SUWA SOZAN I: A FINE CELADON-GLAZED STUDIO PORCELAIN OKIMONO OF KANNON By Suwa Sozan I (1851-1922), sealed Sozan Japan, early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Finely modeled and sensitively engraved, depicting the Goddess of Mercy Kannon (Guanyin) seated with one leg folded underneath, her hands resting on her raised knee holding a scroll. The robes and hair ornaments covered in a thick celadon glaze; her skin left unglazed exposing the fine white bisque. Stamped to one side with the artist’s seal SOZAN. HEIGHT 15.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and minimal firing irregularities with a single firing crack to the back of the neck. Provenance: Collection of James and Christine Heusinger. James and Christine Heusinger started collecting Japanese art in the late 1970s. James and Chirstine worked for a travel agency until James became a prominent carpenter, whose company renovated the office of US Vice President Dick Cheney’s office. His collection began with a modest piece by Seifu Yohei III, and expanded into over 100 pieces. They donated the majority of their pieces to the Cleveland Museum of Art, University Hospitals of Cleveland, and Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo. With a fitted tomobako box inscribed to the hakogaki by the artist: 青磁、観音、置物。蘇山Seal 蘇山 "Seiji, kannon, okimono, Sozan with the seal Sozan" [Okimono of Kannon Bosatsu, in blue celadon, by Sozan with the seal Sozan] Auction comparison: Compare a related white porcelain okimono of Kannon by Makuzu Kozan at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 19 September 2000, New York, lot 127 (sold for USD 2,820).