Nissha Printing Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “Nissha”) performs activity for the purpose of "promotion and support of arts and culture" advocating in the Basic Social Contribution Policy. As the part、Nissha is a cosponsor of the exhibition “Miyagawa Kozan Retrospective” in SUNTORY MUSEUM of ART from February 24 to April 17, 2016.

Miyagawa Kozan (original name Miyagawa Toranosuke, 1842-1916), a leading potter of the Meiji (1868-1912) and Taisho (1912-1926) periods, was born in Kyoto to a potter’s family in 1842.
His most significant achievement was the development of a new decorative technique called taka-ukibori (sculptural relief), in which he decorated the surface of the ware with realistic, three-dimensional high reliefs and sculptures. It produced a world so meticulous and original that it could overturn the common concept of decoration on Japanese ceramics.
In 1896, Kozan was appointed as Artist to the Imperial Household, the second artist to be appointed in the field of ceramics, and his works, known as “Makuzu-yaki (Makuzu ware)”, won world-wide acclaim. The popularity can be surmised from the fact that world-renowned museums, including the British Museum, have Kozan’s works in their collections.
Commemorating the centennial anniversary after his death in 2016, this exhibition introduces the overall aspect of Miyagawa Kozan, the transcendent genius, along with his fascinating works. Most of the displayed works were selected from the Tetsundo Tanabe collection. Mr. Tanabe has long been studying Kozan while collecting his works which have been scattered all over the world. We are grateful to have this opportunity to show the variegated works of Kozan all at once. Please enjoy the powerful effect of the taka-ukibori decoration as well as the mesmerizing translucency and grace of the celadons and wares with underglaze decoration.

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