The Winter Show 2022...in spring!
The Winter Show 2022...in spring!
THE WINTER SHOW 2022…in spring!
NEW DATES: April 1-10, 2022
NEW VENUE: 660 Madison Avenue
(formerly Barneys New York department store)
Joan B Mirviss LTD at BOOTH 1-16 on MAIN FLOOR
To adorn or decorate tastefully can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. The Japanese term kazari refers to such ornamentation that ranges from funky, to cool, to surprising, to utterly splendid. But going further, it describes the sensation when, gazing upon such intentional decoration, one is pulled out of the mundane into the transcendent. Our spring exhibition presents this concept of traditional Japanese aesthetics realized in a multitude of patterns, surface treatments, designs and colors in prints, paintings, and ceramics to showcase the Japanese emphasis on the deeper meaning and appreciation of what is often regarded as "mere" decoration.
KAZARI: Beyond Decoration will be presented at The Winter Show 2022, now taking place in spring, and at an exciting new venue at 660 Madison Avenue (60/61 Sts).
WADA MORIHIRO (1944-2008)
Fluttering-banners patterned incense burner
ca. 1995
Slip glazed stoneware
7 3/8 x 5 7/8 x 4 1/4 in.
INV# 12281
SOLD
WADA MORIHIRO (1944-2008)
Slip-glazed “wind-and-grass”-patterned, sand-treated rectangular vessel with angled foot and mouth and glazed interior
1982
Slip-glazed stoneware
10 1/4 x 10 3/8 x 6 3/4 in.
INV# 11127
SOLD
SAWADA HAYATO (b.1978)
Biomorphic sculpture decorated with abstract patterning in pink, red, and black
2021
Glazed stoneware
16 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 12 3/4 in.
INV# 12197
SOLD
SAWADA HAYATO (b.1978)
Biomorphic sculpture decorated with abstract patterning in pale blue and black
2021
Glazed stoneware
16 1/2 x 11 x 13 in.
INV# 12196
SOLD
UTAGAWA KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Woman playing the shamisen is juxtaposed against a background of jōruri libretti from the series, Jōruri zukushi; A Collection of Jōruri Libretti
ca. 1831
Ōban tate-e
INV# 11217
SOLD
SAWADA HAYATO (b.1978)
Pentagonal twisting vessel with pleated sides, decorated with abstract and linear patterning
2021
Slip-glazed stoneware
14 3/8 x 10 1/4 x 10 3/8 in.
INV# 12195
SOLD
TAKIGUCHI KAZUO (b.1953)
Rounded bulbous neriage (marbleized) vessel with irregular jagged mouth
2021
Marbleized stoneware
13 3/8 x 17 3/8 x 14 5/8 in.
INV# 12208
SOLD
USUI KAZUNARI (b.1954)
Flattened tall gourd-shaped vase with beige striped patterning
2002
Glazed stoneware
17 x 9 x 6 in.
INV# 12120
SOLD
MAEDA MASAHIRO (b.1948)
Polychrome-enamel futamono (covered vessel) with cross-hatched patterning
and matching ceramic cover
2021
Glazed porcelain
4 5/8 x 5 in.
INV# 12188
SOLD
AJIKI HIRO (b.1948)
Slightly flattened, oblong faceted teabowl with checker-board pattern
2021
Salt-glazed stoneware (Enyū) with gold and silver
4 x 5 3/4 in.
INV# 12211
SOLD
OGATA KAMIO (b.1949)
Rectangular plate with marbleized layers of gradated white, teal, and gray clays
2006
Marbleized stoneware
1 1/2 x 23 x 11 1/4 in.
INV# 12124
SOLD
OGATA KAMIO (b.1949)
Large fluted vessel of marbleized colored clay in gradations of white, teal, and charcoal gray
2006
Marbleized stoneware
12 3/4 x 11 x 11 1/2 in.
INV# 11848
SOLD
KAWAI KANJIRŌ (1890-1966)
Flattened vessel with decorated red, green,
and black iron-oxide spalshed glazes on a Shigaraki body
ca. 1960
Glazed stoneware
9 1/8x 8 7/8 x 4 5/8 in.
INV# 12186
SOLD
KAWASE HASUI (1883-1957)
Sanno no ame(ugo); After the Rain at Sannō
1938
Ōban tate-e
INV# 11140
SOLD
MATSUI KŌSEI (1927-2003)
Globular brush-rubbed neriage (marbleized) vase
ca. 1982
Marbleized stoneware
8 1/2 x 10 1/8 in.
INV # 11133
SOLD
MATSUI KŌSEI (1927-2003)
Small globular brush-rubbed neriage (marbleized) vase with rough surface
ca. 1980
Marbleized stoneware
3 7/8 x 5 3/8 in.
INV # 10783
SOLD
KAWASE SHINOBU (b.1950)
Fluted kakuji chawan (fire-red celadon) teabowl, with slightly raised foot
2019
Glazed porcelaneous stoneware
2 3/4x 4 3/8 in.
INV# 12184
SOLD
KOBAYASHI KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)
Seasonal events and objects of the twelve months
ca. 1890
Twelve poem strips on silver-leaf two-fold screen
Ink and color on paper
Poem strips: 14 1/8 x 2 3/8 in. (each); Screen: 28 1/4 x 74 in.
INV# 4055
$ 11,800
InquireIKEDA SHŌEN (1888-1917)
Young beauty with an umbrella as seen from behind
ca. 1910-15
Ink and color on silk; hanging scroll
45 x 12 1/2 in.
INV# 8217
SOLD
SUZUKI TETSU (b.1964)
Green-glazed almond-shaped mizusashi (water jar) with recessed black lacquer cover
2018
Glazed stoneware
6 7/8 x 6 1/4 x 5 1/2 in.
INV# 12207
SOLD
SETO TAKEMI (b.1958)
Wide mouthed sake cup with tenmoku oil-spot patterning
2021
Tenmoku-glazed stoneware
1 7/8 x 3 1/2 in.
INV# 12202
SOLD
SETO TAKEMI (b.1958)
Shallow, wide sake cup with tenmoku oil-spot patterning
2021
Tenmoku-glazed stoneware
1 3/8 x 4 1/4 in.
INV# 12203
SOLD
SETO TAKEMI (b.1958)
Shallow, broad sake cup with tenmoku oil-spot patterning
2021
Tenmoku-glazed stoneware
1 3/4 x 4 1/4 in.
INV# 12204
SOLD
FUKUMOTO FUKU (b. 1973)
Porcelain sculpture of two conjoined stacked bowls
2012
Glazed porcelain
3 7/8 x 10 5/8 inches
INV # 7674
SOLD
TAKEGOSHI JUN (b.1948)
Large rectangular, slightly-domed, lidded box decorated with summer flowers
2021
Porcelain with polychrome kutani enamel glazes
6 3/8 x 14 x 6 3/8 in.
INV# 12215
SOLD
OHARA KOSON (1877-1945)
Magnolia with Black-winged Magpie
1931
Ōban tate-e
INV# 8905
SOLD
KIKUGAWA EIZAN (1787-1867)
Tiger beneath Bamboo
ca. 1815
Kakemono-e
INV# 11303
SOLD
TAKEMURA YURI (b.1980)
Wan “Higaminari”: Teabowl, “Rainless Thunder (Heat Lightning)”
2017
Glazed porcelain with gold leaf
3 1/2 x 4 3/4 x 4 7/8 in.
INV# 11551
SOLD
MATSUDA YURIKO (b.1943)
Spiked turban shell-shaped sculpture with gold polka-dotted design on interior
2021
Overglazed enamel porcelain
11 1/8 x 11 1/2 x 10 1/2 in.
INV# 12213
SOLD
KONDŌ TAKAHIRO (b.1958)
Striped conical teabowl
2020
Glazed porcelain with "Silver Mist" overglaze
3 x 6 3/8 in.
INV# 12274
SOLD
KAMISAKA SEKKA (1866-1942)
Chō senrui; A Thousand Butterflies
1904
Complete two-volume set of accordion-style (orihon) albums
9 3/4 x 8 1/4 in.
INV# 8887
SOLD
WADA MORIHIRO (1944-2008)
Fluttering-banners patterned incense burner
ca. 1995
Slip glazed stoneware
7 3/8 x 5 7/8 x 4 1/4 in.
INV# 12281
SOLD
WADA MORIHIRO (1944-2008)
Slip-glazed “wind-and-grass”-patterned, sand-treated rectangular vessel with angled foot and mouth and glazed interior
1982
Slip-glazed stoneware
10 1/4 x 10 3/8 x 6 3/4 in.
INV# 11127
SOLD
SAWADA HAYATO (b.1978)
Biomorphic sculpture decorated with abstract patterning in pink, red, and black
2021
Glazed stoneware
16 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 12 3/4 in.
INV# 12197
SOLD
SAWADA HAYATO (b.1978)
Biomorphic sculpture decorated with abstract patterning in pale blue and black
2021
Glazed stoneware
16 1/2 x 11 x 13 in.
INV# 12196
SOLD
UTAGAWA KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Woman playing the shamisen is juxtaposed against a background of jōruri libretti from the series, Jōruri zukushi; A Collection of Jōruri Libretti
ca. 1831
Ōban tate-e
INV# 11217
SOLD
SAWADA HAYATO (b.1978)
Pentagonal twisting vessel with pleated sides, decorated with abstract and linear patterning
2021
Slip-glazed stoneware
14 3/8 x 10 1/4 x 10 3/8 in.
INV# 12195
SOLD
YAMADA HIKARU (1923-2001)
White-glazed columnar vase with linear black designs
ca. 1975
Glazed stoneware
9 1/2 x 6 3/4 in.
INV# 12136
$ 6,750
TAKIGUCHI KAZUO (b.1953)
Rounded bulbous neriage (marbleized) vessel with irregular jagged mouth
2021
Marbleized stoneware
13 3/8 x 17 3/8 x 14 5/8 in.
INV# 12208
SOLD
TAKIGUCHI KAZUO (b.1953)
Biomorphic bowl-like sculpture in neriage (marbleized) clay and ladle-poured glaze
2021
Marbleized stoneware
7 1/2 x 11 3/4 x 10 1/4 in.
INV# 12209
$ 2,950
HAMANAKA GESSON (b. 1943)
White and gray shino-glazed irregular plate 2011
Glazed stoneware
2 7/8 x 10 7/8 x 10 3/4 in.
INV# 12235
$ 2,250
KŌNDŌ YŪZŌ (1902-1985)
Porcelain ovoid vase with thistle decoration
ca. 1930
Glazed porcelain
8 1/2 x 7 1/8 in.
INV# 12279
$ 16,000
UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Musashi Koganei from the series, Fuji sanjū rokkei; The Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji
4th month; 1858
Ōban tate-e
INV# 12104
$ 8,750
USUI KAZUNARI (b.1954)
Flattened tall gourd-shaped vase with beige striped patterning
2002
Glazed stoneware
17 x 9 x 6 in.
INV# 12120
SOLD
AZUMA KAORI (b.1972)
White slip-glazed, circular covered box with incised shell patterning. Titled Shell
2017
Glazed stoneware with white slip
11 3/4 x 6 in.
INV# 12087
$ 4,850
MAEDA MASAHIRO (b.1948)
Polychrome-enamel futamono (covered vessel) with cross-hatched patterning
and matching ceramic cover
2021
Glazed porcelain
4 5/8 x 5 in.
INV# 12188
SOLD
UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Yoroi Ferry, Koami-chō from the series, Meisho Edo Hyakkei; 100 Famous Views of Edo
1857, 10th
Ōban tate-e
INV# 10799
$ 9,500
SUZUKI TETSU (b.1964)
Gradated green-glazed flattened ovoid vessel
2018
Glazed stoneware
11 3/4 x 13 x 9 7/8 in.
INV# 12206
$ 11,000
AJIKI HIRO (b.1948)
Slightly flattened, oblong faceted teabowl with checker-board pattern
2021
Salt-glazed stoneware (Enyū) with gold and silver
4 x 5 3/4 in.
INV# 12211
SOLD
AJIKI HIRO (b.1948)
Octagonal faceted teabowl with checker-board pattern
2021
Salt-glazed stoneware (Enyū) with gold and silver
4 1/8 x 4 3/4 in.
INV# 12210
$ 4,500
OGATA KAMIO (b.1949)
Rectangular plate with marbleized layers of gradated white, teal, and gray clays
2006
Marbleized stoneware
1 1/2 x 23 x 11 1/4 in.
INV# 12124
SOLD
OGATA KAMIO (b.1949)
Large fluted vessel of marbleized colored clay in gradations of white, teal, and charcoal gray
2006
Marbleized stoneware
12 3/4 x 11 x 11 1/2 in.
INV# 11848
SOLD
KIKUGAWA EIZAN (1787-1867)
Chōfu Tamagawa from the series, Mu Tamagawa no uchi; Six Jeweled Rivers
ca. 1810
Oban tate-e
INV# 12115
$ 8,500
KAWAI KANJIRŌ (1890-1966)
Flattened vessel with decorated red, green,
and black iron-oxide spalshed glazes on a Shigaraki body
ca. 1960
Glazed stoneware
9 1/8x 8 7/8 x 4 5/8 in.
INV# 12186
SOLD
KAWASE HASUI (1883-1957)
Sanno no ame(ugo); After the Rain at Sannō
1938
Ōban tate-e
INV# 11140
SOLD
AJIKI HIRO (b.1948)
Octagonal faceted polychrome salt-glazed teabowl
2021
Salt-glazed stoneware (Enyū)
4 3/8 x 4 3/4 in.
INV# 12212
$ 3,950
TOKUSAWA MITSUNORI (b.1975)
Open conical, carved teabowl with ladle-poured Chōsen Karatsu glazes
2017
Glazed stoneware
2 3/4 x 6 1/4 x 6 1/8 in.
INV # 10357
$ 2,850
MATSUI KŌSEI (1927-2003)
Globular brush-rubbed neriage (marbleized) vase
ca. 1982
Marbleized stoneware
8 1/2 x 10 1/8 in.
INV # 11133
SOLD
MATSUI KŌSEI (1927-2003)
Small globular brush-rubbed neriage (marbleized) vase with rough surface
ca. 1980
Marbleized stoneware
3 7/8 x 5 3/8 in.
INV # 10783
SOLD
UTAGAWA TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
Furyū onna shikisanban; Fashionable Female Version of the Shikisanban Dance
1786
Ōban tate-e
INV# 11325
$ 18,000
MAEDA MASAHIRO (b.1948)
Hexagonal small covered jar with striped patterning
2021
Glazed porcelain
2 5/8 x 2 3/8 in.
INV# 12190
$ 1,580
KAWASE SHINOBU (b.1950)
Fluted kakuji chawan (fire-red celadon) teabowl, with slightly raised foot
2019
Glazed porcelaneous stoneware
2 3/4x 4 3/8 in.
INV# 12184
SOLD
KAWASE SHINOBU (b.1950)
Wide, round Enji (lychee-inspired blush red) teabowl with recessed foot
2019
Glazed porcelaneous stoneware
2 7/8 x 5 1/8 in.
INV# 12181
$ 8,500
KEISAI EISEN (1790-1848)
Tatsumi; Woman huddles beneath heavy futon quilt, from the series Jisei bijin kurabe; Comparisons of Present-day Beauties
ca. 1830-35
Ōban tate-e; extremely rare first printing
INV# 8097
$ 9,500
KITAŌJI ROSANJIN (1883-1959)
Dripping oribe-type glazed helmet-shaped bowl with hexagonal
patterns in iron oxide and swirling snail-shell design at the center
ca. 1935
Glazed stoneware
3 1/8 x 11 5/8 in.
INV# 12220
$ 38,000
KOBAYASHI KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)
Seasonal events and objects of the twelve months
ca. 1890
Twelve poem strips on silver-leaf two-fold screen
Ink and color on paper
Poem strips: 14 1/8 x 2 3/8 in. (each); Screen: 28 1/4 x 74 in.
INV# 4055
$ 11,800
URAGUCHI MASAYUKI (b.1964)
Craquelure celadon-glazed vase with a tall neck
and concentric-band patterning in silver overglaze
2019
Glazed stoneware
9 5/8 x 5 5/8 in.
INV# 11269
$ 6,500
KAWAI KANJIRŌ (1890-1966)
Covered diamond-shaped box, decorated with floral patterning in trailing slip
ca. 1952
Glazed stoneware
4 x 5 1/4 x 6 1/4 in.
INV# 11649
$ 22,000
TAMURA KŌICHI (1918-1987)
Rectangular lidded box with rounded corners, decorated with blossoming camellias
ca. 1985
Glazed stoneware
4 1/8 x 6 1/2 x 4 1/2 in.
INV# 12057
$ 8,500
UTAGAWA TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
Two courtesans with a young boy, carrying a bamboo branch holding auspicious items
ca. 1795
Aiban tate-e
INV# 8945
$ 11,800
IKEDA SHŌEN (1888-1917)
Young beauty with an umbrella as seen from behind
ca. 1910-15
Ink and color on silk; hanging scroll
45 x 12 1/2 in.
INV# 8217
SOLD
SUZUKI TETSU (b.1964)
Green-glazed almond-shaped mizusashi (water jar) with recessed black lacquer cover
2018
Glazed stoneware
6 7/8 x 6 1/4 x 5 1/2 in.
INV# 12207
SOLD
KATSUSHIKA HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Sesshū Tenmanbashi; Tenman Bridge in Settsu from the series,
Shokoku meikyō kiran; Remarkable Views of Famous Bridges in Various Provinces
ca. 1834
Ōban yoko-e
INV# 11335
$ 12,800
SETO TAKEMI (b.1958)
Wide mouthed sake cup with tenmoku oil-spot patterning
2021
Tenmoku-glazed stoneware
1 7/8 x 3 1/2 in.
INV# 12202
SOLD
SETO TAKEMI (b.1958)
Shallow, wide sake cup with tenmoku oil-spot patterning
2021
Tenmoku-glazed stoneware
1 3/8 x 4 1/4 in.
INV# 12203
SOLD
SETO TAKEMI (b.1958)
Shallow, broad sake cup with tenmoku oil-spot patterning
2021
Tenmoku-glazed stoneware
1 3/4 x 4 1/4 in.
INV# 12204
SOLD
YOSHIKAWA MASAMICHI (b.1946)
Kayō: ancient Chinese funerary-house-inspired sculpture with blueish-white seihakuji glaze
2021
Glazed porcelain
9 3/4 x 12 7/8 x 6 1/8 in.
INV# 12217
$ 7,500
YOSHIKAWA MASAMICHI (b.1946)
Kayō: Hand-built ancient Chinese house-inspired sculpture with bluish-white seihakuji-glaze
2021
Glazed porcelain with gold paint-filled firing cracks on base
10 1/2 x 11 1/8 x 7 1/8 in.
INV# 12216
$ 8,800
UTAGAWA KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Shijūroku no maki, Shiigamoto: Chapter 46, Beneath the Oak from the series, Genji gojūyojō; Fifty-four Sentimental Parodies of The Tale of Genji
1859, 1st month
Ōban tate-e diptych
INV# 8782
$ 1,350
FUKUMOTO FUKU (b. 1973)
Porcelain sculpture of two conjoined stacked bowls
2012
Glazed porcelain
3 7/8 x 10 5/8 inches
INV # 7674
SOLD
TAKEGOSHI JUN (b.1948)
Large rectangular, slightly-domed, lidded box decorated with summer flowers
2021
Porcelain with polychrome kutani enamel glazes
6 3/8 x 14 x 6 3/8 in.
INV# 12215
SOLD
OHARA KOSON (1877-1945)
Magnolia with Black-winged Magpie
1931
Ōban tate-e
INV# 8905
SOLD
YOSHIKAWA MASAMICHI (b.1946)
Kayō: Tall rectangular vessel with cross-hatched checkered sometsuke (blue-and-white) design
2021
Glazed porcelain
21 x 6 1/2 in.
INV# 12218
$ 8,450
YOSHIKAWA MASAMICHI (b.1946)
Kayō: Tall rectangular vessel with dotted sometsuke (blue-and-white) design
2021
Glazed porcelain
21 x 6 7/8 in.
INV# 12219
$ 8,450
KATSUSHIKA HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Kameido tenjin taikobashi; Drum Bridge at Kameido Tenjin Shrine from the series,
Shokoku meikyō kiran; Remarkable Views of Famous Bridges in Various Provinces
ca. 1834
Ōban yoko-e
INV# 11214
$ 28,500
KIKUGAWA EIZAN (1787-1867)
Tiger beneath Bamboo
ca. 1815
Kakemono-e
INV# 11303
SOLD
YAGI KAZUO (1918-1979)
Stamped-patterned flat standing sculptural vessel with double-piped mouths
1958
Unglazed stoneware
6 3/8 x 5 7/8 x 2 1/2 in.
INV# 12108
$ 22,500
TAKEMURA YURI (b.1980)
Wan “Higaminari”: Teabowl, “Rainless Thunder (Heat Lightning)”
2017
Glazed porcelain with gold leaf
3 1/2 x 4 3/4 x 4 7/8 in.
INV# 11551
SOLD
UTAGAWA KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Kawarazaki Gonjūrō I as Sano Genzaemon,
Untitled series of large-head portraits
1863, 9th month
Ōban tate-e
INV# 8936
$ 5,650
MATSUDA YURIKO (b.1943)
Spiked turban shell-shaped sculpture with gold polka-dotted design on interior
2021
Overglazed enamel porcelain
11 1/8 x 11 1/2 x 10 1/2 in.
INV# 12213
SOLD
MATSUDA YURIKO (b.1943)
Covered vessel in the shape of a wrapped box
2021
Overglazed enamel porcelain
6 5/8 x 8 1/4 x 7 5/8 in.
INV# 12214
$ 6,850
UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Meguro Chiyogaike; Chiyoga Pond in Meguro from the series, Meisho Edo hyakkei; 100 Famous Views of Edo
1856, 7th month
Deluxe ōban tate-e
INV# 9230
$ 17,500
SUZUKI TETSU (b.1964)
Gradated green-glazed eye-shaped vessel
2019
Glazed stoneware
12 7/8 x 13 x 6 1/2 in.
INV# 12205
$ 8,500
KONDŌ TAKAHIRO (b.1958)
Striped conical teabowl
2020
Glazed porcelain with "Silver Mist" overglaze
3 x 6 3/8 in.
INV# 12274
SOLD
OGAWA YOICHIRO (DŌ-KI) (1939-2002)
L'Attaque des renards; Attack of the Foxes
ca. 1984
Gouache on paper
8 x 11 5/8 in. (exclusive of frame)
17 1/2 x 21 in. (framed)
INV# 8198
$ 5,000
OGAWA YOICHIRO (DŌ-KI) (1939-2002)
Falling Plums
ca. 1984
Gouache on paper
8 x 11 3/4 in. (exclusive of frame)
13 1/4 x 16 1/2 in. (framed)
INV# 11801
$ 3,450
OGAWA YOICHIRO (DŌ-KI) (1939-2002)
Foxes at Play
ca. 1984
Gouache on paper
8 x 11 3/4 in. (exclusive of frame)
13 1/4 x 16 1/2 in. (framed)
INV# 11799
$ 3,450
OGAWA YOICHIRO (DŌ-KI) (1939-2002)
Mysterious Blooming
ca. 1980
Gouache on paper
8 x 11 3/4 in. (exclusive of frame)
13 1/4 x 16 1/2 in. (framed)
INV# 11803
$ 3,850
OGAWA YOICHIRO (DŌ-KI) (1939-2002)
The Energy of Creation
ca. 1987
Gouache on paper
8 x 11 3/4 in. (exclusive of frame)
13 1/4 x 16 1/2 in. (framed)
INV# 11802
$ 4,700
OGAWA YOICHIRO (DŌ-KI) (1939-2002)
Among the Vines
ca. 1984
Gouache on paper
8 x 11 3/4 in. (exclusive of frame)
13 1/4 x 16 1/2 in. (framed)
INV# 11804
$ 4,700
OGAWA YOICHIRO (DŌ-KI) (1939-2002)
Forces of Creation
ca. 1984
Gouache on paper
8 x 11 3/4 in. (exclusive of frame)
13 1/4 x 16 1/2 in. (framed)
INV# 11800
$ 4,700
KAMISAKA SEKKA (1866-1942)
Chō senrui; A Thousand Butterflies
1904
Complete two-volume set of accordion-style (orihon) albums
9 3/4 x 8 1/4 in.
INV# 8887
SOLD
NAKANO KIMEI (1834-1892)
Kōkō baihō sha; Depiction of a Hillside with White Plum Trees
ca. 1870-80
Ink, color and gold leaf on paper; Unusual size two-fold screen
41 3/4 x 66 3/8 in.
INV# 8611
$ 38,500
Kazari has long been in the Japanese lexicon and as a result, has accumulated many layers of rich meaning. Over a thousand years ago, it referred to decoration that epitomized elegance and sophistication among the elites. In the more modern Edo period, kazari suggested sensual delights that extended its influence to textiles, ukiyo-e, and even everyday objects. For our exhibition, kazari applies to a charmingly diverse set of artworks that encompass its many connotations.
In one sense, kazari can be characterized by the elements of delight and surprise. Delight can come from dazzling surface patterns, as seen on the distinctive works of iroe master Maeda Masahiro (b. 1948), or from unexpected asymmetry, found everywhere from Takiguchi Kazuo's (b. 1953) torn-mouth vessels to the enhanced perspective of Utagawa Hiroshige's iconic woodblock prints. And with kazari, there is always a playfulness, exemplified by Kitaōji Rosanjin (1883-1959) covering his vase in daubs of green glaze impishly applied with his fingers.
Kazari is further activated by the use and placement of such highly ornate objects – their context elevates them to a level beyond decoration. In the past, ceremonial and festival objects were intended to delight the deities; nowadays, the everyday rituals of drinking tea, for example, offers deeper meaning to the tenmoku-glazed teabowls of Seto Takemi (b. 1958) or the jewel-like teabowls of celadon master Kawase Shinobu (b. 1950). Both movement of and within the object or artwork conveys kazari, such as a rustling kimono sleeve depicted in the woodblock prints of Utagawa Kunisada and Keisai Eisen, or the fluttering sun umbrella held by a young beauty seen from behind, in a painting by Ikeda Shoen (1886-1917), who is just about to turn over her shoulder.
Most fittingly, this exhibition will be presented in the ultimate forum for enchanting, delicious display – in what was formerly Barney's New York department store. Through captivating colors, patterns, and forms, kazari can also signify pure presentation. Matsuda Yuriko's (b. 1943) boldly patterned, spiked seashell begs to be shown off. The large porcelain lidded box with kutani enamel glazes by Takegoshi Jun (b. 1948), with patterning wrapping around and inside, can command attention on any shelf. And the dramatically composed, lavishly gilded two-fold screen by Nakano Kimei (1834-92) not only reimagines classical themes of rinpa painting in a modern way but also undeniably changes the landscape of any room it is in.
Unlike the West, where 'decorative arts' are still categorized as subordinate to 'fine arts', the Japanese concept of aesthetics made no such hierarchical distinction for centuries. Kazari encompasses daily objects to festival objects, from ceremonial interiors to handheld bowls, and such decoration delighted the deities and the people alike. From April 1 to 10, Joan B Mirviss LTD will present KAZARI: Beyond Decoration at The Winter Show 2022's latest venue, 660 Madison Avenue. Our booth will be located on the main floor with a street-facing window.
Please stay in touch with us at 212-799-4021 or director@mirviss.com.