A RARE JAPANESE 'ICE CAVE' VASE WITH DUCKS BY MIYAGAWA (MAKUZU) KŌZAN (1842-1916)

A RARE JAPANESE 'ICE CAVE' VASE WITH DUCKS BY MIYAGAWA (MAKUZU) KŌZAN (1842-1916)
MEIJI ERA, C.1900-1910

Realistically modelled in the round with two small mandarin ducks sheltering in a cave, with snow melting around them creating numerous icicles; the conical upper half with a deep recess to the top, and raised on an integral stand, the iridescent blue glaze resembling a pool around the small colourful birds; the base marked ‘Makuzu’ for the Miyagawa Kōzan workshop of Yokohama, 28cm.

Kōzan was a highly acclaimed potter during the late Meiji and early Taisho period, creating exquisite pieces often pushing technical boundaries, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern, Western innovations. His workshop was based in Yokohama, a centre for international trade at the time. He was appointed artist to the Japanese Imperial household in 1896 and produced many artworks for the domestic market. He also created pieces especially for export, and participated in several International Exhibitions. This ‘Ice Cave’ vase with mandarin ducks was probably produced for a World Fair: it is closely related to another model featuring polar bears which was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum after being displayed at the Japan-British Exhibition in White City in 1910, access. no.C.244-1910. Only one other 'Ice Cave' vase with mandarin ducks seems to be known; it is currently in the collections of the Makuzu Ware Museum, Yokohama.

The vase is a magnificent example of Kōzan's technical skill, particularly his use of taka-ukibori, a sculptural relief technique. The ducks and the icy cave are not just painted on the surface but are modelled in high relief, giving the piece a three-dimensional quality. Kōzan was also a pioneer in developing new glazes. This vase demonstrates his experimental approach, using crystalline glaze technology to create the specific effects of the scene. The 'icy effect' is achieved through innovative glaze techniques, such as a white, crackled glaze that simulates the appearance of ice and a turquoise flambé glaze that adds a unique, wet quality. The icicles are also glazed to simulate the tips melting. This type of ‘ice cave’ vases was probably inspired by contemporary European pieces, in particular those produced by the Royal Copenhagen Manufactory in the early 20^th century.

Mandarin ducks, known as oshidori in Japanese, are a powerful symbol of conjugal affection and fidelity because they typically mate for life. Depicting them in a serene, natural setting would have been a popular and meaningful motif for both Japanese and Western audiences. Scholars have suggested that Kōzan was inspired by animal painter Itō Jakuchū (1716-1800) and his picture 'Willow Tree and Mandarin Ducks in the Snow'.