The bowl is finely painted by Sogawa (曽川写) with a beautiful polychrome landscape scene (iroe sansuizu 色絵山水図) featuring pagodas, mountains, and blossoming trees—an elegant evocation of Japan’s poetic scenery. The soft crackled glaze (kan’nyū) and gentle brushwork reflect the refined Kyoto aesthetic, where simplicity, harmony, and natural beauty converge. Pieces in the Kenzan tradition are prized for their painterly quality and connection to the Rinpa school of art, blending ceramics and painting into a unified expression. A remarkable work for collectors of Japanese art pottery or tea ceremony enthusiasts, representing the timeless elegance of Kyoto craftsmanship. Ogata Kenzan (1663-1743) Kenzan was born in 1663 as the third son of Ogata Soken, a wealthy Kyoto kimono merchant. His older brother was the painter Korin. The two men were polar opposites in terms of their personalities: Korin favored flashy designs, while Kenzan was said to have been more introspective and reclusive. Kenzan, who studied pottery under Nonomura Ninsei, opened a kiln in Narutaki, Kyoto City, at the age of 37 in 1699. In 1712, at the age of 50, Kenzan moved to Nijo Chojiyacho in Kyoto City, where he produced a wide range of works that became internationally acclaimed as "Kenzan ware." From the end of the Narutaki period through the Chojiyacho period, his brother Korin assisted Kenzan with painting, and many collaborative works between the brothers remain. In 1731, at the age of 69, Kenzan went to Edo and built a kiln in Iriya, part of the Kan'ei-ji Temple estate, where he spent his final years. He lived in Edo until his death at the age of 81, where he demonstrated his talent in the production of pottery and paintings. Kenzan's works, not only in his pottery but also in his calligraphy and paintings, are characterized by a free-spirited, literary elegance that escapes worldly sophistication. He left the shaping, glazing, and firing of his pottery to other specialist potters, and it is believed that several specialist painters, in addition to those working in collaboration with Korin, were involved in the painting, so he appears to have basically produced his works in his workshop. However, the pottery made under Kenzan's guidance is filled with his bold design sense and his unique artistic sensibility, and they evoke a sense of familiarity, as if interacting with Kenzan himself. *乾山焼 Kenzan ware is a type of pottery created in Kyoto by the mid-Edo period ceramic artist Ogata Kenzan. Its distinctive features include elegant paintings inspired by the Rinpa school of painting. His brother, Korin, also contributed some of his work, and many of his pieces are collaborative works. Kenzan's works, based on decorative designs and free-spirited ideas, had a major influence on Kyoto ware, and are still widely produced today as "Kenzan copies." Characteristics of Kenzan ware Painting style: It features elegant paintings inspired by the Rinpa school of painting. Style: Kenzan's style is diverse, ranging from pieces painted by his brother, Ogata Korin, to pieces designed by Kenzan himself. Techniques: Kenzan uses a variety of techniques, including rust painting and overglaze painting. Some pieces incorporate designs from overseas, such as Korean brushstrokes, Chinese Cizhou wares, and Dutch Delftware. Influence: This influenced the kilns at the foot of the Higashiyama Mountains, leading to the mass production of overglaze pottery later known as "Koshimizu," and creating the image of Kyoto ware as overglaze pottery. Please refer to the accompanying images for a visual representation, though note that the photos may not capture all the intricate details of this exquisite piece. Shipping is handled by Japan Post. Please note that the package may be larger and heavier than the product itself due to the careful packaging of the product for safe shipping. Any customs duties or additional fees will be the responsibility of the buyer.