Kogo made of lacquered wood, made by workshop of Nakamura Sōtetsu (not the person itself). Well known craftsmen in Japan would have a whole studio, and this would be a part of a large order, workshop production made it possible, and not prohibitively expensive. Kogo was most likely made for one of Omotesenke Conventions, most likely in 1980s or 1990s. Made of light weight wood. Character for Jyu (longevity 寿) is on top, kakihan (handwritten cipher) of Omotesenke 14th Iemoto Sōsa Jimyōsai on the inside of lid. Perfect condition, workshop signed box, workshop seal on the bottom of the kogo. Size: 1 1/16” (2.6 cm) high, 2 5/8” (6.7 cm) wide, 3” (7.6 cm) long. If you need more information, please contact me.

Rare 13th Omotesenke Iemoto Mujin Sōsa (1901-1979) Sokuchūsai Signed Box Thai Benni Annan Kogo This is an extremely rare Thai (Benni Annan) kogo in a box signed by 13th Iemoto of Omotesenke, Mujin Sōsa (1901-1979) [Sokuchūsai]. Kogo is probably 18th century, box was signed in 1960s or 1970s. The custom of writing on the boxes of important tea utensils is an old one, and such utensils are highly treasured. Kogo is made of porcelain like glazed clay with an enamel decoration depicting a red lion. Using Southeast Asian ceramics in tea ceremonies was always desired, and this is a perfect example. My guess is that this piece was brought to Japan in the 20th century, after which the box was authenticated/signed by Mujin Sōsa. Condition: Minor loss of enamel, few hairline cracks, two places of possible chips (places are smooth, it may have been sanded to perfection, or it was an imperfection from firing- I am really not sure). Small damage on the inside of the lid- at the Sokuchūsai’s kakihan (kogo was not packed properly, and enamel rubbed against the box). Size: 7/8” (2.3 cm) high, 2 3/16” (5.5 cm) wide, 1 5/8” (4.1 cm) long. Box is tied with yellow ribbon, which is the choice color for Omotesenke School of tea. If you need more information, please contact me.

Extremely rare porcelain Chinese style porcelain vase made by Katō Minoru (b. 1932), well known Kyoto potter, often associated with Zen priests. The vase is inscribed Yūshin (遊心　 Desire to Have a Good Time). Probably not an obvious choice by a Zen priest, but Inaba was well know for his good natured humor. Inaba Shinden (1906-1986) entered priesthood in 1920 and had studied Zen under Taiko Yamazaki and Seki Seisetsu (1877-1945). He was the abbot of Jisai-in, sub-temple of Tenryu-ji in Kyoto from 1940 until he was elected to be the abbot of Kokutai-ji and head of Kokutai-ji sect of Rinzai Buddhism in 1968. He held the position for the rest of his life. Piece dates from early 1970s and is 9 1/8” (23.2cm) tall, 3 3/8” (8.6 cm) wide and 3 1/2” (9 cm) long. It is enclosed in original box signed by Inaba Shinden. Piece is in perfect condition. For more information on Inaba Shinden and Kato Minoru, see Dujin, Veljko: Zenmi – A Taste of Zen: Paintings Calligraphy and Ceramics from the Riva Lee Asbell Collection, Morikami Museum, 2011.

6 issues of Tōsetsu (12, 13, 15 from 1954; 240, 242 from 1973 and 260 from 1974). Great scholarly resource, early issues are very hard to find in Japan. B/W photos, articles on Japanese, Chinese, Korean and world ceramics. If interested, please email me for more detailed content. Water damage to older issues, some with foxing, all with minor damage to spine and age discoloration.

Ikeda Masuo (1934-1997) was one of the best known Japanese print makers in the world. He also produced ceramics, bronzes, and was the author of many best selling and award winning books. This piece was made after his design, box is silkscreened with his signature, not handwritten. His pieces are increasingly more difficult to obtain. Dates to early 1990s. Dimensions:1” (2.6cm) tall,3 1/4” (8.3 cm) in diameter.

Unusual summer (Hira Jawan) tea bowl painted by Gyokuzen, depicting a painitng of a Horse. Appears to be from the Meiji Period, c. 1900. Good condition, few chips on the rim, deposits of tea on the inside. Low fired earthenware, probably made in the Raku style in Kyoto. Dimensions:2 1/4” (5.6 cm) tall, 6 1/8” (15.5 cm) in diameter. Enclosed in wooden box.

Teiichi Oketani (b. 1935) is one of the most productive Seto potters. Bunrin Chaire, perfect condition, enclosed in original signed box and with silk shifuku. Piece is from early 1990s. Lid is resin, with gold leaf on the underside. Dimensions: 2” (5.3cm) tall,3 1/4” (8.6 cm) in diameter.

Raku tea bowl by Yoshimura Rakunyu I or II (second was born in 1929 and passed away in 1989). Good two toned glazed bowl, few small chips on the rim. Probably from 1950s. Enclosed in annotated (not artist signed) paulownia box. Dimensions: 2 7/8” (7.3cm) tall, 4 5/8” (11.5 cm) in diameter.

Suzuki Seiji (b. 1946) is the younger son of Suzuki Seisei (1914-1990), famous Nitten winning potter who revolutionized Seto. Seiji, like his brother Norifumi, studied under his father, and is a frequent exhibitor at Nitten and other ceramic exhibitions. Pot (Tsubo) could be used as a vase in a tea ceremony. This piece dates from mid 1970s. Dimensions: 7 1/4” (20.4cm) tall,3 3/4” (9.9 cm) in diameter. It is enclosed in the original signed box with artist’s biography (in Japanese). For more information on Seto, see Finest Ceramics in Seto, Seto City Museum, 2005.

Suzuki Norifumi (b. 1940 - 2007) is the elder son of Suzuki Seisei (1914-1990), famous Nitten winning potter who revolutionized Seto. Norifumi studied under his father, and is a frequent exhibitor at Nitten and other ceramic exhibitions. Pot (Tsubo) could be used as a small vase in a tea ceremony. This piece dates from the early 1990s. Dimensions: 5 1/2” (14.4cm) tall,3 1/4” (8.5 cm) wide and 2 1/2” (6.3 cm) long. It is enclosed in the original signed box with artist’s biography (in Japanese) and potter sealed cloth. Perfect condition, tape residue on the box (seen in the photos). For more information on Seto, see Finest Ceramics in Seto, Seto City Museum, 2005.

Kusaka Kenji (b. 1936) is one of the greatest Sosaku Hanga Artists. Abstract minimalist, he established his career at all major print biennale exhibits (Ljubljana, Tokyo, Sao Paola, and winning awards). A regular at CWAJ. The print is very large, paper is 35 1/8” x 24 7/16”, image 30 ¾” x 21 3/8”. Proponent of small editions, his prints are very scarce! 18/35, minor handling creases, rounded corners, abrasions, all should not be visible, once matted and framed.

Beautiful minimalistic print by Sosaku Hanga great Inoue Kozo (b. 1937) who built his career in Paris (title is in French). Large silkscreen is from 1984, 24/150, in perfect condition, miniscule handling creases and abrasions. Paper (22” x 29 ¾”) image (17 ½” x 25 1/8”). Regular exhibitor at CWAJ and Japan Print Association exhibits, in numerous public collections throughout the world.