One of the most popular and famous of the potters who made Satsuma style pottery was Makuzu Kozan. Born in 1842, Kozan was one of the Kyoto pottery experts who made the Satsuma style famous around the world and his works are still considered to be of the finest quality.
Although he was not one of the original potters from the initial Satsuma kilns, his artistic stylings and craftsmanship have made his pieces very
However, his skills in painting that were learnt from the age of 9 onwards took him in that direction. The story goes, that the young Kozan was asked to create a pot for washing brushes by his painting master, Giryo.
When Kozan carved an intricate dragon pattern that would only show when the dark inky water seeped into the carved areas, his father was so impressed that he took the pot and fired and glazed it himself, then taking Kozan into producing more pieces.
His expert skills and techniques soon lead to orders for his work from the Imperial Court and other notable local people
An example of the Kozan marking.It has been said that, although Kozan was from a more modern time, he strived to created pieces that were in the stylings of older Satsumaware.
This may also lead us to the reason why some of his works are not marked at all, possibly trying to make them look more antique and more like "old Satsuma".
These pieces are often referred to as "Ota Ware" or "Makuzuyaki" and lead some collectors in the west of noting him as a maker of forgeries
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 Japanese Imari Kutani Satsuma MAKUZU KOZAN Porcelain Dragons Vase Censer $9,500.00 |
 Japanese Satsuma Kozan Oval Footed Covered Vase $650.00 |
 Rare Satsuma Important Triple Signed Gold Gilt Masterpiece Imperial Vase LOOK $825.00 |
 Fine Japanese Meiji Satsuma Bowl by Kozan $599.00 |
 19th Century Japanese Satsuma Pottery Kozan Vase Converted Table $795.00 |
 3 Kozan Signed Satsuma Miniature Vases Meiji Antique Japan Pottery Ceramic $1,995.00 |
 Rare Old Antique Kozan Satsuma Pitcher Jug Iris Birds Meiji Gilded Signed 7 VGC $39.95 |
 Kozan Signed Satsuma Wisteria Miniature Vase Meiji Antique Japan Pottery Ceramic $595.00 |
 Old Signed Japanese Satsuma Miniature Pottery Vase Kinkozan Kozan PT $495.00 |
 Japanese Meiji Tripod Satsuma Brush Pot By Kozan $299.00 |
 Antique Japanese Satsuma Ware Vase Shimazu Kozan Gieshas River Mountains £82.51 |
 Antique Japanese Meiji Satsuma Vase by KOZAN 22cm Tall Meiji period 1868 1912 £391.92 |
5 replies on “Satsuma Pottery By Makuzu Kozan”
I found a beautiful Lobster Satsuma Bowl and it has a gold foil mark I can figure out. I tried (often use) Gotheborg and love your blogs….but I have not seen this mark reference.
Hello, I am in need of assistance regarding the marks on a set of Japanese porcelain items. Your help is much appreciated.
I would like to know if this one is a genuine Kozan. thanks a lot, best regards. Ash
Hi is this genuine if so what is it ? Cheers Ian
The two marks you show are not those of Makuzu Kozan, but rather Kōzan of Kyoto, who made highly detailed and heavily gilded wares. Much scholarship has gone into the marks used by the great man himself and by his kilns, notably that by Mr. Seki in Kyoto and, of course, Louis Lawrence and Gisela Jahn. Perhaps a quick consult with one of their books this topic might be of use.