The Poet Kakinomoto In Celadon Porcelain By Kamesuke. Hyogo Region, Japan, Circa 1800.

Hard-paste porcelain covered with white, brown, and celadon green glaze. The face and hands are covered with what is likely an ash glaze. This is a depiction of the famous poet Kokinomoto no Hitomaro, sculpted and molded by Kinkodo Kamesuke (1765-1837). Kamesuke worked in Kyoto at the end of the 18th century. Around 1800, he was summoned to Settsu (Hyogo) to create celadon porcelain in the Sanda kilns, a technique he had mastered. However, opinions differ; for example, the Royal Ontario Museum, which houses an identical Kakinomoto in its collection, believes that Kamesuke created his celadons in Fushimi, a suburb of Kyoto. We do not know how many examples were produced. The one we are presenting is in remarkable condition. The mustache is missing, and the head has a break at the neck, but this is completely invisible as it is located at the point where it joins the neck. We believe these pieces were molded and then finished with a chisel, as they are similar. The shades of orange are due to iron oxide impurities in the porcelain. Japan, between 1800 and 1830. 265 x 222 mm