Lily-shaped Mukozuke Dishes (Set of 5)
Formerly in the collection of Masuda Don'o
Forming pieces in the shape of lily flowers is a method that can also be seen in Ninsei's work (Nezu Museum, Tokyo; Nomura Art Museum, Kyoto).
The effect is similar to E-Garatsu ceramics in its use of a rather coarse clay. The overlapping petals give the work a three-dimensional feel. Kenzan has finished these mukozuke by using underglaze iron, which produces brown or blackish-brown hues, to outline the petals and add the stamens. (Decoration in underglaze iron is known as sabi-e.) The result is a powerful presence. The surface of these pieces has traces of the texture applied to make it easier to remove them from the mold. The Kenzan signatures on four of the five pieces are written in a very similar, clean style that clearly indicates mindfulness of their calligraphic nature.
Several shards that correspond to these mukozuke have been discovered among the artifacts from the Narutaki kiln site. These works, which measured up to Masuda Don'o's standards, exemplify Kenzan's Narutaki period.
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