The size of each cup: 2 7/8" Dia x 1 1/2" High. Very fine white porcelain cup set of 6 pcs by 1st Miura Chikusen who was the master of Sench cup and tea pot making. Each cup is done in the manner of Chinese egg shell type thin porcelain work with the Crane and cherry blosseoms and leaves accented by Karakusa design. You can see such thin work at last photo at additional page. All designs are raised and have relief works. The detail workmenship are fantastic. All design are appeared done by carved will be too small and fine works The designs were done byTomei Yuyaku (transparent glazing) which 1st Chikusen developed and it will show as carved and raised appearance after he has established his own studio in 1883 at Gojozaka. Each cups has individual incised signature of Chikusen on the bottom of cup. It came with Kiriwood Tomobako. The cover said in Japanese, "Hakuji Tsuru Mon"(white porcelain crane design), "Chawan"(tea cup) with square chop seal of "Chikuse Sei", (chikusen made). Inside cover has Japanese, written, "Heian"(kyoto), "Chikusen zo"(chikusen made). The condition of all 5 cups, excellent, no chip, no crack and no hairline. A couple of very tiny frits inside and at the edge of cup. I never seen this fine porcelain tea cups. Dating this set from around 1890's while he was working with Osamura Shou, another student of Takahashi Tohachi, before he started using the name of "Shigetsuan". Please note the foot rim usually without glazing where edge are grinded. The foot rim (Kodai) are glazed, instead, the top rim cup are not glazed.
1st Miura Chikusen (1854, Kaei 7th-1915, Taisho 4th)
1st Miura Chikusen was born as the second son of Watanabe Ihei who was Tatami maker in Kyoto. His name was Masakichi, also called him, Komajiro or Masa. His work name was Chikusen. His go name used "Yuseikyo" and later used "Shigetsuan". He went into as the student of 3rd Takahashi Dohachi. In 1883(Meiji 16th), he became independent at Gojo-zaka. At his early established time, with another student of Dohachi, Harumura Shou, created the name "Shou Chikusen", but he desolved the relationship in few years. After that he used"Yuseikyo", then from 1899(Meiji 32), he used go name "Shigetsuan". He was very talented in early years, He used western colors on Japanese porcelain and he developed Yuyaku-Tomeimon(transparent glazing). In 1904(Meiji 37), he developed and created, mixing Jade, semiprecious stone as well as coral for coloring on Sometsuke porcelain. In 1907(Meiji 40), he has presented first time, the technique making yellow raised finish by mixing yellow glazing material on soft yellow background. He has received great reception at Chicago and Paris Exposition. His works are also great in the Ming and Qing style too. He loved Sencha and made many friends with literati. He has also published the book title called, "Wakan Taisho Tosetsu"(Japanese Chinese Comparison Ceramic Study).
|
