What an atmosphere, this is what the Japanese call wabi-sabi. Full cylinder shaped (Tsutsu) tea bowl with a rounded brim, made of light, very coarse, unrefined Hagi clay. The expertly thrown body was roughly trimmed with a potter's knife in its lower part. The rather high foot is traditionally cut in one place (so called 'wari kodai').

Our chawan was covered with an opaque glaze, which is a mixture of ash and feldspat...

Antique Japanese single section isho tansu (clothing chest of drawers). Made with Kiri (paulownia) and Sugi (cedar) woods with original finish. The chest holds 5 long drawers and 3 smaller side drawers, with hirute drawer pulls and rectangular iron locks.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 44.5" L x 16.75" D x 30.25" H

Chinese Qing dynasty bronze censer with Xuande mark. 17,5 cm mouth rim diameter. 20,5 cm from ear to ear. 8,5 cm high. 1398 gram weight. Good conditions.

Antique Japanese small chest with drawers, called a dibukuro. Traditional Japanese homes hold a tea ceremony room with a tokonama, or a recessed closet/alcove in which pieces of artistic appeal would be displayed such as hanging scrolls, pottery, okimono and ikebana floral arrangements. The dibukuro would be seated on the floor of the tokonama. (shown in detail photos)...

Chinese yixing teapot from Tek sing cargo shipwreck. 16 cm wide. 10,5 cm high. Good conditions.

Stemming from the philosophy of wabi-sabi—often described as the beauty found in the imperfection and transience of the world—cracks and repairs in a work of pottery are often seen as highlighting the history and importance of a ceramic object. Practitioners of tea in particular are fond of reminding us that works repaired with lacquer and gold such as the one featured here become more resilient and beautiful for having been damaged...

With a slender balanced foot firmly grounded, the skillful lacquer repairs on this bowl highlight the age and importance of this work which likely dates from the Edo period. Stemming from the philosophy of wabi-sabi or, beauty in the imperfect, cracks and repairs in a work of pottery are often seen as highlighting the history of the object and are thus celebrated as such...

Chinese yixing teapot from Tek sing cargo shipwreck. 20 cm wide. 14 cm high. Good conditions.

Chinese yixing teapot from Tek Sing shipwreck. 14,5 cm wide. 6 cm high. Good conditions. No lid.

Chinese yixing teapot from Tek Sing shipwreck. 15,5 cm wide. 7,5 cm high. Good conditions. No lid.

Important Kuro Raku Chawan by 4th-generation master Ichinyû Kichizaemon (1640-1696). The chawan was named Kou Un (parting clouds). It comes with an authentication box with Raku seal. It has a Urasenke hakogaki by Sen Soshitsu and a certificate of its provenance.

Born the eldest son of Dônyû. His work varies from those made in his youth influenced by his father Dônyû to later work stylistically closer to that of Chôjirô...

Considered auspicious symbols of wealth, status, and good fortune; foo dogs—commonly referred to as shishi or koma-inu in Japan—are often seen in pairs guarding shrines, straddling the doorways of shops, and protecting public buildings. This fierce guardian appears to be made from bronze, has very detailed and skillful etching, and a wonderful patina that would place it sometime before the turn of the last century.

Guardian lions are commonly seen in pairs...

What a wonderful glaze. Slightly distorted shoe shaped (kutsugata) tea bowl from the early Edo period with a rounded brim, made of light, coarse, unrefined Mino clay. The expertly thrown body was trimmed with a potter's knife in its lower part around the foot ring.

In the style of Kuro-Oribe bowls this bowl was covered with a brown iron oxide glaze...

Red pottery moulded figure, glazed in turquoise, amber and black. On the back of his stool there is a coin symbol ( god of wealth?). H. 20 cm. Overall in very good condition with wear and flaking to the glaze and a chip at the back of his right arm. Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

A rather unusual export dish decorated with a Kraak style border of six larger panels containing respectively a pair of Peaches, symbols of Longevity, and a scroll and whisk, representative of the Eight precious objects, Baxia, with the smaller intermediate panels decorated with a combined clove and jewelled Rhinoceros horn motif...

A large plate decorated in the three colour sancai palette with a central Peony motif with three reserves one with Peonies, emblematic of Spring, a pair of Quails beneath Millet and another with Chrysanthemums, emblematic of the months of Autumn. The partially ogee form reserves set against a blue brocade ground with stylised Chrysanthemums. The reverse decorated with three Peony sprigs. A three spur marks in a triangular arrangement to the base...

A large plate decorated in the three colour sancai palette with a central Peony motif with three reserves one with Peonies, emblematic of Spring, a pair of Quails beneath Millet and another with Chrysanthemums, emblematic of the months of Autumn. The partially ogee form reserves set against a blue brocade ground with stylised Chrysanthemums. The reverse decorated with three Peony sprigs. A three spur marks in a triangular arrangement to the base...

A large plate decorated in the three colour sancai palette with a central Peony motif with three reserves one with Peonies, emblematic of Spring, a pair of Quails beneath Millet and another with Chrysanthemums, emblematic of the months of Autumn. The partially ogee form reserves set against a blue brocade ground with stylised Chrysanthemums. The reverse decorated with three Peony sprigs. A single spur to the base...

Antique Tibetan lacquer cabinet, hand-painted in motifs of flowers and foliage surrounding a central auspicious object on each front panel. Its 4 front doors are removable and swing open on rounded pegs. The top surface is slightly flared and has a panel carved with geometric designs below, similar to those seen in each painting.

Early 20th century

Dimensions: 46" L x 19" D x 37.5" H

A Very Fine and Large Korean 신중도(神衆圖) (Host of Spirits)” Buddhist Painting-19th C. Korea, Joseon dynasty, 19th century. An unmounted (removed from the frame and back back mounting) Buddhist Painting. Ink and bright colors on large sized silk, unmounted: the central figure of Tongjin identified by his youthful face, winged helmet and his hands resting on a mace as he stands amid other protectors of the dharma (wear to pigments, old tears to unpainted borders). It’s in ve...

Head of Buddha, eyelids lowered, with a meditative expression, with a small usnisa above forehead. Wood, with multiple layers of lacquering and gilding. China, Qing Dynasty, 18th century, maybe earlier. Height: 32.5 cm. Some chips, otherwise very good condition.

Small statue of Buddha depicting an important stage of his life when, still as Siddhartha, he sat meditating for a long time almost without eating and became emaciated and close to death, before realizing that the way to seek the Truth was not to torture oneself. Siddhartha, with an aureola at the back of his head, sits on a semi-circular throne with a vajra in relief on its front. Gilt copper, with a fine patina. Tibet or China, 19th century, maybe earlier. Height: 8.5 cm. Gilding partly missi...

Chinese Qing dynasty 18th century stand for bronze censer or incense burner with xuande mark. Good conditions. 14,3 cm diameter. 2,3 cm high. 11,3 cm diameter inside .

The porcelain body decorated in iron red and gold. Qianlong period 1736 - 1796. L : 24 cm. Condition : Perfect. An exactly similar tureen was offered at Christies New York, Wednesday Sept. 16. 2015 with an estimate of 10.000 - 15.000 US$. Please have a look at Christies New York, "Mandarin & Menagerie" The Sowell Collection, Part II, Lot 674.

Considered an auspicious symbols of wealth, status, and good fortune, foo dogs—commonly referred to as shishi or komainu in Japan—are often seen in pairs guarding shrines, straddling the doorways of shops, and protecting public buildings. The yellow Seto-ware shishi featured here is an antique from the Momoyama period that displays a soft patina developed over many decades of use.

Seto-ware is a pottery tradition established in the 12th century with the aim of reproducing fine ...

This captivating bin-kake, or traditional brazier for tea ceremony, is crafted from fine celadon porcelain using methods first perfected in the southern Song Dynasty. The outside is decorated with low-relief Peony flowers which display a vivid sheen, owing mainly to the expert craftsmanship of the Meiji period Imperial Court artist Suwa Sozan who created this wonderful masterpiece. This represents one of Sozan’s finer works from late in his career when he had attained mastery over the ceramic ...

Antique Japanese tansu from the Nigata area of Japan. Most likely used by a merchant for storage. The 9 drawers are in three rows with the shallowest drawers along the top and gradually getting deeper toward the bottom of the chest. The hardware is all of iron and includes elegant hirute shaped drawer pulls, fan shaped lock plates and corner bracing. The wood is paulownia (kiri) wood.

Edo Period (early 1800's)

Dimensions: 19 1/2" high x 31" wide x 19" deep.

A Fine and Rare Korean Civil Rank Badge(흉배-Hyungbae)-19th C.: Korea, Joseon dynasty, 19th century. For a civil official of the rank, embroidered in polychrome silk on a navy blue silk ground with a single crane flying with a silk of pullocho sacred fungus in its beak amongst multicolored clouds above clouds and cresting waves. It’s in very fine condition, and measures 16.8cm x 17cm. ***an almost identical multicolored with purple civil rank badge with two cranes see at Ch...

Antique Japanese small Kiri (paulownia) wood bar tansu, with five front drawers opened by squared iron handles. Its three mid front drawers are kept secure by a locking bar with decorative iron plates. The side of the chest has a safe door, with pierced iron hardware. The safe door opens to reveal three more small drawers inside.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 23" L x 12" x 24" H

Extremely rare: Korean Amamori Chawan of Choson (Yi) Dynasty (1392-1910). Wan shaped tea bowl, thrown from light, refined clay, with very little iron oxide, covered with a white feldspatic glaze with fine crackles and pin holes including the small foot.

Through many years of use the tea has seeped through the holes and crack to discolour the white clay body underneath, creating an effect called amamory - rain leak. The effect is especially strong along the rim. It takes a couple of...

A large and impressive Qingbai glazed "Crysanthemum - box" and cover. Northern Song Dynasty. Diameter : 11,8 cm. H : 8 cm. Condition : The lower part of the box in perfect condition. The cover has an old, very professionally done restauration which is invisible to the naked eye ( even this restored cover still with a nice "ping" tone when tapped ).

An elaborately inlaid three drawer marquetry cabinet, unusually, with tambour doors. This item was made in Japan, for export, during the late 19th or early 20th century. In very good used condition; there is one small piece of veneer missing from the top back corner of the right side; no further losses, no restoration and no alterations. 23 cm (9 inches) high; 24.5 cm (9.5 inches) high.

Antique Japanese kannon biraki (opening door) isho tansu (clothing chest) in 2 sections. Made with kiri (paulownia) wood front with sugi (cryptomeria) wood top and sides. The top section has a pair of hinged doors which open to reveal two large drawers. The bottom section has two large drawers and a safe box in the lower right hand side. The hinged safe box door opens to reveal two small interior drawers, one of which has a hidden compartment. The hardware is all iron and includes warabite...

Antique Japanese 2-section kaidan tansu, or step/stair chest of drawers. Made of solid Keyaki (elm) hardwood, the bold woodgrain is well-complimented by the original deep red lacquer finish and heavy iron hardware. With original set of keys.
Exhibited at the Prestigious SF Fall Art and Antique show, 2017.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 55" L x 26 1/8" D x 80" H

This is truly a great Meiji Era Japanese satsuma vase. Look very close at the images and notice the extraordinarily fine detailing in the scenery etc. This masterpiece stands just 3 5/8 inches tall. Signed Yabu Meizan and in nearly mint condition.

DESCRIPTION: A fine and very sculptural Chinese Duan ink stone in the form of a bell with a deeply carved water well on one end, and a flaring flat surface on the other for mixing ink. The stone is raised on two elongated prong feet, between which is a five character inscription. Worth noting is the attractive coloring of the stone, best described as a plumb or eggplant color mixed with dashes of scattered sea-green inclusions, often called “eyes.” CONDITION: One tiny chip on raised lip at...

This is a very fine Japanese cloisonne vase done in the style of Namikawa Yasuyuki. It is not signed but we believe it was made by Honda, another great Meiji era artist. The enamels are rich in color and this heavy vase has a superb high gloss sheen. It stands 4 3/4 inches tall and is in excellent condition.

Shakudo tsuba with a relief decor representing foliage and flowers, with gilt highlights on a background of tiny dots. The tsuba is unsigned. Japan, late Edo period. Height: 7.2 cm. Very good condition despite a slight erosion all over the piece. Sold with its box.

A tall beaker of bell form decorated in underglaze blue with a pair of auspicious Dragons each clasping a “tama” pearl above its head set against a lightening field with auspicious ruyi form clouds supporting respectively artemesin leaves on which are a pair of scrolls bound by ribbons and a flaming pearl. The design has been adapted from a Chinese precedent of the sixteenth century but with a Japanese twist to the design. The fierce Chinese Dragons have been replaced with benign Buddh...

A tall beaker of bell form decorated in underglaze blue with a pair of auspicious Dragons each clasping a “tama” pearl above its head set against a lightening field with auspicious ruyi form clouds supporting respectively artemesin leaves on which are a pair of scrolls bound by ribbons and a flaming pearl. The design has been adapted from a Chinese precedent of the sixteenth century but with a Japanese twist to the design. The fierce Chinese Dragons have been replaced with benign Buddhist...

A nice example of white glaze boy figure smiling and the left hand holding "Ruyi', the right hand holding a fruit. Possibly Early Qing Kangxi 18th century . Condition with two hand of the finger is missing and as well as half of the Ruyi head, further is in good condition. Height: 17,3 cm.

Chinese snuff bottle, made with lapis lazuli, of a flattened flask shape, with carved Kirin front, and stopper made with yellow peking glass and agate.

Republic Period

Dimensions: 1.25" x 2.5" H

A similar pair of dishes to EW 3037 but without the additional gilding and iron red decoration. Designs featuring Karako were popular both in China and Japan at this period they were both symbolic of joy and a wish for children, kodakara; the treasure that is children. The more famous Hirado patterns also date from this period. It was also a relatively common practice at this period to represent the Eight Immortals as children, so the design could also connote a wish for immortality, longevity ...

A pair of Arita dishes moulded in so-called suhama form; a stylised interpretation of a wave washed beach often associated with the Isles of the Immortals. Painted in underglaze blue with a group of five auspicious karako, Chinese Boys, bound together with a ribbon or rope; symbols of joy and a wish for offspring. In addition a Chinese style Fan and a Double gourd are painted in iron red and gilt to complete the design. These are symbols associated with the Taoist Immortals Zhongli Quan and Li ...

A pair of a very well painted Kutani porcelain sake bottles painted in “Kenjo Imari” style painted with gilt karakusa to the neck with various marumon, a band of diaper to the shoulder, and further aka-e dama, and stylised karahasna-mon. to the body of the bottle. The vases are thinly potted and wreathing to the interior of the neck suggests that they were originally thrown in two parts. Dating probably late Meji period. Each vase measures approximately 17 cm in height and are approximately...

Antique Japanese tansu from the Iwayado area. Made with Sugi (cypress) wood frame and dramatic Keyaki (elm) burl front panels, in original red/orange lacquer finish. The extensive iron plating is incised into flowers and Kiri leaves; The top drawer features a large flying Phoenix as its lock plate. The two drawers below are kept secure by the original lock bar with working key included; To the right is a hinged door with a large iron Fu Dog lock plate, holding two Keyaki front lacquered drawers ...

Chinese hardwood altar table. With jade "coins" wrapped into the wood apron, carved to resemble rope. Standing on four tall and narrow legs.

Dimensions: 48" x 16" x 33.25" H

Mounted on a black lacquered platform with wooden wheels. The horse is carved from Keyaki wood, which is covered in lacquered brown leather. The eyes are reverse painted glass. It has ears of leather, with real horse hair tail and mane. The horse is outfitted with iron bits and silk harness. The kura saddle is lacquered in red, with a leather cushion seat and silk straps. Cords are attached to the abumi stirrups and aori mats. The bagu tassel fringes and cords tuck under the tail. The horse stan...

A Very Fine/Rare/Large Korean Buddhist Painting (Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva)- 19th C.: Korea, Joseon dynasty, 18th to early 19th century, Amit’a, the Buddha of the Western Pure land, and Attendants. Painted in polychrome mineral pigments on silk. It’s in fine condition with colors but has some creases associated age. it measures 53 ½” h. x 52” w. (136 cm h. x 132 cm w.). ****** This painting has been mounted in paper and wood frame on back (was removed from a outer wood frame).

Made of red pottery, covered with a turquoise glaze and black decorations. H. 30 cm. The foot is very wide because this lamp was placed on the sand in the desert. Condition: minor damage to the cup, glaze chips, a firing crack in the foot.

Lovely fluted porcelain teapot decorated in the Imari palette with butterflies and flowers. H. 12,5 cm. This teapot is in in excellent condition: original lid, no cracks, chips or repairs, only minor ware to the gilding.

Height approximately 23.3 cm. A soft chip at the rim. A firing crack at the body. In good condition.

Chinese Huanghuali altar table, its front and side aprons carved with dragons and fireballs. The side panels between the table's legs are carved with reticulated motifs of scrolls and dragons. The table's surface woodgrain shows many distinct "ghost eyes" associated with Huanghuali wood.

Dimensions: 64.5" L x 19" D x 34.5" H

Used for ceremonial purposes by the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties. Traditionally, the jue vessel was made of bronze with a pouring spout on either end and a pair of capped posts rising from the rim. This ceramic jue cup is done in fine porcelain with underglaze enamel and is described on the tomobako as being a jue-shaped incense burner (korou). One of Chikusen’s finest works, the painting shows a pastoral scene in the countryside in Japan.

Miura Chikusen (1854 - 1915) was an exc...

Antique Japanese small tansu from the Sakata region, with original red lacquer top and sides and black lacquer front. The top drawer's iron lock plate is incised with the image of a flying crane and pine branches; The bottom drawer's lock is incised with an ancient turtle with many tails. This imagery represents good health and longevity. Key is included.

Meiji Period (1868-1912) Dimensions: 32.75" L x 15.75" D x 20" H

Japanese 2-section isho tansu (clothing chest of drawers), from the Kyoto area. The chest is made with Sugi (cypress) wood in the original glossy red lacquer finish a lacquering process know asiro-urushi (色漆), literally "color lacquer"and has 11 drawers with charming heart-shaped keyholes and black iron warabite pulls. The top section houses a large open compartment behind two Keyaki (elm) sliding panels in a dark finish, with black lacquer frames.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)
...

Antique Japanese small merchant's box. Although this tansu has the appearance of a gyosho bako (peddler's box), it does not have loops for carrying straps. It was probably custom made for a merchant's raised platform area. All of the drawers feature hand forged iron lock plates and mounts. One of the smaller drawers is stained with ink meaning it would have stored an ink pen for receipts and accounting. Made with all Kiri (paulownia) wood.

Meiji Period (1868-1912) Dimensions:...

Antique Japanese choba-ko tansu (small merchant's chest), made of natural Kiri (paulownia) hardwood (original finish). The chest holds a large open compartment with a single shelf behind two large doors, lined with 7 outer drawers. Each drawer opens by a squared, black iron handle. The smallest bottom-left drawer acts as a money collection box, with a coin slot right above it.

Edo Period (1680-1868) c1800

Dimensions: 23" L x 8.75" D x 20.5" H

Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th century Han Chinese woman's robe, with double dragon roundels, and embroidered sleeve bands executed in Peking stitch; ; Collar and border trims are embroidered with flowers & butterflies; backed with light pink lining. The robe is in excellent condition, , no fray or wear, shoulder lines are have no wear or split, but the lining around the neck area has tear. Measurements : Top collar to bottom hem 44", Sleeve to sleeve 59" stretched, sleeve width 16", width ...

Over 100 years old, this exquisite lacquered box set was crafted in the fourth year of Taisho (1915). On the underside of the lid are painted butterflies and the sides and top of the box set feature Chrysanthemum flowers in gold, sumi, and mother-of-pearl. Long considered an auspicious symbol of longevity and rejuvenation in Japan, when first introduced to the island nation during the Nara period (710 – 793 AC), the Japanese Royal Family was fascinated with the Chrysanthemum. Over time, it bec...