide variety of works to the world.

Main students and local master craftsmen

Aoki Mokubei : Known for his Sencha tea utensils and sophisticated painting techniques
Kinkodo Kamesuke and Ninami Dohachi : Incorporating Eigawa's new style and developing their own unique style
Okada Kyuta : Famed as a potter's wheel master
Makuzu Chozo (the first Miyagawa Kosai) : See below
Shuhei Ogata and Yohei Seifu : active at Gojozaka pottery
Eiraku Hozen and Wazen : Renowned for Tea Ceremony

The appeal of Makuzu Chozo (the first Miyagawa Kosai)

From collaboration with Kiyome and Kuta to a unique style

Makatsu Chozo, whose real name was Chozaburo and whose pen name was Enjuken, was the son of the ninth generation Chobei, a Raku ware potter whose ancestor was Miyagawa Chokansai . In his later years, he studied under Aoki Mokubei and began working as a potter in Gion Makatsuhara , after which he adopted the surname "Makatsu" and went by the name Makatsu Chozo.

Okada Kyuta : In charge of the mokume potter's wheel
Akabenikousai : Helped create Mokume
Chozo learned various techniques from Mokubei, including blue and white porcelain , but after Mokubei's death he established a family that specialized in Ninsei copies , refined sabie (rust-painted) and overglaze tea utensils .

Characteristics of the works of the first Kosai

Strong influence of Chinese ceramics such as blue and white and blue and blue
Many of the tea utensils are from the literati hobby, and are characterized by their bold lines and dark gosu.
The names used include "Kousai refined," "Rakuto Tou Kosai refined," and "Dai Nippon Kosai made."
- The notation "Dai Nippon XX" was intended for export overseas, and is thought to have been modeled after China's "Made in the Chenghua era of the Great Ming Dynasty" and "Made in the Qianlong era of the Great Qing Dynasty."
Many of his works are also held in museums overseas, and many of his works are on display at the Scottish National Gallery (UK).

Summary: Artistry that combines Kyoto style with international flair

The works created by the first Miyagawa Kosai (Makatsu Chozo) are full of original artistry that combines the elegance of Kyoto with an international perspective . From the end of the Edo period to the Meiji period, Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki spread their wings and spread their wings to the world, winning many fans.
If we visit Kyoto today, why not enjoy a tour of the pottery studios and experience the depth of history and the warmth of handcrafted items?

Even today, there are over 200 small Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki kilns, each producing new works while carrying on traditions.
Be sure to check out the works of the first Miyagawa Kosai and contemporary artists who are part of the Makuzu ware lineage.