Blue Bizen Chrysanthemum Incense Burner

This is an Ao-Bizen (blue Bizen) chrysanthemum incense burner by the second generation Fujiwara Rakuzan, a master craftsman who was born as the third son of the renowned first generation Fujiwara Rakuzan and created numerous masterpieces. The potter's mark on the base is the "heavy fan" (jūsen) design, suggesting this piece dates back to a relatively early period in Rakuzan's career, before his later years. Despite this, the brilliance of the craftsmanship and the intricacy of the detail are outstanding, demonstrating that he had already reached the level of a master even in his youth. The workmanship of the lid, the centerpiece of the chrysanthemum incense burner, is particularly breathtaking; the soft texture of the drooping chrysanthemum leaves and the uniform, perforated chrysanthemum flowers—which look as if they were pressed by a modern machine—are nothing short of magnificent. The pale gray surface, created using a salt kiln—a rarity in Bizen ware—complements the precise and dignified craftsmanship perfectly. (*Previously used for burning incense) Dealer's box (two-way cross-bracing)
Diameter including handles 18.8cm × Diameter 13.5cm × Height including lid 11.7cm The second generation Fujiwara Rakuzan was born as the third son of the master craftsman, the first generation Fujiwara Rakuzan. He studied pottery techniques under his father from an early age, and in 1930, following his father's death, he succeeded to the name Rakuzan II. Renowned as the "Rakuzan of tea bowls and incense burners," he was certified as a National Technical Artisan in 1948 and became an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holder in 1954. He also received the Okayama Nichinichi Shimbun Art and Culture Merit Award and the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Sixth Class. He passed away on September 3, 1996.