Classic vase by Mashiko artist Murata Gen (Japan, born in Ishikawa Prefecture, 1904-1988). Murata Gen apprenticed with Shoji Hamada before becoming an independent potter in 1954. This work is 8 1/2" high and 6 1/2" wide. Signed with the "MU" character within a diamond. In excellent condition.

This is a stunner; a piece exemplifying the style of this incredible artist! Radical black florals decorate the rich iron sides of the bowl, tapering ever so slightly closed toward the top to help trap the aroma of the green tea within. Imagine the color contrast of dark earth-tones with the foamy maccha inside! It comes enclosed in a fine kiri-wood box endorsed by Kawai Koha, current head of the Kawai Kanjiro Museum...

Here is a quintessential piece by Master Mashiko Potter and Living National Treasure Hamada Shoji (1894-1978) enclosed in the original signed and stamped wooden box. The subtlety of the wide faces is a pleasant contrast with the rich iron frame of the narrow sides and top. A cluster of leaves in a zen circle underscored or shaded by tapering rails under heavily crackled clear glaze, a snowy white belt running across the scene is what we see...

Small food dish for vegetables, relish etc. of round shape with small indentations in the rim. Thin, light colored stoneware, covered in cream-colored glaze with very fine crackle and pinkish brown swirls. In the bottom a highly stylized kotobuki character (longevity) in iron brown and three green glaze splashes on the rim. Glazes have left a few spots uncovered. Oribe ware, Japan, early Taisho era, 1920s.
H 2 x diam. 4-1/2 in.

Minimal traces of usage, fine condition.

A heavily glazed early square pottery dish by Kimura Ichiro enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The sandy clay appears to have been twice fired, the first firing unglazed with a simple ash burn later a very thick feldspathick glaze wiped on and re-fired. It is roughly 11 by 11-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches (28 x 29 x 6 cm) and is in good condition, no chips or cracks but some color has soaked into the crackled white glaze...

A beautiful hand thrown stoneware vase of tapering shape with three very small ears; mottled blue glaze / rubbing eggs glaze creating a stunning effect made by Ito Tosan. Ito Tozan I (1846-1920) or Ito Tozan II (1871-1937). Seal mark underneath reading Tozan, enclosed in the original stamped cotton bag. It comes with a collector box from the 50´s. Late Meiji to Early Showa, 20th cent. H...

The size of Vase : 9 1/4" High x 8 1/2" Dia.
23.5 cm x 21.5 cm, 11 cm top dia.
This very nice Japanese Shigaraki Vase.
There is signature of artist on the bottom looks
like キ Ki in katakana.
Artist name is not known...

A charred Tsubo blasted with ash by Takahashi Rakusai enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It reflects the style of early Shigaraki, with an engraved crosshatch belt circling the flaring mouth. The piece is 8 inches (21 cm) tall, roughly the same diameter and in excellent condition but for one tiny nick in the base.
Born in Shigaraki in 1900, Rakusai was considered one of the true masters of Shigaraki and Iga-yaki, along with Naokata and later Michio...

KILN TOOL, KOBACHI

Used for pottery firing. Mino region, Japan, Showa period, early-mid 20th century, approx. D 16 x H 12cm (6.29 x 4.72in)


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Namako glaze runs down, creating rivers flowing around the horns on the sides of this massive pot by Suzuki Kenji (1935-2010). Looking within one sees the volcanic explosions where the glaze pooled, bubbled and burst in the center. The vessel is 18 inches (45.5 cm) tall, roughly 13 inches (33 cm) square and weighs 20.5 kg (45 pounds). It is in fine condition. By size and structure it would be acceptable for display either inside or out...

A fine and large stoneware dish by Sakuma Totaro (1900~1979). Decorated with a flowering plum tree against a transparent ash glazed ground. The back is plain and glazed with a clear ash glaze. Mid 20th century.

The original wood storage box (tomobako) lid is inscribed in ink with a title and the signature of the potter with his red seal.

First son of Sakuma Fukujiro, a mingei potter in Mashiko, Totaro studied ceramics with his father...

Fairly large sake bottle of dark brown stoneware, with an angular hip, rounded shoulder and slightly everting neck. Its shoulder and neck covered in a yellow and greenish natural ash glaze.
Bizen ware. Impressed seal mark in bottom.

Japan, Showa era, ca. 1970s

H 8.1 in.; diam. 5.4 in.

Excellent condition

Wall vase of irregular cylindrical shape. Middle brown stoneware with irregular natural ash glaze dripping decoration. Metal eye at the back for hanging. Marked with 3 dots at bottom, which is the mark of the Karatsu potter Nakazato Toraemon XII Muan. Japan, around 1960s/1970s.

H ca 7 in., W at foot 4 ¼ in.

Mint condition. The piece does not come with a box.

Nakazato Muan (1895-1985) inherited the artist name Taroemon XII, in 1927, following his father who was Taroemon XI...

Two glazes meet in the banded center of this deep Mashiko Tsutsu-chawan by Mingei Master and Living National Treasure Hamada Shoji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kake-Ai-Yu Dohimo Chawan.  The shape is very much in the Mashiko tradition, with a prominent ridge in the center (Do means the midriff, and himo is a line or chord) of a strong form which exudes confidence and strength born from utilitarian purpose.  It is a superb example of work by this most sought artist. 
...

THE GREATEST GRATER

I have never seen such a radish grater! Anonymous mingei masterpiece for real. Pottery. Meiji-Taisho period, early 20th century, Japan. approx. 19 x 35 x H 15cm (7.48 x 13.77 x 5.90in)


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A very unusual modern Japanese pottery vase. Exaggerated chatter decoration spiraling from the foot to the shoulder, the tacky clay lifted to a very coarse texture before firing. The neck to rim, also spiraling up the vase, finished smoothly. Apparently in the tradition of the stoneware tile work kilns of Bizen and Tokoname. Studio artist marks in impressed cartouches on the foot. Excellent condition. Height, 8 inches.

A set of four unusual small dishes enclosed in the original signed wooden box by Kitaoji Rosanjin (1883-1959), one of Japans most famous 20th century artists. Iron reds underlie the pale earthen glaze, with a dollop of Oribe green on one side. Almost as if planned, the pieces have firing cracks filled with black lacquer, adding a fourth consideration to the standard essentials: form, design and glazing. Each dish is roughly 5-1/2 inches (14 cm) diameter. As mentioned there are firing flaws a...

Enigmatic green and red florals capped by ascending butterflies alternate with bird images in the cathedral-like windows on the side of this large vessel by Kyoto artist Yamazaki Koyo enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The vase is 13-1/2 inches (34 cm) tall and in fine condition, dating circa 1950. Koyo (1890-1979) studied under Kiyomizu Rokubei VI, and was displayed consistently in many National and Local Exhibitions. He has been awarded four times at the Nitten, twice at the Nihon S...

A perfect example of why Shigaraki is one of Japans most popular ceramic styles; a large tsubo urn covered in Hai-yu ash glaze by Yamamoto Ryuzan, enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Thick glaze covers the shoulder and runs in glassy rivulets down the charred front, while the back of the Tsubo, positioned away from the flame, remains pale white. Bidoro, flying ash all over with a dark kutsuki on front and brittle molten ash-charring at the base. On a small base, the piece leans slight...

Graffito is scratched into the white crackled glaze of this bowl by world renowned artist Kumakura Junkichi (1920-1985) enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The piece is 6 inches (15.5 cm) tall, 4-1/2 inches (11 cm) diameter and in perfect condition. See also the previously listed bowl by the same artist.
Junkichi began working in ceramics in the 1940s, his works submitted to innumerable National and International Exhibitions including the Japan Art Festival, New York and the int...

Running up to the end of our 60s and 70s ceramics, here is a great piece by a student of Yagi Kazuo, Yoshitake Hiromu (Hiroshi) enclosed in the original signed wooden box and dating from the late 60s or early 70s encapsulating the feeling of rage against conformity then rupturing the Japanese ceramic world. It is 6 x 14 x 16 inches (15 x 35 x 40 cm) and is in fine condition. Due to size and weight the cost of shipping will be accrued separately for this piece.
Born in Kyoto in 1938, Hir...

A heavily potted Ash-glaze vase by Seto potter Kato Shinya enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The geometric patterns collide and dance off each other, gray on white, a piece well representing the artistic endeavors of the era in which it was created. The vase is quite large, 13 inches tall, 8-1/4 inches diameter and in excellent condition. Shinya was born into the family of Seto potter Kato Sakusuke in 1940, and graduated the Tokyo University of Art sculpture division in 1964, follow...

Japanese pottery tsubo vase. An earthy, drab gray-green glaze on porcelaneous body with thin iron wash and with bold, rich red iron oxide glaze painted floral decoration on opposing sides of the tsubo form with thickly potted shoulder rising to a broad, everted rim. Two character impressed artist's mark inside the foot appears to read Kazan ('Ka' being the 10 stroke character also read as "hana".) A pleasant, substantial feel when held. Excellent condition. Height, 9 3/4 inches (24.76 cm)

A beautifully shaped green vessel by Miyashita Zenju enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It stands 10 inches (25.5 cm) tall, 8-1/2 inches (22 cm) diameter and is in fine condition.
Zenju (1901-1968) studied pottery in Japan, Korea and China, and is held in the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art as well as the Kyoto National Museum. Work by the artist was exhibited pre-war at the Bunten and Nitten National Exhibitions as well as the 1939 and 1940 World Exposition. Post war he put his...

Additional photo for Tama Yahi Mizusashi Bowl by Goutaro Inoue w/Tomobako

Serving plate. Over a grayish brown stoneware a geometrical design in blue, brown and green glazes, partly with fine crackle. Unsigned, but clay, color and design remind one of Mashiko ware. Diameter 10 ¼ inches, height 2 inches. Japan, 2nd half 20th century. Slight traces of usage (tiny scratches and water stains), otherwise very good condition.

Like many pottery traditions in Japan, Karatsu takes its name from the city where it originated. As early as the 15th century, Korean potters heavily influenced the development of this form—helping to endow it with the earthy, simple, and natural qualities it is so appreciated for. With crackled glazing and a beautiful gold repair along the top rim, this tokkuri is quite attractive and a pleasure to use.

Housed in its own fine kiri wood box, this piece is 4.3 inches in diameter at...

An iconic Bizen sake set by legendary artist and Living National Treasure Kaneshige Toyo enclosed in the original signed wooden box dating from the pre-war era titled Inbe yaki Tokuri. The bottle is delicately rendered and features the play of colors and textures for which he would be known, with a dark gray rim, while the cup is thinly made in a warm orange tinge. Both bear his fundo stamp on the bottom. The bottle is 11 cm (roughy 4-1/2 inches) tall and both are in perfect condition, with an...

White splashes into the pale terracotta of this large basin by world renowned artist Suzuki Osamu enclosed in the original signed kiri-wood box. The bowl measures almost 12 inches (28.5 cm) diameter, 3-1/2 inches (9 cm) tall and is in excellent condition, stamped on the base with the character Su in a square cartouche.
Osamu was, along with Kumakura Junkichi, Hikaru Yamada and Yagi Kazuo, one of the founding members of the influential Sodeisha (Crawling Through Mud Association), a grou...

Massive Vintage Japanese Shigaraki Ware Tsukubai Jar made 70-80 years ago. Shigaraki ware belongs to one of the Six Old Kilns in Japan and originates from Koga town in Shiga Prefecture.
Among the unique features of Shigaraki pottery there are colour shades and patterns of red, brown and pink obtained by the firing due to the fire-resistant coarse soil as well as the dark tones of burnt by natural glaze. This rusty glaze on the scorched portions of Shigaraki ware is highly appreciated.

A small bowl in Kaki-yu by important artist Kawai Kanjiro enclosed in a wooden box upon which his friend and equally important artist Munakata Shiko has painted an image of the bowl outside titled Go-Kowan (Honorable small bowl) and inside annotated: Kanjiro Sensei Saku (Made by Kanjiro), signed Munakata Shiko. It is 10 cm (4 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
Kawai Kanjiro (1890-1966) was a true artist by nature, and together with Hamada Shoji, set a pattern of study for moder...

Vibrant tusty red splashes across the black glazed surface of this sculpted vase by Kawai Kanjiro dating from the 1950s enclosed in a wooden box annotated by his daughter Koha, the head of the Kawai Kanjiro Kinenkan Museum. The vase is roughly 8 by 4 by 4-3/4 inches (20 cm x 12 x 10 cm) and is in perfect condition. Kanjiro was a true artist by nature, and together with Hamada Shoji, set a pattern of study for modern potters. After graduating the Tokyo School of Industrial Design, he came to st...

I have seen a lot of work over the last quarter century by Kawai Kanjiro, and among it all, this is an absolute stunner. 'Museum quality' as a quote gets thrown around a lot, but I do not use it lightly. The form, the clarity of the white, the crispness of the lines of color and his obvious deft touch. It ranks among the top ten percent I have seen by this important artist without a doubt. The vessel is 19 x 12.5 x 16.5 cm (7-1/2 x 5 x 6-1/2 inches) and is in excellent condition, enclosed in...

The size of Bowl : 11 3/4'Dia x 4 1/16" H (30 cm x 10.5 cm)
This Hira Mizusashi Bowl is made by Inoue Goutaro (1918 - ? ).
Mizusahi Bowl is water bowl used for Tea Ceremony, but bowl make
beautiful Ikabana (flower arrangement) Bowl. It is very handsome bowl.
It is made by Tama Yaki very rare bowl.
The bowl is stoneware material like Iga Yaki. It came with
Tomobako. The cover of Tomobako writing in Japanese as
"Tama Hira Mizusashi" on upper right. "Goutaro Saku...

Stoneware receptacle, probably used as a kensui, or waste-water jug, in the tea ceremony. Relatively high, straight sides with a constriction under the edge, decorated with the typical green glaze patches and geometrical patterns and plant motives in iron brown on white slip. Bottom inside left unglazed. Impressed seal in bottom, in the shape of a flying plover. Seto ware, Oribe style, Japan, Taisho period or early Showa, 1920s-1930s.

H 4 ¼ inches, diam. circa 4 ¼ inches.

Inside with w...

A splendid stoneware dish by Sakuma Totaro (1900-1976) with the original signed and inscribed storage box, tomobako. Showa period, mid 20th century.

A substantial dish with deep brown iron glaze leaves on a jade green copper glaze. The back of the dish is undecorated and covered in a transparent ash glaze. Most pieces by Totaro, like those by Hamada Shoji, are unsigned.

The original wood storage box (tomobako) is signed in ink with "medium dish (chu-zara) with flower on green glaze...