Kenzan's bamboo lily painting by Miyagawa Kosai

Height: 7.5cm Width: 6.5cm

A conversation with Kosai Miyagawa

"Kenzan copy of Sasa-Yuri no E no Sake Cup by Miyagawa Kosai" is a masterpiece that combines traditional Kyoto ware techniques with beautiful designs based on nature. This work is a copy of Ogata Kenzan's style, and is particularly notable for its bold depiction of the Sasa-Yuri design. Here, we will take a closer look at the appeal of this work, focusing on its design, techniques, and historical background.

Design features and aesthetics

This sake cup features a bold white bamboo lily. The lily flower is symbolic for its pure and modest beauty, and the way the leaves are painted is very modern and innovative. The leaves are simple yet powerful, giving a somewhat futuristic impression while respecting traditional Japanese beauty. The contrast between the white bamboo lily flowers and the dark green leaves gives the viewer a refreshing feeling, creating a beauty that never tires of looking at.

The bamboo lily is a lily that grows wild in areas west of the Chubu region of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and produces white or pale pink flowers. It was given the name "bamboo lily" because its leaves resemble bamboo leaves, and its modest downward-facing blossoms emphasize its elegance. The flower's meaning is "elegance," and the pale pink flowers that bloom slightly downward are modest yet full of elegance, making it a symbol of beauty in Japanese culture. The bamboo lily depicted on this sake cup exudes an elegant presence that is truly befitting of its flower meaning.

The shape and practicality of sake cups

This sake cup is slightly larger and deeper than a typical ochoko. Guinomi cups are shaped to make it easier to pour larger amounts, feel good in the hand, and provide a comfortable experience for the user. When actually using it, the design allows you to enjoy the design while slowly sipping your sake. In this way, it can be seen that this is a piece that has been designed with consideration given not only to its appearance, but also to its ease of use.

Kenzan's copy and the influence of the Rinpa school

"Kenzan Copy" is a work that reproduces the style of Ogata Kenzan, a master of Kyoto ware active during the Edo period, and adds a unique interpretation. Ogata Kenzan learned the techniques from Nonomura Ninsei, who is considered the founder of Kyoto ware, and later opened a kiln in Kyoto and developed "Kenzan ware". His works are characterized by bold and free designs, and their refined beauty without waste has made them loved by many people.

Kenzan's brother was Ogata Korin, a master of the Rinpa school, and the two of them created many collaborative works. Kenzan's works often incorporate the gorgeous floral motifs of the Rinpa school, influenced by Korin, and in particular, many of his designs feature simple yet elegant designs with natural motifs such as bamboo lilies. This "Kenzan Copy of Bamboo Lily Sake Cup" is a work that follows this tradition, and is a piece that fully expresses the beauty of nature.

Miyagawa family straw ash glaze and Makuzu ware

This piece is made with straw ash glaze, a unique product of the Miyagawa Kosai family. The straw ash glaze gives the entire piece a milky, mellow texture, and creates a soft, warm texture on the surface of the vessel. This sake cup in particular has a slightly bluish hue, and is characterized by an exquisite balance that gives the impression of both coolness and warmth.

Straw ash glaze was originally used by Nonomura Ninsei, and the technique has been passed down through the generations of the Miyagawa family. Subtly different colors are produced depending on the type of clay and the firing temperature, so even if the same glaze is used, each piece has a different look. This makes each piece unique, even if they have the same design, and they are highly valued by collectors.

The history of Makuzu ware and the traditions of the Miyagawa Kosai family

The history of Makzu ware dates back to the Edo period. The first generation Miyagawa Kobee opened a kiln in Kyoto and built the foundations of Makzu ware. Since then, Makzu ware has been passed down through the Miyagawa family for generations, with the techniques improving with each generation. The current Miyagawa Kosai, the seventh generation, continues to create pieces that are in tune with modern sensibilities while preserving the traditions. Makzu ware is highly regarded not only in Japan but also overseas, with many international art museums including the Victoria and Albert Museum displaying its works.

Sasayuri Flowers and Japanese Culture

The bamboo lily is deeply rooted in Japanese culture as a flower with a particularly elegant and pure beauty. Its flower language, "elegant," well expresses the modest and graceful appearance of the bamboo lily, and the flower depicted on the sake cup also beautifully embodies that beauty. The number of bamboo lilies in the wild is decreasing, and they are so rare that they are designated as a near-threatened species in Nagano Prefecture. Therefore, this sake cup is not only beautiful, but also expresses respect for the protection of Japan's nature and culture. "Kenzan Copy of Bamboo Lily Picture Sake Cup Miyagawa Kosai" is a work that combines traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. The bold design, modest beauty, and texture of the straw ash glaze that has been handed down for generations by the Miyagawa family make this sake cup special. This sake cup, which evokes the beauty of nature and the spirit of Japanese culture, will continue to provide its user with rich moments.