The formal name for this natsume given by Hounsai, Sen Genshitsu ( Sen Soshitsu XV) is: Magaki-kiku Makie Fubuki Natsume. The magakiku can be derived from Japanese poetry and literature. One noted poet, Tonna Hoshi composed a poem in the Souanshu which reads: usuku koutsurou, kiku no magaki kana, kore mo chigusa no hana to miru made. With different shades of colors, the crysanthemums by the fence change daily...

Tayama Honan (1903-1980) was an important scholar and leader in the preservation of Important Cultural Properties (Bunkazai) and National Treasures. Honan took great efforts in preserving important calligraphies, documents, and books that defined Japanese culture, history, and art.

The bowl presented is a very heavy and large Shino tea bowl known in Japanese as eshino or painted shino tea bowl...

Richard Milgrim is an American ceramic artist based in Kyoto with his own kiln named Richado-gama. The name was given by Sen Genshitsu, Houunsai (15th head of the Urasenke tradition of tea). Richard continues to produce traditional ceramic tea utensils while developing his own distinct designs and glazes.

The tea container shown is shaped in the form of the Rikyu Marutsubo and is done in the style known as Seto ware...

Rabbits riding waves has been a popular motif in Japanese art often being depicted in art in the Edo Period (1600-1868). However, rabbits were often used in Japanese culture with references from Japan's oldest text, Kojiki, where Okuni nushi no Mikoto receives support from a rabbit residing in Inaba.

The association of water with rabbits is in reference of the five elements in Chinese Daoism. Rabbits are often associated with the moon and the moon is thought to be connected with water...

A rare Mashiko plate with an impression of a fish set in the center. The color of the dish, glaze used is often seen in traditional Mashiko wares evoking the mingei spirit. The dish is thought to be a set of 3 dishes and the three were separated. Also, typically with Mashiko wares, either the ware contains no motifs and the glazes create interesting patterns on the wares or the wares contains painted designs or embossed geometric patterns...

Takamura Koun (1852-1934) is known throughout the Japanese Art world for creating two noted statues. One is the statue of Saigo Takamori which stands in Ueno Park in Tokyo. The second is wood sculpture of a monkey which is housed in the Tokyo National Museum collection. Koun was originally trained as a sculptor of Buddhist statues...

The serene landscape reminds one of the wilderness of Northern Japan or Hokkaido. The summer green evokes summer breezes and the cool wind through the forests. The work is done by Ono Tosei (1902~?) Who has been exhibiting his works since the early part of the 20th century with the Imperial exhibitions to the current Nitten. Tosei is also part of the association closely connected with the Nitten.

Age: 1960-1970. Late Showa.

Size: length 56" width 28.5"

A simple yet elegant bronze vase shaped in the form of a gourd by Takahashi Kaishu (1905-2004) Kaishu was trained by Umino Kiyoshi and a graduate of Tokyo School of the Arts. Kaishu extensively exhibited his works at the Teiten and Nitten, by the 1950s, Kaishu learns the style known as Kaga Zogan or the method of using silver and gold to make inlay work...

A splendid Japanese two panel folding screen done in the style seen in Nihonga, the distinct style of Japanese painting which was thought to be founded by Yokoyama Taikan during the Meiji Period. The apsara holds a kakko which is an important instrument in gagaku, the ancient court music which is still played in Japanese temples, shrines, and in the Imperial court. The Kakko is only played by the head of the orchestra of various ancient instruments...

Energetic as the man himself, the shikishi (a paper board used to create paintings or calligraphy) is the work of the 15th Sen Soshitsu, Hounsai Daisosho (1923~). Daisosho, Sen Genshitsu has captivated people with his philosophy. In one of his writings, Daisosho, Sen Genshitsu states: "In my own hands I hold a bowl of tea; I see all of nature represented in its green color. Closing my eyes I find green mountains and pure water within my own heart...

Square censer done in Japanese makie decorated with motifs of folding fans with images of pine, plum, and bamboo. The censer contains a silver container and lid decorated with wave, cloud, and floral motifs.

Age: Showa Period.

Size:Length and width 4" height 5.5"

The title of the work is, Tenpyo no Shirabe, or the tune of the Tenpyo era which is during the 8th century (Nara Period). The Tenpyo period was an interesting period in Japanese history where various cultures from across Asia strongly influenced Japanese culture of the time and elevated it to the level that we see today...