Appearing to be from a 2006 excavation site in Tokyo known to be a former residence of the Owari Tokugawa clan—the most senior contingent of the Tokugawa clan that united Japan under one rule—this lovely Mishima tea bowl is one of just two I have seen appear on the Japanese art market over the years. The previous bowl also listed on our site had a large portion reconstructed with a gold repair. This piece meanwhile is entirely intact and even has its original box. Details about t...

Japanese Mugiwara pottery emerged in the Mino region of Japan during the Momoyama period in the late 16th century. It is renowned for its distinctive straw-rope patterns etched into or painted on its surfaces that typically contains hues of indigo, mustard, hazel, ochre, and sometimes greens. The creation of Mugiwara pottery involves a process of hand-building or wheel-throwing clay pieces—typically serving dishes, vases, and teaware items—and then meticulously applying a straw-r...

Not to be confused with the Olympic medalist, this Tomita Hiroyuki (b. 1977) is a talented potter pushing the bounds of an otherwise conservative field where many ceramic forms are carried forward for centuries and sometimes millennia. Beginning his artistic endeavors in the field of metal casting, he soon met and became a student to Ijuin Mariko who introduced him to the world of ceramics. In 2007 he opened his own workshop and since that time he has been actively creating and exhib...

Japanese Jubako, traditional stacked lacquerware food boxes, represent not only culinary refinement but also an important aspect of Japanese food culture. These elegantly tiered containers, often adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colors, are integral to the presentation of special occasion meals such as New Year’s celebrations and formal picnics. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Jubako boxes like the one featured here showcase the artistry of Japanese lacquerwa...

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and showcasing a soft and gracefully executed red glaze, this Raku tea bowl exudes a sense of ease, tenderness, and tranquility. Adorned with subtle crackling patterns and variations in texture, the tea bowl's surface adds to its unique and organic feel. Made by one of the true veterans of Japanese pottery, these are some of the finest Raku tea bowls you will find in all of Japan.

Sugimoto (b. 1935) is one of the most important...

Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this mid-Edo period vase embodies simplicity, beauty, and understated elegance. Originally crafted as a tokkuri, or sake flask, it was recovered from the estate of a tea-practitioner who reportedly cherished it as a vase that would hold colorful flowers and various grasses throughout the seasons.

Thanks to the dedication and passion of a researcher by the name of Katsura Matasaburo (1901-1986) we can be assured that this vase is a...

Japanese bamboo crafting, known as "Takezaiku," is a traditional art form that involves the skilled manipulation of bamboo to create various functional and decorative objects. Craftsmen trained in this art carefully select bamboo of appropriate size and quality, then use specialized tools to cut, shape, and join the bamboo pieces. Techniques such as splitting, bending, weaving, and binding are employed to achieve intricate designs and durable structures. Bamboo crafting encompasses a...

This scroll contains a sutra written as [寿至蓬莱不老僊], pronounced in Japanese as “Jyu-Ita-Hōrai-Furō-Sen.” Originating from Chinese, the characters “蓬莱” refer to the mythical land of “Penglai,” home to the immortals. According to legend the trees that grow here cure all disease; there are rice bowls and flasks of wine that never go empty; and its great castles are built entirely out of gold and silver.

The brushwork is done by a Rinzai sect m...

During the Meiji period in Japan, the humble iron kettle, known as a "tetsubin," emerged as an iconic symbol of traditional craftsmanship and functional artistry. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and often adorned with intricate designs—as can be seen here with a cherry blossom motif and a what appears to be a pine-cone for a gripper—they became an essential tool in the Japanese tea ceremony. These kettles were prized not only for their practicality in boiling water bu...

Ota Shumin (1884-1950, Japanese)
Boats on River (given title).
Date: 1930s.
Size: Oban. 17.25 x 12.625 inches.
Signed "Shumin" by the artist.
Medium: Japanese watercolor.
Condition: Tonal difference at edges where formerly matted. Light creasing visible in side light.
Note: Shumin participated in a painting event at the 1936 Olympics.

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Kyoto Kiyomizu Temple
Publisher: Takemura Hideo. Round Takemura seal.
Date: 1930-40s.
Size: 5.5 x 3.5 inches.
Titled and sealed by the artist.
Reference: TK-TM-140.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent

A pair of blue topaz earrings. The pear shaped stones measure 1/2" x 3/8" while the setting measures 3/4" x 5/8". The butterfly clutches are marked 14k.

Kawase Hasui
Fisherman at Sunset
Date: 1930s. This edition 1950s-60s.
Approximately 5.5 x 3.75 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Artist's oval seal at lower left.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print attached along its top edge only to original card.
Condition: Excellent.

Victorian silver baby cup. Made by S. Kirk & Son in Baltimore. Straight sides with allover floral repousse on stippled ground. Cast and capped leaf scroll handle and pointille foot border. Fully marked including maker’s stamp (1846-61) and alloy “11 OZ.” (that is 11/12 or 916 silver). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 3/8 x W 4 x D 2 3/4 in. Weight: 4.8 troy ounces. #BY966

Fujiwara Fuseki
A Scenic Spot in Atami, Mt. Izu Coast
Not dated. ca mid-century.
Publisher: Nisshinbo
Size: The artwork measures 5.75 x 3.75 inches and is attached along its top edge only to a 7.5 x 5.75 inch paper frame.
Sealed by the artist.
Medium: While this piece has the look of a watercolor, the cover states "hand-printed woodblock print".
Condition: Artwork is excellent. Paper folder is toned.
Note: The print features mica highlights.

Cyrus leRoy Baldridge (1889-1977)
Soo-Chow Canal
Date: 1944.
Size: 16.5 x 12.25 inches.
Signed, titled, and dated by the artist.
Medium: Etching.
Condition: Creasing primarily in margins. Please see last photo. Marks in margin. Small tear at mid-right margin.
Note: Cyrus Baldridge was also a woodblock print artist. See examples in our gallery.

Masaharu Aoyama (1893-1969)
Man Cutting Hay by Hand
Date: ca. 1950s.
Print size: Oban. 16.5 x 12 inches.
Signed in pencil.
Aoyama's seal at lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print attached along top edge only to original holiday card.
Condition: Creasing (See last photo).

Oribe is a visual style named after the late-16th-century tea master Furuta Oribe (1544-1615). Typically, black or green glazes are applied to the bodies of these works and light-colored windows are created using feldspar. These high-contrast areas then act as a canvas upon which abstract, minimalistic, and often naturalistic themes are painted.

As can be seen here, this piece is of the green variety and looks to be from the mid-to-early Edo period as can be determined ...

A mesmerizing piece of ceramic art, this exquisite tenmoku tea bowl embodies the rich traditions of Japanese craftsmanship that are inspired by over a millennia of Chinese artistry. With its distinctive deep red glaze, reminiscent of brilliant sunsets, red chili peppers, and festival colors; its presence creates an enchanting visual allure. The bowl's form is elegantly simple, with a gently flared rim that invites contemplation. Crafted with precision and care, this piece reflects th...

German 800 silver playing card box, ca 1920. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with chamfered tab; top flat with two glazed windows faced with a King of Hearts and Queen of Spades. Interior wood-lined and partitioned with ribbon tabs. Leather-lined bottom. With cards. Perfect for a quiet evening at home. Marks include maker’s stamp HB (probably Hermann Bauer). Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 1 1/2 x W 5 5/8 x D 4 1/2 in. Gross weight (box only): 11 troy ounces. #BZ291 ...

Shien
Temple in Snow
Date: 1930s-1950s.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Size: Approximately 6 x 4 inches.
Sealed by the artist at lower left.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Near bottom small indentation in snow and lower margin bump.

Art Nouveau glass claret jug with engraved silver overlay. Made by Alvin Corp. in Providence, ca 1900. Cylindrical with small lip spout and spread base; c-scroll handle in silver collar. On underside cut-to-clear star. Overlay in form of entwined and scrolling fruiting grapevine with pendant bunches and leaves. Asymmetrical scrolled cartouche engraved with interlaced script monogram. Silver fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. R326. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 9 1/2 x W 5 1/2 ...

German 800 silver figural bird spice box, ca 1900. A hen with neat feathers and firmly planted talons. Detachable head tilted to side with intent glass eyes and small crown. A sweet barnyard helpmate with funny, flouncy tail. A desirable table ornament from all angles. Hanau marks. Very good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 8 3/4 x L 9 x W 4 1/4 in. Weight: 22.5 troy ounces. #BZ290

Ohara Koson
Sparrow on a Vine of Wild Melon
Size: Chuban. Approximately 26.4 x 19.4 cm. 10.375 x 7.5 inches.
Date: ca. 1910.
Artist's signature and seal at lower right.
Publisher: Matsumoto (no. 398).
The signature and seal are unusual, but the contemporaneous Matsumoto catalog notes, "A most delicate and charming picture. The fine workmanship is visible in every touch. By Koson."
Reference: Not listed in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara ...

Tsuchiya Koitsu (1870 - 1949)
Lake Kawaguchi
Date: 1933.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.75 x 10.5 inches.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten. Doi watermarked paper.
Carver: Harada. Printer: Yokoi.
This seal combination indicates a 1950-1963 edition.
Reference: Koitsu catalog TK-DH-6.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Short dash mark in right sky. Very slight creasing at upper right.
Notes: This spectacular Fuji view features embossed clouds. Title...

Shrine in Forest
Seal not read. Artist unidentified. Elsewhere attributed to Okamoto Kouen
Date: ca. 1940s.
Print size: 3.75 x 2.75 inches.
Publisher: Unsodo. From a group included in an Unsodo client sample book.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print attached along top edge only to original holiday card.
Condition: Excellent.

Rain at Shinobazu Pond
Sealed "S". Artist unidentified.
Date: ca. 1940s.
Print size: 3.75 x 2.75 inches.
Publisher: Unsodo. From a group included in an Unsodo client sample book.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print attached along top edge only to original holiday card.
Condition: Tiny dot in sky.

Nihonbashi
Sealed "S". Artist unidentified.
Date: ca. 1940s.
Print size: 3.75 x 2.75 inches.
Publisher: Unsodo. From a group included in an Unsodo client sample book.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print attached along top edge only to original holiday card.
Condition: Excellent.

Gorgeous Titania glass vase by historic maker Loetz with engraved silver overlay, ca 1900. Upward tapering sides with gently flared mouth. Sides concave and corners chamfered. Overlay in form of vertical leafing scrollwork mounted at corners and joined on sides by double arches. Glass is mottled and iridescent white shading to green with exposed patches of the solid cobalt blue interior. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 8 1/8 x W 3 3/4 x D 3 3/4 in. #BZ193

American Art Nouveau glass vase with engraved silver overlay, ca 1900. Tall and tapering neck with turned-in mouth rim in silver collar. Wide and bellied bowl. Overlay in form of windswept flowers and entwined and whiplash stems and tendrils. Ribbon cartouche (vacant) Glass is red. Worn marks including no. 38. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 12 1/8 x D 5 1/8 in. #BZ217

Shoda Koho
Moonlit Sea
From the Hasegawa Night Scenes series.
Size: Chuban. Approximately 9.75 x 7 inches.
Date: 1910-1938.
Publisher: Hasegawa/Nishinomiya Yosaku.
An early marginless edition as originally issued.
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Two thin surface scratches - lower left and top. Top back corners have paper residue. Two small surface marks in water near right horizon.

Pair of pretty Austrian Biedermeier Classical silver candlesticks, 1863. Each: Tapering socket with turned-down rim and overhanging base mounted to knopped baluster shaft on domed and curvilinear foot with stippled flowers at corners. Fluting and lobing. Perfect for reading Goethe by candlelight. Marks include dated Viennese assay stamp indicating 13 loths (that is 812.5 silver) and maker’s initials IC. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 11 5/8 x D 5 3/4 in. Weighted. #BY787

American Art Nouveau glass vase with engraved silver overlay, ca 1900. Baluster with inset and flared rim and spread foot. Vertical overlay pattern comprising distended flower heads and leaves overlapping curvilinear tendrils. Heart-shaped cartouche engraved with interlaced script monogram. Glass is green. Silver has retailer's stamp (“Wm Wise & Son”). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 12 3/8 x D 4 in. #BZ129

German 800 silver box, ca 1910. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat and hinged; tapering sides applied with flower head border. Embossed Olden Days scenes of merrymaking with dancing and flirting by men in neck ruffs and women in laced bodices. On front are massed soldiers carrying swords and pikes. Gilt interior. Corner leaf-mounted scroll supports. Marked “800” with Hanau maker’s stamp (Karl Söhnlein & Söhne). Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 4 x W 4 x D 2 7/8 in. ...

Hiroshige Ando
Fuchu, Nichomachi (Titled in image)
Size: Approximately 5.5 x 3.5 inches.
Date: ca 1910.
Publisher: Matsumoto Print Works. No. 419 publisher's tag on back.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Waviness corresponding to location of tag.

Kyoto Kinkakuji
Artist not known.
Date: 1930s-40s
Print size: 5.75 x 3.5 inches.
Publisher: Takemura Hideo. Seal at lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: A couple of small points of foxing at upper back.

Birds Eye View of Kiyomizu Temple in Snow
Artist: Not known. After a similar Hasui design.
Print size: Approximately 5.625 x 3.5 inches.
Date: 1950s-60s
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Print is attached along its top edge only to original blank card.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Toshi Yoshida (1911-1995)
Winter from the Birds of the Seasons series.
"Sitting Under Snow-covered Leaves"
Date: ca. 1980.
Size: 21.5 x 13.25 inches.
Publisher: The Yoshida Family Studio. Issued by the Franklin Mint.
Signed and sealed by the artist in the image.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Top back margin has tape. Very slight toning.

Toshi Yoshida (1911-1995)
Summer from the Birds of the Seasons series.
"Gathering Around Sarusuberi"
Date: ca. 1980.
Size: 21.25 x 13.25 inches.
Publisher: The Yoshida Family Studio. Issued by the Franklin Mint.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Top back margin has tape residue. Very slight toning.

Toshi Yoshida (1911-1995)
Spring from the Birds of the Seasons series.
"Flying Around the Plum Tree"
Date: ca. 1980.
Size: 21.25 x 13.5 inches.
Publisher: The Yoshida Family Studio. Issued by the Franklin Mint.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Top back margin has tape residue.

Toshi Yoshida (1911-1995)
Autumn from the Birds of the Seasons series.
"Serenity of Red Maple"
Date: ca. 1980.
Size: 21 x 13.25 inches.
Publisher: The Yoshida Family Studio. Issued by the Franklin Mint.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Top and bottom back margins have tape residue. Very slight toning.

Art Nouveau glass vase with engraved silver overlay. Made by Alvin Corp. in Providence, ca 1900. Conical mouth and neck, and bellied bowl. Overlay in form of dense leafing scrollwork and flowers; asymmetrical scrolled cartouche engraved with interlaced script monogram. Silver fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. R387. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 8 x D 4 in. #BZ165

Masaharu Aoyama (1893-1969)
Nikolai-do (Nikorai-do) in Snow (An Orthodox cathedral in Tokyo)
Date: ca. 1940s.
Print size: 3.75 x 2.75 inches.
Publisher: Unsodo. From a group included in an Unsodo client sample book.
Aoyama's "Ao" seal at lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print attached along top edge only to original holiday card.
Condition: Excellent.

Seiji Fujishiro 藤城清治 (born 1924)
Fairies in a Tree (Playing Instruments) 木の上の妖精たち
Size: 9.5 x 6.25 inches (24 x 16 cm)
Frame size: 17.5 x 15.75 inches (44.5 x 39.5 cm)
Not dated.
Signed and numbered in pencil by the artist.
Edition 119/500. With certificate of guarantee on back.

Hiroshige Ando
Suidobashi, Surugadai (Suido Bridge and Surugadai)
Series: No. 48 from Meisho Edo Hyakkei (One Hundred Famous Views of Edo)
Date: Intercalary 5th month, 1857.
Size: Oban 14 x 9.75 inches.
Publisher: Uoya Eikichi.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Margin blanks and tears repaired by conservator. Soiling.

Eisho Narazaki (1862-1936)
Interior of Asakusa Kannon Temple
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.5 inches.
Date: 1932
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Watanabe C seal at left margin, indicating a first edition printed 1929-42.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Toned paper.
There is so much to look at in this lively, superbly printed image.

Kawase Hasui (1883-1957)
Moon at Magome
Date: 1930.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10.5 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Watanabe C (sausage) seal at right margin, making this a first edition produced between 1929-1942.
Reference: Hotei #165.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Point-sized repair in upper left corner of sky. Original drying pinhole at left margin covered with paper.
"The scene conveys the rustic 'poetic' charm of Ma...

Andrew Kay Womrath (1869-1939)
In collaboration with Yoshijiro Urushibara (1888-1953)
Venice at Night
Size: Chuban. Approximately 11.625 x 8 inches.
Edition: 3/50 OR 33/50. Numbered in pencil at lower left.
Date: ca 1920s.
Signed "A Kay Womrath" in pencil.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Foxing nearly entirely in margin. Margin blank at lower left.
Note: An example of this night scene is paired with its daytime version in the Smithsonian ...

Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau glass vase with engraved silver overlay. Elongated baluster with flared rim and raised foot. Overlay in form of budding and blooming tulips with entwined and whiplash tendrils. On foot is scrolled cartouche engraved with scroll-letter C between the years 1880 and 1905. Glass is green. Silver has faint marks including La Pierre maker's stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 12 3/8 x D 3 3/4 in. #BZ148

Luigi Kasimir (1881-1962)
Corvara, in the Dolomite Alps, South Tyrol, Austria
Titled and dated in pencil, "Corvara 11 Feb. 1916".
Medium: Etching.
Size: 15 x 15 inches.
Signed in pencil by artist at lower margin.
Condition: Tape remnants at outer margin.

Ohara Shoson (Koson)
Snow on Willow Bridge
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.25 inches.
Date: 1927.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. With Watanabe C seal (Used 1929-42).
Shoson signature and seal.
Reference: S44.3 and image #166 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: A conservator has repaired top margin blanks and tears. One had impinged on the image.
Note: One...

Katsuyuki Nishijima
Title: Tsubakizaka Pass in Snow
Size: 17.25 x 12.5 inches.
Edition: 12/500.
Date: post-1980.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Top back margin has former tape marks.

Katsuyuki Nishijima
Title: Kudaya (The Kudaya Travellers Inn in Kyoto)
Size: 17.125 x 12.5 inches.
Edition: 405/500.
Date: post-1980.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Top back margin has former tape marks.

Takahashi Shotei (Hiroaki)
Fireworks, Shubinomatsu
Size: Mitsugiriban. 15 x 6.75 inches.
Date: pre-1936.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Sealed and titled in the image.
Reference: Shotei catalog M-23. Watanabe #222, Ota-ku #195
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Top back edge has paper residue.

Kawase Hasui (1883-1957)
Snow at Shiba Park (Shiba Koen no Yuki)
Date: 1931
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Edition: First. Watanabe B seal (used 1927-32) in right margin.
Reference: Hotei #244.
Condition: Formerly matted with some tonal difference primarily near lower margin. One foxing mark in lower foreground.
Note: This famous Hasui design was also used later in a 1953 Pacific Transport Lines calendar.

Gyosui Suzuki
Two Egrets (Herons) Among Flowers with Moon
Date: 1930s.
Print size: Approximately 9.5 x 5 inches.
Publisher: Nishinomiya Yosaku (Stamp on verso).
Artist's seal lower left.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Back top edge has paper residue. Very light crease upper left (photo).
Note: Very rare. We could find no other example of this design.

Yoshimoto Gesso
Blue Bird on Plum Branch
Date: 1930s.
Print size: Approximately 9.625 x 5 inches.
Publisher: Nishinomiya Yosaku (Stamp on verso).
Artist's signature lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Back top edge has paper residue. Point-sized dot in sky.

Yoshimoto Gesso
Sparrows and Red Flower
Date: 1930s.
Print size: Approximately 9.75 x 5 inches.
Publisher: Nishinomiya Yosaku (Stamp on verso).
Artist's signature lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Back top edge has paper residue.

Yoshimoto Gesso
Cherry Blossoms
Date: 1930s.
Print size: Approximately 10 x 5 inches.
Publisher: Nishinomiya Yosaku (Stamp on verso)
Artist's signature lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Back top edge has paper residue.

Kaoru Kawano (1916-1965)
Two Kittens
Date: 1950s-60s.
Size: Approximately 16.75 x 11.25 inches.
Sealed by the artist at lower right and on verso.
Self-published by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Tape residue at back margins and top front margin.