Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Tea Articles (87)

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...

Over the years we have taken a special interest in Raku pottery, especially in pieces made by the original Raku family (16 generations) and by a branch kiln known as Tamamizu—started by the illegitimate son of the potter Ichinyū, whose work we see here. Approximately 350 years old, this piece displays a beautiful red glaze and has a shape known as “tsutsu” with high walls and a slender form making it ideal for keeping in heat during the cold winter months...

The poem etched on the side of this exceptional piece reads: "As a pastime ― bringing clumsy, fragile things to sell ― at Uruma Market ― how lonely!"  A very significant poem as it conveys a bit of irony; for the Edo period nun who inscribed this poem would go on to create a legacy of art, beauty, and philosophy that endures even today...

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...

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 100-200 years old which would place its era of production in late Edo or Meiji...

Over the years we have taken a special interest in Raku-ware and especially in works produced by the Tamamizu kiln, such as the 300+ year old ceremonial tea bowl seen here. The first in this line of potters was Yahē (1662 - 1722), an illegitimate son of Kichizaemon Ichinyu (1615 - 1768) who studied under his father and then left to open his own kiln in the village of Tamamizu (known today as Ide-cho)...

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...

Going back over 1,300 years, Seto-ware has the distinction of being Japan’s oldest pottery tradition still active today. Made from the rich clay and silica of the region of production, Seto porcelain in particular has been highly prized throughout the history of Japan. The piece shown here can be described as Seto-guro (Black Seto) and is an excellent example of this type of pottery. The writing on the box describes it as being from Muromachi, so well over 400 years old...

Based on telltale signs, this extraordinary Raku tea bowl likely dates to the late Edo period (200+ years old). Crafted with meticulous care, its smooth, ebony surface exudes a sense of depth and mystery while its reddish hues gracefully traverse the bowl's contours—creating subtle variations of color that evoke a feeling of warmth...

From a 2006 excavation site in Tokyo known to be occupied by the Owari Tokugawa clan—the most senior contingent of the Tokugawa clan that united Japan under one rule—this lovely Mishima tea bowl has been given a new lease on life with a gorgeous and detailed kintsugi repair with maki-e gold painting...

The Muromachi period in Japan, known for its artistic and cultural flourishing, produced exceptional pottery and ceramics, including this exquisite e-Shino incense burner. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this piece exemplifies the refined aesthetics of the time. Its elegant form, featuring gentle curves and a graceful silhouette, reflects the harmony between nature and art...

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 to middle 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...

A beautiful and very old Hagi tea bowl; showing signs of long use and appreciation. The gold repairs add to the overall composition and highlight the important role this piece played in someone’s tea practice. Though still functional to be used as a ceremonial implement, this would fit much better as a treasured display object.

In excellent condition this tea bowl is 5.1 inches in diameter at its widest point (13cm), and stands 3.1 inches tall (8cm)...

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...

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, ...

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...

Oribe is a visual style named after the late-16th-century tea master Furuta Oribe (1544-1615). Kuro Oribe pieces are the most common with their jet-black glazes and feldspar ornamentation tending towards the minimalistic, abstract; and, some would say, Zen-like aesthetic. While the piece shown here is not entirely typical of Oribe pieces, the black glaze, contrast window, and unmistakable kutsugata shape all point to this genre of Minō pottery. Unlike your typical Oribe tea bowl, th...

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...

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...

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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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...

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 such good condition.

With skillfully applied antique gold repairs, this exceptional tea bowl dates from the early ha...

Currently awaiting an uncertain succession to the 14th generation, this preeminent line of craftsmen has been a cornerstone of Hagi pottery for over 400 years. Here we see an historically important work by the second generation potter dated to the Japanese Era “Kanbun” (1661-1671)—placing it as a very mature work, completed near or at the very end of the life of this craftsman.

In fine antique condition, this piece is 12.1cm at its widest point and stands 8.2cm ta...

Stemming from the philosophy of wabi-sabi—often described as the beauty found in the imperfection and transience of the world—cracks and repairs in a work of pottery are often seen as highlighting the history and importance of a ceramic object. Practitioners of tea in particular are fond of reminding us that works repaired with lacquer and gold such as the one featured here become more resilient and beautiful for having been damaged. In this case, the gold repairs undoubtedly enhance the bea...

Revered Chinese scholar and tea master, Lù Yǔ is known as the “Sage of Tea” and is credited with advancing the practice of tea through the writing of his life’s work,The Classic of Tea. Here we see a masterful rendition of this historic figure done by one of the most iconic Kyoto painters—and founder of the Maruyama school—Maruyama Ōkyo.

Student of Ishida Yutei (1772-1786), Maruyama studied primarily Kano and Tosa painting and was influenced greatly by western art, par...

A rare and exquisite piece by the 12th Kichizaemon (1857-1932) of the Raku lineage, now in its 16th generation. Not only with excellent documentation including a certification and endorsement by famed tea-master Sei-sai and a record from its sale at the Tokyo Art Club in 1938, there are many facets of this work that make it a must-have for serious collectors. The color is quite unique among Raku tea bowls with a distinctive yellow glaze that you rarely find on works such as this. Next, the gold ...

Over the years we have taken a special interest in Raku-ware and especially in works produced by the Tamamizu kiln, such as the 300+ year old ceremonial tea bowl seen here. The first in this line of potters was Yahē (1662 - 1722), an illegitimate son of Kichizaemon Ichinyu (1615 - 1768) who studied under his father and then left to open his own kiln in the village of Tamamizu (known today as Ide-cho). Though he is the first potter of this branch, he is sometimes referred to as Tamamizu VI, deno...

An eye-catching combination of red lacquer and gold repairs on a classic Karatsu tea bowl dating from Edo. 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. Signed with an endorsement from the 14th Head Tea Master of Urasenke (the largest school of tea in Japan); Ta...

Raku-ware carries with it a very naturalistic aura; with its implements made of raw clay, its use of fire water and air to shape and harden these implements, and with its myriad processes that produce smooth glossy surfaces—like those often found in nature. In fact, if you look more deeply into Raku, you find that many of the shapes and motifs are inspired directly by nature.

Born the second son of Raku VII, Chônyû (1714 - 1770), Ryônyû took over the title of Kichizaemon (head...

A very interesting ceremonial tea bowl produced by one of the oldest generational potting families in Kyoto. In excellent condition with one fine gold repair along the rim; apart from its obvious beauty, this piece is interesting as a conversation piece for its involvement of two generations of Eiraku, a Head Tea Master of Urasenke, and a former Head Priest of Daitokuji.

The 14th Eiraku Zengoro potter was Eiraku Tokuzen, however, upon his death in 1909, his wife Myozen (1852-1927) ...

This beautiful Red Raku tea bowl is the work of Raku XI Keinyu (1817-1902), the 11th Raku potter in an unbroken line of artisans stretching back over 450 years. Keinyu was adopted into the Raku family after marrying the daughter of the 10th Kichizaemon, thereupon becoming torchbearer for the most noted and celebrated tradition of pottery within the world of Japanese tea. One of Keinyu’s classic creations, this tea bowl highlights his honed sense of proportion, his versatility as a potter, and ...

In the world of Japanese ceramics, Tamamizu-ware has an almost mythical standing. A branch of the main Raku line, at one time the two kilns held equal prominence, both being endorsed by the major tea schools of Kyoto and both being favored by the Imperial household. The first in the line was an illegitimate son of Kichizaemon Ichinyu (Yahē) who studied under his father and then left to open his own kiln in the village of Tamamizu (known today as Ide-cho). Though he is the first potter of the Ta...

A beautiful example of a Hakeme style bowl, this one quite rare as it was made around 200 years ago by the son of the founder of the Dohachi line of potters. Traditionally decorated using a brush made from rice straw, a white slip is applied to the darker clay body with a wide sweeping stroke to achieve the effect seen here. Over time this style became a favorite among Japanese tea masters for its natural and unpretentious feeling.

One of the most well-known names in Kyoto pottery, ...

The shape of the this tea bowl is known as “tsutsu” in Japanese and is regarded as being especially attractive. Tsutsu bowls are used mainly in the depths of winter to keep in the heat and prevent the tea from cooling too quickly. Though most tsutsu bowls are defined by their smooth, curved edges and contoured clay bodies, this piece is distinct in having more defined edges and straight sides. Tea disciples of all stripes appreciate this type of bowl for its elegant lines and functional prop...

Before styles such as Raku, Hagi, Karatsu, etc came into fashion for use in the tearoom in early Edo, it was commonplace in cultured society to use tea-ware imported from China. In fact, some pottery styles uniquely Japanese (such as Shino) are thought to have been born out of unsuccessful attempts to emulate these extremely high-quality and refined ceramics. The number of such pieces imported was so great that today it is not uncommon for Chinese collectors to visit Japan in search of authentic...

In the world of Japanese ceramics, Tamamizu-ware has an almost mythical standing. A branch of the main Raku line, at one time the two kilns held equal prominence, both being endorsed by the major tea schools of Kyoto and both being favored by the Imperial household. The first in the line was an illegitimate son of Kichizaemon Ichinyu (Yahē) who studied under his father and then left to open his own kiln in the village of Tamamizu (known today as Ide-cho). Though he is the first potter of the Ta...

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...

Raku-ware carries with it a very naturalistic aura; with its implements made of raw clay, its use of fire water and air to shape and harden these implements, and with its myriad processes that produce smooth glossy surfaces—like those often found in nature. In fact, if you look more deeply into Raku, you find that many of the shapes and motifs are also inspired by nature. For example, this masterfully crafted mizusashi (fresh water pot) takes its inspiration from the shape of one of the most ...

This lovely Shino tea bowl from the Edo period is fashioned from coarse Mino clay and is covered in feldspar glazing. As with many pieces of this period and style, it has classic abstract painting across the sides created using ferrous pigment—contrasting nicely with the ivory background. Not only does this piece have a lovely wabi feel to it bestowed by age; it also has several exquisite gold repairs that contrast nicely with the soft patina and the crackled glazing.

Shino-ware d...

This lovely Hagi chawan rests firmly on a wari kodai or “split foot” that shows the iron-rich clay this antique piece is fashioned from. The milky glaze varies in consistency across the curves and contours of the bowl with areas tending towards pale ash, ivory, and faint lavender. The surface of the bowl displays many interesting features including an “ishi-haze” or area where a stone partially exploded out of the clay during firing—difficult to plan intentionally and admired for the u...

This iconic tea bowl was crafted by one of the great masters of Japanese pottery and given the poetic name "Dewdrop" by a famous tea master of the Omote-senke school of tea. The Chrysanthemum flowers (Kiku) depicted on the front of the bowl are auspicious symbols of longevity and rejuvenation in Japan. When first introduced to the island nation during the Nara period (710-793 AC) the Japanese Royal Family was fascinated with this enigmatic flower. Eventually, during the passing of the years, the...

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. With crackled glazing and beautiful gold repairs of several types and from several generations, this antique tea bowl is quite attractive, a pleasure to use, and absolutely one of a kind.

In fine antiq...

This piece features a warm golden crackled glaze with several patches of lighter pigmentation and a number of gold and silver repairs. The inside of the bowl is especially inviting, showing a magnificent patina developed over many decades of use. The outside of the bowl displays Chrysanthemums (Kiku)—long considered an auspicious symbol of longevity and rejuvenation in Japan and used as a family crest for the royal family—and what appear to be Wild Ginger (Aoi hana)—symbolizing protection ...

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...

This extraordinary cha-ire (powdered tea container) displays an excellent glaze that appears to have only grown more intricate and rich with time. Contrasting against a reddish brown background are flows and pools of darker glaze along with lighter textured speckles. On the base is a stamp indicating that this piece is a type of Shidoru-yaki and the overall appearance shows quite some age.

Shidoro-yaki is a type of Mino-ware that has a long history stretching back as far as the Muro...

This exceptional tea bowl was crafted by one of the great masters of Japanese pottery and given the poetic name “Nami” (wave) by a famous tea master of the Ura-senke school of tea. The Chinese character is not the standard writing for wave but rather one with more nuance, suggesting longevity—as in the image of a long enduring cresting wave. The white hakeme brush strokes and the overall shape of the tea vessel fit perfectly with its poetic name, making this ceremonial tea bowl perfect for...

A very interesting chawan (tea bowl) dating from the Korean Joseon period (Richo in Japanese; 1392-1897). This particular piece appears to date from the 17th or 18th century and comes with a box that looks to have been furnished within the last 100 years. Over the long history of tea practice in Japan, at varying times, Korean-ware came into high fashion and ships full of the finest ceramics were brought over to Japan. Such pieces have long been favored by learned cha-jin (tea people) and older ...

In the world of Japanese ceramics, Tamamizu-ware has almost a mythical standing. A branch of the main Raku line, at one time the two kilns held equal prominence, both being endorsed by the major tea schools of Kyoto and both being favored by the Imperial household. The first in the line was an illegitimate son of Kichizaemon Ichinyu (Yahē) who studied under his father and then left to open his own kiln in the village of Tamamizu (known today as Ide-cho). Though he is the first potter of the Tam...

A tradition dating from the mid-16th century, Raku teabowls are made by hand, without the use of a potter's wheel; giving them a distinctly human feel. In the process of shaping the bowls, potters handle the tea bowls in much the same manner that users will hold them as they drink from them. In this way, we can imagine a connection is formed between the creator of the tea bowl and the participants in the tea ceremony. For this and other reasons stemming from historical circumstances, Raku bowls ...

During the Meiji period there were only five potters ever to be awarded the prestigious designation of Imperial Court Artist: Ito Tozan, Seifu Yohei III, Miyagawa Kozan, Itaya Hazan, and the artist whose work is featured here, Suwa Sozan. This mizusashi for tea ceremony is made of the finest “kinuta” celadon that Sozan was well known for—having recreated and perfected the technique used by the Chinese Song Dynasty potters. Being one of the main objects of importance in the tea ceremony rit...

A very interesting chawan (tea bowl) from the Korean Joseon period (Richo in Japanese; 1392-1897). This particular piece appears to date from the 15th/ 16th century and comes with what may be the original box and a quite old silk pouch. The light creamy crackled glaze is smooth in the hand and fine hairline fractures radiating along the walls of the bowl show remnants of gold repairs from previous centuries. Such pieces have long been favored by learned cha-jin (tea people) and are quite prized ...

An excellent example of Japanese rustic charm that transcends its humble origins to embody a refined artistic work, this mizusashi, or fresh water pot used in tea ceremony, displays a beautiful natural ash glaze that includes dazzling ochres, browns, grays, and yellows splashed across the intentionally rough and contoured ceramic landscape.

Iga-ware pottery dates back to 7th and 8th century and—like so many other pottery styles in Japan—takes its name from the region where it wa...

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...

This peach-shaped suiteki (water dropper for calligraphy) is made of fine kinuta celadon from one of the great masters of the Meiji era—Suwa Sozan. A classic design, the peach is said to represent long-life for mortals and immortality for the gods in asian folklore. According to legend, the moon goddess—a powerful alchemist—can make an elixir from peaches that grow in the garden of the western paradise with miraculous revitalizing properties.

Suwa Sozan the first (1852—1922...

Stemming from the philosophy of wabi-sabi—often described as the beauty found in the imperfection and transience of the world—cracks and repairs in a work of pottery are often seen as highlighting the history and importance of a ceramic object. Practitioners of tea in particular are fond of reminding us that works repaired with lacquer and gold such as the one featured here become more resilient and beautiful for having been damaged. In this case, the gold repairs undoubtedly enhance the bea...

With a slender balanced foot firmly grounded, the skillful lacquer repairs on this bowl highlight the age and importance of this work which likely dates from the Edo period. Stemming from the philosophy of wabi-sabi or, beauty in the imperfect, cracks and repairs in a work of pottery are often seen as highlighting the history of the object and are thus celebrated as such. Practitioners of tea in particular are fond of reminding us that works repaired in this way become more resilient and more be...

A very interesting chawan (tea bowl) dating from the Korean Joseon period (Richo in Japanese; 1392-1897). This particular piece appears to date from the 16th/ 17th century and comes with a very old box which appears to have been furnished sometime in Edo. The light creamy crackled glaze is smooth in the hand and fine hairline fractures radiate along the sides of the bowl contrasting nicely with the gold repairs. Such pieces have long been favored by learned cha-jin (tea people) and are quite pri...

Ninani Dohachi (1783 - 1855) was second in the long line of Kyoto potters that continue to this day to be held in high regard. After the death of his father in 1805, Ninani succeeded his father by taking charge of the family kiln and officially taking the name “Dohachi.” Specializing in porcelain sencha wares done in the style of Annan, Kenzan, Ninsei, and well-known Chinese forms; Ninani showed remarkable versatility as is evidenced by this red Raku tea bowl which shows his supreme competen...

A medium sized ido-gata (well shaped) tea bowl with exceptionally fine and beautifully crafted kintsugi gold repairs. One side of the bowl features a thickly applied ferrous glaze that pools generously near the base, while the pale green ashen glaze on the outside is decorated with impressed textured patterns. Very firmly grounded, the kodai (foot) shows the reddish clay that the piece is fashioned from and the potters seals on the base appear to read “sho” (star) “zen” (having the natur...