Koichi Okumura (1904 ~ 1974)
Red Mt. Fuji from Shojin Lake
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10 inches.
Date: 1948. First edition.
Publisher: Unsodo.
Carver: Nagashima. Printer: Shinmi.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
Ishiwata Koitsu (aka. Yoshimi) (1897-1987)
Water Wheel in Snow
Date: 1930s. Early postwar edition.
Print size: Approximately 5.5 x 3.75 inches.
Publisher:Watanabe Shozaburo.
Koitsu's "Yoshimi" signature at lower right.
Medium: Woodblock print attached top edge only to a holiday card from Japanese and US representatives.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
Kawase Hasui
Enoshima at Night
Date: 1930s.
This is a late edition (post-1989) printed from the original blocks.
Approximately 6.25 x 4.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe.
Artist's oval seal at lower right.
Reference: Hotei #Hp-23.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
Kawase Hasui
Pinebeach at Miho
Date: 1930s.
Print sze: Koban. Approximately 5.875 x 4 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso bottom margin.
Reference: Hotei #Hp-9
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Top back corners have paper residue.
Shoda Koho
Moonlit Sea with Clouds - Sepia version
From the Hasegawa Night Scenes series.
Size: Chuban. Approximately 9.875 x 7.125 inches.
Date: 1910-1938.
Koho seal at lower left.
Publisher: Hasegawa Takejiro/Nishinomiya Yosaku
An early marginless edition as originally issued.
"Made in Japan" stamped on bottom left verso.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Back has adhesive residue. A few spots in upper sky.
Note: Examples of thi...
Tsuchiya Koitsu
Lake Yamanaka
Date: 1939.
Size: Oban. 15.5 x 10.5 inches.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten. Doi watermark upper right corner.
Carver: Harada. Printer: Yokoi.
This seal combination indicates a 1950-62 edition.
Koitsu catalog no. TK-DH-54.
Condition: Slight fading. Very light creasing.
Tokuriki Tomikichiro
Sanjo Bridge
Date: Likely 1940s-50s.
Size: Tanzaku (pillar) 14.25 x 3 inches.
Signed "Tomi" at lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print on decorative board as originally issued.
Condition: Slight toning near bottom.
Note: This is the only example of this wonderful design that we could locate.
Takashi Nakazato is a celebrated Japanese ceramic artist whose family's mastery of pottery now spans 14 generations. Born in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture in 1937, Nakazato inherited a rich legacy of craftsmanship dating back over 400 years. He trained extensively in traditional ceramic techniques under his father, and later pursued further studies at the Kyoto City Arts and Crafts Institute. Nakazato's work is deeply rooted in the aesthetics of Karatsu-ware, known for its earthy tones an...
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...
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.
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).
German 800 silver figural bird spice box, ca 1900. A raven with hunched shoulders, tucked-down wings, and spindly legs; detachable head downturned with pensive eyes and long pointed beak. A brooding desk ornament guaranteed to ensure stately solitude. Marks include Hanau maker’s stamp (Neresheimer). Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 11 x W 6 1/2 x D 3 3/4 in. Weight: 18 troy ounces. #BZ289
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...
Art Nouveau Craftsman glazed earthenware whiskey jug with engraved silver overlay. Made by Rookwood Pottery in Cincinnati in 1893. Globular with short neck; silver collar round mouth with lip spout flowing into c-scroll handle. Painted ear of corn with exposed kernels on shaded brown green ground. Overlay in form of entwined grapevine and berry branches with succulent fruit and outsized leaves.
The painter was Harriette Rosemary Strafer (1873-1935), who began working at Rookwood Pottery in 189...
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
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.