Fine quality Japanese Meiji silver incense burner, ca 1890. Barrel-form with solid top and bottom and open sides; applied chrysanthemums heightened with gold and silver. Cover oval and flush; finial in form of big loosely-tied bow with tassels. Ends plain and studded; copper and gold ornament with central mons encircled by two scaly, taloned dragons. Scrolled cradle mounted to pillar with brackets on four scroll supports. Applied leafing and flowering tendrils.

Appears to be unmarked. Very goo...

German 800 silver figural wedding cup, ca 1920. A Baroque dame with snug-fitting bodice and wide and raised lace collar holds aloft scrolled-brackets with swing-mounted double-domed lobed and garlanded bowl. Second larger bowl in form of conical skirt with patterned fabrics and delineated folds and hang. Ornament chased and engraved. Hanau maker’s mark (Neresheimer). Very good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 13 7/8 x W 5 5/8 x D 4 1/8 in. Weight: 19.8 troy ounces. #BZ592

German 800 silver wine trolly nef, ca 1920. A 3-mast galleon with billowing sales and complicated rigging. Gun ports open and cannons ready to fire. Lots of deck action, too with fighting swordsman and fallen sailors. Holds a special cargo because wood-style hull is a wine trolly. Figurehead spigot with threaded plug, and dolphin side mounts with rotating wheels for cruising across the table. Gives new meaning to the expression “getting sloshed”. Memorable dinner party guaranteed.

Hana...

English Edwardian crystal match strike with sterling silver mount. Globular with fine ribbing. Central well has flat and plain sterling silver collar. Crystal clear. Fully marked including maker’s stamp (Grinsell & Sons), assay stamp (Birmingham), and indistinct date letter. Very good condition with minor wear.

Dimensions: H 3 3/8 x D 3 1/2 in. #BW006

Here we have a beautiful scroll with a mounted letter penned by famed Japanese poet Kobayashi Issa (1763-1828) who is known as one of the 4 great haiku poets of Japan along with the likes of Bashō, Buson, and Shiki. As one might expect, Kobayashi’s life was one of turbulence punctuated by several tragedies including the death of his mother at an early age and a lengthy legal battle with his step-mother over the family inheritance after the death of his father. Through it all Kobay...

Antique European silver strainer, ca 1840. Round bowl with concentric piercing, gadrooned rim, and feathered open loop handle. On handle back is engraved shaded block monogram NP. Marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 3/4 x W 7 3/4 x D 4 7/8 in. Weight: 5.5 troy ounces. #AW822

Royal Danish sterling silver sauce bowl on stand. Made by International in Meriden, Conn. Ovoid bowl with tapering sides and short inset foot. Stand has oval well and wide and tapering sides. At ends are open and embossed acorns and scrolls. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern name, and nos. G23/2 (bowl) and G39 (stand). Very good condition.

Dimensions: Bowl: H 3 1/8 x W 8 1/4 x D 4 5/8 in. Stand: H 1 1/4 x W 9 1/8 x D 5 1/4 in. Total weight: 14 troy ounces. #BY775

Royal Danish sterling silver gravy boat on stand. Made by International in Meriden, Conn. Boat bellied with helmet mouth, banded scroll handle, and oval reeded foot. Stand ovalish with pierced acorn motif at ends. Desirable pieces in the classic pattern. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern name, and no. G39. Very good condition.

Dimensions: Boat: H 4 x L 7 x W 3 5/8 in. Stand: H 1 1/4 x L 9 x W 5 1/4 in. Total weight: 17 troy ounces. #BW897

Equestrian-themed silver tankard with German imperial association, ca 1875. Straight and paneled sides with low-relief frieze depicting galloping riders, racing through the countryside, trees and buildings in the background; branch borders. Split-mounted s-scroll handle with thumb rest. At bottom applied branch and leaf border and open supports. Cover hinged and bellied with imbricated leaf rim; on top is cast finial in form of mounted jockey and engraved phrase citing Kaiser Wilhelm I in an all...

Unusual Antique Russian 875 silver sugar tongs. Stepped and rectilinear frame; jaws trapezoidal with raised diaper interior. Marked. Condition: Taut and functional.

Dimensions: H 5 1/2 x W 3/4 in. Weight: 2.5 troy ounces. #BR772

Pair of Antique Russian Classical Silver Candlesticks, ca 1888. Each: Round socket; flared rim mounted with pierced and scalloped border. Baluster spool socket with floral garland knop and leaf flanges on domed foot mounted to square base. Chased and tooled leaf-and-dart ornament. Marks include assayer’s stamp (Josef Sosnkowski) dated 1888, city stamp (St Petersburg), and 84 alloy stamp (that is, 84/96 or 875 silver). Very good condition.

Dimensions (taller): H 14 x W 4 5/8 x D 4 5/8 in. To...

Pair of Danish Modern sterling silver compotes. Made by Poul Petersen in Canada, ca 1940. Each: Lilypad bowl with lobed rim and upturned back; flying c-scroll handle with applied tendril and grape bunch. Open support comprising large vertical leaves and turned-down small leaves; domed foot. Visible hand hammering. A great piece by the legendary Danish-born silversmith who was Georg Jensen’s apprentice and son-in-law. He married the boss’ daughter Inger in 1922. The couple emigrated to Canada...

Pair of Danish Modern sterling silver compotes. Made by Poul Petersen in Canada, ca 1940. Each: Lilypad bowl with lobed rim and upturned back; flying c-scroll handle with split bud mounts and bud and seed terminal. Open support comprising large vertical leaves and turned-down grape bunches; domed foot. Visible hand hammering. A great piece by the legendary Danish-born silversmith who was Georg Jensen’s apprentice and son-in-law. He married the boss’ daughter Inger in 1922. The couple emigrat...

Danish Modern sterling silver box. Made by Georg Jensen in Copenhagen. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged and raised with flat border. Square corner supports. Fully marked including maker’s (1945-77) and designer’s (Harald Nielsen) stamps, and no. 827. Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 7/8 x W 8 1/8 x D 3 1/2 in. Heavy weight: 17.5 troy ounces. #BZ773

Austrian Classical clear glass jar with 800 silver cover, ca 1910. Tubular with cut fluting and star. Cover silver; gently raised with beaded border. Cover marks include Schwarz & Steiner stamp and letters RS and HD. Fine condition.

Dimensions: H 2 1/2 x L 7 7/8 x W 2 1/2 in. Weight (silver only): 4 troy ounces. #BR777

European silver flagon after the antique, late 19th century. Tapering bowl with curved front and back Tapering sides and curved front and back on spread and ribbed rectangular foot. Rectilinear neck with flat top. Round and domed cover with same ribbing and finial chained on both sides to ribbed rings loose-mounted to applied Classical satyr’s heads. Engraved Renaissance figures on front and armorial on back; leafing scrollwork and birds. Marked. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimens...

Art Deco sterling silver and 14k flask. Made by Elgin American Mfg Co. in Elgin, Illinois, ca 1920. Curved rectilinear sterling silver body. On front fine vertical stripes in yellow and pink gold. Rectangular frame (vacant) applied to upper left corner. Back plain. Hinged and cork-lined bayonet cover. Fully marked with maker’s stamp and phrase “14k Gold on Sterling”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7 1/2 x W 4 7/8 x D 1 1/8 in. Gross weight: 10 troy ounces. #BY537

Danish Midcentury Modern sterling silver compote. Wide and round bowl mounted to shaft with understated Classical ornament: Urn with bold and stylized leaf-and-dart ornament on sides, in turn mounted to baluster with half fluting; wavy borders. Domed foot. Visible hand hammering. Fully marked including maker’s stamp for Roif Fritiof Bratland, who was active from 1956-73, as well as no. 85A. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 11 3/4 x D 10 1/2 in. Weight: 33 troy ounces. #BY987

German silver figural bird bowl, ca 1920. A swan with s-scroll neck, closed bill, and direct expression. Webbed feet in glide mode. Fine delineation of feathers from scaly neck to downy wing plumes. Hollow gilt-washed interior; frosted glass liner with scalloped rim. Silver marked “Sterling Silver Germany”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x L 5 1/4 x W 4 in. Weight (silver only): 6 troy ounces. #BZ279

Austrian Classical 800 silver and glass vanity jar on stand, ca 1910. Jar clear glass with fluting. Cover silver; gently raised with beaded border. Stand oval with tapering sides and beaded rim. Marks include Schwarz & Steiner stamp and letters RS. Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 2 1/2 x W 5 7/8 x D 4 3/8 in. Weight (silver only): 7 troy ounces. #BU140

American sterling silver 5-basket garniture, ca 1890. Retailed by Bailey, Banks & Biddle in Philadelphia. There are 4 small baskets and 1 large basket. Each: Oval bowl with fixed c-scroll handle and raised oval foot. Open flowering scrollwork on rim and foot. Handle same. Bowl exterior engraved with flowers and scrolls. All baskets have silver-plated frog and 4 baskets have detachable silver-plated liner with loose-mounted rings. Perfect for floral arrangements or passing around treats. Fully ma...

American Modern sterling silver and glass inkwell on stand, ca 1920. Lobed melon-form glass bowl; sterling silver cover domed with overlapping ovoid ring finial. Stand has well and large lobing. Cover interior numbered 38. Stand and cover marked “Sterling”. Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 3 3/4 x D 4 3/4 in. Total weight (silver only): 2.3 troy ounces. #BY033

Edwardian glass tobacco jar with sterling silver cover. Made by S. Kirk & Son Co. in Baltimore, ca 1910. Jar has curved sides with cut bead-and-reel fluting and short inset neck; star cut to underside; Cover curved with allover floral repousse on stippled ground. Fully marked including maker’s stamp (1903-24) and no. 189. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7 3/4 x D 5 3/8 in. Weight (silver only): 4.8 troy ounces. #BZ221

Victorian sterling silver mustard pot. Made by George Frederick Pinnell in London in 1844. Round with open scrollwork sides and spread base with applied leafing scrollwork. Hinged and domed cover with vasiform finial leaf thumb rest. Capped s-scroll handle. Open bottom. Detachable cobalt glass liner. Fully marked. Very good condition. Glass has a few rim chips.

Dimensions: H 3 3/4 x W 4 x D 2 7/8 in. Weight (silver only): 4 troy ounces. #BX206

Pair of Danish Midcentury Modern sterling silver 3-light candelabra. Each: Scroll encircled with fruiting grapevine mounted to tapering shaft with lobed knop at base mounted to raised and round foot. Three bud-mounted c-scroll arms, each terminating in single socket. Visible hand hammering. A Jensen-inspired design from the master’s homeland. Marked “Sterling / Denmark / 925S” with unidentified maker’s stamp. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 7 1/2 x W 7 x D 3 1/4 in. Total weight: 20...

Edwardian Neoclassical sterling silver covered urn. Made by Howard & Co. in New York in 1905. Ovoid bowl with high-looping leaf-mounted side handles; domed foot. Cover domed; top stepped with cast pineapple finial. Sides open with flutes and guilloche and egg-and-dart bands. Chased ribboned garlands on cover and foot. Beading. Detachable cobalt glass liner. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and year. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 14 1/2 x W 8 x D 5 3/8 in. Weight (silver only): 28.7 ...

George III sterling silver mustard pot. Made by Andrew Fogelberg in London 1770. Drum-form with flat and hinged cover; leaf-capped s-scroll handle with open scroll thumb rest. Engraved leafing scrollwork, including frame engraved with armorial. Detachable cobalt glass liner. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 3 1/4 x W 3 3/4 x D 2 1/2 in. Weight (silver only): 4 troy ounces. #BV986

Victorian Rococo sterling silver mustard pot. Made by Edward, John, and William Barnard in London in 1845. Open sides with leafing scrollwork applied at base with leaves forming irregular skirted foot. Cover hinged and solid; top domed and with applied leaf thumb rest and engraved armorial surrounded by leafing scrollwork and flowers. Reeded and leaf-wrapped scroll handle. Detachable cobalt glass liner. Fully marked. Very good condition. Liner has minor rim chip.

Dimensions: H 3 3/4 x W 4 1/2 ...

Large brilliant-cut jar with sterling silver cover. Made by Watson Co. in Attleboro, Mass., ca 1900. Round and curved with stars, ferns, and diaper. Cover gently raised; on top repousse shell, scroll, and flower wreath (vacant center). Cover interior gilt washed. Marked "Sterling" and maker’s stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 6 3/4 x D 5 1/2 in. Weight (silver only): 2.5 troy ounces. #BY114

This tall and lovely Hagi chawan rests firmly on a wari kodai or “split foot” pedestal that is unglazed—displaying the coarse rich clay. The crackled milky glaze covers the curves and contours of the bowl, contrasting dramatically between the foot and the clay body. Hagi-ware such as this is part of a tradition stretching back over 400 years and is a high-fired stoneware type of pottery. Hagi-ware is prized for its subdued colors and classical features, especially the glazing, ...

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...

Pair of Chinese export silver mustard pots, ca 1890. Each: Cylindrical with fixed and entwined ratan-style handle; cover chained with inset and engraved diaper top. Applied wraparound horned and taloned dragon. For piquant condiments. Marks include stamp for Tien Shing, who was active in Hong Kong in the third-quarter of the 19th century. Very good condition. One pot has a detachable clear glass liner.

Dimensions: H 3 1/2 x D 1 in. Total weight (silver only): 2.3 troy ounces. #BZ583

Set of 6 German 800 silver figural open salts, ca 1920. Each: A swan with erect neck and down-turned bill and pointy tail; body hollow. With fluted and scalloped frosted glass liner. Fully marked including maker’s stamp attributable to Martin Mayer. Numbered 2 (1), 42 (2), and 88 (3). Very good condition. One liner has bottom crack.

Dimensions: H 2 x L 2 1/4 x W 1 1/4 in. Total weight (silver only): 2.5 troy ounces. #BZ325

Turn-of-the-century American Craftsman sterling silver porringer. Bellied bowl on inset foot ring. Finely faceted hand hammering with "disco ball" shimmer. Plain open tree handle. Fully marked including retailer’s stamp for A. Stowell & Co., who were active in Boston from ca 1865 to 1904. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 1/4 x W 7 1/2 x D 5 1/4 in. Weight: 8 troy ounces. #BT004

Midcentury Modern jar. Made by E. Dragsted in Denmark. Thick and ovoid clear glass bowl with sterling silver grape bunches loose-mounted to ends. Flat sterling silver cover with grape bunch finial. Beautiful Jensen-inspired design. Cover fully marked and numbered 1810. Fine condition.

Dimensions: H 4 x W 6 3/8 x D 4 in. #BU374

Chinese silver censer, ca 1910. Drum-form agate body set in silver gilt mounts with scrollwork and lunettes. Leaf-capped side bracket handles. Upward tapering support and stepped foot with fretwork brackets. Cover raised with pierced scrollwork borders bud finial with leaf brackets on solid central mount with scrolls and fan. Silver gilt and heightened with blue, green, and red enamel. Marked “Silver”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 8 3/4 x W 7 3/8 x D 4 3/8 in. #BY170

German silver figural dog stirrup cup, ca 1920. Cast bust of spaniel with long snout, resolutely closed mouth, and direct, concentrated gaze as well as floppy ears and thick fur. Mounted to plain and upward tapering bowl. A loyal hunt companion. Marked with maker’s stamp “Föhr” (probably, Eduard Foehr) and old-fashioned “13” (that is, 13/16 loths or 812 silver). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 6 3/4 x D 3 5/8 in. Weight: 8 troy ounces. #BZ714

Edwardian glass rouge pot with sterling silver cover. Made by William Neale in Chester in 1901. Pot clear and round with straight and faceted sides. Cover flat with inlaid ribbon-bedecked oil lamp, and sterling silver sides. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 3/8 x D1 1/2 in. #AY667

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...

European silver ornament, ca 1920. Single plain hollow stem sprouting 3 flowers with ripe, splayed petals and prominent stamen surrounding 3 tight and tall buds. Pretty and hopeful. Appears to be unmarked. Silver tests 800. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 19 3/4 x W 6 X D 6 in. Weight: 4 troy ounces. #BW189

Beautiful German sterling silver swan bowl with rare glass liner. A nice-sized bird with twisting s-scroll neck, closed bill, and direct expression. Gently protuberant haunches and webbed feet in glide mode. Fine delineation of feathers from scaly neck to downy wing plumes. Liner is frosted with scalloped rim. Silver marked “Sterling 925 Fine / Germany” with stamp for Israel Freeman & Son Ltd in London. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 9 1/2 x W 10 1/2 x D 6 in. Weight (silver only): 32 ...

Midcentury Modern sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Svend Toxværd in Copenhagen. Baluster body with helmet mouth and grape-bunch mounted scroll handle. Alternating grape bunches and palmettes applied to base. Body has allover hand hammering. Fine Danish craftsmanship with a strong Jensen influence. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 8 3/4 x W 7 1/2 x D 4 3/4 in. Weight: 19 troy ounces. #BL327  

Living in Kyoto it is not uncommon to come across beautiful antique tea bowls, however, finding pieces that are in good condition, aesthetically compelling, and with all of the trappings that let you know they were cared for by a devoted cha-jin can be quite challenging. Here we see all three. The shape of this tea bowl is exquisite and something I have not seen before in a Mino piece. The lacquer box, while not the original was undoubtedly custom made for this tea bowl and looks to be 100 - 200...

An often overlooked implement in tea ceremony, here we have the humble kogo (incense box) with an image of a sleek and flowing dragon. Commonly thought to represent strength, freedom, good luck, and magic, dragons are a popular theme in the artwork across Eastern cultures. Interesting to note, the dragon here is portrayed in the Korean style with four claws, with dragons in China typically having five claws and dragons in Japan typically having three. Fashioned by one of the few great female Jap...

Pretty Victorian sterling silver tray. Made by Theodore B. Starr in New York, ca 1890. Round with deep well. Applied cast rim with leafing scrollwork and flowers. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 3868X. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 1/2 x D 14 3/8 in. Weight: 26.3 troy ounces. #BY101

Turn-of-the-century European silver bell. Tulip-bowl with twisted gadrooning. Figural handle depicting an old-fashioned countryman holding two live fowl. Here’s dinner—eventually. Substantial and tactile with melodious ting-a-ling. Marked. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 4 1/2 x D 1 7/8 in. Weight: 5 troy ounces. #BN700

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...

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...

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 beautiful old Kyo-ware tea bowl slightly elongated on one end producing an interesting and unique effect. The collector who furnished the box labeled it as being by the legendary potter Ninsei (17th C.). Though the potter’s mark suggests this could be the case, there is no way to confirm for certain other than by its age and undeniably elegant craftsmanship. Believing it to be quite precious, the previous owner bestowed it with the poetic name "Ibitsu" which means "warped" or "cu...

Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this mid-Edo period vase embodies simplicity, beauty, and understated elegance. Its unassuming form showcases the natural beauty of the clay, enhanced by a delicate ash glaze. The texture and shape evoke a sense of rustic charm, reflecting the profound harmony between human creativity and the organic world. Now several centuries old, this piece continues to serves not only as a functional display piece, but also as a symbol of the enduring leg...

During Japan's Momoyama period, spanning from the late 16th to the early 17th century, Bizen pottery flourished, producing exquisite pieces such as this symmetrical and elegant flower vase. Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this vase embodies simplicity and understated elegance. Its unassuming form showcases the natural beauty of the clay, enhanced by a delicate ash glaze. The texture and shape evoke a sense of rustic charm, reflecting the profound harmony between human creati...

This Meiji period vase is made of fine white porcelain fashioned after classic Chinese motifs.. The potter, first generation Miura Chikusen, is the same generation as many of the better known Imperial Court artists (Kozan, Siefu, Tozan, etc…) and just as accomplished in terms of mastery of technique, level of artistic expression, and volume of pieces produced.

An exceptionally skilled Meiji potter, Chikusen (1854 – 1915) specialized in high-quality Kiyomizu-yaki and...

Pair of George III sterling silver tureens. Made by William Pitts in London in 1785. Each: Ovoid body with upturned ends on oval foot; high looping tapering and leaf-mounted end handles. Cover raised with leaf-capped vasiform finial in pointille and pendant flower surround as well as engraved armorial. Beading. Elegant Georgian Neoclassicism. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 6 x W 9 3/4 x D 4 1/2 in. Total weight: 42.4 troy ounces. #BY312

Several years ago we were invited by our very talented kintsugi craftsman to what is known as a “kura-ake” or storehouse opening. Many reading this may be familiar with the traditional storehouses in Japan (kura) with their thick plaster walls used to store valuable items—sometimes for hundreds of years—safe from humid air, insects, and the like. On occession, after the passing of a parent or relative, these storehouses are opened up and the art pieces and valuables inside ar...

At various times over the long history of tea practice in Japan, Korean-ware has come into high fashion and ships full of the finest ceramics from the neighboring country were brought to its shores. Such pieces have long been favored by learned cha-jin (tea people); and, older pieces such as this are quite prized today as relatively few from this era have survived in good condition. While it is possible this piece is of Japanese origin, its apparent age would make it more likely to h...

Also known as "The Buddha of Immeasurable Light and Life,” here in this pre-Edo Buddhist painting we see Amida and his two assistant bodhisattvas, Seishi on the left (associated with wisdom and strength), and Kannon on the right (associated with compassion and mercy), descending from the Western Pure Land to welcome newly deceased believers into the realm of paradise. In this practice known as raigō, the faithful are transported via the small lotus pedestal the Kannon holds in his...

Sometime around the year 1600 the first Takatori kiln was constructed at the foot of Mt Takatori in Fukuoka. This tradition was based on styles created by Korean potters brought to the shores of Japan during its colonial expansionism of the late 16th century. A favorite of the Kuroda lords of the time, its production and use was closely guarded until later in the 19th century when the domain system was abolished, freeing it up to be more widely used. Though Takatori-ware has been admired by many...

Born the second son of Ryônyû, the 10th Raku Kichizaemon Tannyû took over the family kiln in 1811 at the age of 16 and served until his retirement and subsequent handing on of the title of Kichizaemon to his son-in-law Keinyû some 34 years later. Retaining many of the unique stylistic innovations of his father including his clay trimming technique, Tannyû went on to establish several new family kilns and to produce wares for both 10th and 11th Tokugawa Lords. The piece seen here is a classi...