Here is a very attractive set of five guinomi (sake cups) made by five Kyoto master potters: Eiraku Zengoro XVI (Sokuzen) (1917-1998), Miura Chikken (third generation Miura Chikusen) (1900-1990), Miura Chikusen IV (1911-1976), Kiyomizu Rokube VI (1901-1980) and Miyanaga Tozan III, born in 1935.

The set presents some of the best of what Kyoto has to offer. Over many generations, there, talented craftsmen have contributed to creating some of the most exquisite ceramics in the world...

This refined kobako (small box) was made by a renowned master craftsman named Takai Tairei (1880-1971), pupil of Ikeda Taishi (1825-1903). The box is decorated with carved “sora mame” (broad beans) in lacquer and gold on the cover, and azuki beans, in red lacquer, on the cover inside the box. It is amazingly light and is a great example of the level of mastery of its maker, and the degree of sophistication of that noble Japanese craft.

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Here is a remarkable suzuribako made by a renowned master craftsman named Takai Tairei (1880-1971), pupil of Ikeda Taishi (1825-1903). A suzuribako is a box, which contains the suzuri (ink stone) used to grind sumi (ink stick) in water...

This remarkable box made of lacquer and gold dates from the end of the Edo period (1615-1868). It was probably used as a bowl, but it could make a sublime candy box, too.

The box bears the emblem of the Tokugawa clan, the three hollyhocks crest (maruni mitsu aoi) of the family that ruled Japan during that period.

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The box is in good condition, but there are several minute dents around the mouth and at the rim of the foot...

Murata Gen (1904-1988) is one of best-known Japanese Mingei (folk art) potters of the 20th century, though it may seems his work doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. The artist studied with legendary potter Hamada Shoji (1894-1978) and has proven to be a talented craftsman whose work embodies the sobriety, honesty and strength of the Mingei movement.

This wonderful tsubo (jar) is one of the best I have seen by Murata Gen...

Here is a remarkable guinomi (sake cup), made by a fourth generation potter named Takegoshi Shoichiro (1927-1985), a recognized artist known for his masterful use of the bright kutani palette of colors. He is also the recipient of many awards.

This beautiful cup, made in red and gold with hints of a noble age, makes a great presentation of the sophistication and vividness of the Kutani tradition and the level of mastery of its maker.

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This splendid Persian bowl dates from around the 9th ~10th century AD. A Japanese specialist named Ichikawa Kiyoshi certified it as being from the Nishapur area of Persia (modern Iran); the city of Nishapur, located on the silk road, was at that time a major pottery production center, and one of the largest city on the planet. Its glazed potteries in particular were well sought after.

The bowl comes from a private Japanese collector...

This very attractive small jar dates from the Saite period (664-525 BC) of ancient Egypt. The surprising soft texture of the pottery and purple tones of the decoration give it a warm aura. Inside the jar, the Persian blue glaze is also a feature to be marveled at.

The jar comes from a private Japanese collector. It was pieced back together and other repairs were done around the mouth, so it presents many hairlines, but that does not take away its charm...

This magnificent Raku-yaki chawan (Raku ware tea bowl) was made by a master Raku potter named Yamada San-an (1906-1995). Yamada San-an was a businessman who fell in love with Raku tea bowls and created them out of sheer passion, in a way, reminiscent of Kawakita Handeishi’s (1878-1963) approach to pottery.

He started making chawan in 1934, and held his first solo exhibition at the very respectable Kochukyo gallery in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, in 1959...

This rare set is composed of two guinomi (sake cups) by Tamura Koichi (1918-1987) and Suzuki Osamu, born in 1934. Both potters are master craftsmen who have become Preservers of Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Japan (Living National Treasures), for the tetsu-e (iron design) and shino ware respectively.

The two cups have been made available in a set and the former owner had a box made to keep them together. The box bears a seal, but it is not the potters’...

Kondo Yuzo (1902-1985) is one of the best-known Japanese potters of the 20th century. Born in Kyoto, his kiln was in the famous Kiyomizu temple area...

Shimaoka Tatsuzo (1919-2007) is one of the best-known Japanese potters. The artist studied under another pottery legend, Hamada Shoji, to become one of Mashiko master craftsmen. Shimaoka Tatsuzo became independent in 1953 and after having exposed in renowned venues in Japan, the potter held his first international exhibition in Boston, in 1974...