Eiraku Wazen (永楽和全), Japanese (1823–1896)

A Hōrai Cup (蓬莱盞)

Edo Era (1603–1868) or Meiji Era (1868–1912)

About the work

A shallow Hōrai cup by Eiraku Wazen (永楽和全), the twelfth Eiraku Zengorō (12代永楽善五郎). Its broad, gently spreading form is enlivened by a contrasting dark reddish-brown centre and a warm gold-toned upper surface.

The sides flare outward from a small raised foot, giving the vessel a light, open silhouette. The wide mouth and modest depth allow the interior finish to become the principal point of interest. Slight changes in contour preserve the individual character of the ceramic form.

The interior shows a richly coloured central area, surrounded by a lighter metallic-looking field towards the rim. Irregular transitions and small variations in texture soften the boundary between them. The contrast creates a decorative effect that changes with reflected light, without requiring a dense pictorial design.

The title Hōrai evokes the legendary island of immortals, an auspicious subject within East Asian culture. The open form and contrasting interior finishes give the cup a decorative presence despite its modest depth. Accompanied by a wooden box.

Dimensions

4cm(h) x 10.4cm(w)

Footnote

Eiraku Wazen was born in Kyoto in 1823, the son of Eiraku Hozen, and succeeded as the twelfth Eiraku Zengorō in 1843. A major figure in nineteenth-century Kyoto ceramics, he worked across decorative traditions including red enamel, gold decoration, blue-and-white and adaptations of Chinese ceramic styles. He adopted the name Wazen during the 1860s and also worked in the Kutani region, contributing to the development of its decorative pottery. His career bridged the late Edo and Meiji periods, sustaining the Eiraku family’s association with tea ceramics while exploring a broad decorative repertoire. He died in 1896.