WARES OF KYŌTŌ
valued Chinese "rouge vif" of the Yung-lo period (1403–1425), and the Japanese potter succeeded in producing a colour little, if at all, inferior to the best examples of the original. In fact, his coral red glaze, lustrous and at the same time exquisitely soft, with its wealth of golden decoration and reserved medallions containing pictures in brilliant blue sous couverte, must be classed among the keramic masterpieces, not of Japan alone, but of the whole world. These terms, Kinrande (scarlet-and-gold-brocade style), and Akaji-kinga (golden designs on a red ground), are descriptive. The term Eiraku was suggested by the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese period-name Yung-lo. The Chief of Kiushū also bestowed upon Zengoro another seal inscribed with the ideographs Kahin Shi-riu (vide Plates of Marks). This the potter appears to have used to mark his choicest pieces only; a distinction which accords with the material of which the two seals were made, that bearing the characters Eiraku being of silver, and that bearing the characters Kahin Shi-riu of gold. He has left a brief account, written by himself, of his visit to the Prince of Kishū. It runs thus: "In October of the tenth year of Bunsei (1827), Kinkosai Sōsa being charged with the management of affairs relating to the Kii Court, had the honour of an audience with the Prince in the grand salon of Nishihama Palace. On that occasion I, Nishimura Hōzen, was permitted to be present, at the Prince's command, and had lodgings assigned to me in the Riuin-tei. During my sojourn in the capital (Wakayama) I was treated with the most gracious consideration. A kiln was built for my use in the Park, and workmen placed at my disposal. In addition to many marks of signal favour, a gold seal,
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