color cloisonné openwork flat water jar by Miyagawa Kosai

Height: 13.5cm Width: 21.0cm

Flat water jar with enamel and openwork design by Miyagawa Kosai

The "Overglaze Shippo Openwork Flat Water Jar" is a masterpiece of Makkuzu ware by Miyagawa Kosai. It features a white glaze as the base and a beautifully crafted shippo pattern (flower wreath pattern). Shippo is a traditional auspicious design from ancient Japan and the Orient, with its endlessly connected circles symbolizing harmony and prosperity. This design is rendered in delicate openwork, creating a water jar with a translucent beauty yet a strong presence. This piece is characterized by its meticulous coloring and meticulous handwork. The outlines of the shippo pattern are meticulously drawn, and vibrant glazes are meticulously applied. The pattern exudes an exotic atmosphere reminiscent of arabesques, while retaining the refinement of Kyoto, transporting the viewer to another world. It is truly a piece that retains the beauty of tea ceremony utensils while striking in its decorative qualities.

The role of the Hiramizusashi in the tea ceremony

This flat water jar is particularly useful at summer tea ceremonies. At tea ceremonies, a large water jar with a wide opening called a "flat water jar" is used in the summer. This is a device that allows guests to see the surface of the water, providing a sense of coolness and allowing them to enjoy the coolness visually. The "Colored Shippo Openwork Flat Water Jar" not only boasts a gorgeous design, but also further enhances the refreshing feeling of the brimming water when the lid is opened. The light that shines through the delicate openwork of the Shippo pattern is reflected on the water's surface, bringing a cool breeze to the entire tea room. It evokes the image of places filled with water, such as rivers and oceans, and will bring a sense of calm, security, and coolness to your mind.

The techniques and history of Makuzu ware

The "Iroe Shippo Openwork Flat Water Jar" is a masterpiece that embodies the pinnacle of Makkuzu ware techniques. Makkuzu ware has utilized a variety of techniques, including Kyoto ware overglaze techniques such as Ninsei and Kenzan copies, as well as blue and white porcelain, iron painting, Kochi lacquer, and gold lining. This allows Makkuzu ware to retain the charm of traditional Kyoto ware while also creating new expressions with each era. This flat water jar is faithful to these traditional techniques and exudes beauty in every detail. Makkuzu ware has a history spanning over 330 years, dating back to around 1680 when the Miyagawa family established a pottery business in Kyoto. From the mid-Edo period, the company produced tea ceremony utensils and everyday ceramics, and its reputation grew alongside the development of the tea ceremony. In particular, in the early Showa period, Eiyo Kosai IV, the maker of Makkuzu ware, personally studied the tea ceremony and achieved great success as a tea ceremony ceramics artist. This "Iroe Shippo Openwork Flat Water Jar" reflects the techniques and aesthetic sense accumulated over this long history.

The Spirit and Future of Miyagawa Kosai

The Miyagawa Kosai family continues to preserve tradition while creating pottery that meets the demands of the times. Their works have received high praise both domestically and internationally, and are favored by ceramic enthusiasts around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and China. The appeal of Makuzu ware lies in its elegance and splendor, but it is also highly practical, making it an essential part of the world of tea ceremony. The "Iroe Shippo Openwork Flat Water Jar" is sure to be highly valued as a modern tea utensil, with its elegant design and intricate decoration. The intricate cloisonné design and the unique light effects of the openwork carving add new aesthetic value to the tea room and further enhance the refreshing feeling of summer tea ceremonies. Miyagawa Kosai's works, which combine tradition and innovation, will continue to be beloved by the tea ceremony community and ceramic enthusiasts.

A conversation with Miyagawa Kosai