A beautiful black Raku bowl with golden lightning splitting across the surface like an eruption of light in the night sky. It is roughly 12 cm (4-3/4 inches) diameter and in excellent condition. An exquisite repair.
Kintsugi embodies the spirit of wabi-sabi, a Japanese aesthetic worldview centered around imperfection, transience, and the beauty of the natural cycle of growth and decay...

A light raku chawan displaying a mitsuba-aoi family crest pressed into the side which has been shattered and repaired with black lacquer mellowed slightly brown, then broken again and repaired with gold. An amazing amount of work to save the fragments. The bowl is 12.5 cm (5 inches) diameter6.5 cm (2-1/2 inches) tall and comes enclosed in an old Kiri-wood collectors’ box...

A pair of covered ceremonial Sake-Tsubo called Heiji decorated with the three auspicious winter plants, Sho-chiku-bai (Pine, bamboo and plum) by Ito Tozan II enclosed in the original wooden box Plum pine and bamboo rise up in a riot of color on the thinly crackled pale glaze covering the surface. Inside the box is dated Showa 11 (1936) 8th month, 9th day. Each is roughly 22 cm (9 inches) tall and in excellent condition, each uniquely stamped on the base with the artist seal...

Momoyama period (1568-1600) Ko Karatsu Sake Cup with beautiful greenish glaze...

Antique Japanese ceramic figure of the famous monk, Bodhidharma. Well known for his intense demeanor, Bodhidharma (Daruma) stands with fly wisk in hand, his signature red monk's robes draped around him. Daruma figures represent perseverance and are believed to bring good fortune. This figure is decorated with polychromatic glazes and painted details.

Dimensions: 17 1/2" high x 7" wide x 5 1/2" deep

An exquisite Edo period incense burner, the fine red clay covered in running bamboo glaze from the kilns of Takatori on the southern Island of Kyushu wrapped in a silk pouch and enclosed in a period Kiri-wood box. The lid is solid silver pierced with roiling fronds. It is 7.5 cm diameter, 7 cm tall excluding the silver lid, and in excellent condition.
Takatori-yaki, is a traditional style of Japanese pottery that originated in the early 17th century...

During Japan's Momoyama period, spanning from the late 16th to the early 17th century, Bizen pottery flourished, producing exquisite pieces such as this “shimokabura” or radish-bulb-shaped sake flask (tokkuri). Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this tokkuri embodies simplicity and understated elegance. Its unassuming form showcases the natural beauty of the clay, enhanced by a delicate ash glaze and distinctive markings achieved through specialized firing techniques...

A yobitsugi Jar made up of various excavated kiln shards of central Japan dating from the Heian period (794–1185). It is roughly 32 cm diameter, the same height. Looking at the volume of debris and encrustations, it is likely that the upper most part of this tsubo, which is one piece, was buried in a kiln collapse, earth and stone fusing to the molten ash. During the Heian period, hole kilns were dug into hillsides, with a chimney bored down into the back...

A rare Seto Heishi (also read Heiji) bottle dating from the Kamakura period (1192-1333) wrapped in a custom made silk pouch with age darkened Kiri-wood box. Streaks of an unusual blue shidare glaze are visible on one side, Unlike the vast majority of Heishi bottles, this piece is no unearthed or excavated but has been passed down from generation to generation (as evidenced by the lack of inclusions or calcification)...

Thick molten ash drivels over the shoulder of this fabulous 17th century Shigaraki Tsubo storage jar showing all the great attributes of Shigaraki ware. It has a large open ware (pronounced wa-ray) crack down the front, which does not go through to the inside, and the fire blasted front surface is shot with fine heat cracks. A large Kutsuki to the lower let shows where it adhered to something else in the kiln during the firing...

This is a breathtaking work of art, a cherubic figure forms the finial of this later Edo period ceramic incense burner. Atop the lid strides a youth in purple robes wearing a lotus leaf as a hat and blowing a flue, a staff lays at his feet. About the square box of the ash pot are exquisite-colored designs lined with gold like precious jewels dangling from the edge. Two beast heads protrude from the sides and the entire is elevated on a square foot...

An incredible Mishima Chawan dating from the Edo period with a wide repair to the rim in dark lacquer decorated with golden grasses in gold maki-e lacquer designs. It comes in an ancient dilapidated silk pouch with cotton buffer enclosed in an age darkened kiri-wood box titled Mishima Chawan. The bowl is 5.5 cm (2 inches) tall, 12.5 -13.5 cm (5-1/2 -6 inches) diameter and in fine condition. Mishima ware refers to different types of imported and adopted Japanese pottery...

A striking soft-glazed six-sided incense burner by Maki Hokusai decorated with white flower blossoms on soft flesh colored glaze surmounted by a silver lid pierced with the character Kotobuki (Fortune) by Hata Zoroku. The pot itself is 10 cm tall, plus the sliver lid. It comes in an ancient wooden box signed by Zoroku.
Hata Zoroku I (1823-1890) learned metalwork techniques in the studio of Ryubundo in Kyoto. Hata produced works for the Imperial Household and it is known that he made the...

A striking Peacock feather colored flambe glazed vase by Leading Kyoto Potter Uno Ninmatsu enclosed in a signed wooden box dated the 10th month of Showa 5 (October 1930). It is 28 cm tall and in excellent condition.
Uno Ninmatsu (1864-1937) was born in Kyoto son of potter Wada Sohei and studied under his father as well as from a young age Seifu Yohei II then future Imperial Art Academy artist Seifu Yohei III until setting up his own studio at the age of 21. Outgoing by comparison to the ...

A quintessential Iga vase dating from the Edo period, the rough clay covered in thick ash glaze. It is viciously charred, testament to the tempest in the kiln, with molten ash flowing freely over the surface. This is a perfect complement to a Japanese chashitsu tea room or traditional flower display. It is 24.5 cm (9-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition. In a Japanese tea ceremony room, historically vases were made to match the ambiance of the humble setting. Although I did not write i...

An early Edo period Ki-Seto sake cup repurposed with a silver lid pierced with a chrysanthemum to function as an incense burner enclosed in a custom made silk pouch and bamboo case dating the transformation to New Years of Kae-7 (1854). Without the lid it is 5.5 cm (roughly 2 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.

This lovely little sake cup was made in Karatsu in Edo period (1603-1868)
From Japanese private collection

Karatsu pottery is one of most desired pottery type in Japan based in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture since 15th century.
It is made from high in iron clay often decorated with an iron-based underglaze, giving an earthy and natural feeling to the fired items.

Width 7.2cm
Height 3.7cm
Weight 68g

Excellent antique condition.
No cracks. No chi...

Tiny repairs of gold glint along the rim of this misshapen wan-gata bowl from the Utsutsukawa tradition of Nagasaki. The bowl comes with a silk pouch enclosed in an old wooden box. There is a kutsuki on one side, where it adhered to something else in the kiln. The bowl is 12 x 10.5 x 6.5 cm (4-3/4 x 4-1/8 x 2-1/2 inches) and is in overall fine condition, dating from the 19th century.
Utsutsukawa-yaki originated in Nagasaki in the late 17th century. It is said it began when Tanaka Gyobus...

A long verse is incised into the side of this tea bowl by Otagaki Rengetsu. The poem reads:
Yorozuyo mo 10,000 ages
tae nu nagare to enduring the surge
shimetsu ran so well
sono kame no o no From Turtle Tail Mountain
yama no shitamizu. The water flows
The bowl is 12.2 cm (5 inches) diameter and in perfect condition. It comes wrapped in a silk cloth pouch, enclosed in an old box with original lid inside of which is a long verse. It has been appraised by t...

An iconic work with dynamic floral pattern in pale white on pink by Kiyomizu Rokubei V enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Taireiji Ichirinsashi. It is 19.5 cm (7-3/4 inches) tall and in excellent condition. The vase retains the original wood stand and stamped cloth pouch. Undeniably Taireiji was the most important development by this innovative artist, and pieces are exceedingly rare.
Kiyomizu Rokubei V (Shimizu Kuritaro, 1875-1959) initially studied painting and decorati...

An exceptional web of gold interspersed with nishiki-cloth patterned designs on gold lacquer fuses this once broken 16th-17th century Koro with ami-me net patterned solid silver lid. This was likely originally made as a tea cup, considering that the entire interior is glazed. Broken and reassembled using the Kintsugi gold technique and placing unusual patterns on the missing portions, this is an exceptional work of art. The silver lid was likely made when it was repaired and repurposed as an ...

One of the most unusual pieces I have ever seen from this innovative artist, an octopus shaped Koro by Suwa Sozan I enclosed in the original signed wooden box bearing the Teishitsu Gigei-in seal of the Imperial Art Academy. The bulbous top of the head is removable along a line as if the creature were wearing a hachimaki head band, revealing the incense chamber within. It is 26.5 cm (10-1/2 inches) tall, 19.5 cm (roughly 8 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
Sozan I (1852-1922) ...

An exceptional Oki-goro Incense Burner in the shape of a dark glazed Catfish by Suwa Sozan I enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Namazu Koro dated the 6th month of Taisho 10 (1921). This would have been placed over a dish in which a burning incense cone would have been placed. It is 48 cm (18-1/2 inches) long, 23 cm (9 inches) tall and appears in excellent condition. A blacklight reveals a color repair at the base of the tail and at the position where the dorsal fin rises from th...

A crow at rest upon a rock raises its head in a gruff cry by Suwa Sozan I enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Karasu Okimono. It is pierced in the back, allowing it to be an oki-koro incense burner. It is 34 cm (13-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition. A nearly identical piece was published in the 1923 book Sozan Toko, attributed to his late period.
Sozan I (1852-1922) was born in Kutani country, present day Ishikawa prefecture, where he initially studied before mo...

Antique Japanese Karatsu ware chawan (tea bowl) with crackle glaze and kintsugi. Beautifully crafted with a small flattened area for the hand to grasp and a magical elegance to the touch. Evaluation done in the 1930's by TZ Shiota when the family was inheriting the collection from their great grandfather, Federic Torrey. The collection was stored in a trunk since his death in 1935.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions: 2 3/4" high x 6 1/4" wide

Provenance: From the persona...

Antique Japanese Yatsushiro Ware chawan (tea bowl) with gray and cream color Hakeme glaze. Magnificent deep tea bowl with gray white crackle glaze and indention for thumb. Evauation by TZ Shiota (#4) done in 1930's, a tea ware expert from San Francisco Bay Area. A great piece.

Age: 18th century

Dimensions: 3" high x 5 1/2" wide

Provenance: From the personal collection of Frederic Cheever Torrey (1864-1935), partner of Vickery, Atkins & Torrey, interior design firm ...

First we hear the clang of the hammer striking the bell, then the steadily approaching clop of his wooden shoes before the horrifying creature dressed in the robes of an itinerant priest appears; a ledger in one hand noting our sins. This is a very rare ceramic figurine by Suwa Sozan I enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Nenbutsu Oni and bearing the seal of the imperial Art Academy. It is 30 cm (12 inches) tall and in excellent condition. He would have originally held a hammer, ...

Rare Kenjo Karatsu Chawan decorated with inlaid cranes and clouds design made in the mid Edo period (1603-1868).

Kenjo Karatsu refers to the Karatsu ware that was officially presented to the Tokugawa Shogun family by the lord of Karatsu Castle in Hizen.

The mouth is wide and gently narrows from the edge to the bottom. The body is covered with a glossy white glaze, and the base is unglazed. The stoneware body is decorated with the design of fluttering clouds and flying cran...

Rengetsu Otagaki (1791-1875) was Buddhist nun who is widely regarded to have been one of the greatest Japanese poets of the 19th century.
She was also a skilled potter and painter and expert calligrapher and adorned her ceramics with poems written in her unique calligraphic style.
The cup style and the age of the glaze is consistent with authentic Rengetsu work.

Size
Diameter: 5.8 cm
Height: 4.3 cm

Condition
The cup has a crack but it is not a probl...

A beautiful example of an antique Shigaraki Tsubo (storage jar) Vase displaying classic Shigaraki markings of emerald green, red ochre, pale and natural ash glaze.

The eye-catching natural green glaze flows from the mouth over the massive body of this jar from the mid Edo Period (1603-1868)

Standing in front of the large tsubo with its aesthetic form, jewel-like natural glazes, and sparkling tsuchi-aji (clay flavor), one cannot help but feel in awe of their makers, and...

17th/18th century Shino-Ware Kogo (Incense box) Edo period (1603-1868) 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 Height 4.8 cm Width 5.7 cm Weight 93 g Condition No chips, no cracks Supplied with a wooden storage box

Karatsu pottery is one of most desired pottery type in Japan based in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture since 15th century.
It is made from high in iron clay often decorated with an iron-based underglaze, giving an earthy and natural feeling to the fired items.

Width 6.6cm
Height 3.4cm
Weight 73g

No cracks. No chips.
Supplied with wooden box with the label "Ko Karatsu"

19-20cc Karatsu Guinomi (sake cup) With Gold Decoration Antique Sake Ware
Skillfully decorated with gold however it is not a repair but a decoration of unglazed areas.

Karatsu ware is one of most desired pottery type in Japan based in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture since 15th century.

Size
Width 7cm
Height 4.6cm

Condition
No cracks, no chips

Edo Period (19c) Karatsu Guinomi (sake cup) from old Kansai pottery collection.

Karatsu pottery is one of most desired pottery type in Japan based in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture since 15th century.
It is made from high in iron clay often decorated with an iron-based underglaze, giving an earthy and natural feeling to the fired items.

Width 5.7cm
Height 6.7cm
Weight 89g

In excellent antique condition. No cracks. No chips. Supplied with two wooden boxe...

Very rare Momoyama period (1568-1600) Ko Karatsu sake cup formerly in the collection of Fujio Koyama (1900-1975).

Shallow body with uneven rim typical for Momoyama period. There are skillfully made gold kintsugi repairs over the edge.

The old wooden custom-made Magewappa box has a label which says that the cup was in the collection of Fujio Koyama and dated as Momoyama period.

Koyama Fujio was a scholar of Japanese pottery and a potter as well. He is well known ...

11th generation Raku Kichizaemon Keinyu (1817-1902) White Raku Sake Bottle Tokkuri.

The mark of the potter is stamped at the bottom. Keinyu used this mark after his retirement.
The red clay was used which was glazed and fired. It is a rare work that depicts the standing cranes of parents and child. He often used crane decoration in his later years such as Fukurokuju tea bowl exhibited in Kyoto in autumn 2020. (Autumn Special Exhibition. Teabowls by Successive Generations of the ...