Baisao wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17, 2019 8:33 pm
This seal means “Jozan Kiln”, so it is possible it is II or III. The lid looks like it doesn’t fit well which sways me from Jozan III since all the pieces I have and have seen have lids that fit perfectly. I read something a while back that stated Jozan III had developed a method for firing the lids so they fit perfectly (ergo, this method would not have been used by I &II).
What makes you think it is Jozan II instead of Jozan III?
Do you have the tomobaku?
Yes, I also thought for a few years this was a Jozan III set, but then slowly studying Jozan family generational pieces I became convinced it was more likely Jozan II (Makoto). The finely detailed calligraphy and engraved figures, the style of kyusu, the seal, the clay and finish all are more like Jozan II. Jozan III is overall more 20thc modern stylistically. I then asked my source in Tokoname, who knows the Yamada family and kiln, and she confirmed the shape and carving is most likely Jozan II.
The lid is actually nice and tight, in the photos it looks looser than it is. The lid skirt has a snug fit to kyusu so it’s tight, but it is not as crisp as the Jozan III that I have. The lid skirt has an elegant slight incline that raises the lid exactly 1ml all around, that’s the gap in photos. What you say about lids though makes a lot of sense. The seal was commonly used by Jozan II. I didn’t come with a Tomobako (wooden box) or Ukon-fu (yellow cloth).
From
Tokoname.jp regarding calligraphy and engravings;
Jozan YAMADA II : Mr. Makoto YAMADA (1897-1961)
The real name is Makoto. He learned how to throw by wheel from his father and how to engrave from Mr. Kashu YOSHIWARA.
He learned painting from Mr. Kinji YOSHIDA (artist name : Ichi-ha) who was a principal of Tokoname Town Ceramic School
and he took his name of Ni-ha. From around Taisho period, he changed his name to "Ko-Jozan", after death of his father,
he renamed to "Jozan II" and he made many teapots by using his traditional skills. His works also had carvings which
were made by famous calligraphers or painters.