Catalog (431)

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. Robert Yellin wrote of Kato: "Kato was one of the finest Mino potters after the first generation of Showa greats, such as Kato Tokuro and Araka...

In China, the first mention of the Japanese Archepelago was in the historic text Book of Later Han, written in the year 57 AD. From that time forward, a great flow of Chinese cultural objects and ideas made their way to Japan—greatly influencing future developments there. This flow continued unabated until reaching a fevered pitch during the Chinese cultural revolution when—under Maoist reform—untold cultural relics and artifacts were destroyed by officials and enthusiastic supporters of t...

In China, the first mention of the Japanese Archepelago was in the historic text Book of Later Han, written in the year 57 AD. From that time forward, a great flow of Chinese cultural objects and ideas made their way to Japan—greatly influencing future developments there. This flow continued unabated until reaching a fevered pitch during the Chinese cultural revolution when—under Maoist reform—untold cultural relics and artifacts were destroyed by officials and enthusiastic supporters of t...

A wide hira-jawan decorated with inlaid white slip in the pattern of flowers and rope. The Mishima style of pottery is modeled after much earlier Korean forms—most notably Punch'ŏng. The gold repairs are extensive and skillfully applied, nicely complimenting the pale ash glaze and adding an extra dimension to this lovely work.

This piece is 5.6 inches in diameter (14.3 cm) and stands 2.3 inches tall (5.9 cm). It comes with a period box with the lettering 三島...

A late winter scene picturing a majestic white hawk alighting on a plum branch in full bloom. Hawks—which were used for hunting during the Momoyama and Edo periods (takagari)—are considered symbols of nobility, strength, and are thought to embody the samurai spirit. This piece is signed Kano Tanshin, though it is unclear exactly which Tanshin as there were several Kano painters who went by this name during this period.

Color on silk, this scroll is 71.5 inches tall (18...

The natural ash glaze gradates from a light-glossy grey on one side to a blueish grey on the other. The foot of the bowl is unglazed at the base and shows traces of ferrous-rich clay in the form of an orangish hue. The mouth of the piece is somewhat oblong giving it an attractive shape and the rough texture and ash deposits in places give this bowl a weighty presence.

The front of the box reads 萩焼 (Hagi-yaki), 灰冠 (hai-kaburi), 高台 (kou-dai),...

Like most Shigaraki-wares, this piece has a somewhat primal feeling to it, as though it belongs to a previous geological era in time. Rivulets of vitrified green, grey, and yellow ash stand against a background gradient of soft to intense ochres of the clay body. The intense firing process of this type of pottery for days in an anagama kiln results in a beautiful ashen glaze with a warm, soft, yet vibrant glow when set in the light.

The vase seen here, is a culmination of many year...

This lovely Shino tea bowl fashioned from coarse Mino clay is covered in feldspar glazing, has a classic ferrous abstract painting across the front, and shows nice age—most likely from early Edo.

Shino-ware dates to the Momoyama period when potters were attempting to recreate white porcelain-wares that were being imported from China at the time. Originally they were made in a single-chamber anagama style kilns set into the hillsides. Later, with the advent of large-batch noboriga...

Considered auspicious symbols of wealth, status, and good fortune; foo dogs—commonly referred to as shishi or koma-inu in Japan—are often seen in pairs guarding shrines, straddling the doorways of shops, and protecting public buildings. These mythical effigies have deep religious and social symbolism and can be seen in countries across Asia.

This exquisite incense burner features three guardian shishi—one adorning the lid and one on each side—and appears to be made from cop...

The colors seen in this ceramic piece are not often encountered in the world of Japanese tea-ware pottery—a field dominated mainly by styles such as Raku, Hagi, and other traditions with relatively conservative and predictable color schemes. The aquamarine blue is rather striking, reminiscent of coral encountered in the pristine waters of tropical and remote destinations. What really makes this extraordinary however, is that this piece relies mainly on kiln conditions and a natural ash glaze t...

Mountain tea bowls (yama-jawan) are commonly excavated from the hillsides of Japan and many date to the 12th century or earlier. They tend to be crude in construction but with a fascinating ruggedness that allows then to endure, often much better than contemporary ceramics, despite being buried in the earth for hundreds of years. Highly prized when found completely intact or with minor cracks, there is a sort of folklore and mystique that has built up around these objects. The pieces shown here ...

Meticulously crafted from carefully woven strips of bamboo, this traditional “chabako” would typically contain all of the basic utensils for conducting tea ceremony. As the same name is commonly used to describe wood boxes used to store and transport tea leaves, the piece below could also be described as a “chakago” to avoid confusion—though the former descriptor is much more commonly used. In practice, the box would contain a tea bowl, kensui, chashaku, chasen, chaire and several othe...

Elegantly balanced on a slenderly proportioned foot, this piece by Bizen native Kondo Masahiko displays a surprising level of skill for a potter still in the process of making a name for himself. With swirling ash glaze and a dazzling ceramic landscape, this piece is perfect for tea practitioners and collectors alike.

Born in Okayama prefecture in 1971, Kondo fashions his Bizen pieces in a traditional wood-fired kiln in the township of Ushimado. Especially competent with...

Found in a small antique shop in central Kyoto, this piece immediately caught my eye and I knew I had to buy it. With no original box and a potting mark that could not be deciphered, this one remains a beautiful mystery. The style itself is very close to that of internationally renowned 8th generation Hagi potter Kaneta Masanao (b. 1953); so much so in fact that we decided to contact this artist to see if it was one of their pieces. They courteously replied back that it was not. The ...

This remarkable hira tea bowl displays a subtle grace and refined elegance grounded in classic form, masterfully applied glazing, and a delightful rustic feel bestowed by the hand of time. Though the glazing is described as shiro-yu, or white glazing, it appears more of a creamy shade of beige. The fine crackles of the glaze, the soft flowing edges, and the excellent patina combine to really make this Kiyomizu tea bowl shine.

The birth of Kiyomizu-yaki, with its over 400 years of hi...

With a traditional wheat-straw pattern commonly seen in Seto-ware and in the Mingei pottery movement of the 20th century, these lovely tea cups are perfect for an afternoon Japanese sencha gathering.

One of the most popular and important Japanese potters of the last 150 years, Rokubei Kiyomizu V (1875 - 1959) has been regarded by some as the most talented in a long line of Kiyomizu potters and as a cornerstone of the illustrious Gojo-zaka district in Kyoto. Recognized and awarded di...

This striking chawan is a fine example of Oni Shino (carbon trap and natural ash glazing) that Tsukigata is so well-known for. Coining the term in the mid-50’s after countless failed experiments—which ultimately culminated in the discovery of this unique style of pottery—“Oni” translates roughly to demon or ogre. Fired at extreme temperatures for days in an anagama, the iron in the clay and in the glaze fuse, drip, and coalesce—while at the same time blending with the molten ash of t...

Most likely Chinese in origin, this antique celadon tea caddy is a mesmerizing piece of art that exudes elegance and sophistication. Crafted during a time when attention to detail and craftsmanship were paramount, this piece showcases the mastery of traditional ceramic techniques used across Asia. The celadon glaze appears luminous, somewhat reminiscent of a pale turquoise in color with intricate crackled glazing covering the entire surface. The foot of the piece is unglazed showing ...