Antique Japanese round lacquered wood container decorated on both sides with a karakusa (octopus vine) pattern and blossoms around the central aoi mon of the Tokugawa shogunate. Gold lacquer on a dark brownish black ground. Possible for archer bow strings.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 3 3/4" wide diameter x 1 3/4" deep

In Japan, woven baskets such as this are often referred to as “karamono” (Chinese style) to denote their stylistic origins tending towards symmetrical proportions and tight weaves. Though the maker and date of production for this piece are unknown, judging from appearance it was likely crafted in Late Edo or in Meiji—with the box being furnished at the time Houn-sai granted his endorsement...

Third son of the director of the Kano School of painting, Yasunobu was appointed head of the Kyoto branch at a young age after his father’s death. Meanwhile, his two older brothers went to Edo to take up prestigious positions painting for the Tokugawa Shogunate. In 1662 Yasunobu gained the honorific title of “Hogen,” and near the end of his life in his 70s he wrote a treatise on the art of painting that would server as a central doctrine for later generations of painters...

Large cloth which is recycled from hemp maku (shroud) with Tomoe-mon crest (three-way), dyed with vegetable indigo and painted with sumi (ink). Both warp and weft yarn are hand-plied. The original maku might have been used in the temple or shirine, or on the occasion of rites and festivals. Generally in god condition but has a few mending patches and the indigo blue faded parts and wear. 19th century. 148cm x 2m80cm

An antique Japanese Okidoko (display stand for a Tokonoma, a reception room) made of Kakinoki (Persimmon) and Keyaki (Zelkova) woods. Originally it was used to showcase Ikebana flower arrangements, special porcelain vases, Japanese sculptures, or seasonal displays. It will work in a contemporary setting to elevate and display any myriad of items.

Age: Early Taisho (circa 1912-1920)

Dimensions: 47 1/2" Wide by 5" High by 16 1/2" Deep

Kato Harutake (1886-?) Shino Ware Chawan (Tea Bowl) for Tea Ceremony

Kato Harutake is of the same lineage as Seto ware founder Kato Kagemasa (1168-1249), and was born into a family that passed down the name Kato Buemon from generation to generation...

Edo Period (1603-1868) Mishima calendar (Koyomide) tea bowl (三島暦手茶碗) with Ogata Kenzan mark.

Mishima pottery is a slip inlay technique brought to Japan from Korea in the 16th century.

In the city of Mishima there is a Grand Shrine of Mishima that was famous for publishing an almanac/calendar with bars for describing each day with its good and bad luck connotations.

The Koyomide bowls seemed to mimic these almanacs...

An antique Japanese Chonin Kobako (merchant storage box) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Original hand forged iron hardware with construction using straight dovetail Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails. The drawer handles are of the Kakute style comprising six drawers to organize and secure its contents...

Antique Japanese Red Raku Tea Bowl (Chawan) made by Waraku during Meiji period (1868-1912).

Made in Utsushi (ship design) style, its shape resembles the famous Seppo bowl, an important cultural asset, made by Honami Koetsu which is located in the Hatakeyama Memorial Museum of Fine Art in Tokyo.

Waraku started producing Raku wares around 1830 in Kyoto and now Motoo Kawasaki is the 8th generation of Waraku.

Raku pottery is traditionally used in Japanese tea cerem...

An antique Japanese Yamagata Tansu made of Kurinoki (Chestnut) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Hikute handles and the Urushi lacquer finish. Lock plates feature the family crest of the Paulownia. Four large drawers and one small drawer to the exterior. The hinged security door hides 2 small drawers where valuables were kept...

Antique Japanese fine lacquered kogo box for holding incense. Comprised of 3 stacking compartments, the lower of which has a gilt copper lining. The overall shape is that of a textile knot (musubi) with ornate patterns in gold takamaki-e on black and nashiji lacquer. The sides of the box are further decorated with a landscape of trees on a rocky outcropping, a village of thatched roof huts, and low hills near a lake, all on a fine nashiji ground. With signed kiri wood tomobako...

An antique Japanese 2 section Kyoto Mizuya Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and HInoki (Cypress) woods. The upper and lower sections feature sliding doors behind which removable shelves allow for split level storage with 5 drawers for organizing small items. The small hinged door to the upper right features a secret sliding locking panel that opens and closes the door. Side horizontal ribs for additional strength and visual design. Mortise and tenon Japanese joinery was used in its construction...

An antique Japanese Tohoku Mizuya Tansu in 2 sections made of Burl Keyaki (Zelkova), Aka Matsu (Red Pine) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. Two sets of large doors separated by a middle set of 4 drawers with Mokko handles. A lift-out door hides additional storage space where tall narrow items were stored. Original wiped Urushi lacquer finish.

Age: Meiji period (1870-1890)

Dimensions: 65 3/4" Wide by 55 5/8" High by 21 5/8" Deep

An antique Japanese Byosho Bako (peddler's chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware. Two loop rings where a carrying rope was once attached allowing the merchant to carry this chest on his back. The hinged door opens to 5 drawers used for the storage of wares for sale. A few small ink stains on the upper surface attests to the merchant using the top as a writing surface when writing sales...

Edo Period (1603-1868) Japanese Antique Kyo Ware Tsutsu Chawan (Tea Bowl) for Tea Ceremony.

Kyo/Kiyomizu Ware has several centuries of history with over 300 kilns located around Kyoto, Japan.
The history of Kiyomizu pottery goes back to the Momoyama period (1568-1600).

Size
Height 9.5cm
Width 10cm
Weight 480g

Condition
Overall good considering the age, no cracks, no chips.
Supplied with old wooden box.

Edo Period (1603-1868) Antique Shino Ware Chawan (Tea Bowl)

Shino pottery is produced in today's Gifu prefecture since 16th century and it is distinguished by thick white glazes, red marks and the surface of small holes.

Size
3.3in. (8.4cm.) high;
5.1in. (13cm.) diameter;
440g weight.

Condition There are repairs and cracks due to age. The bowl doesn't leak and can be used for tea ceremony.
Please see the photos for details.

Antique Japanese Red Raku Tea Bowl (Chawan) made by Waraku during Meiji period (1868-1912).
The seal of the potter is stamped at the bottom...