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...

Occasionally as I’m browsing through the temple markets of Kyoto or perusing backstreets tea-ware shops, an attractive piece will catch my eye for no particular reason. When this happens, I typically buy it immediately without hesitation, trusting that I will be able to decipher the Chinese script and give it proper attribution through the course of my research. In this case, I was only able to make it half-way there...

Framed Japanese woodblock print by artist Okiie Hashimoto (1899-1993) Signed in pencil, with inscription and artist's cartouche. Circa 1959. Size: (entire frame) 35.25" height, 29.25" width (artwork only) 22.5" height, 17.5" width

A unique Japanese kanban (shop sign) in the shaped of a pipe, with gilt kanji. It hangs from a length of iron chain. A very fun and attractive piece. Vintage age c1950 Size: 8" height (17.5" hanging) 26.5" length

A breathtaking framed woodblock print by artist Takahiko Hayashi (1961-present) titled "The Wind Filled with Roots, Countless Small Beginnings". Hundreds of small overlapping swirls may represent gusts of wind blowing over bold blades of grass, with a gradating background of golden and deep brown hues. The top of a single, transparent red block sits in the very bottom center of the print. Signed, titled, and numbered 47/50 in pencil...

Japanese vintage woodblock print by artist Yoshio Kanamori (1922-present) titled 'Lake Mountain'. Numbered and inscribed in pencil, signed with red cartouche. Size: 19.25" height, 13.25" width

Japanese woodblock print by artist Makino Munenori (1940-present) titled 'Tenka' (or Heavenly Flowers) in pencil, number 107/180, and signed in bottom corner. The colors used are extremely beautiful and gives a surreal feel to this piece. Dated 1988. Size: 16.5" height, 22" width

A wonderful statue of the Bodhisattva Kwan Yin carved from precious aloeswood. The distinct and pleasant fragrance of aloeswood is the result of a special kind of mould and is highly treasured for its use in incense and perfumes among various Eastern religions. This Kwan Yin has been decorated with gold and silver pigment. Small losses. Republic period. Size: 18" height, 6" width, 5.5" depth Weight: 1829 grams, 4.05lbs

A wonderful contemplative scholar's piece of Chinese aloeswood. The distinct and pleasant fragrance of aloeswood is the result of a special kind of mould and is highly treasured for its use in incense and perfumes among various Eastern religions. A fine yet subtle decorative piece. Size: 6" height, 17" length, 4" width. Weight: 799 grams/13.8 oz

A rare circular table with fine Islamic style geometric ivory, wood and mother of pearl marquetry inlay. This item was made, in art deco style, in Syria in the 1920s or 1930s. For a very similar table please view: www.whatisjameswearing.com/more-exotic-elegance/ Condition: exceptionally good with relatively few losses to the inlay; and no prominent staining. 50 cm ( 19.7 inches) high; 43 cm (16.9 inches) diameter

Beautiful Chinese jadeite pendant, carved with a dragon on one side of front and back, mounted with a white gold setting marked 18K, the jadeite is a striking mottled light green, emerald green with subtle orange-yellow area on one edge. Size of jadeite: 2.8 x 4.3 x 0.4 cm

Chinese jadeite pendant carved in the shape of a gourd on vine with smaller gourd on one side, a squirrel runs up the other side, made of lovely green jadeite with 18K white gold setting. Size of jadeite: 4.6 x 2 x 0.9 cm

Chinese ring with green jadeite oval shaped cabochon, mounted on a 14K good ring (with gold mark), the jadeite is encircled in a ring of leaves and raised up with an open back to maximize the light shining through stone. Size: 1.7cm x 1cm

A beautiful jadeite in a wonderful emerald green tone, mounted on a 14K gold band with feminine form. Band is marked "14K" and "5.85". Size: .75 cm x 1 cm

Unusual special hardwood side table or stand with a beautiful dramatic woodgrain. It is of an hourglass form and is very heavy. Very fun interesting stand. Size: 25.5" height, 12.5" width

Height approximately 21.5cm. New patina added. In good condition.

This is an excellent hand-carved Japanese Netsuke depicting Shoki, the demon queller, in his usual standing position, with his sword drawn. Although he appears to have captured one of them, the other Oni is playfully standing on his shoulders while pulling one of Shoki's ears. Outstanding detail and form symmetry characterizes this miniature sculpture...

Looking as though it were cast from molten rock, this chawan has a very earthy and primal feel to it. The rich clay shows through in places hinting of ochre, yellow, and even a subtle metallic blue—cleverly mimicking the way mineral formations appear in nature...