Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Porcelain (32)

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...

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...

Dating from the 17th century, Kutani-ware is a type of fine porcelain that takes its name from the region from which it originates—the name literally means “nine valleys.” In sharp contrast to many other styles of Japanese ceramics which tend towards more modest color palettes, Kutani-ware are known for their vibrant red enameles, gold trimming, and complementary greens, yellows, and blues. This set of tokkuri is painted with a common hanging-lantern ornamental pattern known as youraku...

With meticulously sculpted vines and fantastic Peony blossoms in low relief on the kinuta celadon powdery blue background, this extraordinary vase is a truly Japanese expression of classical Chinese motifs...

From a large collection of Edo period Nabeshima and Hirado-ware, this intricately crafted vase features two serpentine dragons intertwined across the face of the round porcelain vessel. In addition to the carved dragons, the body displays a painted third dragon, much fiercer than the two in relief...

A Chinese style celadon incense burner by one of the 5 Imperial Court Artists of Meiji. Sozan spent his life perfecting techniques for celadon production first used in the Souther Song Dynasty as evidenced here with his powdery blue “kinuta” glaze. The bottom of the vessel is unglazed showing the fine porcelain clay and the adjacent glazed foot bears his Imperial Court Artist seal...

One of only five Imperial Court Artists of Meiji, ceramic pieces by Kōzan are highly prized by collectors and are ever more difficult to find on the market these days. Here we have a fantastic example of a guardian shishi from the Kōzan kiln crafted in fine celadon...

From a large collection of Edo period Nabeshima and Hirado-ware, this intricately crafted incense burner in the shape of a lantern features two intertwined dragons dancing around the base...

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. Here we have a fierce guardian adorning an incense cady (kogo)...

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 "Chiwen" (Shichihoko in Japanese). This deity, typically depicted with the body of a carp, the head of a tiger, and the scales of a dragon, is believed to be a bringer of rain and a protector against fire...

A Chinese style celadon vase by one of the 5 Imperial Court Artists of Meiji. Sozan spent his life perfecting techniques for celadon production first used in the Souther Song Dynasty as evidenced here with the powdery blue “”kinuta”. The outer ring of the foot is unglazed showing the fine porcelain clay this piece is constructed from and the glazed center bears the seal of the Imperial Court Artist who fashioned this piece...

This captivating bin-kake, or traditional brazier for tea ceremony, is crafted from fine celadon porcelain using methods first perfected in the southern Song Dynasty. The outside is decorated with low-relief Peony flowers which display a vivid sheen, owing mainly to the expert craftsmanship of the Meiji period Imperial Court artist Suwa Sozan who created this wonderful masterpiece...

This Meiji period incense burner is made of fine white porcelain with a silver globe decorated with autumn foliage. As with much of Japanese pottery from this era, it is fashioned after classic Chinese pieces from the Song Dynasty...

Used for ceremonial purposes by the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties. Traditionally, the jue vessel was made of bronze with a pouring spout on either end and a pair of capped posts rising from the rim. This ceramic jue cup is done in fine porcelain with underglaze enamel and is described on the tomobako as being a jue-shaped incense burner (korou)...

One of the most prominent potters of the Meiji period and one of only five to ever be appointed as Imperial Court Artist, the name Tozan is synonymous with fine porcelains including: Kyo-style tea and sake-wares, pieces for the western export market, distinctively home-grown Japanese motifs, and expertly crafted Chinese-style pieces such as the one seen here.

Apprenticed to Kameya Kyokutei, Tozan (1846-1920) took it upon himself to visit many kilns and to gain technique and advice ...

This beautiful vase is a truly Japanese expression of a classical Chinese form. Fashioned after Song Dynasty pieces that are thought to have been introduced in the 9th century from Syria, the fine Kinuta celadon glaze is masterfully recreated by one of the most skilled Kyoto potters of the Meiji period. The outer ring of the foot is unglazed showing the fine porcelain clay this piece is constructed from and the glazed center bears the seal of the Imperial Court Artist who fashioned this piece. ...

Simple, elegant, and functional, this Meiji period kyūsu (teapot) was crafted with precision and care by one of the periods most accomplished ceramicists. Showcasing refined beauty and delicate craftsmanship for which Japanese porcelain is renowned, its smooth and lustrous white glaze exudes an air of purity and simplicity. Most importantly, its ergonomic shape and comfortable grip, along with its clean lines and minimalist design, help contribute to a sense of tranquility and harmo...

Here we see a Chinese style celadon floral bowl by one of the 5 Imperial Court Artists of Meiji. The potter, Sozan, spent his life perfecting techniques for celadon production first used in the Southern Song Dynasty as evidenced here with his powdery blue “kinuta” glaze. The low-relief floral design really brings an elegance to this work and the celadon glaze seems to have an inner radiance all its own.

Sozan (the first) was born in an area of what is known today as ...