A pottery tradition that harkens from the Mino region of Japan, Shino-yaki dates from the Azuchi Momoyama period. It came into fashion when first commissioned by renowned Muromachi cha-jin (tea masters) Shino Soushin. This is thought to be the first type of pottery in Japan to feature drawn paintings on the ceramic surface.

This attractive e-Shino bowl (“e” meaning picture) bears an abstract motif on a background of white feldspar...

A beautiful and delicate white porcelain composition with low-relief molded seashell design lining the inside. The overall condition of the bowl and several oxidation marks on the bottom suggest considerable age—at least several hundred years. The box lid bears the character “定” which can be translated as “truth” or “certainty.” The origin of this piece is unknown, though the previous owner regarded it as Chinese (Northern Song)...

Really important Ko-Karatsu (kogaratsu - oldest Karatsu ware made during the 16th century) Madara tea bowl with a yobitsugi repair of highest quality.

The bowl is a so called Madara Karatsu tea bowl (provenance is the legendary Hobashira-kiln) due to its typical cookie-like sandy clay and wonderful blue-purplish flecks.

But its true highlight is the perfect traditional yobitsugi restoration with a pure silver gintsugi (kintsugi)...

Antique Japanese Yumi set of six Hawk feather and arrow reed. These were used to shoot long distances before and after the introduction of firearms. Mounted on a custom stand for a stunning presentation.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size: 36.5" L each (on display 16.5" W x 4" D x 37.75" H)

The Japanese matchlock was introduced to the Japanese by the Portuguese during the Sengoku period. Originally called teppo, it was known as the name tanegashima where its origins was founded.
The tanegashima rifle where used by the samurai class and their foot solders (ashiguru) and within a few years of the introduction of the munition it completely altered Japanese warfare. This long rifle gun has an octagonal russet iron barrel with a flat sighting plain on top and a bore of 3/4”...

Introduced to Japan through the Portuguese in 1543. Intended for use by mounted samurai, these pistols where called horsemen cannon's (Bajo zutsu).
They proved however to be totally impractical weapons to fire, since the rider had to ignite a piece of chord to the lock, while aiming the chamber and at the same time controlling his moving horse. None the less, owning a pistol remained a symbol of a samurai family's power, rank, and wealth...

Of Steeply conical form with a bulbous top. This jingasa is constructed of hide and cloth, shaped in a mold, lacquered in reddish brown lacquer, with a gilt rising sun mon on the rounded apex.
The samurai class in feudal Japan, as well as their retainers and footsoldiers (ashigaru), used several types of jingasa made from iron, copper, wood, paper, bamboo, or leather...

The netsuke is made in the shape of a matchlock pistol. It is composed of different material such as wood, brass, and iron. Constructed during the Meiji period for export to the European market. Mounted on a custom iron stand.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size: 3.75" L x 1" W x 1.5" H
(4.75" H on stand)

Unusual original Japanese flint lighter netsuke. Constructed of iron and brass, this piece would have been used to create a steady fame in less then perfect conditions. The striker would create contact friction and create a spark igniting the fuel source. Firearms at this time required a flame in order to ignite the fuse. Original russet patina with all parts still intact.

Edo period (1603-1868)

Size: 2" L x 1" W x 1.5" H

Antique Japanese isho tansu (clothing chest) from the Sendai area, made with all Keyaki (elm) wood front with dramatic grain and translucent lacquer finish, elaborate thick iron hardware including moko shaped drawer pulls and ornate raised scrolling vine lock plates with floral mon, large drawer on top, three shorter drawers, two small drawers and a safebox on its right side, which also has ornate iron lotus mon and opens with a ring pull...

A functionary yumi rattan bow string holder is an essential munition of an archer. Material is wooven rattan in spool shape used to wrap sinew string, strapped with leather and horn. The horn contains powdered rosin used as dry lubrication. Mounted on a custom iron stand.

19th Century

Size: 9" L x 4.5" W x 1.5" D (12.5" H on stand)

The mask is of dark brown russet lacquer finish and the interior is smoothed lacquered red. The high jaw his two protrusion hooks for strapping the cords, underneath the chin is a vent hole. The mask is fitted with yodare kare of three row of false scale lace and blue silk.

19th Century Edo Period

Size: 6.75" L x 3" W x 8.5" H (12.5" H on stand)

With a sturdy foot firmly grounded, the upper rim of this piece rises and falls, somewhat reminiscent of a mountain path. Combined with the plum blossoms floating on the white background, these elements together suggest balance and harmony.

Oribe is a visual style named after the late-16th-century tea master Furuta Oribe (1544-1615)...

This extremely rare incised Eagle effigy Aztec pipe was found by the famous Dr. Allen Hefin in western Mexico on 5/25/63. This piece is flawless in every way except for a tiny nick on the bottom of the stem. The patina is wonderful. It is 7" long and the bowl is 1" wide. This pipe is classified as a Michoacán procedentes and only a handful are known to exist. Three Aztec pipes were sold at Sotheby's auction on March 23rd, 2015 for $12,176. None were near as nice as this one...

Diameter approximately 38.3 cm. There are cracks at the center. Crackle-glazed. Some soft chips at the rim. In good condition.

A Very Fine and Large Blue and White Prunus Double Gourd Vase. Finely decorated with flowering Prunus on a cracked ice ground. Chinese L19thC. Height: 17 1/4" (43.8 cm). Condition: excellent, perfect. No chips, cracks or restoration. Two firing blemishes on foot.

A Chinese nephrite pendant (珩）with double dragon head, Waring State style, late Qing Dynasty. Length: 3-5/8" (9 cm).

Hand coloured print of Marquis Cornwallis receiving the 2 sons of Tipu Sultan as hostages after the battle and seige of Seringapatam in1792. Pub. by Haines, London 1796.35 x 25 cm. mounted on card. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.