Catalog: Artists: Ceramics: Pottery (732)

A torn opening and zen-like slash creates a dramatic pairing on this otherwise austere shape by Miwa Ryosaku (Miwa Kyusetsu XII) enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kakehana-Ire (Hanging vase).  This combination of static form and calligraphic movement, like a Zen Brushwork, gives off a strong sense of immediacy, a fleeting sense of the moment which is the essence of Ichigo Ichie at the heart of the Tea ceremony.  As well it is this tension between tradition and artistic drama wh...

Iron infuses the draperies of crystlized Shino glaze covering this traditional bottle shaped vase by Tsukigata Nahiko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Oni-Shino Tsubogata Hanaire.  A fold in the side adds asymmetry and a sense of immediacy to the piece, taking away the sense of creation and putting it firmly in the natural world where nothing is perfect (except perhaps the scent of a plum blossom!).  This is a quintessential work by this important artist whose work will remain...

RARE! Oribe vessel covered in pale earth-tones scribbled with natural motifs by Suzuki Goro enclosed in the original wooden box titled Narumi Oribe Natsume. Evidencing the great value placed upon the work, it comes wrapped in a silk bag bound with silk chord, inside a the original signd wooden box enclosed in a lacquered Niju-bako double wood storage case...

A jagged metallic shard in gold has embedded into the snow-bank sides of this deep shiro Hagi Chawan by Miwa Kazuhiko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shiroi Mau Wan (White Dancing Bowl). The sheered metallic ring gleems softly gold in the light, a stark contrast against the moon-like glow of the body...

A spectacular work of charred dark clay by legendary potter Kakurezaki Ryuichi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled simply Kuro Bizen.  The angular form rises from a triad of block feet flaring out before breaking upon three sharp points at the shoulder, a narrow neck rising with a slight flare.  Dark upon one side clings blue-gray ash separated from the raw dark clay by a thin bead of pale brown color.  Texture, form, color, this one has it all! 
Size, D 8.8 cm ( 3.5 inc...

Ash crusts a thin veil over the richly textured Shigaraki clay of this amazing Tsubo by Tsujimura Shiro enclosed in the original wooden box titled Uzukumaru.  I see an abraded rock face weeping water somewhere deep in the mountains of Japan, a journey in the mind inspired by the unpredictable billowing of melted ash blasting though the kiln, touching each pot in a unique way and leaving its indelible mark. 
Size, D 18.5 cm ( 7.3 inches)  H 15.5  cm ( 6.1 inches) 
Condition, Ex...

A tasteful work by the youthful star Tsujimura Yui showing a talent far beyond his years enclosed in their original signed wooden boxes titled simply Ido Chawan.  The pale glaze crawls across the surface, creating a sense of drama over this very austere form.  The rim dips and curves, a playful accent to the otherwise sedate work, made to suit the stately confines of the tea room. 
Size, D 15.3 cm (6 inches)  H 8.3  cm ( 3.3 inches) 
Condition, Excellent 
Tsujimura Yui...

A playful Sake Set by Sawa Katsunori, each piece enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Oribe Tokkuri and Oribe Guinomi respectively.  The capricious brush has worked over the various colors creating crosscurrents among the various themes which play off of each other .  The perfect compliment to the charms of a good bottle of sake. 
Size,The Tokkuri: is W 9,8  cm ( 3.9 inches)  H 16.0  cm ( 6.3 inches)  Size, Guinomi: is W 5.8  cm ( 2.3 inches)  H 5.2  cm ( 2.05 in...

Black, black, BLACK!  This is the word with Isezaki Koichiro and these two splendid works enclosed in the original signed wooden boxes titled Kuro Sake Tsugi and Kuro Sake Nomi (Black Sake Pourer and Black Sake Cup respectively).  The granular clay is a step away from standard Bizen, but the blasting of ash gives it away.  The rims seem to be worn away, as if the flames have caused them to degrade.  An undulating scar like a wave seems to intimate the waves of spirits that will pour forth. ...

Ash-glaze and blasted with fire color of foggy green and yellow shizen yu glaze ,in this sake set showing the secret to the Furutani family's pottery. Each piece enclosed in the original signed wooden box (titled Shigaraki Tokkuri and Iga Guinomi respectively).   
Size, The Tokkuri: is W 9.8  cm ( 3.8 inches)  H 12.9  cm (5.1 inches)  Guinomi: is W 6.9  cm ( 2.7 inches)  H 5.8  cm ( 2.3 inches) 
Condition, Excellent 
Kazuya (b...

An open bottle draped with ochre glaze over charred blacks by Tsukigata Nahiko wrapped in a brocade bag and enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Oni Shino Kannon Hana-Ike.  Kannon, the protector deity in Buddhism, is quite often seen meditating in white robes whith a bottle alongside.  A superlative example of this artists work...

An unusal form by Ito Motohiko of rectangular shape with undulating wave top like the gold clouds on a traditional screen,, emblazoned with young pine branches by Ito Motohiko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Nunome Wakamatsu Mon Kabin (Cloth Textured Pine Motif Vase).  This is just in time for New Years displays.  Pine is one of the traditional motifs displayed at New Years as it is ever-green, and represents consistency and strength through the cold winter months.  The sapl...

A spectacular Shino Chawan featuring clouds of red over crackled and fissured white by Japan Ceramic Society award (JCS) winner Tamaoki Yasuo enclosed in the original signed wooden box.  The form is organic, the rim ebbs and flows like salt-foam on the tide...

Ash Glazed Flower Vessel by Mihara Ken enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hai-yu Kaki (Ash Glazed Flower Vessel).  The entire work is soft and matte, like an old charcoal sketch, exuding a very powerful “Wa” sense of harmony.  Ken is well known for this pastel color concept of un-presupposing grays, and this piece certainly lives up to our expectations for him...

An incredible mixture of colors glisten like the walls of a Limestone cave in the hills of Akiyoshidai, the karst regtion south of Hagi where the important artist Kaneta Masanao created this bowl, enclosed in the original signed wooden box.  The style is Kurinuki, not formed on a wheel but cut and worked from a block of clay, an approach the artist is famous for...

An austere form calling to mind the strictness of form and years of practice required to master the way of tea by Ningen Kokuho Isezaki Jun enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Bizen Kuro Chawan.  A flash of light strikes out on the front.  Like staring at the burning wick of a candle it makes all around it seem dark.  Beyond, that dark charring fades out to bitter greens and lively textures, one can imagine the beauty of staring into the bowl at the vibrant, frothy drink. 
...

When you hold this piece in your hands, first contact, you get it.  A Rey unusual and organic form by Isezaki Koichiro enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hikidashiguro Chawan.  It has been a pleasure to watch over the last 30 years the reinvigoration in pottery in Japan, an explosion of innovation which seems exponential.  It continues to blossom bigger every year.  The potters are so technically skilled and taking an original approach to the ceramic arts.  Isezaki Koichiro i...

I cannot help be see the incense stick burns in a Buddhist altar cloth when I look at this Shino Chaire by Wakao Toshisada which comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box.  Inevitably as more sticks of incense are added to a koro, some will break and fall onto the altar cloth, smoldering as they disappear into smoke, leaving only a fleeting scent and shadow-like scar in the drapery.  If one has ever been deep into the darkness of a temple, you may know the quiet feeling of contemplation...

Thick ash colors the surface of this superb chawan by Kawamoto Goro enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled hai-yu chawan( Ash glazed tea bowl),
Like encrustations on some Roman glass bottle dredged up from two thousand years of slumber, the glaze is porous and thick.
Size, W 14.2  cm ( 5-1/2 inches)  H 8.6  cm ( 3-1/2 inches) 
Condition, Excellent 
Goro (1919-1986) was born in Seto to a family of potters...

This piece comes off like it has been buried in a volcano, incredible igneous encrustations cover the sides, with molten ash, bidoro, goma, kutsuki and a host of other firing effects all present on its diminutive form.  It is by the young artist Tsujimura Kai, enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Iga Hana-ire.  
Size, W 12.8  cm ( 5-1/4inches)  H 15.2  cm ( 6 inches) 
Condition, Excellent 
Kai was born in Nara, son of Tsujimura Shiro, in 1976, making him o...

Shadows of flame exhume the granular qualities of the clay on this superb Sekki (unglazed) Bottle by Mihara Ken enclosed in the original signed wooden box.  Exquisite, on one side the clay is ash gray, the opposite lively earth tones, and between is an abrupt scorched-land of shadow and color, like that violent moment between awake and sleep. 
Size, W 11.6  cm ( 4-1/2 inches)  H 16.5  cm ( 6-1/2 inches) 
Condition, Excellent 
Mihara Ken was born in Shimane prefecture i...

A lobed bottle form vase by Kishimoto Kennin enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Seiji Ichiriin Sashi.  The surface is fissured like a block of shattered ice the color of a carribean lagoon.  About the opening a hint of rust defines the rim.  A blue sapphire…  
Size, W 11.2 cm ( 4-1/2 inches)  H 15.9  cm ( 6-1/4 inches) 
Condition, Excellent 
Kishimoto Kennin has been working with clay since the 1950s, devouring styles along the way...

Something about the pattern on this Kinsai vase by Ono Hakuko screams vintage, like a classic episode of the partridge family.  There is a great deal of life about it, some type of inner joy, the gold repetition like the lights reflecting off a mirrored ball.  It comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Yuri-Kinsai Hana-tate. 
Size, W 8.5  cm ( 3-1/2 inches)  H 24.0  cm ( 9-1/2 inches) 
Condition, Excellent 
From Aichi prefecture, Hakuko was trained by h...

Dawn breaks over snow laden boulders, the shadows waxing lavender on this spectacular incense burner by Kaneta Masanao enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hagi Haku-yu Kamahen Kurinuki Koro. This style of digging the work out of the clay rather than forming the clay on a wheel has been a signature of this artists work for more than two decades...

These expressive forms utilize the clays natural textures to bring out the depths of the oribe green, and electric shimmers of blue flash on the surface in random patterns like heat lightning.  This sake set was created by the very popular and hard to find Higashida Shigemasa and come enclosed in their original signed wooden boxes titled Oribe Tokkuri and Guinomi respectively. 
Size, The Tokkuri: is W 9.5  cm ( 3-3/4 inches)  H 14.6  cm (5-3/4 inches)  Size, Guinomi: is W 5.2  ...

Guinomi creates a very organic feel.  The bulbous form, like some tuber or bulb found in nature, a sake-flower bulb, shows scars where kutsuki (other items) have fused to it in the heat of the conflagration.  Allow this bulb to grow to fruition, blossoming into a shared night of conversation and company or a quiet night of music and moonlight…
Size, The Tokkuri: is W 10.2  cm ( 4 inches)  H 13.6  cm (5-1/2 inches) 
Size, Guinomi: is W 7.7  cm ( 3-1/4 inches)  H 5.5  cm ...

Once again Abe Anjin has proved his mastery of traditional form with this superb rendition of Momoyama styling enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Bizen Hanaire,signed on base as well inside the vase...

A faceted bowl by Hamada Shinsaku exhibiting the superb sense of design to be expected of this illustrious lineage enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shio-yu Tetsu Sabi Mentori Chawan (Salt Glazed Iron Faceted Tea Bowl).  The form is very much in the Mingei taste, A beautifully turned wan-gata with thick walls which have been sliced away, creating an architectural quality.  To this is added a dusting of salt which textures the surface.  Like many great bowls it must be held to ...

A multi faceted Vase by Hamada Shinsaku coated in swipes of blue-salt glaze enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shio-yu Ai Henko (Salt Glazed Blue Vase).  On one side is a blown blue spatter like Jackson Pollock, yet on the opposite fingers traces like Shiraga Kazuo.  The rich blues are punctuated by dustings of rust.  Either side is a pleasure. 
Size,W 15.8 cm ( 6-1/4 inches)  H  cm ( 8-1/4 inches) 
Condition, Excellent 
Born the second son of Hamada Sho...

A seminal work by Wakao Toshisada adorned with the quintessential elements of this artists work, a moon in gold over silver flowers on a gray Nezumi-Shino fold-textured ground.  It comes in the original signed wooden box titled very simply Nezumi Shino Hanaike.  Although I am not a botanist, I imagine the yu-gao (bottle gourd flower, called the face of evening in Japanese) opening to reveal its splendor to the rising moon, visible through the drying autumn grasses.  A superb example of the em...

An Iga Kogo by Kishimoto Kennin and Tamba Kogo by Nishihata Tadashi, both superb examples of their craft and tradition, both by these prominent artists and both enclosed in the original signed wooden boxes.  The Kennin piece is a small square reminiscent of a pillar stone from some long lost temple, the edges covered in earth, the round top lost in a covering of moss.  Here he has breathed new life into the traditional form, both paying homage and yet leaving his indelible mark on it to carry ...

Spectacular kiln affects dapple this playful form by artist Sugimoto Sadamitsu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Iga Hanire.  Ash has encrusted the base so thickly he has had to grind it off, this happens when the piece gets buried up to a point in the ash on the kiln flooror up against a wall, and the works come up together this cooled encrustation.  That combines with the natural sunrise colors or “Hi-iro” of the clay, and the glassy green beads wrapping around the jocula...

A profusion of color descends the granulated surface of this traditional form by legendary potter Nakagawa Jinenbo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Chosen Karatsu Mimitsuki Hana-ire.  The grandiose embellishment of color creates a sublime sense of tension between the dark glazed and color infusion.  Although very much in the Chosen Karatsu tradition, the execution is unequivocally contemporary. 
Size, W 14.8 cm ( 6 inches)  H 24.5  cm ( 9-1/2 inches) 
Conditi...

ash blasted and bursting with inclusions, this chawan tea bowl by Otani Shiro comes with everything you could want from this representative Shigaraki potter.  Over a terracotta clay burnt ash gray a smattering of pale flying ash provides the backdrop for molten drips of foggy green and yellow shizen yu glaze.  The shape conforms beautifully to the palm, showing the master skill of this important artist. 
Size, W 12.8 cm ( 5-1/4inches)  H 9.9  cm ( 4 inches) 
Condition, Excellen...

Like the iridescent moon itself, this teabowl seems to glow softly from beyond the twilight blue, a luminescence not reflected, but born from within.  It is an exceptional work by Maeda Masahiro enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled very simply Iro Chawan.  (Colored Tea Bowl) 
Size, D 11.8 cm (4-3/4 inches)  H 9 cm (3-1/2 inches) 
Condition, Excellent 
Maeda Masahiro (b. 1948) graduated the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts in 1975where he received instru...

A deep bowl pelted with bluish-green salt glaze revealing patches of combed white by Hamada Shoji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Ai-Shioyu Kushime Chawan. The form is composed, rising perfectly from the heavy base to the light rim. The glaze has crawled and settled into lights and shadows, capturing that effect so sought in salt glazes, wth the added feature of the comb marks in the clay, which add a sensory dimension not restricted to vision. A bowl the mastercraftsman would ...

This Tsubo by Tsujimura Kai is amazing and all attitude. It comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shizen-yu Tsubo. Green ash has poured in a torrent around the form, settling into glossy black around the base on one side and tingeing the rim with charcoal fingers. Huge eyelets create bulge from the surface on one side, evidence of how it rested on its side in the kiln. This is one not to be missed, and one we will be hard pressed to let go.
Size, W 21.5 cm ( 8-1/5...

Shades of red ripple like fire in the kiln across the variegated surface of this large Koro by Shino master Kato Toyohisa enclosed in the original wooden box titled Aka-Shino Koro. Whenever one looks into a wood burning kiln during the firing, this is what is visible; ash molten on the sides of pots turned red hot by flames blasting through, long tendrils of fire wrapping about the wavering forms. It is as if Toyohisa has captured that moment, and brought it out into the colder climes of our w...

Staring into the garden through a window in the lattice wall, bamboo, rising gracefully from the mossy floor, rustles slightly in the breeze. This scene is captured perfectly on this chawan by Living National Treasure Shimaoka Tatsuzo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Gozu Zogan Kusabana Mon Wan. The Jomon rope impressions for which he is so well known create the sense of lattice-work.
Size, W 11.8 cm ( 4-1/2 inches) H 10.4 cm ( 4 inches)
Condition, Excelle...

A black cloak is draped from the shoulders of this mysterious character lurking in the shadows of the tea room by legendary potter Hori Ichiro enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Seto-guro Chawan. Matte over much of the surface, someplaces the blackness shines like midnight through the fog, the rough sandy texture of the clay reveals itself to the hands more than to the eye, adding a sense of intimacy when holding the bowl.
Size, W 12.6 cm ( 5 inches) H 10.2 cm ( 4 inch...

Silver waves ripple like the summer seas around the Mt. Fuji like cone of this iconic form by Morino Taimei enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Ginsai Namijo Mon Henko (Silver Wave Pattern Vessel). The unsual base of white lends this piece a singular quality among his repertoire, and would be a wonderful compliment to other works by this esteemed artist.
Size, W 24.0 cm (9.1/2 inches) H 25.5 cm ( 10.1/4 inches)
Condition, Excellent
Taimei was born in K...

A dark flower blooms magnificently on this black form by Takauchi Shugo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Tetsu-E Kuro Chawan.
Size, W 13.4cm (5.1/4 inches) H 11.4cm ( 4.1/2 inches)
Condition, Excellent
Takauchi Shugo was born in Tokyo in 1937, opening his kiln in Mashiko at the age of 31. He has exhibited at the Nihon Dento Kogeiten National Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Nihon Togeiten National Ceramics Exhibition and as well as Gendai Nihon Togeiten Na...

A very rare boxed set of 3 cups by potters of several ancient kiln areas: Bizen by Kakurezaki Ryuichi, Hagi by Miwa Kazuhiko and Ki-Seto by Suzuki Goro. What great fun to break out this set on a night with friends, sharing tastes of various sake from the hands of some of Japans top potters in various traditions. Something not simply to be seen or collected, but used and experienced. It comes enclosed in the original wooden box signed by the artists.
Size, D cm (inches) H cm (inche...

Lavender clouds like rain threatening on a foggy landscape form on the surface of this cool White Hagi chawan by important artist Kaneta Masanao enclosed in the original signed wooden box The style is Kurinuki, not formed on a wheel but cut and worked from a block of clay, an approach the artist is famous for.
Size, W 12.8 cm ( 5.1/4 inches) H 9.8 cm ( 3.1/2 inches)
Condition, Excellent
Masanao likely needs no introduction, certainly one of Hagis most well known nam...

An unusual chawan draped with blue over leopard-skin like some Osaka Obachan on a Friday night romp by Takiguchi Kazuo enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The apple shaped form is pleasant on the hands, not heavy or unruly. A large drip had sagged off the side, affixing itself to the kiln floor, where it has been cut off. A bowl very much in this artists avant-garde spirit.
Size, W 11.2 cm (4.1/2 inches) H 8.7 cm (3.1/2 inches)
Condition, Excellent
Ka...

An Oribe vessel covered in pale earth-tones scribbled with nudes by Suzuki Goro enclosed in the original wooden box titled Yahichida Tsubo. A crow perches on the base like a signature cawing out GORO! Yahichida was a style of Oribe popular in the Momoyama and early Edo periods. That said it is likely that they did not decorate with such audacious flair back then.
Size, W 15.5 cm ( 6 inches) H 26.2 cm ( 10.1/4 inches)
Condition, Excellent
Suzuki Goro has a list of ...

This bowl is reminiscent of a colorfully striped Nishijin-ori Kimono, blue and green and yellow on a base color of hemp. The rim rises and falls in a rhythmic dance aong the broad shoulder. Created by modern master Ajiki Hiro, it comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shio-Yu Wan, Basara. Basara is a term in Japanese aesthetics associated with the challenge of traditional ideals during the Muromachi period. It is also the name of a style of contemporary and colorful dance wh...

Strikingly bold patterns revealed through curtains of copper green play across the surface of this dramatic work by Ikeda Shogo enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Sea Turtles, Castles, Cherry Blossoms and Lattice Bamboo Fences, a smorgasbord of Japanese iconography painted and carved into the gritty clay.
Size, W 12.5 cm (5.1/4inches) H 9.5 cm (3.1/2inches)
Condition, Excellent
Born in Kagoshima, the southern extreme of the Japanese main islands in 1976, S...

White slip lopes and wavers and splashes over this slightly trumpeting chawan by master of that genre Koie Ryoji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hikidashi no Chawan. Innovative as always, the application of glaze has been performed in several layers and styles, giving the bowl a unique appearance which sets it apart from others. Not outlandish like many of his works, it is highly suitable to the quiet reservation and aesthetic of the tea room, yet retains his distinctive flav...

Hayashi Shotaro is one of Japan’s preeminent potters, and he has outdone himself again with this mouthwatering work decorated with a pagoda in dark iron silhouette against an iron red sky fading to darkness at the rim. It comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Manyou Yamato-ro Henko (Manyo is his signature glaze and Yamato-ro refers to imagery of old Japan). This piece was shown at his exhibition celebrating 45 years of potting, and is featured in the catalog image number 19...

This very liquid form seems already imbibed with rice wine, the base stable while the sides tilt slightly, sagging on the stool, a superb work by Abe Anjin. It comes wrapped with the original stamped wrapping cloth enclosed in the original wooden box titled Bizen Shuki and in turn enclosed in a black lacquered wooden box also stamped by the artist. Obviously, he felt this was deserved of greatness.
Size, W 6.7 cm ( 2 1/4 inches) H 6.1 cm ( 2 1/2 inches)
Condition, Excellent...

A charred Ash Glazed Hento by Kumano Kurouemon enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Echizen Ko-wakamaru Hento and signed To Kurouemon. Two slabs joined by a wide belt, one side slightly sagging like Hotei’s belly, lines scorring the sides. Glaze is crisp on the neck and one side, but grows quite liquid as it drips down the other. The title is like the cocky little swordsman Ushi Wakamaru, the neck cocked slightly to the side in an arrogant parry combined with the Shigaraki Term ...

Thick white vitrifies over bottomless black, creating a stark sense of drama on the torn form of this outstaniding work by world renowned potter Miwa Kazuhiko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kakan (Floral Crown). It is quite tall, and with a single flower would be an excellent complement to the alcove of a modern Tea Room. The raw red clay is visible benath where the glaze has crawled away to allow a peek inside.
Size, H 36.5 cm (14.1/4inches)
Condition, Exc...

Black splashes over spattered white slip draw the eye into the window in the darkenss on the side of this exquisite chawan tea bowl by master fo that genre Koie Ryoji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled understatedly Chawan. The title is the only thing simple about this complex combination of contemporary clay, glaze, tradition, form, function, past and future. A simply stunning work by the master of tea bowls.
Size, W 12.6 cm (5 inches) H 8.3 cm (3.5 inches)
C...

Here is a piece with attitude! A proud Iga vase with two “ears” like elbows on its hips by Kishimoto Kennin enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Iga Hanaire Somimi. Interestingly he has written the last characters as one instead of two in the title. The style is taken from Momoyama era works, -tweaked a little with typical Kennin flare, and looks as if it just stepped from the kiln goin “What do you think?”
Size, W 14.5 cm (6 inches) H 25.5 cm (10.1/2inches)

A set of five Yunomi Tea cups showing off to a tee the many styles of Oribe for which Suzuki Goro is known. Narumi Oribe ,Yashichida Oribe ,Ao Oribe and everything in between with just as varied decorations. Each is uniquely engraved with the artist’s signature and they come enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Oribe Yunomi.
Size, W 5.5cm (2.1/2inches) H 7.9cm ( 4 inches)
Condition, Excellent
Suzuki Goro has a list of shows and prizes too lengthy to ...

A tall Sake bottle with handle deeply dragged and scratched by Yamada Kazu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Ao-Oribe Sake Tsugi. It struts forward at a jaunty gate, as if whistling a tune on a summer day in the park, oblivious to all. It is dressed from top to bottom in oribe green, the scarred body filling in the recesses forming dark pools and fractures.
Size, W 9.8cm (4 inches) H 18.3 cm (7 inches)
Condition, Excellent
Kazu was born in Tokoname c...

Thick ash covers the ovoid form of this exquisite Chaire by Tsujimura Kai enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Nostalgic with its glaze effects and form immersed in tradition, yet full of the world today, contemporary, breathing, alive. To one side a crescent moon shaped kutsuki forms a rakish grin, inviting the viewer to join in the merriment. It is a masterpiece by this young artist.
Size, W 7.1cm(3-1/4 inches) H 11.1cm (4-1/2 inches)
Condition, Excellent , encased i...

Here another igneous form by Fujioka Shuhei enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Iga Igyo Tsubo (Iga disparately Shaped Tsubo). Like the previous Shigaraki work, this shows a state of nature, not a state of intent, as if the piece came to be. It is this sense of raw elementalism which puts Japanese pottery apart, and gives it its unique place of reverence in world ceramics. Fujioka himself states The spirit of Old Iga, its body born in these lands and the soul of which transcends...

Thick ash covers the squat form of this exquisite traditionally shaped tsubo by Sugimoto Sadamitsu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shigaraki Uzukumaru Tsubo and annotated by Tea Master Tachibana Daiki of Daitokuji Temple. One can easily see how a traditional Zen master would wish to associate his name with the work. Like the answer to a Zen Koan, the piece appears to have always been there. It is amorphic, clothed in such a thickness of ash and coal that it appears to have f...