Kiwa Kosan (貴和皓山), Japanese, b. 1944

A Ceramic Flower Vase: “Banquet” (貴和花入:『宴』)

Reiwa Era (2019–present)

About the work

A boldly textured flower vase titled “Banquet”, created by ceramic artist Kiwa Kosan. The tall cylindrical form is adorned with a striking surface of layered glazes that evoke the meeting of earth, snow, and flame. The lower half features a dramatic crawling white glaze, revealing rust-colored clay beneath, while the upper portion transitions to a smooth ochre tone accented with painterly drips of green and red.

Executed with a strong sense of contrast and movement, the vase exemplifies Kosan’s ability to balance rugged surface treatment with composed verticality. The base is signed, and the piece is accompanied by its original tomobako (signed wooden box).

Dimensions

21.5cm(h) x 12cm(w) x 12cm(d)

Footnote

Kiwa Kozan (貴和皓山), born in 1944, began his ceramic practice in Kyoto in 1984. Deeply inspired by the mystical beauty of Southern Song period Yohen Tenmoku tea bowls, Kozan developed his own visionary ceramic world known as Kiwa Yohen (貴和曜変). His work has achieved international recognition and is held in both public and private collections, including the Kyocera Museum of Art and international institutions such as the Musée Guimet in France. His pieces are known for their spiritual resonance, technical mastery, and bold yet contemplative surfaces.