Kinkozan Chocolate Vase

[ClareBk]

We have a Kinkozan vase which is a tapered rectangular form which is painted in realistic colours of blue, fawn and pink chrysanthemums with chrysanthemum leaves and flying swallows on a chocolate brown ground. Can anyone help us whether it is Kyo-ware or Awata ware? There is no signature on the base but the purchase tag says Kinkozan. Would it be the Meiji period and perhaps Kinkozan Sobei? Any information would be appreciated.
Our database address is : Powerhouse Collection - Ceramic vase from Kyoto, Japan
Kind regards
Clare

 

[Majestic]

Most likely Meiji or later.

I don't think there is much of a distinction between Kyō-Satsuma and Awata-ware. Awata is the name of a kiln, and the kiln produces things in the style of Kyō-Satsuma. I think there were maybe two or three kilns in that area producing Kyō-Satsuma ware, so I wouldn't be able to pinpoint if your piece was definitely made in the Awata kiln. It looks like all these kilns were amalgamated into one big factory by the end of the 1800s, so it may be a moot point. All this is related to Kinkōzan Sōbei, but best to think of him as the founder/promoter of an art style, rather than as a likely candidate for the artist of produced your vases.

Here is one of the sources I used (English).

Awatayaki (Awata Ware), Historical Overview | 粟田焼をたずねて

In the past, there were seven main streets connecting Kyoto and its neighboring cities. The seven connec

awatayaki.com

 

[ClareBk]

Hi Frank, Great, still researching this one. Asking a Japanese Ceramic association more about this one.

 

[Majestic]

Frankly speaking, I'm Majestic.

 

[ClareBk]

Oops sorry!