1797-1860
male
makuzu pottery
mushiake pottery
Born into the Miyagawa family, who had worked as glaze merchants for generations. After studying under Aoki Mokubei, he began making his own ceramics, producing excellent examples of ninsei-utsushi (replica of Ninsei) and Raku-ware as well as notable work in porcelain such as iron red overglaze, Cochin-ware, and blue-white porcelain. Because so many of his finest works were produced during his time working in Makatsugahara in Higashiyama, Kyoto, he received the name “Makuzu” from Kanshoji Temple’s Yasui Monzeki (Monzeki means temple headed by members of the royal family or nobility) and his work became known as “Makuzu-ware.” as well as the name “Kozan” from Kachi-no-miya of Chion-in Shrine. His eldest son Chohei later succeeded him at the head of the family as second generation Chozo, and both father and son were invited to Okayama’s Mushiake kiln in 1852 for technical guidance, but Chohei suddenly passed away, leading Chozo’s fourth son Toranosuke responsible to take on responsibility for the family business under the name of Makuzu Kozan (1st generation).
