Here is magnificent example of the beauty of Raku ware, a pottery tradition born more than 400 years ago in the ancient Japanese capital of Kyoto, from the collaboration between great tea master Sen Rikyu (1522-1591) and a potter named Chojiro ( - 1592), the forebear of the great Raku family of potters...

This interesting chaire (tea caddy) is part of a series of mostly antique and vintage items that we recovered from the storehouse of a retired construction contractor. His house is located in the southern part of Kyoto, where buildings from the Edo and Meiji periods still stand. His son not being interested in inheriting his father's collection, we were asked to take them out, and we are now able to present them to you.

This particular piece is a little bit of a mistery...

This fabulous Bowl dates from the early 17th century, late Ming (1368-1644), early Qing dynasty (1644-1912). It is a kosometsuke (old sometsuke) ware, which usually designate ancient Chinese underglaze cobalt blue porcelain...

This spendid porcelain bowl is part of a series of mostly antique and vintage items that we recovered from the storehouse of a retired construction contractor. His house is located in the southern part of Kyoto, where buildings from the Edo and Meiji periods still stand...

This remarkable lacquer tray is part of a series of mostly antique and vintage items that we recovered from the storehouse of a retired construction contractor. His house is located in the southern part of Kyoto, where buildings from the Edo and Meiji periods still stand...

This splendid large lacquer box is part of a series of mostly antique and vintage items that we recovered from the storehouse of a retired construction contractor. His house is located in the southern part of Kyoto, where buildings from the Edo and Meiji periods still stand...

This remarkable chawan (tea bowl) is a Hagi ware. It dates from around the end of the Edo period (1615-1868) to the beginning of the Meiji period (1868-1912).

Hagi pottery is one of the most known Japanese ceramics; it bears the name of the town where it was born. The first Hagi kiln was established in 1648 by Korean potters who had been brought to Japan by the local lord, Mori Terumoto (1553-1625)...

This interesting small bronze piece was probably made during the Meiji period (1868-1912). It represents a kind of small lobster or a large shrimp. It probably used to have antennae as well...

A wonderful Imari porcelain bowl dating from the end of the Edo period (1615-1868). It is decorated with flowers painted in the rich red and blue colors of Arita ware, underlined with gold, and typical Japanese patterns.

The bowl is in good condition; there are some enamel losses in the red patches on the outer part of the bowl (please see pictures)...

Here is a magnificent Maki-e Lacquer tray dating from the end of the Edo period (1615-1868). It is decorated in sublime details, which show a great level of craftmanship, with Akikusa (fall grass) inlaid in gold, silver, mother of pearl and different tones of red lacquer.

The tray is in excellent condition, except for a minute dent in it (please see picture 10)...

Here is an exceptional, beautifully crafted lacquer Suzuri-bako (writing box) dating from the end of the Edo period (1615-1868). The box is decorated with inlaid and sprinkled gold and silver.

This box contains a suzuri (ink stone) a suiteki (water dropper) made of brass and a brush, which still has hair. Its lid is decorated with motifs of bamboo leaves, plum flowers and pine cones; together they form the“shochibukai”, a symbol of happiness...

This splendid kiseru (smoking pipe) is part of a series of mostly antique and vintage items that we recovered from the storehouse of a retired construction contractor. His house is located in the southern part of Kyoto, where buildings from the Edo and Meiji periods still stand...