Yabu Meizan

History

Trained as a ceramic maker in Awaji and Tokyo; set up on his own account in Osaka in 1880 (p.242). Bought blanks, notably from the Chin Jukan factory (p.231). Used engraved copper plates to transfer outline designs, controlling quality and cost (pp.45–46). Work 'consistently of middle to high quality with the best pieces being of exceptional standard' (p.242). Awards: Paris 1889, Chicago 1893, Paris 1900, Hanoi 1902, Louisiana (St Louis) 1904, Portland 1905, Liège 1905, London 1910, Semarang 1914, San Francisco 1915 (p.242). The plain 'Meizan' mark was used by his adopted son Yabu Tsuneo after 1926 (p.242).

Marks & Signatures

'Yabu Meizan' / 'Meizan sei' in gilt; 'Dai Nihon, Meizan' (scarce, on exceptional pieces). Lawrence illustrates forgeries: look for flowing calligraphy, steady hand. A separate Morobayashi 'Meizan' and Kanazawa 'Meizan' exist; do not conflate.

Citations

dates

Lawrence 2011, p.242

history

Lawrence 2011, p.231, 242, 45–46

marks

Lawrence 2011, p.241–242, 226