A delightful Hagi tea bowl from the Jōzan Kiln in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Very representative of the genre with its milky glaze and ido-shape. This piece is a step above their typical offerings as can be discerned not only from the lovely composition but also from the quality of the box and the silk pouch that was also custom furnished. For those interested in getting better acquainted the world of Hagi without spending the thousands of dollars typical for works by better known artist...

Simple yet classic styling—this tea bowl is perfect for anyone looking for the quintessential Ido-shaped chawan crafted by one of Japan’s premier Hagi potters.

Born in the famed pottery town of Karatsu in 1942, Zenzo Hatano spent a number of years learning the various styles particular to his region before taking up an apprenticeship under well-known Hagi potter Yoshiga Taibi. Winner of a number of awards including the Japan Crafts Exhibition Award in 1977, Hatano�...

With an uncanny ability to emulate features of the natural environment, the creator of this sake vessel,Tsujimura Yui, is one of Japan’s most skilled potters working in the field today. With a breathtaking ash glaze that appears half planned and half left to the dictates of the kiln, we can see a number of textures and colors that one might encounter in a Zen garden or while hiking along a mountain brook. The front of the vessel is adorned with an “enso,” however, unlike the tr...

The term “Raku” was once reserved for a style of pottery produced by a specific household in Kyoto that began over 450 years ago. Over the years, as it gained popularity, several branch kilns were established (Ōhi, Tamamizu) and a number of other lineages arose making pieces in the style of Raku, though they were not formally associated with the Raku household. Today, we see that Raku has become a world-wide phenomena and the name is no longer reserved strictly for the Raku fami...

An excellent offering from Higaki Ryota of Katsura Kiln, this piece displays a classic and iconic shape coupled with a beautiful Kase-guro glaze said to be used over 400 years ago by Chojiro. The color of this tea bowl changes quite dramatically, taking on the characteristics of its environment; light and cheerful in direct and bright lighting, more austere, deep, and reflective in standard tea room lighting. Perfect for those venturing into the world of Raku tea-ware or for those lo...

With a base of dazzling red ochre clay, a technique known as “san-giri,” pioneered by the progenitor of this generational potting family and now widely used among Bizen potters, is employed here to bring out stunning mustard yellows, mossy greens, charcoal blacks, along with a range of subtler hues.

The potter, Konishi Tōko II (1927 -2018) was second daughter to Konishi the first. After graduating from women’s college she assisted her father at the family kiln, e...

Sugimoto Sadamitsu (b. 1935) is one of the most important Shigaraki potters alive today and continues to create master works into his old age. Originally a resident of Tokyo, at the age of 33 he moved to Shigaraki and started creating high-quality tea-ware implements, most notably, fine tea bowls in the style of early Raku masters. A devotee of Zen and a lover of tea, Sugimoto is able to create tea bowls that are not just attractive, pleasant to hold in the hand, and a joy to drink f...

An example of some of the finest porcelain modern Japan has to offer. According to Wakao Kei, the artist who crafted this piece, it took him years of trial and error to perfect these stunning translucent glazes and associated techniques such as getting the right flowing consistency and pooling effect around the base. The unglazed portions at the foot of the bowl seen here in pictures was created by the artist's fingers as he plunged the vessel into the glaze while holding firmly to the porcelain...

Zodiac sterling silver 3-piece baby set. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1915. This set comprises mug, bowl, and plate. Cup: Straight sides, short inset foot, and leaf-capped and mounted handle; interior gilt washed. Bowl: Gently tapering sides, curved bottom, and short inset foot; interior gilt washed. Plate: Round deep well and wide shoulder. Low relief borders depicting the astrological signs in scrolled frames alternating with flowers, including turn-of-the-century favorites, such as water l...

First born son to Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun, Koichiro (b. 1974) has quickly made a name for himself as an independent artist. Not content to rely solely on family reputation, he has set off on his own path, making innovations in clay and also in the ideas and principles surrounding his craft.

With its well-proportioned ridged design, natural ash glaze, and coarse grade of Bizen clay still containing visible stones; the vessel seen here would be a good choice for someone ...

First born son to Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun, Koichiro (b. 1974) has quickly made a name for himself as an independent artist. Not content to rely solely on family reputation, he has set off on his own path, making innovations in clay and also in the ideas and principles surrounding his craft. With its well-proportioned ridged design, natural ash glaze, and coarse grade of Bizen clay still containing visible stones; the vessel seen here would be a good choice for someone looking for a ...

Master of a very difficult technique from the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) known in Japanese as Neriage, the potter who created this elegant vase uses extreme precision to combine sheets of differing types of clay, culminating in a unique visual effect. While many of his pieces are ringed with swirls of colors, this one is more modern and subdued. With quite a lot of character, this lovely vase will draw attention without being overpowering.

Born in Nagano, Kosei Matsui (1927-20...

The artist who produced this piece, Wataru Motomura, prides himself in living a traditional life in the eastern hills of Kyoto—long known for its rich clay and idyllic pastoral lands. Though the form of this vessel appears innovative and modern, the techniques and materials used to produce it have been around for many hundreds of years. Taking inspiration from the varied pottery traditions of his native Hyogo, Motomura is also known to use clay and methods from the Shigaraki region and many of...

Decidedly masculine in character with straight sculpted edges, a rich palette of color, and a calm steadiness in the hand; this tea bowl was crafted by one of Japan’s great masters, a Mashiko potter by the name of Takauchi Shugo.

A native of Tokyo, Takauchi (b. 1937) took the well-established path of working for a company after graduating from university and it was not until a number of years later—upon visiting the town of Mashiko and being inspired by the works of artists such...

Simple yet classic styling—this tea bowl is perfect for anyone looking for the quintessential Ido-shaped chawan crafted by one of Japan’s master Hagi potters.

Born in the famed pottery town of Karatsu in 1942, Zenzo Hatano spent a number of years learning the various styles particular to his region before taking up an apprenticeship under well-known Hagi potter Yoshiga Taibi. Winner of a number of awards including the Japan Crafts Exhibition Award in 1977, Hatano’s greatest d...

Tsutsu-shaped chawan have a unique and especially attractive shape. They are used mainly in the depths of winter to keep in the heat, and prevent the tea from cooling too quickly. Tea disciples of all stripes appreciate this type of bowl for its elegant lines and functional properties.

This tea bowl was fired in the kilns of one of Kyoto’s best known Raku-yaki potters, Sasaki Shoraku III (1944-). The Shoraku line began when the grandfather of the current potter established a kiln...

Sugimoto Sadamitsu (b. 1935) is one of the most important Shigaraki potters alive today and continues to create master works into his old age. Originally a resident of Tokyo, at the age of 33 he moved to Shigaraki and started creating high-quality tea-ware implements, most notably, fine tea bowls in the style of early Raku masters. A devotee of Zen and a lover of tea, Sugimoto is able to create tea bowls that are not just attractive, pleasant to hold in the hand, and a joy to drink from; but tha...

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...

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...

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...

A beautiful example of Ohi inspired Raku-ware; the body of this stylish tea vessel is a mix of a dark black gradating to charcoal grey with undertones of reddish maroon. A hasami-no-ato mark can be seen where the tongs were used to remove this piece from the kiln, and the potters mark can be seen near the foot of the bowl. Simple and refined, perfect for collectors and practitioners of tea alike.

Born into a generational line of tea-ware potters from Kanazawa, Fumiaki Kaihatsu (b. 1...

Victorian sterling silver pitcher. Made by Dominick & Haff in New York in 1894. Ovoid body with chased fruiting grapevines forming 2 irregular frames (vacant). Helmet mouth and raised and round foot with same applied to rims. High-looping branch-form handle. Tall and tactile with succulent bunches. Holds 5 1/2 pints. Fully marked including dated maker’s stamp, retailer’s stamp (JE Caldwell), no. 275, and volume. Very good condition.

Dimensions: 15 1/4 x W 8 1/2 x D 6 in. Weight: 38.5 troy...

Ca 1892 An ornately stamped gilt metal blue chalcedony (dyed agate) bracelet in original condition with detailed crimped frames and expandable panels all accented by flowerheads and small opals. The stones' facets and tables show light wear; one stone has a small chip on a table facet, another has a small section missing adjacent the setting (please refer to pictures). Hidden box clasp and safety chain. There is some darkening to the metal. A lovely piece sold as is. 7 -1/4".

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...

German 800 silver box, ca 1910. Oval and lobed. Cover hinged and raised with scroll tab. Sides have chased and engraved fruits and foliage on stippled ground in curvilinear frames alternating with plain lobes. Cover top same with beaded frames. Gilt-washed interior. Marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 1/4 x W 7 x D 5 1/2 in. Weight: 13.7 troy ounces. #BX430

George II sterling silver mug. Made by Samuel Welles in London in 1759. Baluster bowl with leaf-capped double-scroll handle. Raised foot with tooled leaf border. Chased and engraved bucolic scene with hounds racing through an orchard. A later Victorian homage to the tranquility of rural life. An even later engraved presentation in the frame formed by the leafing, overhanging trees: “Palm Beach Golf Club / Florida / State Championship / 1916 / First Prize / Runner Up / Won By”. No name follow...

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...

Modern sterling silver picture frame. Rectangular window with plain and flat border. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back and hinged easel support for portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) photo. Marked “Raimond / Sterling”. Raimond Silver Mfg Co. was a Massachusetts maker active in the 1960s and '70s. Very good condition with crisp corners.

Dimensions: Frame: H 7 1/8 x W 5 1/8 in. Window: H 6 x W 4 in. #BZ323

Modern sterling silver picture frame. Rectangular window with plain and flat border. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back and hinged easel support for portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) photo. Marked “Raimond / Sterling”. Raimond Silver Mfg Co. was a Massachusetts maker active in the 1960s and '70s. Very good condition with crisp corners.

Dimensions: Frame: H 7 1/8 x W 5 1/8 in. Window: H 6 x W 4 in. #BZ322

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 ...

Edwardian Classical sterling silver trinket box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Oval with upward tapering sides and hinged scrolled cover. On sides applied ribbon-tied garland. On cover top chased scrolls threaded with garlands overlapping central reeded frame (vacant). At ends stand two quiver bearing cherubs balancing fruit baskets on their heads. Gilt interior. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 14930 (first produced in 1901), and director’s letter T (1892-1902). Very g...

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.

This piece is quite unique for its brown color which may have been produced using a copper glaze under very specific conditions. Typical o...

Edwardian sterling silver porringer. Made by William B. Kerr in Newark, ca 1910. Round with gently upward tapering sides and solid shaped handle. Rectilinear frames with etched scenes of girl kneeling in prayer, feasting from a fruit platter, and seated at table with steaming pot and bowl of porridge. With text propounding dubious causality: “Every night / my prayers I say, / And get my dinner / every day;” and “And every day / that I’ve been good, / I get an orange / after food”. Cent...

From a well-known series entitled “Chōtō” (Listening to the Waves) this large contoured vase features a sandy glaze that the sculptor claims is an expression of the features of the landscape where he grew up. The Chōtō series that launched his career proved to be wildly popular and today a number of pieces are held by museums around the world including: Brooklyn Museum; Hyôgo Museum of Ceramics; Metropolitan Museum of Art; Minneapolis Institute of Art; Musée National de Céramique, Sè...

From a well-known series entitled “Chōtō” (Listening to the Waves) this large contoured vase features a sandy glaze that the sculptor claims is an expression of the features of the landscape where he grew up.

Born in the port city of Shimoda, Sakiyama studied art in Osaka and then later went on to open his own kiln that he named “Hidaka” (High Sun). Appearing to have a natural gift for form and proportion, his pieces soon attracted the attention of galleries and collectors...

George IV sterling silver bowl. Made by Elder & Co. in Edinburgh in 1831. Round with tapering sides and raised round foot. Scalloped frames with chased leaf and flower border on stippled ground, surmounted by open fruiting grapevine border; cast flower and leaf rim. Elegant Scottish Regency Classicism. Fully marked. Very good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 3 x D 10 3/4 in. Weight: 18.6 troy ounces. #BX610