This twin-handled pottery jar was made over 4,000 years ago during the Machang Phase (c. 2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture, also known as the Gansu-Yangshao culture, from present day Gansu or Qinghai province...

Ht. 6 1/2 ins. (16.5 cms). The Kyoto studio potters of the early 19th. century such as Mokubei and Eisen made wares for the Sencha or Chinese-influenced Tea Ceremony often drawing their inspiration from the Chinese wares of the Ming Dynasty. The vibrant effect of the Ming green and red glazes particularly appealed to Eisen and there are many fine examples of his work in this style in the museums of Japan...

11 3/8 x 8 3/4 ins. (28.8 x 22.2 cms). The design shows a woman reclining with smoking utensils on the floor beside her. She is blowing out a jet of smoke watched with amazement by the child beside her. In the background is an open two fold screen behind which are writing implements and an envelope. On the woman's right side is a neck pillow. The print is signed Kyosai with a red seal...

Ht. 3 5/8 ins. (9.3 cms) Sennin are holy ascetics, derived from Chinese immortals, who spend their life in contemplation, often in secluded places. They were a very popular subject with netsuke carvers and the netsuke buying public. It is very difficult to identify sennin and we have been unable to put a name to this version. He is wearing his characteristic cape and belt of leaves and leaning on a gnarled staff...

Ht...

A Bizarre Japanese Woodblock Shunga (Erotic) Calendar Print. 1840's.

4 3/4 x 3 5/8 ins. (12 x 9 cms) This design is in the style of Eisen. The print is an e-goyomi or calendar print. Before the Western Calendar was adopted each year had a series of long and short months which varied from year to year. Prints were issued which showed the sequence of months for the year in question. Often, as in this design, the figures were hidden in the design. Here the numerals are printed in metalli...

Ht. 5 3/8 ins. (13.7 cms) Max. width 17 3/4 ins. (45.2 cms) This ink drawing with touches of red and blue pigment is typical of Kyosai's splendidly vigorous and confident ink painting. He is rightly regarded now as one of the great Japanese draughtsmen of any period. An interesting aspect of this design is that the building topped with a flag is the First Mitsui Bank Headquarters at Kaiunbashi in Tokyo, built by Shimizu Ki...