CERAMIC DECORATIVE DISH (KAZARIZARA) “FUKUJU”

Kawashima Kanzan (川島寛山).

Japan, Kyoto, Kanzan kiln. Second half of the 20th century.

Ceramics (stoneware); formed, thick dark-blue cobalt glaze with a metallic sheen and a crystalline “hare’s fur” effect, overglaze decoration in white enamel slip in the itchin technique.

18 × 25 cm.

A collectible rectangular dish by the well-known Kyoto master Kawashima Kanzan. The well of the dish bears expressive calligraphy — the large characters “Fukuju” (福寿), meaning “Happiness and Longevity”. The striking contrast of raised white enamel against the shimmering dark ground turns the piece into a self-sufficient decorative panel.

On the base, the artist’s round impressed mark “Kanzan” (寛山). On the box lid, the calligraphic signature “Kanzan zō” (寛山造) and his personal square cinnabar seal.

Original wooden box (tomobakoTomobako 共箱 — an authentic box of valuable, seasoned wood (often paulownia), made specially for a particular piece. On the lid the master or owner personally inscribes in ink the calligraphic title of the object, his signature and the impression of a personal seal. It is the principal certificate of authenticity.) with the artist’s inscription “Fukuju Kazarizara” (福寿 飾皿).