Kenzan's spear-pictured plum wine cup by Kosai Miyagawa

Height: 7.5cm Width: 6.5cm

A conversation with Kosai Miyagawa

"Kenzan copy of spear plum sake cup by Miyagawa Kosai" is a superb craftsmanship that combines traditional Kyoto ware techniques with delicate aesthetics. This work reflects the classical Kyoto ware style, and has a presence that captures the hearts of viewers with its very attractive subject of the "spear plum" full of vitality. In particular, the motif of the plum blossom, which has a special meaning in Japanese culture, is skillfully expressed through this sake cup.

This piece has white plum petals painted in white clay, then a translucent glaze is applied over it and the piece is fired. After that, red, green and yellow paints are used for overglaze painting to express the red plum petals, the new buds of the plum tree and the white plum stamens. This makes it not only beautiful, but also gives a vivid impression of the rich vitality of nature.

The special charm of the Yariume painting

The painting of the spear plum encapsulates the view of nature and aesthetic sensibility that Japanese culture has always treasured. Plum blossoms, in particular, have long been loved as a symbol of powerful vitality, as they bloom despite the cold of winter. This depiction of the "spear plum" depicts plum blossoms blooming on branches that reach straight up into the sky, emphasizing the strength and beauty of the plum.

Symbol of vitality:
Plum blossoms begin to bloom at the end of the cold winter, before other flowers, and have come to symbolize vitality. The straight, powerful branches of the spear plum tree in particular represent the strength and vitality of the natural world, making a strong impression on viewers. The sight of plum blossoms in bloom embodies the strength and hope of nature, and symbolizes a spirit that does not succumb to harsh conditions.

Winter Beauty:
What is particularly fascinating about Yariume's paintings is the beauty of plum blossoms blooming in the cold of winter. The contrast between the seasons is felt in the snowy and bleak landscapes of winter, and the beauty of the red and white plum blossoms stands out. Plum blossoms are a presence that evokes the breath of life in the midst of serenity, and they have been loved by many artists and poets.

Symbols of integrity:
Plum blossoms are also known as a symbol of nobility, as they do not lose their nobility even in the face of adversity and continue to bloom with dignity. Many Japanese writers and poets have praised the beauty of plum blossoms and included them in waka and haiku poems, which shows that plum blossoms have a special place in Japanese culture. The nobility of plum blossoms leaves a deep impression on viewers, reminding them of the virtues that are often forgotten in everyday life.

Flowers that herald the change of seasons:
Plum blossoms are widely known in Japan as a sign of the arrival of spring. Plum blossoms come at a time when winter is ending and spring is in the air, and seeing them allows us to truly feel the change of seasons. In this way, appreciating plum blossoms is not just about enjoying the beauty of the flowers, but also about feeling the rhythm of nature and the flow of time.

The shape and aesthetic function of sake cups

The Kenzan copy of the Ume-no-e Sake Cup also combines functional beauty as a sake vessel. Sake cups are generally slightly larger than sake cups, and are light to hold and have a shape that fits comfortably in the hand. This work is no exception, and is characterized by its ease of holding and pleasant feel. Viewers can enjoy the painting of the Ume-no-e Sake Cup while holding this vessel in their hands, and are satisfied both visually and tactilely.

Furthermore, the great appeal of this sake cup is that it is not just a vessel for drinking sake, but allows you to slowly savor the beauty of the seasons and nature while enjoying the pictures painted on it. The lightness when you hold it in your hand and the intricate beauty of the pictures harmonize with the entire sake cup, making the act of drinking itself feel like a ritual.

Copying Kenzan and the influence of Ogata Kenzan

"Kenzan copies" are works that imitate the style of Ogata Kenzan, a master of Kyoto ware active during the Edo period, while adding a unique interpretation. Ogata Kenzan learned techniques from Nonomura Ninsei, who is considered the founder of Kyoto ware, opened a kiln in Kyoto, and produced many excellent works. Kenzan's style was bold and free, and his works are still highly regarded today for their refined beauty.

Kenzan's older brother, Ogata Korin, was a famous Rinpa painter, and the two brothers had a strong collaborative relationship, with Korin painting the vessels Kenzan made, and they had a great influence on Kenzan's artistic sense. Korin's representative work, "Red and White Plum Blossoms Screen," is a masterpiece that uses plum blossoms as a motif, and it is believed that plums held a special place in Kenzan's heart as well. In Kenzan's copies, the plum motif is featured many times, emphasizing its vitality and beauty.

Although the plum blossom designs in Kenzan's copies are simplified, they beautifully express the strength of the trunks reaching up to the sky and the delicateness of the petals. The act of "copying" Kenzan's style is not simply imitation, but is imbued with the meaning of creating new works by incorporating Kenzan's techniques and aesthetic sense.

The Miyagawa Kosai family and the straw ash glaze technique

The Miyagawa Kosai family, who produced this piece, are a family that has continued to preserve the traditions of Kyoto ware, and their pieces use the family's unique straw ash glaze. Straw ash glaze is characterized by its milky white color and plump texture, giving the entire piece an air of elegance and warmth. This glaze was used by Nonomura Ninsei, and is an important technique that has been handed down through generations of the Miyagawa family. Another appealing feature of straw ash glaze is that even with the same glaze, the color can be reddish or pale depending on the quality of the clay, allowing you to enjoy the subtle differences in color that can be seen in each piece.

The history of Makuzu ware and the achievements of the Miyagawa family

Makuzu ware originated in the Edo period, when the founder of the Miyagawa family, Yukan Miyagawa Kobee Masakazu, moved to Kyoto and started a pottery business. He later opened a kiln in Higashiyama Makugahara, and the name Makuzu ware spread. The Miyagawa family has continued to protect the traditions of Kyoto ware for generations, and Makuzu ware has become widely known not only in Japan, but also overseas, including in England, France, and China.

Today, Miyagawa family pieces are held in many collections both in Japan and abroad, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Japan Foundation. Makuzu ware continues to be loved by many fans for its elegance and beauty, which is the result of the techniques and creativity that have been passed down through the generations of the Miyagawa family.