Catalog (431)

A technique most commonly seen in Tenmoku tea bowls, “konoha” is accomplished by applying a coating to an actual leaf and then attaching the leaf to the surface of an artwork before firing. The exact details of this process seem somewhat murky as it appears to be a well-guarded secret among potters. After some research we were unable to identify the potter; and, although there is a signature on the bottom that appears to read “Raishō,” we could find no potter by this name. R...

Written on the box in Japanese script are the words “Awai Sakura Yu” translating to English as “Pale Cherry Blossom Glaze”—amply describing the appearance of this unique and frankly stunning work of Kutani pottery by artist Nakata Kazuo. Reminiscent of pieces by well-known artist Ōno Hakuko, there are striated lines of silver leaf running vertical below the surface of the glaze, interrupted in places, allowing the eye to wander across the entire surface. Soft and inviting,...

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...

Unlike many of the pieces in the genre of Kyo-ware, this tea bowl is decidedly demure in appearance. Milky, flowing glaze pools in places along a backdrop of ivory and coral pink sides, contrasting nicely with the rough, unrefined clay of the base. In the center of the kodai is a decorative swirl pattern reminiscent of the yin and yang.

The potter, Kanpu Kawanabe (1873 - 1947) was born into a family of weavers but went on to be trained in many of the arts related to tea ceremony. A...

Beautifully encapsulating the Japanese aesthetic of wabi sabi, this cast iron tea kettle has an elegance that far outshines more ornate versions of this ceremonial implement. Likely from Meiji, the craftsmanship is excellent, the overall proportions ideal, and the texture of the metal very pleasing. One-of-a-kind, this antique tea kettle is perfect for boiling water to be used in Sencha or for casual Matcha.

In fine antique condition, this piece is 16cm wide, stands 18c...

Descended directly from the Raku household of potters in Kyoto, Ohi is known as some of the highest quality tea-ware in Japan. The 10th generation Chozaemon is especially appreciated for his masterful technique and high-quality pieces. This one has the added distinction of being endorsed by Hōunsai, the 15th head tea master of Urasenke and of having a expertly applied gold repair along the front of the vessel. Perfect for collectors and practitioners of tea alike.

Born the son of t...

This extraordinary vase is a truly Japanese expression of a classical Chinese form. Fashioned after cylindrical Song Dynasty pieces that are thought to have been introduced in the 9th century from Syria, the handles are of Chinese origin and represent the mythical "Fenghuang" (Hōu in Japanese). This deity, typically depicted with the body of a bird with characteristics of a dragon, is believed to have originated in the sun and is thought to symbolize virtue, wisdom, and grace. Made ...

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...

A wonderful translucent blue celadon vase done in the classic style of Song Dynasty Chinese pottery. This piece was made by one of the few great female Japanese potters of the previous century, Suwa Sozan II, daughter of Meiji Imperial Court Artist Sozan I.

Suwa Sozan I (1852-1922) was born in an area of what is known today as Ishikawa prefecture. After a short stint in the military he took up pottery design and painting under Touda Tokuji in 1873. From this point forwa...

Although reports vary, it is generally thought that Zeze-yaki had its heyday in the late Momoyama to early Edo period under the influence and patronage of legendary artists/ men of tea, Honami Koetsu and Kobori Enshu. It was also counted among the seven best kilns selected by Enshu Kobori (1579-1647), a tea master and military commander of that era. In the mid-1600s the tradition died out for a time after the destruction of the kiln by fire. The kiln was later resurrected on two occa...

This elegant work of Karatsu pottery has an unglazed foot, showing the rich ferrous clay from which it is constructed, and displays splashes of ferrous pigment on a backdrop of ashen glaze with a milky white overglaze. The triangular shape and large proportions make for a very distinctive work of e-Karatsu or “painted” Karatsu.

Like many pottery traditions in Japan, Karatsu takes its name from the city where it originated. As early as the 15th century, Korean potters...

Like many pottery traditions in Japan, Karatsu takes its name from the city where it originated. As early as the 15th century, Korean potters heavily influenced the development of this form—helping to endow it with the earthy, simple, and natural qualities it is so appreciated for. The piece shown here displays an austere black glaze providing the perfect backdrop for the extensive and expertly applied gold repairs— making this antique tea bowl quite attractive, a pleasure to use...

Kondō Yuzō is one of the more recognized names in the world of modern Japanese pottery of the 20th century. Though known mainly for his sometsuke creations (blue and white porcelains), he did not settle on this style until well into his potting career that lasted nearly seven decades. The pieces shown here then would be from an earlier period and are evidence of his competency with varied styles and glazes—not just the ones he is most well-known for. The intricate brushwork on ea...

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...

Intricately carved clay adorned with a complex and multi-layer Oribe glaze, this piece is one of the best I have encountered by this talented and multifaceted artist. Though Oribe dates back to the 15th century, Tsukamoto has managed to keep it fresh and engaging for his many fans.

A native of the city of Toki in Gifu Prefecture, from 1977 he studied under Harukiyo Nonaka and was trained in the techniques of Shino ware. A year later he graduated from Aichi Prefectural Se...

The poem etched on the side of this exceptional piece reads: In the future — happiness — and long life — two sprouting leaves —to grow a thousand years. Indeed a positive message, perhaps to accompany a warm cup of sake on a quiet winters evening.

Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875) was born into a Samurai family but soon after adopted by the Ōtagaki family, from the age of seven to sixteen she was a lady in waiting at Kameoka castle where she was trained in the arts ...

We have a particular interest in beautiful old Raku tea bowls and spend quite a bit of time searching for exceptional examples to include in our gallery. Here we see a beautiful work that appears to be at least 200 years old and likely much older. On the side can be seen the typical “hasami no ato” (tongs mark) and along the base on both the inside and the outside are impressed lines, formed during the firing process, that I have seen only a few times before and only on very old ...

Japanese sumi on paper—this piece by well-known Meiji/ Taisho artist Tomita Keisen depicts a lone banana tree. Deceptively simple in style, each brush stroke made with sweeping yet calculated motions to evoke nostalgia for sultry summer days and tropical climes. Traditionally in Japan the leaves of the banana tree are used as a wrap for cooking or for carrying food for a picnic—adding to the imagery of lazy summer afternoons spent with friends, family, or perhaps lovers out in nature.
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