Yabu Meizan (1853–1934) was a prominent Japanese ceramicist and artist of the Meiji period, known for his refined works in the Satsuma style rather than for his direct production of the traditional Kutani style. He is rightfully considered one of the greatest masters of Japanese porcelain painting. His works are distinguished by incredibly detailed, microscopic painting and the highest quality glaze, often impossible to appreciate without a magnifying glass.
 
The theme of the "36 Immortal Poets" (Sanjurokkasen) was one of the most prestigious and complex in his repertoire.
Features of the "36 Poets" series.
In these pieces, Meizan depicted a group of outstanding Japanese poets of the Heian period.
Miniature: On a vase only 10-15 cm high, he managed to accommodate all 36 characters, each with individual facial features and a unique kimono pattern.
Exellent Condition, there is some darkening of the inner bottom.
Includes the original box.

Diameter: 11,9 cm, Height: 8,5 cm.
This bowl is practical for tea ceremonies and looks stunning on display as a rare collector's item.
 
Key Facts:
Style: Meizan worked in the Satsuma style, characterized by a creamy, crackled glaze (crackle) and rich gold and enamel painting.
Highlights of His Work: His Osaka studio created vases, tea sets, and decorative objects with incredibly finely rendered scenes of life, landscapes, and flora, often requiring the use of a magnifying glass to appreciate the details.
Recognition: Yabu Meizan was one of the most renowned exporters of high-quality Japanese ceramics to the West, participating in world exhibitions.
Although the term "Kutani" is often associated with Japanese colored porcelain from Ishikawa Prefecture, the name Meizan is known specifically in the context of the highly artistic ceramics of the Meiji period.
 
The theme of the "36 Immortal Poets" (Sanjūrokkasen) is one of the classic subjects in his work.
Features of Subject Matter in Meizan's Works
Miniaturization: Meizan was renowned for his ability to depict dozens and even hundreds of figures on small objects (vases, bowls, plates).
Calligraphy: The paintings are often complemented by microscopic texts of waka poems by these poets.
Materials: The artist used ivory-colored earthenware with a characteristic fine craquelure (a network of cracks), and the painting was done with enamel and gold in the kinranze style.
Who are the "36 Immortal Poets"?
This is a canonical list of outstanding Japanese poets of the Asuka, Nara, and Heian periods, compiled in the 11th century by the scholar Fujiwara no Kinto. It includes:
Men and women: For example, the famous poetesses Ono no Komachi and Ise.
Monks and aristocrats: Among them, Kakinomoto no Hitomaro and Ki no Tsurayuki.
Yabu Meizan's works featuring this theme are now rare collector's items and are housed in major museums around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum.