Miyagawa Toranosuke

Place: Makuzugahara (Today Higashiyama-Ku) In Kyoto

Born: 1842

Death: 1916

Biography:

Miyagawa Toranosuke, also known as Miyagawa Kōzan, was a Japanese ceramist born in Makuzugahara (today Higashiyama-ku) in Kyoto, Japan in 1842. He was appointed artist to the Japanese Imperial household and was one of the major potters of the Meiji Era.

Early Life and Career

Miyagawa came from a long line of potters based in Kyoto. His father, Miyagawa Chōzō, had studied with Aoki Mokubei, a renowned artist. After Aoki's death, he set up at Makuzugahara, in the Gion district of Kyoto. The title Makuzu was given by Yasui no Miya, a Shingon monk; the artistic name Kōzan by Kachō no Miya of Chion-in. Miyagawa Toranosuke took over the family business in 1860, at the age of 18. He had studied with a local bunjinga artist, the future Taigadō IV of the Ike no Taiga line, from age nine. Initially, he made tea utensils, as his father had.

Notable Works and Exhibitions

Some of Miyagawa Toranosuke's notable works include Bowl with chrysanthemums, a porcelain piece that showcases his expertise in adapting gilded polychromatic enamel overglaze designs to appeal to Western consumers. His work can be found in various museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts (Gifu, Japan). Miyagawa Toranosuke's work was exhibited at several notable exhibitions, including the World's Fair and the National Industrial Exhibition. He won prizes at 51 exhibitions from 1876 to 1913. Key achievements of Miyagawa Toranosuke include:

• Appointed artist to the Japanese Imperial household
• One of the major potters of the Meiji Era
• Won prizes at 51 exhibitions, including the World's Fair and the National Industrial Exhibition

Legacy

Miyagawa Toranosuke's legacy can be seen in his contributions to Japanese ceramics. He was a pioneer in the development of modern Satsuma ware and played a significant role in promoting Japanese art and culture worldwide. For more information about Miyagawa Toranosuke and his work, visit: https://Wikioo.org/@/Miyagawa-Toranosuke. You can also learn more about the Museum of Fine Arts (Gifu, Japan) and its collection at https://Wikioo.org/Art.nsf/O/A@D3AR2V. Additionally, you can read more about Miyagawa Toranosuke on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makuzu_K%C5%8Dzan.