Cake plate with plum design
early 18th century
Ogata Kenzan is a renowned Edo period artist in the field of ceramics and painting. After studying under the direction of Kyoto ware (Kyo-yaki) master Nonomura Ninsei-whose tea powder container is on display nearby-Kenzan built his kiln in 1699 at Narutaki in Kyoto.
A square shaped plate is his favored form, a unique style only found in Kenzan's and his successors' work, probably made as a set of ten or twenty. Bamboo, peony and wild orchid designs are depicted, along with poetry drawn as though on paper, an expression of his rich calligraphy, painting and ceramic techniques. It is thought that Kenzan was inspired by his older brother Ogata Korin, a famous Rimpa painter, and that they sometimes worked together on Kenzan's plates.
Ceramic with iron oxide and clear glazes
7/8 x 5 3/4 in. (2.22 x 14.61 cm)
L.: 5 3/4 in.
Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection
36.56
Provenance: Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 1936
