An amazing and rare collection by Koie Ryoji (1938-2020) showing off to a tee the many styles for which is known. Each is uniquely engraved with the artist’s signature and they comes enclosed in the original signed wooden boxes. We have carefully screened and selected each work as a masterpiece unto itself, and feel very confident you will agree...

A beautiful and elegant work by important female artist Tokumaru Kyoko comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hakuji Ryuhimon Hanaire (White Dragon-skin Vase) and dating to Reiwa 3 nen (2021).
This vase was made by request for our gallery, and there is only two of those in the world.
Her spiky lances and unfurling fronds forming are fantastical. The artist begins with slabs of clay and then constructs them to create work rooted in existential explorations...

An extremely elegant pure white ribbed wide mouth vase and hyotan gourd shaped vase by Wakasugi Seiko, enclosed in their original signed wooden boxes.
Size, D 15.4 cm H 36.5 cm
Size, D 17.6 cm H 29.4 cm
Condition, Excellent
Wakasugi Seiko was born in 1977 in Toyama prefecture and after graduating from the ceramics course of Kinki University she worked for a ceramics center in Tajimi city and currently develops her own work from her base in Mita, Hyogo prefect...

A stratified bloc of hollowed out Shigaraki clay by female pottery pioneer Koyama Kiyoko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shigaraki Shizen Yu Kaku Hanaire. A thick coating of blown natural ash glaze has settled on the shoulders, while the layers of earth below show a dusting of color on top, but rich red in the shadows with plenty of small inclusions for the eye to play with. It is 22.5 cm (9 inches) tall, roughly 10 cm (4 inches) square and in excellent condition...

The work is Mori Togaku, a living legend in Bizen currently wowing the world with his massive water jars and airplane hanger sized kiln, the largest I know of in Japan. This piece is enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Bizen Kuro Tokkuri dating to 1988.
Size, D 9.7 cm H 12.1 cm
Condition, Excellent
Mori Togaku was born in Inbe, in the heart of Bizen territory in 1937...

Thick iron and feldspar cover the Iga glaze of this small vase by Ayukai Kogetsu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Oni Iga Ko Tsubo. It is 13 cm (5 inches) tall, roughly 9 cm (3-3/4 inches) diameter and in excellent condition. I think it would also make a nice tokkuri.
Ayukai Kogetsu is a female artist from Miyagi prefecture...

An Amazing Shigaraki flattened form with offset neck covered in pools of liquid green crystal and dark encrustations of ash by Furutani Hirofumi, head of the Churoku-en. This piece truly shows the best of what Shigaraki has to offer, in the exposed raw terracotta clay, the molten ash glaze, the Hi-iro color of flame, and the build up of dark ash deposits. Every viewing angle is unique...

Wow I need that! is all I could say the first time I saw this piece by Furutani Taketoshi while visiting the Churokuen Kiln early this year. The tendrils of natural ash glaze wrap around the simplified form like the roots of some ancient Shinboku (God Tree). It is unpretentious, but stands out clearly as a masterpiece by this very talented young potter. It comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shigaraki Shizen Yu Yohen Hanaire (Shigaraki Natural Ash Glazed Kiln Altered Vase)...

Not to save the best for last, but this piece by Nagae Shigekazu is simply breathtaking. The pattern of light and dark squares which drives direct lines across the distended quadrilateral form hails images of the Ichimatsu-moyo pattern at the Katsura Rikyu imperial palace. The lyrical curves of the vessel itself are in sharp contrast to the extreme precision of the patterns, creating a unique dialog between viewer and viewed...

Expressive form utilize the clays natural textures to bring out the depths of the oribe green, and electric shimmers of blue flash on the surface in random patterns like heat lightning...

A spectacular work by legendary potter Kakurezaki Ryuichi enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The Imo-form 'Potato' covered in a molten ash, tendrils of which wrap around like many fingers, blue-gray ash with a pale brown color on the front side...

A fantastic vase decorated with an assortment of colors in drips, dots and draperies by Kawabata Kentaro enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Loco. The multiple aspects of this piece are difficult to surmise in few words. The texture varies from smooth glass to orange-peel. The colors run the gamut. A wonderful work to represent this artists eclectic style...

A crusty black clay vase by Sakata Jinnai enclosed in the original signed wood box. Sculpted out into a crescent, it roughly forms a 24 cm (9-1/2 inch) diameter circle. Excellent condition.
Sakata Jinnai was born in Tokyo in 1943, and began as an apprentice under the legendary Kamoda Shoji in 1964, establishing his first kiln in 1966. His work was selected for display at the Nihon Dento Kogei Shinsaku Ten (National Traditional New Crafts Exhibition) in 1969, and the following year the Ni...

A quintessential example of this artists most sought-after style, a ‘Scattered Blossoms’ vessel by Kondo Yutaka enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Funka Bin (Scattered Flowers Bottle). The pattern of petals is impressed deeply into the surface, and filled with white slip, contrasting starkly against the textured black background. It is 23 cm (9 inches) tall, 17 cm (7 inches) diameter and in excellent condition. For a similar work see the collection of the Metropolitan Museum...

Mountains rise majestically over meandering inlets on this vase by Living National Treasure Kondo Yuzo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Yama Sometsuke Kabin (Vase with Mountain Design in Blue). It is 19 cm (7-3/4 inches) tall, 16.5 cm (6-1/2 inches) diameter and in perfect condition. It comes with the original custom made cloth pouch and shiori. For more on this important artist see the recent edition of Arts of Asia Magazine (Spring 2021), A Seeing Eye: Modern Ceramics in Ja...

This piece is baked in "Anagama" for 10days, so it is naturally covered by ashes of red pine fire woods and has been firing- denatured on surface in natural. We Japanese call this change "窯変　Yohen", This vase is able to use by two ways, hanging or setting. It is suitable for tea ceremony very well. Movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSOywHuZPSs Accessary : wooden box with signature of artist Size: 9.2cm (D) 17.5cm (H)

A masterpiece large textured vase by Mihara Ken enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Sugio Bun Tsubo and dates to 1991. Each uniquely carved in variegated shade of raw clay.
Size, D 28.8 cm H 29.6 cm
Condition, Excellent
Mihara Ken was born in Shimane prefecture in 1958, and apprenticed under Funaki Kenji at the age of 23. He has been exhibited and or prized at the All Japan Ceramic Exhibition (Nihon Togei Ten), Asahi Ceramic Exhibition, the National ...

Banding of colored clay in graduated tones from pink and lavender to dark blue by important Kyoto artist Miyashita Zenji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Sai-dei Kaki “Haruka” (Colored Clay Vase, "Far away") exhibited at the Kyoto Keihan Department Store Exhibition in 2003. It is an excellent example of this artist, at a size which makes it easily collectable.
Size, D 12.8 cm H 16.1 cm
Condition: Excellent
Miyashita Zenji (1939-2012) was born int...

Rivulets of ash dribble down the red earth sides of this vase by Nishiura Takeshi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Echizen Henko. Positioning in the kiln, with one shoulder angled toward the flame, ensure the lip and one rounded corner are charred in that distinct ocher inidicative of the region. Elsewhere the ash is molten green. A great example of this lesser known ancient kiln site. The vessel is 18 x 13 x 17.5 cm (7-1/2 x 5 x 7-1/2 inches) and is in excellent condition. ...

An ash encrusted vase by Kanzaki Shio enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shigaraki Hanaire. Perfect for the tea room, it exudes that sense of quietude and degradation (Wabisabi) central to that aesthetic. It is 27 cm (10-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Kanzaki Shiho (1942-2018) preferred firing his kiln for ten days, resulting in the rich textures and heavy ash deposits apparent on his work. He was born in Shigaraki, and was fast tracked into the Kansai Univer...

Massive natural ash glazed Shigaraki flower vase made by veteran potter Takahashi Rakusai IV.
Born in 1925, Takahashi Rakusai IV is one the most notorious Shigaraki ceramists of modern times. He was awarded with Intangible Cultural Property title in 1976. Currently his son Takahashi Rakusai V is in charge of the family kiln.

Shigaraki ware belongs to one of the Six Old Kilns in Japan and originates from Koga town in Shiga Prefecture.
It was Juko Murata (1423-1502), the f...

A beautiful Caribbean blue bottle by Karatsu Legend Inoue Toya enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The color is quite unusual in his oeuvre, as is the paddled sloping shape. It is 24 cm (9-1/2 inches) tall, 12.5 cm (5 inches) diameter at the base and is in excellent condition.
Inoue Toya (1942-2013), graduated the prestigious Nihon Daigaku in 1966, having spent his student years excavating ancient Karatsu shards and researching their techniques. He apprenticed under the multifa...

Ash encrusts this vase by the youthful star Tsujimura Yui enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Iga Mimitsuki Hanaire. Slight degradation of the rim creates a very organic feel. The form, shows scars where kutsuki (other items) have fused to it in the heat of the conflagration. Allow this bulb to grow to fruition, blossoming into a shared night of conversation and company or a quiet night of music and moonlight…
Size, D 14.4 cm H 32.1 cm
Condition, Excellent ...

A stoic old codger by Furutani Michio stooped at the shoulders and yet standing proud, like some old soldier on Remembrance Day. This is a superb example of this important artists work, showing both his reverence for traditional form and the lengths he went ot reviving the traditions of wood fired kiln effects. It comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Iga Hanaire.
Size, D 16.4 cm H 27.6 cm
Condition, Excellent
Furutani Michio is one of the Gods o...

Earth tones and patterns of waves in black on this large vessel by Ogawa Machiko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kuro Dai Hachi( black Large Basin ) and date to 2016. Perfect for flower arrangement with a flower frog. An incredible work from one of Japans most sought after figures.
Size, D 35.2 cm H 19.6 cm
Condition, Excellent
Ogawa Machiko was born in Sapporo on the Northern Island of Hokkaido in 1946. She studied under future Living National T...

The organic shapes of Kakurezaki Ryuichi have always been fascinating, less formed by the potters hands and more as if they dripped from the kiln roof, solidifying in the conflagration. This vase, covered in flying ash, is a perfect example of that, it even now appears to be withering in the heat. It comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Yohen Kaki or kiln altered vase and retains the original shifuku and shiori. The vessel is 17 x 21 x 23 cm (7 x 8 x 9 inches) and is in exc...

An incredible pieces by legendary Abe Anjin in the artists most sought after style of saishoku colors enclosed in their original signed wooden boxes titled Bizen Saishiki Tokkuri and Bizen Saishik Sake-nomi,dating to 2020.
We see the gamut of this artists career here, red, black and green reminiscent, Ash glaze, gold, blue, and raw clay. The bottle and the cup forms is dimpled to make it easy to grasp, even if imbibed. Being a maker of tea ware, it is this subtle attention to shape and...

The most unique work I have ever seen from innovative artist Ito Motohiko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Nunome Tsubaki-mon Kabin (Cloth Textured Vase with Camellia Design). Sensual sans eroticism, it is a frank and appreciative look at the beauty of the feminine form. This is from my personal collection, and I am torn with the idea of parting with it. The vase is 9 x 6-1/2 x 14-1/2 inches (23 x 16.5 x 37 cm) and is in excellent condition, retaining the original wrapping ...

A swollen sail shape in graduations of color by Miyashita Zenji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kaze no Deban (Cue the Wind, or Wind in the Sails, if you like). It is 20 x 21 x 28 cm (8x 8-1/2 x 11 inches) and in excellent condition. It retains the original Shifuku and Shiori.
Miyashita Zenji (1939-2012) was born into the family of potter Miyashita Zenju, and graduated the Kyoto Municipal University of Art under Kiyomizu Kyubei and Kusube Yaichi. Starting with the most ...

An expressive form covered in thick emerald glaze by Yamaguchi Makoto enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Oribe Kaki and date to 2020. It has a very organic feel, both from the texture and the cutted sides with various thicknesses of green glass, like water running over a stone surface.
Size, D 37.4 cm H 25.2 cm
Condition, Excellent
A rising star in the pottery world, Yamaguchi Makoto was born in Seto, Aichi prefecture in 1978. In 2000 he was apprenticed to H...

Here is a rare work reflecting the shape and character of this famous artist but in Bizen clay, Shigaraki yes, Iga yes, Shino and Kohiki yes, Bizen vase first time for me. A divine vase by Tsujimura Shiro enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Bizen Hanaire. The shape is organic, with warm, rich coloration. A exemplary piece for exploring and appreciating the various kiln effects of Bizen clay and ash firing.
Size, D 14.6 cm H 26.1 cm
Condition, Excellent

A very unusual domed box shaped vase by Morino Taimei decorated with green dots and purple numbers on a rich textured blue enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Iro-e Tabimakura (Colorful Travel Pillow). It is 19 cm (7-1/2 inches) square, 14 cm (5-1/2 inches) tall excluding the handles, and is in excellent condition, as can be seen there is a water stain in the upper right corner of the box lid.
Morino Taimei was born in Kyoto in 1934, and was first accepted into the Nitten N...

Marbled clay in lively vivid colors blends on this large jar by Matsui Koyo, enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Mukubai-yu Neriage Hatsuzomon Tsubo. The textures is smooth and shining creating a pleasurable experience for both the eyes and the hands.
Size, D 31.2 cm H 28.1 cm
Condition, Excellent
Matsui was born in 1962 son of LNT Matsui Kosei. Although of course growing up surrounded in pottery, he began apprenticing in earnest under his father in ...

Lantern Flowers (Hozuki) decorate this snow white porcelain vase by Yamada Yoshiaki enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Henko. The imagery is expertly depicted over a form which has been allowed some freedom, more like the natural shape of a stone than a traditional vase. This is very much representative of this artists style, known for these asymmetrical shapes, natural corners and exquisite palette. It is 31 x 5 x 17.5 cm (12 x 2 x 7 inches) and is in excellent condition.

an unusual contemporary spiraling form vessel by Mihara Ken enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Sekki Kaki (Un-Glazed Flower Vessel). Exquisite,with his lively earth tones colors and texture.
Size, D 41.8 cm H 7.8 cm
Condition, Excellent
Mihara Ken was born in Shimane prefecture in 1958, and apprenticed under Funaki Kenji at the age of 23. He has been exhibited and or prized at the All Japan Ceramic Exhibition (Nihon Togei Ten), Asahi Ceramic Exhibition,...

This particular Yellow Seto Sake Flask is having all of the bells and whistles a collector would want from a work by Kagami Shukai. His unique Aburage-de (deep-fried tofu) Yellow color, the Koge brown and copper-green,comes together to paint a portrait of a perfect Shukai piece. From a private collection comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled ki-seto Tokkuri. This is a quintessential work by this important artist whose work will remain influential long past the coming generati...