With a design reminiscent of mineral deposits on Martian rock, this bold and visually captivating tea bowl is the creation of one of Japan's more controversial and revolutionary-minded potters. 

Nakamura Kimpei (b. 1935) was born in Kanazawa but later—after a period of residency abroad— made his way to Tokyo where he established a kiln...

An unprecedented work by modern pottery legend Tsujimura Shiro covered in feldspathic glaze and enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Nezumi Shino Chawan.  Here rich iron burns red on one side, fading slowly into the white glaze scarred by pin holes, traces of the artists fingers in the rising body and about the base, where he held it while dipping in the glaze.   A shino Chawan by this artist is virtually unheard of, and rarely comes to market. 
Size, D 12.8 cm   H 9.6�...

Like most Shigaraki-wares, this piece has a somewhat primal feeling to it, as though it belongs to a previous geological era in time. Rivulets of vitrified green, grey, and yellow ash stand against a background gradient of soft to intense ochres of the clay body. The intense firing process of this type of pottery for days in an anagama kiln results in a beautiful ashen glaze with a warm, soft, yet vibrant glow when set in the light...

One of the more innovative and international minded ceramicists on the Japanese pottery scene, Ryoji Koie’s interests and expertise are barely confined by this genre—as he often integrates non-traditional methods and materials...

Though ripe with interpretative meaning, waterfalls are often associated with the ideas of unharnessed elemental motion and change, purification and cleansing, and journeys into the fantastical or unknown...

A striking set by rising star Suzuki Taku enclosed in the original signed wooden boxes titled Kuro-Sabi (Black Rust) Tokkuri and Guinomi respectively.  These display his famed rust glazes, which not only display remarkable color variations, but also textures, creating a pleasurable experience for both the eyes and the hands. 
Size, D 8.5  cm (Tokkuri)  H 13.1 cm (Tokkuri) 
Size, D 6.8 cm (Guinomi)  H 4.2  cm (Guinomi) 
Condition, Excellent 
Suzuki Taku is a r...

A romantic pair of kohiki Yunomi cups in softly glowing white by Tsujimura Shiro enclosed in the original signed wooden box.  Only about the base are we given a glimpse at the dark clay.   
Size, D 7.2 and 8.2 cm   H 8.6 and 9.9  cm  
Condition, Excellent 
Tsujimura Shiro was born in Nara in 1947, and began his steps into the art world as an oil painter. While living at a Buddhist temple he experienced a profound connection with a Korean Tea Bowl, and began potting...

This is everything we could hope for in a bowl by this esteemed artist, Kakurezaki Ryuichi enclosed in th original signed wooden box.  The first photograph tells it all, with a superb, organic form displaying a hint of green ash on the rim over a burnished red bleeding into raw pale clay spattered with goma and matte reds with small inclusions peeking out through the clay surface.  The wide base and low stance create a very powerful presence. 
Size, D 12.2 x 13.8 cm   H 11.1  cm (in...

A superb example of Iga in a slightly flaring form by Tsujimura Kai enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Iga Chawan.  A perfect charring descends like a waterfall from the rim on one side, sheltered by crystallized green ash on the flame scorched terracotta body.  The exverted shape allows the bowl a very comfortable fit into the palm, and the wide kodai base allows it to sit stable and firm, creating a proud silhouette. 
Size, D 13.4 cm   H 8.8  cm  
Condition, ...

One of the more innovative and international minded ceramicists on the Japanese pottery scene, Ryoji Koie’s interests and expertise are barely confined by this genre—as he often integrates non-traditional methods and materials...

Two Guinomi sake cups and a Tokkuri by Takauchi Shugo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Oribe Sake-ki and dated 1998. The box contains two cups, one tall, one short , and one Tokkuri, all in similar design.The set was from a solo exhibition held at the Nipponbashi Mitsukoshi Department Store in Tokyo, January 1998.The box contains the original exhibition invitation as well, and has been decorated with an image of the set by Shugo.
Size,(Tokkuri) D 6.7 cm   H 16.9  cm  ...

An organic form covered in thick emerald glaze Higashida Shigemasa and enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Oribe Jikiro.  The eclectic shape is rendered roma block of clay, hollowed and torn, like the ragged crags of Gifu, home of this pottery tradition.  Natural textures to bring out the depths of the oribe green, and electric shimmers of blue rush over the edges evoking the sense of water on the move...

A stoic old codger by Furutani Michio stooped at the shoulders and yet standing proud, like some old soldier on Remembrance Day.  This is a superb example of this important artists work, showing both his reverence for traditional form and the lengths he went ot reviving the traditions of wood fired kiln effects.  It comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Iga Hanaire. 
Size, D 13.8 cm   H 25.8  cm  
Condition, Excellent 
Price,(Sold)
Furutan...

An organic form in mottled Bizen clay from the unorthodox artist Kawabata Fumio enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Bizen Shizen Nerikomi Kaki.  The clay peels away in petals, like some primordial flower opening to the Jurassic sky. 
Size, D 23.8 cm   H 28.2  cm  
Condition, Excellent 
Kawabata Fumio was born in Yokohama city in 1948, far from the traditional kilns of Bizen hundreds of kilometers to the west in Okayama...

Blue recedes from the wavering silver shore on this iconic form by Morino Taimei enclosed in the original signed wooden box.  Streaks of color, like the tide burbling back through the sand filled with oxygen and minerals.  Something very alive! 
Size, D 10.6 x 23.8  cm   H 25.4  cm  
Condition, Excellent 
Morino Taimei was born in Kyoto in 1934, and was first accepted into the Nitten National Exhibition at a relatively young age in 1957 (a year before graduating the Ky...

A fantastic sculptured vase by the outlandish Fujioka Shuhei enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Iga Tochoki.  A frenzied stack of rugged corners like the fallen away sides of a mountain revealing the earth’s structure beneath a layer of green.  It is likely Fujiokasan is inspired by the brawny, rain drenched and forested mountains surrounding the town of Iga, where the Mountains formed a natural line of defense for the secret clans of Ninja who called the valley their home.  ...

Extraordinary Hagi Chawan made by Seigan Yamane. The bowl is covered with a wonderful draft ice glaze. Mint condition.

Seigan Yamane was born in 1952, and started making Hagi ware in 1987. And then, he started his own pottery in 1992 and has ever been awarded a lot of prizes for his great work.

Size: 9 cm height x 14 cm in diameter.

Shipping included...

Fired for days at over 1,400C degrees, this primordial-looking wonder of ancient potting technology displays a number of beautiful natural effects from the interaction of the clay, minerals, and ash from the unique style of kiln.

The creator of this work Michio Furutani (1946 - 2000) is regarded as one of the true greats of Shigaraki potting and is noted for being the first to revive the ancient art of anagama kiln firing in this region...

An enigmatic form by Tanoue Shinya like an something awash on alien shore opening to reveal organic blue, enclosed in the original signed wooden box.  An excellent example of this artist and his Shell series. 
Size, D 15.4 cm ( 6 inches)  H 25.8  cm ( 10 inches) 
Condition, Excellent 
Tanoue Shinya was born in Kyoto, the cultural heartland of Japan in 1976,  He garnered a BA from Doshisha University in Theology, and after two years in a textile company, an Associate in...

Reminiscent of lines of dripping wax from a candle, the colored ripples streaming down the sides of this tea bowl give the impression of fluidity and transformation...

An incredible organic form, the delicate petals appearing to waft in some tide by Shingu Sayaka enclosed in the original signed wooden box. A closed bud on the side is lined with hundreds of tiny sharp needles in black. It is 8 x 5 x 4 inches (20 x 12 x 10 cm) and in excellent condition.
Shingu Sayaka was born in Osaka, the industrial and commercial heartland of central Japan, in 1979...

Stripes of vivid color define this very large pottery bowl by Watanabe Kunio enclosed in the original wooden box titled Iro-e Kin/Gin-Sai Sen Mon Hachi. It is 43 cm (17 inches) diameter and in excellent condition. Due to size the cost of shipping will be accrued separately...

A large primitive robotic form by Morino Taimei in his iconic blue and gold dating from his experimental days in the early 1970 enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Soji Shiho Kabin. It is 12 inches (30 cm) tall, 6 inches (15 cm) square and in excellent condition.
Taimei was born in Kyoto in 1934, and was first accepted into the Nitten National Exhibition at a relatively young age in 1957 (a year before graduating the Kyoto Municipal University of Fine Art!). In 1960 he recei...

An excellent companion to the Hagi Chawan also by this artist, here is a precipitous mountain form covered mostly in drifts of white and thin veneer of glaze over its gritty clay surface.  The form is that of the mountainous spires of Yabake, on the Island of Kyushu south of Hagi.  The Vase comes with Exhibition panflet with very similar vases like this one.
Size, D 12.4 cm ( 4.9 inches)  H 28.8  cm ( 11.3 inches) 
Condition, Excellent 
Saka Koraizaemon XII was born in T...

A striking tea bowl showing precipitous dark mountains shadowed by drifts of white Hagi fog by Saka Koraizaemon XII enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hagi Chawan.  Rough textured clay and smooth white glazes combine for a tactile ménage.  The bowl conforms beautifully to the palm, and rests on a sturdy three part kodai.  It was the featured work on the invitation card of a Takashimaya Department Store exhibition and comes complete with a signed catalog from the show. 
...

An exquisite platter on two legs by Aoyama Tetsuro enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The rush of white and and soft blue across the surface is reminiscent of the “Ma”, or blank space of an ink waterfall painting. It measures 41 x 40.5 x 10 cm (16 x 16 x 4 inches) and is in excellent condition.
Aoyama Tetsuro was born in Gifu, home of the Mino potteries, in 1946. He apprenticed under Kato Jin in 1961, moving out on his own in 1973. He has exhibited at the Nitten, Nihon Shin...

An entrancing mesh pattern covers this delicate form by legendary potter Hamada Shoji enclosed in a fine kiri-wood box annotated by his son Hamada Shinsaku titled Kaki-yu Nuki-e Kabin.  Slight drag-marks add a tactile sense to the body, and dark black tinges the edges of the white resist patterns.  A tantalizing work, and one which I can honestly say is quite unusual.
Size, D 16.4 cm (inches)  H 28.5  cm (11-1/4 inches) 
Condition, Excellent 
Hamada Shoji was born in To...

The name “Tobe-ware” first appeared in historical documents in the mid-18th century, though the tradition itself dates back well over 1,000 years. Within this style can be found an abundance of fine porcelain and celadon works as well as works painted with dark ferrous glazes—such as the piece featured here.

The creator of this fine work Sakai Yoshito (b. 1931) has been the main figure in maintaining the Tobe-ware tradition in modern times. Winner of numerous awards for his ex...

A large bowl covered in rich Oribe green by Koie Ryoji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Oribe Chawan.  Asymetric lines scar the blanketed green body, the rim undulating like ripples on a pond around the misshapen form.  An excellent example of this important artists work. 
Size, D 14.2 x 15.1 cm ( 5.9 inches)  H 9.2  cm ( 3.6 inches) 
Condition, Excellent 
Born in Tokoname, 1938, Koie Ryoji graduated the Tokoname industrial school and moved on to work ...

A very unusual jar covered in crinkled metallic green glaze with a wooden lid covered with cloth wrapped in a net of orange chord made to hold tea leaves by Sugimoto Sadamitsu enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The appearance is deceptively large. Spectacular kiln effects live up to this artists reputation. It is 8 inches (20 cm) diameter, 8-1/2 inches (21.5 cm) tall plus lid. And in excellent condition.. This is the first and only tea leaf jar (Chatsubo) I have seen by this import...

One of my personal favorite shapes for a chawan, the wa-nari (sometimes pronounced rin-nari) appears firmly grounded and balanced at all times. With round curving surfaces so natural in the hand—they conjure images of ripe fruit waiting to be devoured.

This piece was produced by Koizumi kiln in Aichi Prefecture, most likely by the head potter Kato Shineda—though it only bears the seal of the kiln and not the potter. The outside of the bowl displays a gray field with swaths of l...

Here is the next chawan from our collection of items of Human National Treasures: a wonderful Seto chawan by legendary artist Munemaro Ishiguro (1893-1968), enclosed in its originally signed and sealed wooden box.

In 1918, Ishiguro Munemaro set his goal of becoming a ceramist after seeing a spotted tenmoku tea bowl at Tokyo Art Club. On his own, he researched Chinese ceramics of the Tang and Song dynasties, Korean ceramics, and so on, and grounded on abundant experience and skill, ...

A soft pallet of blurred pastels blend between gold risers on this elegant form by Yoshita Yukio enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Saishoku Kinsai Hanike and dating circa 2002. It is 11 inches (28 cm) tall and in excellent condition.
Yoshita Yukio is the fourth generation head of the Kinsan Kiln in Kutani, specializing in Kinsai and Yuri-Kinsai wares. Unlike standard Kutani wares, he uses a pallet of soft, earthy or pastels with accents in gold to create a new appeal. Bo...

Like the charred remains of an open book deep fingerprints still visible from the opening hands within, this is a fine example of the work of Avante Garde Akiyama Yo enclosed in the original wooden box dating from 2013. It is 6-1/2 x 5 inches (16/5 x 13 cm) and is in excellent condition.
Akiyama Yo was born in Yamaguchi, home of Hagi pottery) in 1953, but went to Kyoto to study at the Kyoto Municipal University of Arts in 1976. He has an impressive list of exhibitions both domestic and ...

A tall shizen-yu vase by Sugimoto Sadamitsu enclosed in the original wooden box signed underneath and titled Iga-Hanaire , named within the lid Roso by Sadamitsu (the old priest by Sadamitsu).  We see the slightly hunched over form is indeed reminiscent of an old priest, wrapped in robes of green and black and leaning on his staff.  This piece appears to have been buried quite deeply in ash, which clung charred and blasted base and has been ground off to create a new texture, like the water bu...

A fine Bizen tokkuri embellished with nobori kiri by Abe Anjin enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Bizen Kakyo Tokkuri. Once again Abe Anjin has proved his mastery of traditional form with this superb rendition of Momoyama styling; the thick squat form, stoopedr like the shoulders of an aged warrior from that long ago era, his family crest emblazoned on his back. 
Size, D 9.1 cm ( 3.6 inches)  H 13.1  cm (5.2 inches) 
Condition, Excellent 
Born in Osaka in ...