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Lot Essay
This ornamental vase represents a special association between two artists of East and West who must have come together at the Exposition Universelle, Paris, May to October, 1889. The maker, Kinkozan Sobei VI of Kyoto, was awarded a silver medal for his ceramic entries. On one side of the vase in a reserve in the shape of a Japanese hanging scroll is a dedication in French from Kinkozan to his friend Jean Lorrain (1855-1906), suggesting that the two met in the course of the 1889 fair. Poet, author of explicit novels and conspicuous disciple of dandyism, Lorrain was acquainted with "le tout Paris," among them Edmond de Goncourt, Sarah Bernhardt and other celebrities of his day. There are photographs of Lorrain in his salon surrounded by bibelots and ceramics, such as the vase here.
It is not clear what Kinkozan means by the words "A Logé" in his dedication. Perhaps they refer to Les Loges, a village in Normandy near the birthplace of Lorrain, or they may have a vaguer meaning of "at home." The opposite side of the vase shows a tea hut, arranged as if the host is expecting a guest. At one edge of the garden is a small signpost inscribed "Kinkozan," suggesting this is his garden to which he is inviting Jean Lorrain. The borders are crammed with lush flowers and the inscription panel shows elaborate displays of scrolls, urns and tea wares for the pleasure of the visiting friend.
Kinkozan Sobei returned to Paris, presumably with this vase, to the landmark Exposition Universelle, April to November, 1900, where he won both gold and silver medals.
It is not clear what Kinkozan means by the words "A Logé" in his dedication. Perhaps they refer to Les Loges, a village in Normandy near the birthplace of Lorrain, or they may have a vaguer meaning of "at home." The opposite side of the vase shows a tea hut, arranged as if the host is expecting a guest. At one edge of the garden is a small signpost inscribed "Kinkozan," suggesting this is his garden to which he is inviting Jean Lorrain. The borders are crammed with lush flowers and the inscription panel shows elaborate displays of scrolls, urns and tea wares for the pleasure of the visiting friend.
Kinkozan Sobei returned to Paris, presumably with this vase, to the landmark Exposition Universelle, April to November, 1900, where he won both gold and silver medals.