This impressive han-tsutsu Shino chawan was made by the late 13th generation Mino potter Kato Seizo (1930-1979, Kagekiyo). Kato’s works are well-regarded throughout Japan and he has won a number of honors and awards over the course of his career as an artist. Not surprisingly, he is equally appreciated abroad and by foreign experts of Japanese pottery...

Noh theater wood mask representing the character of Shakumi, a middle-aged woman. The loose strands of hair give her the careworn air of one who has suffered and survived countless trials. Note the slight sag to her cheeks and the creases on either side of her mouth. She often appears in the role of a mother. Japan, early 20th century. Height: 21 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. A few signs of use, otherwise very good condition.

Noel Nouet(1885-1944)
Kuromon, 1936. From the 24 Views of Tokyo series.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10.25 inches.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten. Carver: Ikeda, Printer: Yokoi. Bears the Doi watermark.
An early edition of rarely seen design.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Spring Rain at Matsushima
Date: 1936.
Size: Oban. Approximately 16.5 x 11.25 inches.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten, also bears Doi watermark.
Carver: Harada, printer: Yokoi.
This seal combination indicates an early post-war edition.
Condition: Excellent.

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Summer Moon at Miyajima
Size: Approximately 16.75 x 11.25 inches.
Date: 1936. This edition is postwar (1950-1963).
Koitsu.com catalog no. TK-DH-036.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten. Carver: Harada. Printer: Yokoi.
Condition: Excellent. Full margins on all sides.

The natural ash glaze gradates from a light-glossy grey on one side to a blueish grey on the other. The foot of the bowl is unglazed at the base and shows traces of ferrous-rich clay in the form of an orangish hue. The mouth of the piece is somewhat oblong giving it an attractive shape and the rough texture and ash deposits in places give this bowl a weighty presence...

Japanese framed print by sosaku-hanga artist Haku Maki (1924-2000) titled "Collection 37". Depiction of a black vase with cracked lip and gilt leaves. Signed in pencil with red artist's cartouche, dated 1980, number 144/230.

Circa 1980

Dimensions: 12 3/4" x 14" H (entire frame) 8 1/2" x 9 3/4" H (artwork only)

Ohara Koson
Two Japanese Waxwings on Twig with Red Berries
Date: 1910s-23.
Size: 14.75 x 7.5 inches.
Publisher: Daikokuya.
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso.
Koson signature and seal.
Reference: K32.3. in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Toning at top margin and back.
Note: This example retains its lovely yellows.

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Yotsuya Araki Yokocho
Date: 1937.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.75 x 10.5 inches.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten.
Carver: Harada. Printer: Yokoi.
Early postwar edition (1950-63).
Bears the Doi watermark.
Artist's signature and seal at lower left.
Reference: Koitsu catalog TK-DH-18.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Never displayed.

Ohara Koson
Two barn swallows diving towards a small insect in flight
Size: O-tanzaku. Approximately 14.5 x 7.5 inches.
Date: ca. 1900s-23.
Bears Koson signature and seal.
Publisher: Daikokuya (43)
Reference: K28.2 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Condition: Excellent with a few faint marks in the lower sky. Pencil number on back.
Provenance: The Bedford, NY estate of Eleanor Jay and Arthur Iselin...

Lilian Miller
Father Kim of Korea
Date: 1920.
Numbered: 257
Size: Approximately 8 x 6.25 inches.
Self-published.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Condition: Excellent. Left margin has small nick.

Ohara Koson
Two carp
Size: O-tanzaku. Approximately 14.5 x 7.5 inches.
Date: ca. 1900s-23.
Koson seal lower left.
Publisher: Daikokuya (41).
Reference: K39.1 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Condition: Tape has been removed from the back. Those areas as well as a crease at the right edge have been reinforced by a conservator. Slight fading.

A beautifully sculpted image of a pheasant by Ogawa Yuhei enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 37 cm long and in excellent condition.
Yuhei Ogawa (1885-1945) was born in Takamatsu, Okayama prefecture an came to pottery a bit later than most. In 1923, while working part time at the Naval Hydrographic Department, he was deeply moved by seeing the solo exhibition of ceramic sculptor Kazumasa Numata. This gave him impetus to begin sculpting in his free time...

Muto Katei (b. 1910)
Engakuji Temple in Kamakura
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Bears the Watanabe 6mm seal, indicating an early edition.
Date: 1954
Size: Oban: Approximately 15.5 x 10.5 inches.
Condition: Pristine. Never displayed. Removed from original folder for archival storage.
Muto Katei studied printmaking under Kawase Hasui.
The unusual color palette works beautifully in this image.

Kawase Hasui
Ishizue, Niigata
Size: Chuban. Approximately 10.25 x 7.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Date: 1934.
This edition 1930s.
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso.
Bears the oval Hasui seal.
Reference: Hotei #352.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Provenance: The Robert O. Muller estate.
Condition: Excellent. Uncirculated.

Torii Kotondo
Combing Hair. From the Twelve Aspects of Women Series.
Date: 1933 (ca. 1980s edition)
Paper size: Large at 19 x 13 inches.
Publisher: Ishukankokai ("moneybag" seal).
Carver: Ito. Printer: Kajikawa.
Artist's signature and seal. Publisher's watermark below stamps.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
The color of the margin is uniformly bright on all sides. Please see adjusted lighting in subsequent photos.
Condition: Faint small dot on nose...

Ito Takashi
Late Autumn at Yachi in Towadako National Park (Charcoal-Making at Lake Towada National Park)
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Date: 1950.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. A first edition bearing the round, black 6 mm seal in the lower right corner.
Condition: Very slight fading evident at image edge. - A rarely seen print.

Ohara Koson
Monkey reaching for the reflection of the moon
Size: O-tanzaku. Approximately 14.75 x 7.5 inches.
Publisher: Daikokuya
Date: ca. 1910-1923.
Koson signature and seal.
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso.
Reference: K41.25 (cat...

A very rare Mashiko platter by Living National Treasure Hamada Shoji decorated with a poem cradled in an offset ring forming the mika-tsuki or third day moon by poet Shimizu Hian. The poem reads: Akaki Mi no Omoto no Hotori Dainaru Maruki kono yo no ishi okitari, and is signed by the 76 year old man Hian meaning it was made either in 1958 or 59 (depending upon whether Hian was going by the Western or Japanese manner of counting age)...

Kawase Hasui
Dusk at Tagonoura Beach
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10.75 inches.
Date: 1940. This is a lifetime edition produced between 1946-1957.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Black 6 mm publisher's seal at lower left corner.
Hasui signature and seal.
Reference: Hotei #233.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Two original drying pinholes in margin.

This striking chawan is a fine example of Oni Shino (carbon trap and natural ash glazing) that Tsukigata is so well-known for. Coining the term in the mid-50’s after countless failed experiments—which ultimately culminated in the discovery of this unique style of pottery—“Oni” translates roughly to demon or ogre...

A dazzling Hagi-ware bowl with cherry petal and earthen tones made by one of Japan's great potters. The 14th potter of the Sakakura line of potters Sakakura Shinbei XIV (1917-1975) was designated an important human cultural treasure of Yamaguchi prefecture in 1972...

Kawase Hasui
Snow at Itsukushima.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. No publisher's seal but clearly on old paper.
Bears the Hasui signature and seal.
Date: 1932.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10.5 inches.
Condition: Very good. Edge of right margin is toned.

A framed etching and aquatint print by Tanaka Ryohei. Scene of a thatched rooftop with a large flock of birds flying and trees branching out from behind the house. Signed in pencil and numbered 19/120. Dated 1994.

Framed: 22.75" high x 26.25" wide

Size of artwork: 13.5" high x 17" wide

Kawase Hasui (1883-1957)
Sakurada Gate (Sakuradamon)
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.375 x 10.25 inches.
Date: 1928.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Round, red 6 mm seal at lower left, indicating a lifetime printing (1946-1957). Old Watanabe seal at back.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Reference: Hotei #156.
Condition: Excellent color. Toned paper. Two pieces of paper at back margins.

This is one of the original works of Tokisada Nakamura, who signs as Masatoshi in this miniature sculpture that depicts Oni, the little demon, crossing a river in the company of a Man and a Woman. The Oni is carrying a skull ended mast, and he is holding on to the woman's arm. The man is carrying, over his left shoulder, a large Mokugyo and a couple of giant lotus flowers. He is picking up his robe to prevent it from getting wet...

Ito Shinsui (1898-1972)
Early Spring.
Date: 1930-1931.
Size: Approximately 14.5 x 9.75 inches.
This famous woodblock print was an insert of the Jiji Newspaper Company.
Artist's signature and seal.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: A few spots in the background as shown. Still faintly has the original center folds.

Finely carved Japanese Netsuke Depicting a Kappa laying on top of a Shell. According to Karl Schwartz, in his book 'Netsuke Subjects', Kappa is a Goblin who lived in rivers, having a body resembling a frog with a carapace like a turtle...

Done in the Annan style which is a Japanese adaptation of porcelain-wares imported from a region of ancient Imperial China (now part of Vietnam) from the late Muromachi period (1392 - 1573). At the time this type of pottery was hugely popular among tea devotees and this enthusiasm continues into the modern day. The scene portrayed on the tea bowl is the classic image of the “shichikenjin” or the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove.

Although reports vary, it is generally thought that...

Ohara Koson (Shoson)
Cockatoo and Pomegranate at Night
Size: Chuban. Approximately 10.5 x 7.25 inches.
Date: ca. 1930.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Shoson signature and seal.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Reference: AS.27 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Condition: Excellent.

Artist: Jun'ichiro Sekino
Title: Shono, from his monumental "New 53 Stations of the Tokaido" series (1959-1974)
Size: double oban, 21.5 x 16.75 inches
Self-published, with Sekino signature and seal. Also bears the Jun Sekino watermark.
Condition: Unframed. Pristine.
- To see the detail of this work, allow us to e-mail you a large tiff file of this image taken by Robert Watson Photography, Toronto.

Takahashi Shotei (Hiroaki)
Crows on a Cold Night
Date: Pre-1936.
Size: Approximately 7.125 x 4.875 inches.
Shotei seal lower left.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Reference: S-19. Watanabe #173
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Tiny lower left margin corner bend.

Ohno Bakufu
Spiny Lobster
Great Japanese Fish Picture Collection (Dai Nihon gyorui gashu), Volume 1
Date: 1937-38.
Size: Approximately 15.5 x 11 inches.
Artist's signature and seal upper left.
Publisher: Nishinomiya Shoin
Publisher carver, and printer seals lower left.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Matte line near image edge. A few faint foxing spots.

Takahashi Shotei (Hiroaki)
Spring Snow
Size: Approximately 15.0 x 6.75 inches.
Date: pre-1936.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. No. 244 in 1936 Watanabe catalog. M-35 in Shotei catalog.
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso.
Condition: A few faint spots on the back and very slight toning.

Toshi Yoshida (1911-1925)
Crabs
Date: 1925.
Size: 11.25 x 6.0 inches.
"Toshi" Japanese signature and seal.
Pencil signed and titled in English.
Condition: Excellent. Small tape remnants at top back.
This is the first woodblock print created by Toshi Yoshida. He was 14 years of age.

Kiyoshi Saito Ikaruga-No-Sato Nara (C) 1970
Edition: 36/80 Matted size: 27 x 22 inches.
Visible image size: 21.5 x 16.75 inches.
Date: 1970.
Self-published by the artist.
Signed and sealed in the image.
Titled, numbered, and dated in pencil.
Condition: Edges or full print laid down to backing.
Note: Print is not framed.

The creator of this lovely Hagi chawan, Hirose Tanga (b. 1939) is the master-potter of Tenpozan kiln in the city of Hagi. When I acquired my first tea bowl by this artist it reminded me of bowls produced by Yoshida Shuen (apprenticed under NLT Miwa Kyusetsu). As it turns out, Yoshida worked alongside Hirose in establishing Tenpozan and in training young potters in the art of “Oni” Hagi which utilizes a rough textured clay and a milky translucent glaze. Bowls made using this technique display...

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Nezu Shrine.
Date: 1934.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10.50 inches.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten. Doi watermark present at upper left corner.
Carver: Harada. Printer: Yokoi. This seal combination indicates an early post-war edition.
Reference: Koitsu catalogue no. TK-DH-16.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. We've removed the print from its original folder.

The image of the brush-drawn circle, known most commonly as the “enso” of Japanese Buddhism, has long been a symbol of strength, elegance, and the simultaneous being and nonbeing (mu) of the universe. A closed enso is associated with the idea of perfection while an open enso represents movement, fluidity, and attainment in the corporeal world. In this composition by veteran Mino potter Takuzo Mizuno, we can see an open enso done in thick feldsparic glaze on a classic background of nezumi Shi...

Ohara Koson
Wading Egret With Reeds
Size: Shikishiban. Approximately 11.25 x 10.5 inches.
Date: 1930s.
Koson signature and seal at lower right.
Publisher: Daikokuya (Matsuki Heikichi). This edition published by Kawaguchi.
Reference: AK14.15 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
"Made in Japan" and "No. 25" stamped on verso.
Condition: Excellent with faint dot of foxing on bird's back. Pencil notes at back margi...

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Zojoji Temple in Snow, 1933.
Size: Oban, approximately 15.5 x 10.5 inches
Publisher: Doi Hangaten. Also bears Doi watermark.
Carver: Harada.
Printer: Yokoi.
This seal combination indicates an early post-war edition.
Condition: Excellent. A couple of nearly imperceptible waves in the paper.

Japanese shin hanga woodblock print by Shiro Kasamatsu (1898-1991) titled "Misty Evening at Shinobazu Pond" dated in the left margin "4th month of Showa 7" (1932). First edition impression bearing the C-seal ("sausage seal") of the publisher Watanabe in the lower right margin. This seal was used between 1929-1942. The artist's red signature seal is located at the lower left corner of the image. Paper size: 15 1/4" x 10 1/4" (image: 14 1/8" x 9 1/4"). Very good overall condition with full margi...

Kuniyoshi
Exiled Nichiren in Snow at Tsukahara, Sado Island
Size: Approximately 13.75 x 9.0 inches.
Date of first printing by Iseya Rihei: 1830-35.
Here is a rare limited edition (numbered 182) of this famous design. The publisher is Kobayashi Bunshichi (active 1861-1923).
Below the artist's signature and seal are the publisher's seal and a cartouche in Japanese indicating the edition number.
Condition: Upper left corner is wrinkled with a 6mm tear at the margin tha...

Oversized limited-edition Japanese sosaku hanga woodblock print by Okiie Hashimoto (1899-1993) titled "Evening Garden No. 16." The bottom margin is pencil-signed, titled in kanji, dated 1960, and numbered 16/60. The artist's red seal is at the lower left corner of the image. The lower right margin holds a black 5-character self-published mark. Paper: 22 3/4" x 18 1/4" (image: 21 1/4" x 16 3/4"). Very good overall condition. The margin corners are creased. From a Scottsdale, AZ estate.

Takahashi Shotei (1871-1945)
Night Shower at Izumi Bridge
Date: Pre-1932.
Size: Mitsugiri-ban. Approximately 15.0 x 6.75 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Reference: M-16 in Shotei catalog.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: A thin paper spot at bridge post as shown. On the back, there are two thinner portions where tape had been. Tiny 1 cm tear extending from right center margin. Faint crease visible only at back.
- This is Shotei's beauti...

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Lake Kawaguchi at the Foot of Mt. Fuji
Date: 1938.
Size: Oban. Approximately 16 x 10.5 inches.
Publisher: Tokyo Hanga-In (owned by Baba Nobuhiko pre-WWII.) Seal left margin.
A rare pre-war edition.
Artist's signature and seal at lower right.
Reference: Koitsu catalog TK-BN-5.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Slight toning to image where not previously covered by matte of original folder.
Note: This beautiful Fuji v...

A beautiful Shino Chawan by one of the best Japanese artists of the 20th century, Yano Keisen, made 70 years ago. His ceramics were part of the wedding of the Japanese Emperor Akihito in 1959 and since then part of the imperial household.

It comes with its originally signed and sealed wooden box without chips or cracks.

Yano Keisen was a Japanese Asian Modern & Contemporary artist. He was born in the year 1897 as the second son of Nagae Shotaro in Kozoji-cho, Kasugai Ci...

Japanese framed print by artist Tanaka Ryohei, born in 1933 in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture. He has appeared in numerous art exhibits all over the world and his collections may be viewed in many museums such as the Cincinnati Art Museum, Museum of Modern Art San Francisco, and the Shanghai, China Museum. The medium used for this print are copperplate etching with aquatint. Titled "June", dated 1993, signed, and numbered 110/150 in its series in pencil.

Size: (entire frame) 14.25"...

Bashofu kimono made of several different pieces of bashofu with stripes. It is roughly sewn together, so it might be worn for a work wear. Both weft and warp are hand-plied. In good condition except for some stains. The first half of the 20th century. 124cm x 126cm

Ito Yuhan
Ukimido at Katada, Lake Biwa
Date: 1930s. Printed 1938-1960s.
Size: Oban. Approximately 16.5 x 11.5 inches.
Publisher: Nishinomiya Yosaku. Bears the publisher's seal in the left margin.
Sealed "Yuhan" in Japanese within the image.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
Note: Nishinomiya Yosaku also operated at times after the 1960s, so there is a possibility that this print was produced from the original blocks after the 1960s.

Bashofu kimono hand-woven of banana fiber for both wefts and warps. The yarn is rather thicker and tougher comparing with very fine yarn for thinner and higher quality bashofu, so that it is for a everyday kimono or work wear. Brown stripes are also banana fibers. Late 19th to early 20th century. In good condition except for a mending near the lower side in the back and wear near neck. 104cm x 115cm

Kawase Hasui
The Chunum Temple, Mt. Chiri, Korea
(Chôsen Chirizan Sen'in-ji) - Views of Korea.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Date: 1940. A lifetime edition bearing the black Watanabe 6 mm seal (used between 1946-1957) within the image at the lower left corner.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10.5 inches.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Top back margin has a piece of tape.

Saito Hodo (aka Nishimura Hodo)
Two women walking on a spring night
Date: 1920s-1930s.
Size: Oban. 15.5 x 10.25 inches.
Publisher: Takemura Hideo (label on back).
Signed "H. Saito" by the artist.
Medium: Japanese watercolor.
Condition: Excellent.
Note: Paintings and woodblock prints variously signed "H. Saito" (Saito Hodo) and "Nishimura Hodo" were published by Takemura Hideo. They are very likely by the same artist. Works with these signatures had similar...

Hagi-yaki has a tradition stretching back over 400 years and is prized for its subdued colors and classical features, especially the glazing, which is often clear and vivid. The natural ash Hagi glaze of this piece gives it a mellow yet robust feel. In addition, the split wari-kodai at the base together with the asymmetrical hand-molded shape offers the user a unique tactile experience The sides of the bowl show pale ash, ivory, and faint hints of lavender. Overall a classic and attractive exam...

Beautiful cream colored Japanese glazed porcelain vase with gold painted bamboo stalks on its front and back, gold checkerboard designs with pink and white accents around the neck and base, gold rim with red, green, and gold painted designs. Bottom signature reads "Satsuma Asahi Do". Size: 10.5" height, 6.75" width

Hiroshi Yoshida
Toshogu Shrine
Date: 1937.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.75 x 10.75 inches.
Signed and sealed in the image. Titled and signed in pencil.
Jizuri seal at upper left margin indicating a first edition self-printed by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Reference: Abe catalog #223.
Condition: Slight toning and fading. A conservator has repaired at small tear repair by the margin below the jizuri seal. See photo of back. Two original dry...

Japanese woodblock print by artist Hiroshi Yoshida (1876-1950), from the series The Kansai District, titled Sarusawa Pond, dated with signature, red artist's chop, publisher's markings in left margin.

Size: 10.5" W x 16" H

A menagerie of 12 comic creatures grin back at us as we pour another cup of sake from this Tokkuri decorated by world renowned woodblock artist and painter Clifton Karhu enclosed in the original wooden box also decorated on all facets with the same humorous creatures as well as a self portrait on the lid captioned EVERY DAY IS A GOOD DAY. It is 17.5 cm (7 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Clifton Karhu (1927-2007) had his first introduction to Japanese living stationed in Sasebo d...

Japanese woodblock print by Kiyoshi Saito (1907-1997) of a winter scene, with dark figures walking through a quiet village with a snow-capped mountain looming in the far background. Signed in pencil with artist's stamp. Size:11.25" height, 15.75" width

Finely hand carved Japanese Obidome in the shape of a Hannya Noh mask with horns and shiny metal eyes. A Hannya mask in Noh represents a mad woman who turns into a demon out of jealousy. She is vicious and haunts the “other woman” to death. The term, 'Hannya' is used today by a husband who happens to come home late without good enough excuses. He could say (to his buddy) that his wife looked like a Hannya mask when she greeted him at the door.

Obidome is an accent piece used on the ...