Cotton han-juban (short under kimono) with katazome (stencil resist dye), whose motif is a kind of "Seigaiha", the traditional wave pattern. It is hand spun cotton and vegetable indigo dye. The collar cloth is also hand-spun cotton dyed with sumi (ink). n good condition but has some parts fade in color. The second half of the 19th century. W:114cm, L:62cm

A fabulous example exploring the various traits of traditional Shigaraki pottery with a thick swath of glaze covering one side, telltale feldspathic inclusions bursting from the raw clay opposite. This is a classic example of 16th century Shigaraki pottery. It is 29 x 31 x 35 cm (11-1/2 x 12 x 14 inches) and in overall excellent condition...

A Kenzan style Chawan Tea Bowl decorated with blossoming plum bending over a golden rim by Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan enclosed in the original wooden box signed inside on the box floor by the aritst with an annotation inside the lid by Omotosenkei Iemoto Tea Master Seisai (1863-1937) reading Makuzu Yaki Chawan Ume-no-ga Ari (Makuzu Pottery Tea Bowl Decorated with Plum). It is 12.5 cm (5 inches) diameter, 7cm (3 inches) tall and in excellent condition...

A very rare early work by Shirakura Niho dating from the mid Taisho period clearly showing his early watercolor training under Ishii Hakutei signed with his first art name, Kinro. Light color on silk framed in patterned silk extended with classic beige and terminating in red lacquered wooden rollers. It is 45.5 x 107.5 cm (18 x 42-1/2 inches) and is in overall excellent original condition, enclosed in a modern wooden storage box...

A small pair of Japanese Imari porcelain bowls (or small, deep dishes) with Namban (or Nanban, Southern barbarian) subject bowls. Imari palette decoration in three reserves, each of a figure among blossoming karakusa, in the cavetto. The center with blue underglaze decoration of Shishi with auspicious objects. The verso also with decoration in blue underglaze of precious objects around the raised, glazed ring feet surrounding a recessed, unglazed band around glazed, further recessed center...

A small Japanese Arita kilns blue and white porcelain sauce dish, or mamezara, of mokko-gata form. Namban (or Nanban, Southern barbarian) decoration of a foreign figure, with dog, falconing in picturesque landscape. Painterly shironuki decoration in the cavetto of cranes flying among clouds. Edo period, Circa 1800. Good condition for its age, with two small chips inside the foot rim and a small glaze abrasion just above the foot rim. About 3 15/16 inches (10 cm) square.

A bag which is hand-plaited with indigo dye hemp string. It is carried on the back with various items. 19th to early 20th century. One string is cut. W:15cm, L:62cm

A glistening incense burner in the shape of a court cap by Eiraku Zengoro enclosed in the original signed wooden box dating from the 19th century. Gold designs gleam on the regal plum surface. It is 15cm×10.5cm,18cm (6 x 4 x 7-1/4 inches) and appears to be in perfect condition.
The Eiraku family is one of Japan’s most important and historically significant lines of pottery artists in Kyoto, tracing back to the 16th century...

Large bronze vase depicting an egret, in relief, on a perch in the center of a watercourse, surrounded by four swimming fish. The figure of the egret emerges from the vase with remarkable three-dimensionality and depth. Signature engraved under the base within a rectangular reserve. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 46.5 x 22 x 23 cm. State of conservation: Very good

A vase by Kiyomizu Rokubei V featuring auspicious calligraphic characters opposite a boy staring at the moon from atop his ox decorated by Domoto Insho enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 22 x 15 x 37 cm (9 x 6 x 14-1/2 inches) and is in excellent condition.
Kiyomizu Rokubei V (Shimizu Kuritaro, 1875-1959) initially studied painting and decorating technique under Kono Bairei, one of the foremost painters in Japan in the Meiji era...

Rice bag made of fragments of hand-spun cotton with stripes, checks and katazome (stencil-resist-dye), all vegetable indigo and brown dye. The cord is hemp. The square cloth in the bottom is fine and beautiful katazome with "two cranes facing" motif. Kome-bukuro was used when people dedicated rice to temples or shrines. In excellent condition except for a few holes and mending patches. The latter half of the 19th to early 20th century. W:57cm, H:28cm, Bottom:30cm x 28cm.

A classic bun-shaped Koro incense burner by Miyagawa Chozo pierced with Incense-clock-patterns enclosed in the rare original signed wooden box. It is 8.8 cm diameter, 7.5cm tall and is in excellent condition. The box contains a hand written note in old Japanese describing the origins of Makuzu-ware.
Miyagawa Chozo (1797-1860), also known as Chobei was born a direct descendant of Chokansai and would be the father to Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan I (1842-1916)...

Table screen composed of four cloisonné panels worked in the ginbari technique with translucent enamels on a red background decorated with polychrome irises. The red background provides a contrast for the polychrome irises, which represent the rebirth and beauty of nature. On the back of the screen the swallows are engraved on silver metal. Origin: Japan Period: Taisho-Showa 1920 ca. Dimensions: 18 x 33 x 0.3 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Rice bag made of hand-spun and vegetable indigo dye cotton fragments which are kasuri, katazome (stencil-resist dye) stripes etc. It was used when people dedicated rice or other grains to temples or shrines. It has beautiful fine katazome cotton cloth for lining. In good condition but string in the hem is damaged and cord for binding is lost. 19th to early 20th century. W:37cm, H:27.5cm

Two Kome-bukuro (rice bag) made of cotton fragments which are hand-spun and vegetable indigo dye. They are stripes, kasuri and fine katazome (stencil-resist dye). Both have writing with sumi, Echizenya, the shop's name and "Hane" which is located in Shimane prefecture facing to the Japan Sea. Kome-bukuro was used when people dedicated rice or grains to temples or shrines. Both are in excellent condition, bags and strings. 19th to early 20th century. Large one:31cm x 27cm, Small one:23cm x 27cm

A rare late Edo Period (19th cent) Shishi Lion Foo Dog Statue made of iron rich Bizen clay, wood fired in an Anagama kiln.

Shishi (or Jishi) is translated as "lion” but it can also refer to a deer or dog with magical properties and the power to repel evil spirits...

The deity is represented seated surrounded by his multiple arms holding various attributes. Excellent quality of sculpture, on its skull multiple small heads (10+1) pegged, pretty draping, beautiful facial expression, the eyes and the third frontal eye in glass or rock crystal. Thick, solid lacquer, beautiful gilding. Avalokitesvara wears all her jewelry. Complete set with its glory and its original base...

No two faces are the same on this incredible Toyoraku ceramic stacking box covered in gold and silver Maki-e lacquer dating from the 19th century. Inside is typical Oribe style green over crackled cream colored glaze with floral designs in iron. Outside lightning strikes in silver separate the multitude of intense lattice designs in fine gold lines on black lacquer. Stacked they are 15 x 13 x 17 cm, each vessel 15 x 13 x 4.5cm tall, and in excellent condition...