Antique Japanese Satsuma Ceramic MAKUZU KOZAN Signed Koi Fish Sculpture Vase
![Picture](/uploads/1/3/2/7/132721643/published/1pxl-20230214-045226028.jpg?1676361018)
Type: Vase
Material: Ceramic Pottery
Age: Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)
Origin/Maker: Makuzu Kozan I (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makuzu_K%C5%8Dzan). Signed with a gourd shaped mark on the base. There is also some worn red paint on the base, possibly an overglaze mark that has worn away. From Yokohama, Japan.
Size: 8 1/2" tall (21.59 cm)
Weight: 3 lbs 6.8 oz (1554 g)
Provenance: eBay seller from Maryland USA
Collected: 25 OCT 2022
Condition: Item is used in good condition commensurate with age, see photos. Small chip to top fin of fish. Some wear to painted design. Appears that the fish was once partly gold painted, maybe it was a golden koi once. Several original to manufacture hairline cracks to base. Several original to manufacturer glaze bubble holes in base, one is noticeably large. Two moriage dots are missing, due to the bubble flaw described above
Subject: Vase decorated with moriage enamel designs of white fish nets (fishnets are used somewhat frequently in Makuzu Kozan ware, for example the crab vase (item #4) in the "Makuzu Ware" book from the Makuzu Kozan Museum), a raised relief sculpted fish (a carp or koi; such sculptural elements were popular early in Makuzu Kozan's career, one of his most distinctive features; note that the fish's mouth is open, probably so that it didn't explode during firing), together with moriage dots and flower patterns along the top and bottom of the vase (moriage dot borders are another common feature of Satsuma style Makuzu ware). The vase is covered with a dark brown flambe like glaze.
Location:
Antique Japanese Satsuma Ceramic MAKUZU KOZAN Signed Koi Fish Sculpture Vase