Kenzan's Chrysanthemum-painted Sake Cup by Kosai Miyagawa

Height: 7.5cm Width: 6.5cm

A conversation with Kosai Miyagawa

"Kenzan Copy Chrysanthemum-Etique Sake Cup by Miyagawa Kosai" is a work that faithfully reproduces the style of Ogata Kenzan, a representative artist of the Edo period, while modern potter Miyagawa Kosai has inherited Kenzan's techniques and added his own unique interpretation. Kenzan's work belongs to the art style known as Rinpa, which developed through collaborations with his brother, Ogata Korin. Rinpa is characterized by simple yet sophisticated designs, bold colors, and highly decorative techniques, and works influenced by it are known as particularly elegant in Japanese art.

Ogata Korin was born into a wealthy Kyoto kimono merchant family and was exposed to art from an early age. Korin's versatile sense was evident in a wide range of works, from folding screen paintings to kimonos and small items, and his designs were praised for aesthetically enhancing the culture of daily life itself. Kenzan adopted Korin's aesthetic sensibility and expressed it in ceramics. In particular, Korin's "Chrysanthemum Screen" and "Chrysanthemum Flowers and Flowing Water Fan" are masterpieces themed around the chrysanthemum, and Kenzan's use of the chrysanthemum motif strongly reflects the influence of the Rinpa school.

The Chrysanthemum Festival and its Auspicious Origins

In Japan, chrysanthemums have long been revered as lucky charms that symbolize eternal youth and longevity. In particular, the Double Ninth Festival on September 9th is known as the "Chrysanthemum Festival," and there was a custom of decorating with chrysanthemum flowers and drinking chrysanthemum wine to pray for longevity. This tradition was established as one of the five seasonal festivals established by the shogunate in the early Edo period, and eventually came to be held all over Japan as "Chrysanthemum Festivals."

As chrysanthemum breeding progressed and ornamental chrysanthemums became widely popular, many artworks with the chrysanthemum theme were created. Kenzan also created many works with the chrysanthemum motif, expressing its beauty and symbolic meaning in pottery. This "Kenzan Copy Chrysanthemum-E Shuten" is one of them, and features an elegantly painted chrysanthemum design. The chrysanthemum flower is such a noble and elegant flower that it is even used as the imperial crest, and has been considered an auspicious flower since ancient times, with sayings such as "decorating with chrysanthemums will bring good fortune" and "arranging chrysanthemums will help children grow up to be good."

Chrysanthemums and Japanese Art

Chrysanthemums have been frequently depicted in Japanese art as an autumn flower. In particular, during the Edo period, the "Chrysanthemum Festival" became popular, and chrysanthemums began to appear in a variety of works, including ukiyo-e, folding screens, and fans. Chrysanthemums have continued to be a major motif in Japanese art as a symbol of noble appearance and eternal youth and longevity.

The chrysanthemum is also revered worldwide as the "flower of the sun," and the "Western chrysanthemum" is popular in Europe. In Italy, the prestigious jeweler Damiani has developed a collection themed on the "daisy" in honor of Queen Margherita. In this way, the chrysanthemum is loved by many people both in Japan and abroad, and its symbolism is reflected in a variety of works of art.

Miyagawa Kosai family techniques and straw ash glaze

The Miyagawa Kosai family is a distinguished Kyoto ware family that has been around since the Edo period, and while they have inherited traditional techniques, they have always been experimenting with new ideas. In particular, the "straw ash glaze" is a unique glaze that has been passed down through the Miyagawa family for generations, and it gives the entire piece a mellow, warm texture. The use of straw ash glaze gives the pieces a soft luster and brings depth to the color expression. In particular, the color changes subtly depending on the type of clay and firing method, so you can enjoy the different textures of each piece.

This Kenzan copy of the Chrysanthemum Sake Cup is also glazed with straw ash, giving the entire vessel an elegant and refined texture. The bluish glaze harmonizes with the delicate design of the chrysanthemums, allowing you to appreciate its beauty every time you pick it up. The Miyagawa family's works are faithful to the traditions of Kyoto ware while also fusing their own unique techniques and aesthetics, and this piece is a standout example of this.

History of Makuzu ware and the Miyagawa family

Makuzu ware is a school of Kyoto ware founded by the Miyagawa family, and is one of the representative techniques of the Miyagawa Kosai family. The first Miyagawa Kozan opened a kiln in Makugahara, and Makuzu ware has gained high acclaim both in Japan and overseas. The Miyagawa Kosai family produces a wide variety of pottery, mainly Makuzu ware, and their works are held in many famous art museums, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and UNESCO.

The Miyagawa family boasts a history of approximately 330 years, and has produced sencha tea utensils and tea ceremony utensils to meet the needs of each era. In recent years, their artistic value has been recognized overseas, and they are highly valued among collectors. "Kenzan Copy Kikunoe Shuten Miyagawa Kosai" is also the culmination of the Miyagawa family's long history and techniques, and is a work that beautifully combines the aesthetics of the Rinpa school and the traditions of Kyoto ware.

"Kenzan copy of Chrysanthemum-picture sake cup by Miyagawa Kosai" is a dignified piece that depicts the auspicious motif of the chrysanthemum while replicating Kenzan's style, which was influenced by the Rinpa school. The soft luster of the straw ash glaze brings out the beauty of the chrysanthemum, and every time you pick up the vessel you can enjoy the traditional beauty of Japan and the craftsmanship of the Miyagawa family. This piece is not just a sake cup, but a valuable piece of art, and by learning about its historical background you will be able to enjoy its deeper flavor.