(Kutani) Yamamoto Choza - Master Craftsman by appointment to his Imperial
Majesty Emperor Heisei  |
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| Choza's hand painted designs display the spectrum of Ai Kutani (Kutani
blue) |
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| Profile of Yamamoto Choza June 1990 - Commissioned by the Imperial Household Agency to produce dishes bearing the Imperial crest for the use of their majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan. Oct. 1990 - Created 7 chrysanthemum design lacquerware and porcelain pieces for use in Coronation ceremonies. Jan. 1991 - Created dishes bearing the Imperial crest for the occasion of the Investiture of the Prince. Apr. 1991 - Commissioned by the Imperial Household Agency to produce 11 Japanese style dishes for ceremonial purposes. Feb.1992 - Produced candy bowls to commemorate the birth of Princess Mako, daughter of Prince Akishinomiya. May 1993 - Produced hors d’oeuvres dishes to commemorate the marriage of the Crown Prince to Princess Masako. Oct.1993 - Created dishes bearing the Imperial crest for the use of Princess Masako. June 1995 - Produced candy bowls to commemorate the birth of Princess Kako, daughter of Prince Akishinomiya. Oct. 2000 - Commissioned by the Japanese government to produce an ornamental porcelain plate commemorating the 125th anniversary of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures’ metric treaty. 2000- present Receiving annual commissions from the Imperial Household Agency. |
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| Choza, the specialist painter, comes from a line of porcelain makers. His
father hand throws porcelain pieces at their workshop, Myosen kobo. Choza's
pieces make use of classical imagery to convey modern messages - the overall
themes in his work being familial happiness, health and prosperity. His
work makes excellent commemorative pieces for weddings and other auspicious
occasions. When Emperor Heisei was crowned in 1990, the tradition of serving French cuisine was replaced by Japanese cuisine. The search began to find tableware best suited to serve this occasion. In the face of stiff competition, especially with Fukagawa Seiji of Arita, Choza's chrysanthemum designs proved superior and he was honored with the commission. |
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