Antique Japanese Celadon by Imperial Artist Suwa Sozan I, Extremely Rare Find

This is a rare original Suwa Sozan I (1st generation) celadon tea bowl in his signature luminous pale blue glaze. The interior features an underglaze watermark of the character [花] ("flower") at the center. Estimated production is between 1910 and 1917 or shortly thereafter. The bowl comes in its original wood box with a signed lid bearing the seal "Teishitsu Gigei'in" [帝室技芸員], or the title of Imperial Household Artisan, one of Japan’s highest honors for artistic professionals and traditional craft artisans.

Examples of Sozan’s works are held in varoius prestigious collections including the Tokyo National Museum, National Museums Scotland and the British Museum. His pieces frequently appear at major auctions like Bonham's, Christie's, and Zacke. This bowl is in excellent condition with no signs of wear. Includes original dust bag, towel, and box; the wrapping cord is frayed but functional.

Provenance: Private family collection. Administratorship documents available.