Porcelain ewer from the Kyushu Arita oven second part of the 17th century. We only know a few identical models, one, with its lid, is kept in the British museum, another is housed in Tokyo at the Idemitsu Museum and happens to be one of the major pieces of the collection, finally a last one, damaged and without a lid, was sold by Sothebys London on June 1, 1981. To our knowledge there are no others...

Large, impressive and rare describe this beautifully painted late 19th century Imari hexagonal lantern. 46" in height.

Condition: Excellent

With a height of 32 inches, this is a rare and impressive example of early 19th century Imari ware. Both the vase and stand are finely decorated in shades of blue, gold and orange.

Condition is excellent.

Japanese porcelain soup tureen whose shape is inspired by European goldsmith pieces. On the sides two heads of modeled Buddhist lions and on the lid a crown. Simple decor of phoenixes, flowers, plants and waves in the color palette of the Imari style. An old collector's label indicated that this tureen was part of the service of Augustus the Strong. Probably verifiable statement for motivated collectors...

Perfume fountain in porcelain Imari kinrandé mounted in gilt bronze from the same set of porcelain. The cup and the bowl form the base, the pot covers the perfume container.
Blue under-cover decoration with gold highlights of interlacing lotus flowers. On each of the ceramic pieces, two four-lobed spaces and sides with floral motifs (pine, yellow and red lycoris, carnation, phlox moss, bamboo) and two foxes. Top of the pot with a chrysanthemum pattern...

Exceedingly rare and very large Japanese Meiji Period Imari Porcelain Vases Adapted as Lamps. These great vases are one of a kind, not to be seen or found again. Gorgeous, rich, colorful glazes featuring flowers and birds with a charming fence design, all featured on a translucent white glaze. Height: 41 inches, 104 cm.

A very rare 17th century model of an actor, 14" in height. Over a blue underglaze, it is enameled in black, iron-red, green and blue, the red and white robe nicely decorated in a pattern of thistles

Provenance: Christie's Lot 341, March 1987

Condition: Minor wear and a few rough spots. Detailed photographs will be provided upon request to one seriously interested in the piece. detailed photograph will be A slight rough spot

Exceptional tripod censer in hard porcelain with a polylobed shape. The censer in the shape of a flattened melon with twelve slices, each decorated with a dragon painted on top in green, manganese and yellow enamels. Below Makuzu Kozan has chiseled his signature in relief which is very important, in fact it is much more complicated to chisel in relief than in hollow...

Small octagonal hard porcelain vase. Decor enamelled with a landscape fenced with hedges of dry branches, there are a prunus, a pine and on the ground young bamboo shoots which would signify the symbolic presence of the "three friends", on the collar is represented a Ho-ho (phoenix) which in Japan symbolizes the Empress. Some details are gold. The style is kakiemon but this small vase is atypical. It is difficult to date and also to locate with precision...

Tokkuri (alccol bottle) made of hard porcelain. Mikawachi kilns. Japan early 19th century. The bottle has an unusually elegant, typically Japanese shape, it was created for the Japanese market and not for export. The porcelain, immaculately white, has a very fine grain similar to that of marble, which is typical of Hirado clay. A lake landscape decor subtly drowned in mist is painted in a luminous cobalt blue...

A very rare well-potted and painted 8.25" Ko-Imari model of a standing boy reaching into an urn. The boy's face is painted with black hair and features a gilt head band. Both his robe and the urn are painted in blue, orange and iron red.

Condition: Excellent, with no chips, hairlines or repairs.

Purchased through Christie's a good number of years ago, this is a very rare Ko-Imari porcelain figure circa 1640. Decorated in iron-red, green, gold and black enamel, the seated official measures 7.5"x6"x2".

Condition: Excellent, with only minor wear to enamel and one almost undetectibly small old chip to the edge of the base.

Pink and blue iris blossom among the green promise of Spring promised on this elegant vase by Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan enclosed in a wooden box annotated by the current head of the Makuzu Family in Kyoto, Makuzu Kosai. It is titled Yukasai Shobu no zu Kabin. It is 30.7 cm (12 inches) tall and in excellent condition...

Hard porcelain dish decorated in underglaze cobalt blue. The scene represents a pavilion in a garden raised on the edge of a lake, several characters animate it. Probably scholars. The designs are artistically stylized in a very Japanese spirit. In the sky the clouds are drawn in a style typical of this period. The edge is glazed in brown. On the reverse appears the mark "Fuku". The quality is excellent, the blue is bright, the designs precise and the firing perfect...

A massive imari vase with decoration of the Genroku era of bijin (a beauty) and hana (flowers) on two opposing panels alternating with two more opposing panels of a structure (tea house?) in garden landscape - all in red, gold and black enamels with blue underglaze. Similar landscape decorated panels appear on the shoulder over a ground of hanabishi (flowery diamond) in repeating diamond bordered pattern. The hanabishi (sometimes also referred to as karabana, or 'Chinese flower') could be repres...

White porcelain dish decorated with underglaze cobalt blue and colored enamels in the Kakiémon style. Japanese work from the end of the 17th century around 1700. It seems to be a creation of the Arita kilns rather than those of Kakiemon because the blue is underglaze. But the exceptional quality begs the question. We know of only one example of porcelain bearing an absolutely identical decoration, it is a small bowl housed in the Baur museum in Geneva. Underside typical Fuku mark. Diameter: 232...

Japanese Satsuma ware footed vase with lobed mouth and squat lobed form, elaborately decorated all over with textile-like patterns in raised gold and colorful over glaze, five reserves with alternating scenes depicting Buddhist saints and samurai, exquisite details down to the individual features of each figure, Meiji Period c1900, a cartouche inscription on the bottom written Satsuma. The style of the calligraphy and the decoration appears similar to ones produced by Hotoda. Beautiful cond...

Antique Japanese studio ware porcelain vase, carved all over with a raised design of a dragon in swirling clouds over churning waves. The clouds are covered with a glaze that gradates from a deep blue at the top to a light blue where they meet the waves. Both the dragon and the waves are kept white with a very pale light pink glaze on the dragon's flames. A band of repeating lingzhi pattern in blue underglaze encircles the rim and foot of the vase. A four character signature on the bottom h...

From our Japanese Collection, a truly spectacular, massive, and published pair of imari double gourd vases, late Edo to early Meiji Period circa 1855 -1875, executed in the typical imari palette of iron-red, blue, orange, and gilt, with birds and dragons set against the "Three Friends of Winter" design of pine, prunus, and bamboo.

The double gourd shape is a very desirable form for imari collectors, but rarely is it encountered in such monumental proportions like this massive pair. Typica...

Antique Japanese satsuma urn with a gorgeous deep blue and gold glaze, with two Komainu (also known as lion dogs) serving as handles, a lid with a third Komainu, growling and with his front paw resting upon a xiù qiú ball. The lid and top portion of the urn are adorned in beautiful golden and white roses, and its front and backside depict beautiful scenery of the ocean behind many brightly clothed characters. The urn sits upon three feet shaped like lion's paws with blue and gold glaze, signed...

Fantastic antique Japanese Kutani ware sculpture of one of the fortune deities known as Hotei. The figure is carrying a child who is trying to clean the ears of Hotei. Hotei is interestingly dressed with motifs of dragons and scrolling clouds, inspired by Chinese brocades. The different symbols used on the figure are associated with the auspicious character of the deity. Age: Taisho Period c1912 Size: Length 5" Width 4" Height 10.5"

Very rare and extremely large Japanese Blue and White Kutani Porcelain Sculpture of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. High quality porcelain with beautiful blue glazing. It has very dynamically painted phoenix and other images beautifully painted as part of a fine composition. She is presented in a spiritual and graceful pose. Her face has a beautiful serenity filled with compassion. A beautiful work of art from all angles. Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, hairlines, or ...

Large hard porcelain bowl from Arita Japan early 18th century. Decorated in underglaze cobalt blue and enamels with three cartouches containing a Buddhist lion (shishi), a carp and cranes on a background of peonies and scrolls. Gold detail. These large bowls are typical of the Imari style highly prized by European royal courts and were present in all palaces. The one presented here has lost its lid, the collector who owns one will be able to adapt it perfectly because the sizes are standard. The...

Japanese Genroku Period Imari Tokkuri sake bottle in 4-sided rectangular form. From the early 1700's. Blue on white porcelain base with red and gold overglaze enamels in a floral design. 10 1/2" tall by 4 1/4" by 4 1/4".

Wonderful pair of Kutani ware porcelain rabbits, one is white and one is light brown, both with areas of gold in which each hair has been painted, pink eyes and inside of ears, the light brown rabbit has it's mouth open and displays a row of tiny teeth and a red tongue, great detail and attention to modeling , Meiji Period (1868-1912). Size: 5 1/2" high x 7 1/2" wide x 6 1/2" deep.

Japanese Satsuma ware vase in the form of a water bucket, elaborately decorated in raised gold and colorful over glaze with scenes of beautiful maidens and children enjoying a stroll around a lake, beautiful detail, Meiji Period, signed Tanimoto Ryozan. Size: 7 1/4" high

Seeded fruit are enameled over a blue underglaze on this 7" Nabeshima porcelain footed dish.

Condition: Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs

Antique Japanese tall Satsuma ware vase. Covered in a white crackle glaze and painted with designs of blossoming cherry branches. Extensive raised gold enamel, brightly colored patterns and delicate butterflies.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 20 1/4" high x 5 1/4" wide

Gorgeous and dramatic antique Japanese Satsuma ware lidded container, stands on 3 legs, decorated with three lively fu-dogs, body is decorated with designs of noblemen on one side and children playing on the other, minor repair to one leg, Meiji Period (c. 1880's). Size: 17 1/2" high x 13" wide.

Japanese pair of Satsuma vases, beautifully decorated all over with scenes of in raised gold and colorful over glaze, motif is portraying the 18 arhats surrounding a kwan yin like form bodhisattva and Chinese sages. The vases portray characteristics seen in Yokohama Satsuma wares which were produced during the latter part of the Meiji Period. Age: Meiji Period, each vase is signed on bottom: Satsuma attributed to Hattori. Size: 9" high

Antique Chinese large porcelain vase. Decorated all over with a basket texture and a pair of dragons with a flaming pearl and cloud-like mist. The body of the vase is glazed a celadon green while the dragons remain a very pale bluish white. The dragons represent the endless cycle of transformation and the flaming wish-granting pearl is one of the Eight Treasures and represents pure intention.

Age: Republic Period (1912-1949)

Dimensions: 22 1/2" high x 13" wide

A very large Imari charger with a painted dragon in the center chasing the elusive flaming pearl. The panels have various paintings of dancers and country scenes. It is unusual to see dragons in Japanese Imari plates. The back has been wired for hanging. Size: Diameter. 45.3cm. Condition: Perfect.

Hard porcelain vase covered with a crackle glaze. Decor of two facing dragons enamelled in an exceptionally bright electric blue, their eyes enamelled in yellow. Two friezes enamelled in green and a frieze of stylized flowers molded in relief on a celadon background. The style and quality of the drawings, enamels and technique suggest a creation by Makuzu Kozan. There is no mark, but the base seems to have been ground, if so, it was probably to erase a mark which would have made it possible to i...

Nabeshima hard porcelain dish. Okawachi kilns. Decoration in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze enamels. Although the model already exists at the beginning of the 18th century, we do not believe that the dish presented here is authentic. The enamels are perfect, one can distinguish with a magnifying glass discreet wear of use and the enamels show age cracks, but the cobalt blue on the reverse is too pale. It is not a modern copy, as it has been in the Sakura collection for about forty years. I...

This Meiji period vase is made of fine white porcelain fashioned after classic Chinese motifs.. The potter, first generation Miura Chikusen, is the same generation as many of the better known Imperial Court artists (Kozan, Siefu, Tozan, etc…) and just as accomplished in terms of mastery of technique, level of artistic expression, and volume of pieces produced.

An exceptionally skilled Meiji potter, Chikusen (1854 – 1915) specialized in high-quality Kiyomizu-yaki and...

Japanese kakiemon dishes late 17 ° circa 1700. Porcelain enamelled with deer. D:18 cm. In a perfect state. Very rare set of 8 to the same model. For sale individually or by several the price is for one.

A Hirado porcelain monkey from Japan 19th century. He holds in his hand a peach glazed in iron brown and cobalt blue. Rare model, we know a similar monkey that is housed in Lacma (Los Angeles county museum of art). Our monkey must be older because there are important differences in quality, such as the expression of the face, the folds of the dress, the delicacy of the ear and the curve of the limbs. Perfect condition. Height 15cm.

Magnificent 18th Century Japanese Edo Period Kakiemon Porcelain Incense Burner with Daruma, the founder of Zen Buddhism. Delicately painted designs in vivid and varied colors. A wonderfully rendered Daruma adorns the cover where the smoke magically appears out of his mouth when incense is burned. A very rare and remarkable piece in very fine condition. 5.5w x 4.5h x 4d, 14w x 11.5h x 10 cm.

Delightful Kutani Porcelain Vase with Array of Insects. Bamboo gold design on a soft yellow ground featuring an array of insects. It is a rare and unique design on a wonderful classic shape. It displays beautifully from all sides. Height: 9.25 inches, 23.5 cm.

This is a rare, well-modeled and detailed 19th Century Japanese Arita Porcelain Elephant. It is based upon an outstanding 1680 Japanese Kakiemon model, which in turn, was derived from Chinese prototypes. This piece is enameled in red and cobalt with yellow accents. It is a beautiful and striking work of art. Width: 17 inches (43cm); Height: 8.25 inches (21cm).

Antique Japanese round porcelain plate decorated with blue underglaze scene of two fish and underwater plants. The plate stands on a round foot and the underside is decorated with rings and scrolling flora in blue underglaze. A small gold kintsugi repair and kiri tomobako are evidence that this was a valuable and prized part of someone's collection years ago.

Age: 17th century

Dimensions: 6 1/4" wide x 1 1/8" high

Pair of antique Japanese Nabeshima blue and white shallow bowls, with asymmetrically painted peony flowers on a rocky background design, back has linked coin design, high foot with comb pattern. Perfect condition.

Age: Edo Period, early to mid 1800s

Size: 8 to 8 1/4" diameter

Provenance: LA Collector

Very Large size Japanese Arita Imari region Porcelain Trumpet shape Urn or Vase,with Pie crust fluted Rim, 19th C. 1890, 36" high, 12" diameter to 15" wide(pie crust fluted rim), very detailed traveler with horse and attentant, Prince was playing flute while they are resting in the pleasant landscape scenery decorated in the widest central overglaze Cartouches, stories continues 360 degree with very intricate designs repeated around Peacocks. High relief large Pink Peony flower branches on the ...

Japanese late 18th century white IMARI figure of a gentleman. Formed by hand and made of white porcelain with a clear glaze. The gentleman is dressed in formal kimono and is carrying a fan. Done with wonderful expression and in very nice detail. The piece has some natural flaws in the clay and glaze, such as stress cracks and glazing flaws. The figure stands 17 1/2" tall, is 6 1/2" wide and is 5" deep.

A fine and early museum quality complete set of five Ko-Imari, Kakiemon style cups or choko. Blue underglaze and green, red, aubergine, yellow and black overglaze enamel decoration of peonies and prunus blossoms in garden landscape with rockery and fence. Traces of rubbed gilt enameled highlights. The choko form saw many uses such as teabowls (also seen in early European ceramics after Japanese examples of the period), large sake cups, and mukozuke. We estimate from the delicate but sure potting...

Very beautiful and rare large porcelain bowl with polychrome enamels with very finely made decorations of birds, florals and mountains, Fuji... The quality of production is remarkable and characteristic of Kyoto pieces where the decorations are made by the greatest craftsmen Satsuma vases in particular are the most sought after. This large cup has an unidentifiable stamp under the base. Diameter: 27,5cm height: 19cm.

So rare! Wonderful Gozu Aka-e Mizusashi by greatest Eiraku Zengoro Hozen, made during the Japanese Edo Period. It is in perfect antique condition without cracks or repairs.

The red and green scroll work in over glaze enamels on a white crackled ground is superb and well balanced. The round Eiraku seal is on the lower side.

Zengoro Eiraku is best known as one of the Senke-Jisshoku. These are the ten specialists who make the tea utensils for the tea school named senke in Ja...

Japanese pair of porcelain Inari kitsune (foxes). Glazed and painted they sit on brightly colored bases, one with a scroll, the other with a ball in it's mouth.
Also called zenko, these good spirit kitsune are specifically associated with the goddess, Inari. Believed to be both messengers and guardians, kitsune served Inari in her role as goddess of agriculture, specifically rice. Part of the folklore surrounding the fox is it’s ability to shape shift into human form. It is believed...

Exceedingly rare hard porcelain dish from arita. Painted in yellow, green, blue and red enamels. The decor represents many children, seated in a building in front of a covered vase, perhaps a funerary urn. Dominating the assembly, the central character of a trio is the only one wearing a hat. Above the trio three Chinese characters are drawn in red on a panel. It seems to be a religious ceremony but the youth of the assembly is perplexing. Understanding the 3 characters should solve the enigma. ...

Japanese Meiji Period Blue and White Arita Porcelain Sculpture of Jo and Uba, an old and wrinkled couple who care for the pine trees and gather needles in Takasago, (based on a Noh play). Jo is depicted with a rake and Uba with a broom of twigs. This famous couple symbolizes Marital Love and Fidelity, and were created by Arita porcelain masters to bring marital bliss to a home. Male: 14.5 inches (37cm) high, Female: 13 inches (33cm) high.

A very rare early and finely decorated blue underglazed 3.5" porcelain container bearing the mark of Dohachi I, father of Japanese porcelain.

Condition: Excellent, no chips, hairlines or restoration. The pierced wooden lid, which appears to once have had a nob, has a chip to the underside.

A unique Ko-sumetsuke tea ceremony plate with an unusual motif of a raging bull. The center of the plate is divided into 5 sections with scrolling vines and chrysanthemums. The central figure is a raging bull in a pine forest with rounded fronds. The perimeter of the dish is ringed with a classic cloud image. Ko-sometsuke (old blue and white) porcelain was produced specifically for the Japanese market during the final decades of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). The bottom of the plate has a marker...

From our Japanese Collection, a large and very regal pair of imari vases, Meiji Period 1868-1912, beautifully executed in traditional palette of iron red, orange, blue, and gilt on a white porcelain body, with kiln marks to the base.

Size and Condition: 12 1/4 inches tall, 6 1/2 inches wide. Some light rubbing to the gilt in places commensurate with age and handling, but essentially perfect condition.

Charming Antique Japanese complete original set of 20 blue and white porcelain bowl. Swirling geometric designs decorate the inner edges with a center image of pine trees. The complete set has its original storage box with calligraphy on the lid and side. Edo Period (circa 1800's). Size: (each bowl) 1.5" H x 7.75" L x 4.25" D (storage box) 18" H x 21" L x 9.5" D

Rare Japanese Kutani porcelain figure of mother and child, individual work of art charmingly depicted with mother is kneeling and holding her child with focused attention after bath with bright reddish and raised floral design on towel wrapped at her feet and with hair held up with gold comb. Signed at bottom "Kutani" in kanji and with circular impressed mark. Good condition.

from a Los Angeles Estate
circa early 20th century
Size: 12" High 6 1/2" Wide 6" Deep

Japanese antique Satsuma ware incensor in the form of a fudog with a child on top of a drum on his back, very charming, drum is painted with images of children, Meiji Period. Size: 5 3/4" high x 5" long.

An early 19th century Imari charger or shallow bowl measuring 18" x 2.5"

The piece is signed on the bottom and is in excellent condition.

Porcelain plate made in China for the 17th century Japanese market. Blue and white design of 2 boats in a misty bay with land outcroppings and a mountain pavilion. The underside of the plate is decorated with three thin blue rings and two flowers. The edges of the plate and the many small irregularities in the firing are especially prized in this type of ware.

"Ko-sometsuke ('old blue and white') porcelain was produced specifically for the Japanese market during the final decades of th...

Japanese late 19th or early 20th Century porcelain vase. Made by artist SUWA SOZAN. Stamp of artist on bottom of vase. Comes with TOMOBAKO, original artist's box. The side of the vase has small raised rectangular areas which have design of fish, snail, chrysanthemums, peaches, shellfish, butterfly, phoenix and Japanese shishi lion. The vase is 10" tall and 9 1/2" in diameter.

Porcelain plate made in China for the 17th century Japanese market. Blue and white design of a bird in a pine tree draped in moss. Encircled with a thin ring of blue. The edges of the plate and the many small irregularities in the firing are especially prized in this type of ware. "Ko-sometsuke ('old blue and white') porcelain was produced specifically for the Japanese market during the final decades of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). The lack of Chinese imperial patronage during this period...