Deposits of ash and marks from the fire are the elements that define the beauty of Bizen wares. Potters create cups of sake while considering what would be the best shape to enjoy that delicious cup of sake.

Mori Tozan (1938~) Born into one of the six main families that produce traditional Bizen ware in Okayama Prefecture. Tozan now has been recognized as a traditional craftsman by the Japanese government...

A curled dragon, ready to rise into the sky is holding a crystal ball that posses powers to grant wishes. This usubata was produced in the 1850s at a time when bronze objects decorated with crystal balls were often produced.

Age: Edo Period, 1850. Size: height 8.25" diameter 11.5"

Sumptuous rolling hills in the distance glittering in silver and gold with trees swaying in the slight breeze describe the scenery shown in this writing box produced by Hayashi Kuhei. Sir Ernest Satow mentions Kuhei's name in his diaries possibly mentioning about one of the many World Exhibitions or World Fairs that were held during the 1870-1910 period...

Works done on uchiwa (Dansen) or hand fans rarely survive and paintings done by Ogata Korin (1658-1716) are extremely rare. One is housed at the Hatakeyama Museum in Tokyo, another in Yamanaka, Ishikawa Prefecture in a private collection. The work shown is a piece originally made for a hand fan. The bamboo frame was removed and re-mounted onto a hanging scroll...

A simple, minimalistic Chinese ink stone retaining the natural stone formation on the sides. The inkstone comes with a black lacquered case.

Age: 19th-20th century.

Size: Container: height 1.8" width 6.75" length 5.5" Inkstone: height 1.3" width 6.25" length:5"

A finely done inkstone decorated with a bamboo leaf and dragonfly. The inkstone case is carved from either suanzhi or a huanghuali like Chinese hardwood in the form of a bamboo. No damages are found on the inkstone or case.

Age: Early 20th century

Size: Inkstone: height 0.75" Length 3.3" Width 6" Box: height 1.5" Width: 6.75" Length 3.75"

A rare sterling silver jizai object by Myochin Hiroyoshi. The Myochin lineage is famous for producing high quality armor and during the late Edo to Meiji, the need for armor decreased and the family began to produce a series of reticulated objects from sea creatures to insects.

Age: Meiji-Taisho Period.

Width:8cm(3.1inch)Weight:15g

A Japanese lacquered tray decorated with a group of cranes flying in the sky. The cranes are done in makie where gold pigment and colored lacquer is used to decorate a piece either coated with lacquer or a polished wooden piece. Cranes are a symbol of longevity in East Asia and are found predominantly in Siberia to Manchuria and migrate to Japan in Winter.

Age: Showa Period: 1926-1989

Size: Height 1.5" Length 15.5" Width 10.5"

A fascinating and rare Japanese Bofura or an unglazed teapot. In the way of Sencha (JPN: Senchado) the bofura is placed on a unglazed ceramic brazier to boil water. Since the bofura is done in a Kaolin-like clay and unglazed, not much of these pots have survived. This bofura contains an inscription on the side by Yogai. The inscription appears to be that inside the pot contains the heart of the literati spirit of solitude in the countryside...

The pair of red lacquered decorated with sumptuous makie or gold painted motifs are used in Japan for celebratory occasions or during festivals. According to the name in Japan, Ozen sara, the plates are used with the ozen or tray used to serve a full course meal. The tray contains motifs of pine and bamboo with either a crane or a pheasant-like bird. Age: 19th century, Edo Period. Size: Smaller Plate: Height 1.75" Diameter: 7.75" Large plate: Height 2" Diameter 9.25"

Oniwayaki is a generic term used to describe ceramic works made by a samurai lord. The lord would establish a kiln within the castle or palace precincts and as his hobby would produce various tea utensils. Sometimes, these pieces of ceramic or pottery would be given to close friends, retainers, and people closely associated with the Lord.

This piece, according to the box description, was thought to be produced at Yusentei, which is the name of a garden in present day Fukuoka Prefecture...

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...