A pair of goldfish lantern made of washi (handmade paper) and bamboo strips which is the origin of Nepta (or Nebuta) used at Nepta festival in Hirosaki city in Aomori prefecture. The goldfish lantern made of paper and bamboo strips were used till around 1980s, but now it is replaced to one made of vinyl and wire. In good condition except for some brownish spots in the white parts. Large one: H:35cm W:34cm, Small one: H24cm W20cm

Kokeshi, wooden folk doll of NE Japan. H. 6.25". This is an example of Zao-kei (Zao Onsen [Hot Spring]) of Yamagata Prefecture. The artisan is Kobayashi Chuujiro, who made this piece in his 60's, ca. 1990. For more information on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please visit our weblog, which is accessible via our Trocadero homepage.

An unusual bit of Seto ware by important artist Kato Sho enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Enigmatic windows in the smooth black coating reveal icy-pale glaze and one streak of raw sandy earth baked red. The bowl is quite large, and very pleasing to hold, slightly tapered so as to concentrate the aroma rising from the freshly whipped tea. The piece is signed alongside the kodai Sho-saku...

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, Height 9.75". Kijiyama-kei of Akita Prefecture. Made by Satou Shuuichi, born Aug. 7, 1927. This kokeshi probably daes fromt he 1970's-1980's. One of the unique & interesting characteristics of Kijiyama style kokeshi is the depiction of the apron ("maekake" or "maedare") on the body of the doll.

Matsue Hariko Tawara Ushi, Paper Mache Ox Carrying Rice Bales from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. Ca. early 1970's. Made by H. Kimura. L.3.375"(8.5cm) x H.2"(5cm) x W.2.375"(6cm.) Matsue paper mache dates back to the Edo Period (1600-1868) and has a robust charm. In this rural area, the Ox signifies a good harvest. Matsue is known in the West as the long-time Japanese home of writer Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904.)

A bag for backpack made of Miyama Kansuge, "hiroro" by dialect which is a group of carex. It is made in Aizu region in Fukushima prefecture. It has purple and dark indigo cotton cloth interknitted in the cord. 20th century. In excellent condition. 40cm x 39cm.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, Height 10". Zao-kei (Zao Onsen [hot spring]) in Yamagata Prefecture. Made by Saitou Takeo, born on Nov. 29, 1929. Probably made in the late 1970's.

Ainu carved wooden doll of woman in traditional Ainu dress. H.12.25"(31cm) x W.4"(10cm.) Finely sculpted features show elements of Ainu traditional apparel & appearance; mouth tattoo, head band and kimono with traditional patterns, and large beaded necklace.

A breathtaking framed woodblock print by artist Takahiko Hayashi (1961-present) titled "The Wind Filled with Roots, Countless Small Beginnings". Hundreds of small overlapping swirls may represent gusts of wind blowing over bold blades of grass, with a gradating background of golden and deep brown hues. The top of a single, transparent red block sits in the very bottom center of the print. Signed, titled, and numbered 47/50 in pencil...

A heavily potted Ash-glaze vase by Seto potter Kato Shinya enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The geometric patterns collide and dance off each other, gray on white, a piece well representing the artistic endeavors of the era in which it was created. The vase is quite large, 13 inches tall, 8-1/4 inches diameter and in excellent condition...

Vintage Japanese conch shell horn, known as a horagai or a jinkai depending on its usage. The horagai has been used in Buddhist practice for over one thousand years. The jinkai was used as a battle signal by samurai trumpeters called kai yaku. The shell has a bronze mouthpiece and decorative purple tassles. Early 20th century Size: 6" height, 16.5" length,

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, Height 9.625". Zao-kei (Zao Onsen [hot spirng]), Yamagata Prefecture. Made by Oumiya Yasumitsu, who was born in Showa 11 (1936) and passed away on July 19, 1995. Probably made in the mid-late 1970's.

Mashiko ware platter (oozara) with nami-jiro (regular white) glaze and kaki (persimmon-colored glaze) ladle splashes. H.5.5cm(2.25") x Dia.38cm(15"). ca. 1970. Mashiko wares gained worldwide popularity through the connection with National Living Treasure potter Shoji Hamada, who settled in this town of pottery and agriculture in the 1920's. Prior to Hamada's arrival, standard kitchen wares such as grinding bowls, water jars, teapots, and the like, were the standard products of Mashiko...

Namako glaze runs down, creating rivers flowing around the horns on the sides of this massive pot by Suzuki Kenji (1935-2010). Looking within one sees the volcanic explosions where the glaze pooled, bubbled and burst in the center. The vessel is 18 inches (45.5 cm) tall, roughly 13 inches (33 cm) square and weighs 20.5 kg (45 pounds). It is in fine condition. By size and structure it would be acceptable for display either inside or out...

A faceted bottle-form vase with ukibori designs by Kawai Takeichi enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 11 inches (27 cm)tall, 4 inches (10 cm) square and in excellent condition.
Kawai Takeichi (1908-1989) studied the art of pottery under his legendary uncle Kawai Kanjiro in Kyoto from the age of 19. He stayed with Kanjiro for many years, one of his most loyal supporters, and the two were very close...

A Hakuji Mentori Vase by Takenaka Ko enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 5-1/2 inches (14 cm) diameter, 13 inches (33 cm) tall and in excellent condition.
Ko (born 1941) apprenticed under future Living National Treasure Kondo Yuzo before establishing his own kiln in 1970. He was the recipient of one of Japans most prestigious awards, the JCS award (Japanese Ceramics Society) in 1980...

Running up to the end of our 60s and 70s ceramics, here is a great piece by a student of Yagi Kazuo, Yoshitake Hiromu (Hiroshi) enclosed in the original signed wooden box and dating from the late 60s or early 70s encapsulating the feeling of rage against conformity then rupturing the Japanese ceramic world. It is 6 x 14 x 16 inches (15 x 35 x 40 cm) and is in fine condition. Due to size and weight the cost of shipping will be accrued separately for this piece...

Motoyama Izumi (b. 1938) Bizen Sake Bottle Tokkuri This Bizen stoneware sake bottle is made with natural ash glaze. The works of Motoyama Izumi are held in Brooklyn Museum in New York. Bizen pottery was originally produced in Imbe village of Bizen province since Kamakura period of 14th century. Size Height 12cm Diameter 8.5cm Condition : Very good condition, no chips, no cracks. Supplied with original signed wooden box.

A thin roughly textured plate by avant garde Yagi Kazuo titled cryptically Nanbanzara (The Southern Barbarians Plate) and enclosed in a fine Shiho Kiri-wood box endorsed by his son Yagi Akira. It is 10 inches (26 cm) diameter and in fine condition.
Volumes have been written about pioneering artist Yagi Kazuo (1918-1979) and I am sure he needs no introduction. His birth on Independence Day seems to have been a portent of things to come...

A striking large Han-zutsu Shino bowl by Kato Kageaki with cotton buffer and silk bag enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Linear forms lie shadowlike below the thick pitted shino glaze burnt red on the edges, the body torn and cut creating a vivacious landscape for the senses. The bowl is 5-1/2 inches (14 cm) diameter, 3-1/2 inches (9 cm) tall and in perfect condition...

A large, heavy, ten-sided (Korean style) black glazed stoneware vase made by Trevor Corser who was the longest servimg member of the Leach pottery, St Ives, Cornwall. This item bears the seal mark of Leach pottery and also Trevor Corser's personal seal. Condition: excellent - no damages and no restoration. 28cm (11 inches) high. 2.8 kg (6lb 3oz).

A large Plate by Living National Treasure Hamada Shoji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Mori-sara. Splashes of black supplant the rich red Mashiko glaze. It is 12 inches (31.5 cm) diameter and in fine condition.
Hamada Shoji was born in Tokyo, and enrolled in the Tokyo Technical University at the age of 19. In 1918 he met the important British potter Bernard Leach, and the history of ceramic arts was forever changed. One of the most influential and sought after of all...

A sculptural Green form by Yamazaki Akira (Yamazaki Koyo II, b. 1927), one of several enigmatic works we have acquired by this artist dating from the 1970s to early 80s. With the right lighting we can see a pattern of large black spots under the glaze on the bottom half of the body reminding me of the flintstones. The vase is 17 x 7-1/2 x 10 inches (43 x 19 x 25 cm) tall and in fine condition, signed on the base Akira. There is no box.
Akira’s father Yamazaki Koyo (1890-1979) was d...

A beautifully shaped green vessel by Miyashita Zenju enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It stands 10 inches (25.5 cm) tall, 8-1/2 inches (22 cm) diameter and is in fine condition.
Zenju (1901-1968) studied pottery in Japan, Korea and China, and is held in the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art as well as the Kyoto National Museum. Work by the artist was exhibited pre-war at the Bunten and Nitten National Exhibitions as well as the 1939 and 1940 World Exposition. Post war he put his...

A perfect example of why Shigaraki is one of Japans most popular ceramic styles; a large tsubo urn covered in Hai-yu ash glaze by Yamamoto Ryuzan, enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Thick glaze covers the shoulder and runs in glassy rivulets down the charred front, while the back of the Tsubo, positioned away from the flame, remains pale white. Bidoro, flying ash all over with a dark kutsuki on front and brittle molten ash-charring at the base. On a small base, the piece leans slight...

Woodblock Print of Traditional Japanese Folk Potteries by Serizawa Keisuke. Issued by Nihon Mingeikan (Japan Folk Craft Museum) in 1970. H. 20"(51cm) x W. 26"(66cm.) Excellent colors, light toning to paper. Printed text in English. See also SK-2 in Japanese. Keisuke Serizawa (5/13/1895 - 4/5/1984) was designated a Ningen Kokuho (National Living Treasure) in 1956 for his work in katazome stencil dyeing. He spent considerable time studying Ryuukyuu Bingata techniques in Okinawa and this influence ...

Representing the culmination of over 1,000 years of Shigaraki potting tradition, this bold guinomi with rough exterior and natural ash glazing was produced by well-known and admired potter Takahashi Rakusai

Born Mitsunosuke, the eldest son of Takahashi Rakusai III, the fourth Rakusai potter succeeded the family name in 1976 with his father’s passing. The Takahashi family on the whole has been one of the most important, influential, and longstanding among Shigaraki potters, playing...

A red earthen cylinder inlayed about the rim with dragonflies by JCS award winner Imai Masayuki enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The dragonflies (also called Katsumushi, or insect of victory) are inlayed into the red clay with white and buff clay, covered with resist, and a thin iron slip applied over the remainder of the vase. The slip color is so closely matched to the underlying brick-red clay one cannot see the difference. The vase is 9 inches (23 cm) tall, 4 inches (10 cm) dia...

A charred Tsubo blasted with ash by Takahashi Rakusai enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It reflects the style of early Shigaraki, with an engraved crosshatch belt circling the flaring mouth. The piece is 8 inches (21 cm) tall, roughly the same diameter and in excellent condition but for one tiny nick in the base.
Born in Shigaraki in 1900, Rakusai was considered one of the true masters of Shigaraki and Iga-yaki, along with Naokata and later Michio. He worked toward the revival...

A sizable rectangular platter covered in pale mottled earth-toned glaze by Shigeya Iwabuchi (1925-1993) enclosed in the original signed wooden box. A simple slab of clay, 1 inch (2.2 cm) thick, curled up in the corners. The simplicity is refreshing, the disparate surface natural and cool to the eye. It measures 16 by 11-1/2 inches (40 x 30 cm) and is in perfect condition. Shigeya was born in 1925 in Kyoto. He graduated the Kyoto Ceramics division of the Kyoto Industrial Research School, and ...

A beautifully painted porcelain blue and white Chinese vase with four maidens in elaborately designed robes, holding various objects such as flower baskets, a paint brush, and a book. Scholar's objects have been painted around the neck. The body has an interesting raised speckle texture. Unusual signature on bottom with beautiful floral design outline. Comes with hardwood stand. Dimensions: 17 1/4" Tall X 7 1/2" Wide (without hardwood stand) 1" Taller with Stand. Republic period (circa 1...

A spectacular Iga Tsubo by Shimizu Hiroshi enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Bidoro, Tombo-no-me, tobi-hai, shiseki…the surface is an exploration of kiln affects, every slight turn bringing new surprises. It is 15 inches (38.5 cm) diameter, 17 inches (43 cm) tall and in excellent condition. Due to size the cost of shipping will be accrued separately.
Shimizu Hiroshi was born the grandson of the first generation potter Shimizu Rakuzan in Mie prefecture in1941. He began work...

Fenton Glass Company made Colonial Thumbprint from 1962-80. There are no chips or cracks in the glass. Thanks for looking.

Japanese print entitled "Last Supper" by Sadao Watanbe. Sadao Watanabe (1913-1996) was part of the Mingi (folk art) movement in Japan which involved the use of natural materials. Watanabe's early boyhood job as a textile dyer has influence his work greatly. He used organic mineral pigments with a soybean milk binder (katazome) on hand crumpled paper (momigami). Watanabe's upbringing as a Christian is the main influence of his subject matter. This print depicts the scene of the Last Supper from t...

1976 Constock German Silver Cowboy Beltbuckle,in excellent condition. W:4"x3"

This small vessel, similar in a shape to a tokkuri, is a fine example of Oni Shino (carbon trap and natural ash glazing) that Tsukigata is so well-known for. Coining the term in the mid-50’s after countless failed experiments—which ultimately culminated in the discovery of this unique style of pottery—“Oni” translates roughly to demon or ogre. Fired at extreme temperatures for days in an anagama, the iron in the clay and in the glaze fuse, drip, and coalesce—while at the same time bl...

Chinese bowl or dish in a famille rose style, with a light blue base and interior rim, yellow ground with flecks of red and green in a floral pattern, and a large design of a butterfly with blue, pink, purple, and green colors. Signed on back. Late 19th-early 20th century Size: 5.75" wide, 2" tall, 4" deep

Chinese ring with green jadeite oval shaped cabochon, mounted on a 14K good ring (with gold mark), the jadeite is encircled in a ring of leaves and raised up with an open back to maximize the light shining through stone. Size: 1.7cm x 1cm

Gorgeous art deco Tamekichi Mitsui III signed Kutani plate. He received his artist's name Tamekichi III in 1961 from his teacher, and was soon afterward commissioned to create a plate for Edwin Reischhauer's visit in 1962. He was a favorite of the royal family who bought numerous pieces in 1976. Also from 1979-1988 Japanese Prime Ministers took his works abroad as gifts during state trips. He was a professor of art in Washington D.C. from 1997-2004 and had his own exhibition at the Smithsonian M...

This Dramatic mother and child sculpture is masterfully executed and has the full name signature of Licio Zanetti. It is understood in the market that Licio put his full name on only those pieces that he considered most important and these are considered the most valuable of his work. The hot worked Mother and Child sculpture demonstrate amazing skill with its clean lines and variety of surface treatments. The top half is transparent and blends into a corroso surface treatment. This is mount...

Fostoria Glass Company made Navarre from 1937-82. There are no chips or cracks in the glass. Thanks for looking.

Japanese bronze suiban, or a dish to be filled with viewing stones called suiseki, as well as small plant arrangements. The rim has flower petal incision motifs while the sides are decorated by medallions and a pair of handles shaped like elephant heads. Artist's signature on bottom.

Size: 17" L x 9" W x 4.5" H

A bottle form vase by important 20th century artist Yagi Kazuo enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The vase is 4 x 4-1/2 x 7-1/2 inches (10 x 11.5 x 19 cm) and in excellent condition.
Volumes have been written about pioneering artist Yagi Kazuo (1918-1979) and I am sure he needs no introduction. His birth on Independence Day seems to have been a portent of things to come. He was the son of the ceramicist Yagi Isso, and grew up surrounded by the characters of the Goja-zaka potter...

A very finely painted porcelain plaque - "Wu Song Da Hu" painted in the style of Liu Ji You - illustrating one of the stories from "The Water Margin" depicting the famous scene where the folk hero Wu Song kills the tiger which has been terrorizing the local population. The painting carries a cyclical dating for Spring 1979. Condition - excellent - no damages and no restoration. 37cm (14.5inches) x 24.5cm(9.7inches) including wood frame.

精美武松打虎...

Necklace stranded with round, Chinese jadeite beads in gorgeous shades of light and dark green, with a 14K yellow gold clasp.20th century. Size: 18" end to end, 3/8" bead width

Beautiful cream colored Japanese glazed porcelain vase with gold painted bamboo stalks on its front and back, gold checkerboard designs with pink and white accents around the neck and base, gold rim with red, green, and gold painted designs. Bottom signature reads "Satsuma Asahi Do". Size: 10.5" height, 6.75" width

1900s

Each cake is molded with designs of scholars on the fronts and raised calligraphy on the reverse. The designs on the front are all gilded in two shades of gold, and the reverse has gilt seals and some script gilded as well. Each piece is unused and is in good condition.

Longest Height: 3 1/8 in., Widest width: 2 in. Box dimensions: 8 ¼ in. x 5 ¾ in.

Oversized limited edition etching and relief print by Ouchi Makoto (1926-1989) titled “Firebird” dated 1971. The print is pencil-signed, numbered 30/60, and titled in kanji in the lower section beside the artist’s red seal. Paper size: 35 7/8”V x 23 1/2"H. Very good overall condition. The right paper edge cut is slightly irregular. This image is illustrated as plate 19 in the reference book “Aramusha: Ouchi Makoto The Artist Warrior” by Mary and Norman Tolman. The artist’s co...

White splashes into the pale terracotta of this large basin by world renowned artist Suzuki Osamu enclosed in the original signed kiri-wood box. The bowl measures almost 12 inches (28.5 cm) diameter, 3-1/2 inches (9 cm) tall and is in excellent condition, stamped on the base with the character Su in a square cartouche.
Osamu was, along with Kumakura Junkichi, Hikaru Yamada and Yagi Kazuo, one of the founding members of the influential Sodeisha (Crawling Through Mud Association), a grou...

An interesting tubular shaped Mashiko ware vase by Hasegawa Tsugio. The vase is done in the ash glaze method where the ash that circulates inside the kiln covers the fired piece creating interesting patterns and colors, late 20th century. Size: Height: 8" Length: 5" Width: 2.25"

Yuteki black slips down over the pourous, crackled white of this bold work by Taniguchi Ryozo enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 8-1/2 inches (21.5 cm) tall and in excellent condition. The box is darkened with age.
Ryozo (1926-1996) studied initially under Kiyomizu Rokubei VI. He was first accepted into the Japan Academy of Arts exhibition in 1948, and subsequently into the Nitten National exhibition in 1951 and exhibited there often after, receiving many prizes inclu...

Graffito is scratched into the white crackled glaze of this bowl by world renowned artist Kumakura Junkichi (1920-1985) enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The piece is 6 inches (15.5 cm) tall, 4-1/2 inches (11 cm) diameter and in perfect condition. See also the previously listed bowl by the same artist.
Junkichi began working in ceramics in the 1940s, his works submitted to innumerable National and International Exhibitions including the Japan Art Festival, New York and the int...

Splashes of earthen color decorate the deep sides of this large open dish by Living National Treasure Tamura Koichi enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The bowl is 15-1/2 (39 cm) diameter, 4 inches (10.5 cm) tall. The box is worn but still sturdy, and the bowl is in perfect condition. Koichi graduated from the Tokyo University of Fine arts Where he later taught), and took up an apprenticeship under (later) Living National Treasure Tomimoto Kenkichi. With a very impressive career, Koi...

This charming stylized snail by Livio Seguso, exemplifies the finesse of the Venetian Glass maestros' skills in interpreting their natural environment with hot glass. In the detail images the snail is shown with a shell form by Seguso from an earlier time: Seguso Vetri d'Arte, mid 1930's. The shell is a Flavio Poli design, and is available: item #0-18, Trocadero #860669. The snail is in excellent condition, 8"x5.5"x4"and has an etched signature: SegusoAV. Both pieces can be purchased at 20% di...

Beautiful Chinese jadeite pendant, carved with a dragon on one side of front and back, mounted with a white gold setting marked 18K, the jadeite is a striking mottled light green, emerald green with subtle orange-yellow area on one edge. Size of jadeite: 2.8 x 4.3 x 0.4 cm

Two glazes meet in the banded center of this deep Mashiko Tsutsu-chawan by Mingei Master and Living National Treasure Hamada Shoji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kake-Ai-Yu Dohimo Chawan.  The shape is very much in the Mashiko tradition, with a prominent ridge in the center (Do means the midriff, and himo is a line or chord) of a strong form which exudes confidence and strength born from utilitarian purpose.  It is a superb example of work by this most sought artist. 
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Chinese carving of a recumbent horse with head over his shoulder, beautifully carved of very dark green jade, sitting on wooden base also carved to look like a rock. Mid 20th century. Total size with stand: 5 1/2" high x 7" long x 4" deep Size of horse only: 3 3/4" high x 6" long x 2 1/2" deep

An exquisitely crafted candleholder executed in the pure palate of crystal glass with gold inclusion that is a hallmark of Archimede Seguso's work. The masterful sculpting of the flowers is remarkable. 9" x 4" x 4.5" This fine piece is in perfect condition.

Fantastic execution of the Shino pottery style in the form of a bold and attractive Henko vase. The feldspar glazing and visually captivating red scorch marks serve as a backdrop for several attractive and well placed kiln effects—overall an exceptional piece by this artist.

Ando Hidetake was born the third generation of a Mino pottery family in Gifu prefecture in 1938. He began as an apprenticeship under Kato Tokuro in 1960. A testament to his skill, he was accepted for the first...

This is an old chinese silk embroidery of birds and flora style artwork, not mounted and can be frame, it is more than 25 years old, very rich colour and traditional artwork with chinese cultural and philosophical meaning or fengshui elements, the seal chop ta-chih means good luck/good tidings in fengshui subject matter, thank you for looking, feel free to ask for more photos