Page 412 - Catalogue of the Edward Morse collection of Japanese pottery MFA BOSTON

268 THE CATALOGUE
KENZAN (Case 31 and Plate XXI. 3765, 3766)
The work of Ogata Shinsho, or Kenzan, dates from the latter half of the seven-
teenth century to the early half of the eighteenth century. He died in 1743 at the
age of eighty-three. Kenzan made an enduring reputation as a potter and artist.
Korin, an elder brother, was equally famous, as attested by his lacquer-work and
paintings. In some instances he decorated his brother's pottery. (See Kenzan
;
MusASHi.) No signature has been so often forged as that of Kenzan ; and spurious
Kenzan may be found in every stock and in every collection, not excepting the one of
which this is a catalogue. Certain authorities state that there was only one genera-
tion of Kenzan ; other authorities record a son and a grandson who made the same
kinds of pottery and used the same signature. In Dr. Frank's catalogue, of his col-
lection lent to the Bethnal Green Museum (now in the British Museum), is recorded
a water-jar with the signature Kenzan Sandai Bunsei nensei. Here we have men-
tioned Kenzan third and the year period Bunsei (1818 to 1830). Ninagawa records
six generations of Kenzan, all, with the exception of the first, having lived in Yedo.
If this statement could be established many pieces signed Kenzan, though inferior to
the original Kenzan, might be regarded as genuine and referred to some of these
generations. I have found it impossible, however, to make these distinctions. Kenzan
had many pseudonyms. Among those attributed to him are Kenzan, Sansho, Shin-
sho, Ogata Sansho, Shinsaburo and Saburo, Shoko, Shuseido, Shisiu, Reikai, and
Toin.

37^^' Bowl. D. 6 in. Fawn clay, transparent underglaze, thick white overglaze. Close
spiral lines in dull blue. Saburo (imp.). 1680
An early mark of Kenzan.
3762. Deep cup. H. 3^ in. Gray-drab clay, grayish glaze, broad brush-marks
of white and light blue. Over-decoration of twigs and buds in brown. Inside, iTeT
similar decoration. Unsigned. 1690
37^3- Bowl. D. 4I in. Gray-drab clay, light gray underglaze, broad area of white glaze
upon which are flowers and grass in brown and blue. Kenzan (written). 1690
Type Ninagawa. Part IV., Fig. 29.
37^4- Tea-cloth holder. H. 2^^ in. Fine fawn clay and glaze. Over-decoration of
brown twigs and blossoms in white slip.
Kenzan (written). 1690
Type Ninagawa. Part IV., Fig. 25.
37^5- Box, irregular outline, corresponding to design
on cover. D. in. Fine fawn clay, rich light fawn
4f
glaze. On cover, picture of huts, water, boats, and
figures in dark and light brown and blue. Sides with
lattice design in blue. Inside, broad dashes of blue.
Kenzan (written). 1700 3764 3765
Type Ninagawa. Part IV., Fig. 24.
A remarkable example of Kenzan's work.