26119 ITAYA Hazan Eggshell Porcelain Incense Burner (Certificate of Authenticity from Tokyo Metropolitan Government)

Height 12.6cm
Diameter 14.2cm

He graduated from the sculpture department of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (where he studied alongside Okakura Tenshin and Takamura Kokun). After winning numerous awards, including third place for his "Porcelain Gold-Purple Crystal Glaze Vase" at the 1907 Tokyo Industrial Exposition, he was appointed an Imperial Household Artist. He was the first ceramic artist to receive the Order of Culture. He also declined an offer to be designated a Living National Treasure in 1955, recognizing ceramics as an art form. As a master of the arts, he pioneered the establishment of modern ceramics as a distinctly traditional art form. This work was created by Japan's greatest ceramic artist, Hazan Itaya (1872-1963), regarded as one of the greatest ceramicists of the modern era. His masterpieces include the "Baoguang Porcelain Vase with Rare Fruit Design" (Important Cultural Property, Izumiya Hakukokan Museum Collection), the "Porcelain Vase with Enju Design" (Idemitsu Museum of Arts Collection), and the "Porcelain Vase with Poultry and Fruit Design" (Tsurui Museum of Art), making him a potter who has had an immeasurable influence on the history of modern ceramics. This piece is covered with an eggshell porcelain glaze and features reddish crazing, creating an exceptional sight. Its profound quality is indescribable, and a dignified and serene aura emanates from its entire body, captivating the viewer with its overwhelming presence. It is simply magnificent, and one of the finest works by the master potter Itaya Hazan.

*The Tobi appraisal certificate will be issued at a later date.