Design book of Japanese traditional patterns which are originally designed by Katsushika Hokusai (1760?~1849), a notable and prominent Ukiyo-e-shi. The title is "Shin-gata Kommon-cho", a new komon design book. It has a pair of two designs, which are woodblock print, black line in one page and colored in the other and each has a name. 74 patterns in a ciecle. In excellent condition. Published in Taisho 14 (1925) by Okamoto Ihei in Kyoto. 22cm x 17cm x 2cm

Oval shaped Japanese red lacquer tray of Daruma with his fly whisk. The back side is black. In very good condition, it measures 15.5 inches by 12".

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.

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...

Ohara Shoson (Koson)
Sparrows and Bamboo in Snow
Size: Approximately 3.75 x 2.5 inches.
Date: ca. 1930s.
Bears the Shoson seal
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
Note: This rare print is uncatalogued.

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. These mythical effigies have deep religious and social symbolism and can be seen in countries across Asia...

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...

Antique Raku Chawan of rarest color, made by the 1st Choraku Ogawa, one of the most legendary potters of the 20th century. The Chawan is in great antique condition and comes with its originally signed and sealed wooden box. No chips or repairs. Only natural inborn kiln cracks caused during firing.

Ogawa Choraku was the founder of the Choraku lineage of Raku potters...

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Benkei Bridge
Date: 1933. This edition early postwar.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10.5 inches.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten. Carver: Harada. Printer: Yokoi. Bears the Doi watermark.
Koitsu catalog no. TK-DH-3.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Tape marks in right margin. Light fading.

Stunning Japanese 2 panel silver leaf screen with stylized ink calligraphy poem and signature.

Dates from 1950's

Dimensions: length 71" x height 29"

A wonderful translucent blue celadon dish decorated with a low-relief floral motif. This piece was made by one of the few great female Japanese potters of the 20th century—Suwa Sozan II, daughter of Meiji Imperial Court Artist Sozan I.

Suwa Sozan I (1852—1922) was born in an area of what is known today as Ishikawa prefecture. After a short stint in the military he took up pottery design and painting under Touda Tokuji in 1873...

Ohara Koson
Crow on Cherry Branch
Size: O-tanzaku. Approximately 13.5 x 7.25 inches.
Date: 1900-1910s.
Reference: K5.3 and plate 47 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Publisher: Daikokuya.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Toned paper edges.
Note: This is the state and seal illustrated in the Koson catalog.

Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849)
The Ghost of Kohada Koheiji From Hyaku Monogatari (One Hundred (Ghost) Stories)
Published by Tsuruya Kiemon ca. 1833. This edition Meiji 19th century.
Size: Chuban. Approximately 10 x 7.25 inches.
Condition: Very light creasing.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
This rare print depicts the murdered Kohada pulling back a mosquito net as he returns to haunt his wife and her lover.

Wood bowl (shikarinpah) with bird motif, made by Ainu craftsman in Hokkaido. All hand-carved and in excellent condition. 20th century. L:24cm W:10.5cm H:5cm

Ohara Koson
Crow on Snowy Bough
Size: Approximately 6.25 x 4.25 inches.
Date: ca. 1930s.
Unsigned as originally issued.
Publisher: Daikokuya (Matsuki Heikichi).
Reference: #48b on page 72 of Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Provenance: The Robert O. Muller estate.
"Made in Japan" stamped on back.
Condition: Excellent. Never displayed.

Nishimura Hodo
Summer Rain
Date: 1930s.
Size: Mitsugiriban. Approximately 15.5 x 7.25 inches.
Publisher: Takemura Shokai (stamp in left margin). Takemura Hideo label on back.
Signed by the artist. Takemura seal below signature.
Edition: First and only.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Top back corners have paper residue.

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

The original wood storage box (tomobako) lid is inscribed in ink "Mashiko decorative dish with plum in iron oxide", 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...

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...