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Japanese Studio Porcelain Vase Signed Shofu browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques:Regional Art:Asian:Japanese:Porcelain: Pre 1920: item # 537109 Please refer to our stock # 2B-798 when inquiring.
B & C Antiques P. O. Box 291 Derby, CT 06418 203-929-7312 Guest Book $875 |
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This lovely high shouldered porcelain vase made by distinguished studio potter Shofu Katei (1870-1928) is beautifully decorated with delicate bellflower blossoms and leaves. It is signed “Shofu” in underglaze blue and dates to the Meiji period, ca. 1910. Highlighted against a deep dark green ground, the tall plants emerge from the bottom of the vase. The leaves are hand painted in soft subtle shades of white and light green, and delicate flower blossoms and petals are finished in shades of pale blue and white. The subtle and difficult gradations of shading in both leaves and flowers are simply wonderful. This superb mastery of the glaze coloration was a skill for which the Japanese studio potters were renowned. The bellflower (“kikyo”), which blooms in August, is a perennial that bears five-petal flowers of a light blue or white color. It has been a favorite of Japanese artists and poets since the Heian period. In addition to its wide use as a seasonal motif, the bellflower was also adopted as a family crest because of its beauty.
Also known as Shofu Kajo, this potter was born in Seto, moving to Kyoto in 1890. Shofu excelled in hard-paste porcelains and was known for his blowout designs in multi-colored glazes. He is said to have invented several new techniques, including moriage porcelain. He was awarded the Green Ribbon in 1915. Shofu’s works are generally classified in the same league as those of studio potters Makazu Kozan and Seifu Yohei III. Examples of his porcelains are featured in “Treasures of Imperial Japan: Ceramics from the Khalili Collection” pages 42, 43 and 78. Condition is excellent. Dimensions: 5” high, (12.7 cm) 4” (10.2 cm) widest diameter. |
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