Tags
Today we want to post about a table maker from Japan by the name of Katsuragi Kouzan. He was a tropical wood craftsman who was active from the Taisho Period (July 30, 1912 to December 25, 1926) to Showa December 25, 1926, through January 7, 1989). The dividing-block design and openwork designs were his original.
The tables made by Shirai Junazn and Kaneko Kazuhiko with these designs were made using the techniques developed by Kouzan. He produced many tables for many of the major bonsai gardens at the time, such as Kofu-En, Koju-En, Kyuka-En, Seiraku-En, and Shochiku-En. His fine work of small shelves also remain today.
Katsuragi Kouzan (34 x 34 x 13.5 cm)
We love his touch of adding the rails to the stand. This is a nice decorative touch and we believe it also adds stability to the stand structure. Something some of our newer stand designers could learn from.
A beautifully constructed table for the display of high quality pots or small stones. A big thank you to Frank for providing the photos and I know his outstanding collection of Yusen pots will be perfectly displayed on this historic stand.The table is made of rosewood with three shelf areas. The second shelf is 20 cm in length.
Katsuragi Kouzan (34 x 34 x 13.5 cm)
Katsuagi Kouzan Artist mark
Originally the artist carved his signature into the bottom of the stand; however, he began to attach a boxwood inscription to it. We very much like this later approach.
Our next post will discuss other stand makers from this early area of beautifully crafted stands for bonsai and suiseki. I think you would agree having this historic stand in one’s personal collection is something to be admired. I know we do. Thanks Frank for sharing it.
Sam & KJ's Suiseki Blog (水石) 