Catalog (249)

Yoshitaka Hasu was born in 1949 in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture. After earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from National College of Technology and working for several years in development of telecommunication, he chose instead to pursue a career in ceramics. In 1975, he started an apprenticeship with ceramist Shiro Banura (1941-2001) in Iga. Banura was strongly inspired by Rozanjin (1883-1959), a famed ceramist and novelist with a discriminating taste, who advocated living with art through serving fine food with beautiful handmade utensils and decorating with flowers in exquisite vases. This philosophy, which blurs the distinction between utility and art, has been a major influence on Hasu’s work. In 1979, Hasu established his own studio in Iga, where he has been producing some of the most original and exciting work built upon the Iga tradition and this philosophy. This vase has its original paulownia tomobako box. Vase is 10" by 10". Ask for shipping quote.

A masterpiece by one of Japan's leading wood-fired earthenware pottery masters, Takuma Murakoshi. Rough, earthy and marvelous glaze produced as only natural wood-fired kilns and shigaraki clays can create. 10" wide and *" tall. Ask for shipping quote.

A Banko ceramic vase fired at the famous Banko Kilns in central Japan, recently known for museum quality art deco vases. The kilns had their start in the Edo Period (17th, 18th and 19th centuries). This sensational modernistic piece is signed by Hiroshi Shimizu and in its original box. Shimizu, born in 1944, is from a long line of legendary Banko artists. His father was declared a human cultural asset by the Government. Hiroshi himself has won a number of awards and prizes including the Minister's Prize at the Nitten National Art competition. Also he won the prestigious Chunichi National Pottery Prize. Comes with a catalog of his works.

Eye-catching Hirokazu Ichikawa art deco ceramic vase. B.1959 Ichikawa has won many prizes including the Kyoto Art Exhibition 4x, Asahi Pottery Exhibition twice and many more. With original box. Ask for shipping quote.

A Banko ceramic vase fired at the famous Banko Kilns in central Japan in 1989 (it says 'Heisei Gan' on the bottom meaning 1989), recently known for museum quality art deco vases. The kilns had their start in the Edo Period (17th, 18th and 19th centuries). This sensational modernistic piece is signed by Hiroshi Shimizu and in its original box. Shimizu, born in 1944, is from a long line of legendary Banko artists. His father was declared a human cultural asset by the Government. Hiroshi himself has won a number of awards and prizes including the Minister's Prize at the Nitten National Art competition. Also he won the prestigious Chunichi National Pottery Prize. The characters on the box read: 'Banko Tobun Tsubo' (Banko Vase) and the characters for 'Hiroshi'. Perfect condition. 1989. (15" diameter x 14") (38cm diameter x 36cm). Ask for shipping quote

Gorgeous art deco Tamekichi Mitsui III signed Kutani plate. He received his artist's name Tamekichi III in 1961 from his teacher, and was soon afterward commissioned to create a plate for Edwin Reischhauer's visit in 1962. He was a favorite of the royal family who bought numerous pieces in 1976. Also from 1979-1988 Japanese Prime Ministers took his works abroad as gifts during state trips. He was a professor of art in Washington D.C. from 1997-2004 and had his own exhibition at the Smithsonian Museum in 2002. Perfect condition in a signed kiri wood box. $880. Shipping/insurance to usa/western europe $95

Art deco nerikomi platter by Mimura Kazuhiro b.1931, with inter-woven weaves creating a wonderful depth and texture. C.1980 and in excellent condition. Mimura has won many prestigious awards and exhibited widely this innovative pottery technique. 12" x 12" . Ask for shipping quote.

Sensational Bizen yaki mizusashi for the tea ceremony signed and in a signed original paulownia wood box by Toko. The wood fired ceramic has unbeievable natural colorings from the kiln firing. C.1970. Excellent condition. H:10" x 7" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Mimura Kazuhiro(b.1931) is a nerikomi (multi-colored marbled ware) specialist who has had a very successful career exhibiting throughout Japan and at juried exhibitions as well, especially at the prestigious yearly Japan Traditional Arts and Crafts Exhibition. This museum quality work dates to the late 70`s and is remarkable for the nerikomi technique on such a large form; in perfect condition at 45.7cm x 45.7cm x 7 cm. Stamped on bottom. Ask for shipping quote.

Art deco oribe ceramic vase by Shigetaka Kato b.1927-d.2013. Shigetaka was born the second son of Kato Tokuro in 1927. He graduated the Seto Industrial School of Ceramics and studied under his father. From 1959-1971 submitted annually to the Nitten where he received the Hokusho prize as well as the Modern Ceramics Prize among others. He also received the Japanese Ceramics Society award and governors prize at the Asahi Togeiten. He later accompanied his father on frequent trips to China and Central Asia for research into the roots of silk road pottery. He is best known for Shino ware but worked the gamut of Mino and Seto styles. This base has no box. 30cm wide x 21cm deep x 36cm tall. Ask for shipping quote.

Wild, art deco mizusashi ceramic tea utensil from the famed Hagi kiln area. 10" tall by 5 1/2" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Signed on the reverse with a chiseled signature by the artist: Keiten (Takahashi Keiten, born 1920). Showa era, circa 1960 – 1970. Born in 1920 in Yamagata Prefecture, Takahashi Keiten first studied metal casting under Nagano Tetsushi in 1950. His work was first accepted into the government-sponsored 7th Nitten exhibition in 1951. In 1963, he won the encouragement prize at the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition) and from 1972 served as a judge for the exhibition. He has presented his work to both the Showa Emperor and the Heisei Emperor on the occasions of their visits to Yamagata. In 1996, Takahashi Keiten was designated Juyo Mukei Bunkazai or Important Intangible Cultural Asset (commonly known as a Living National Treasure). 7" high by 4" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Superbly elegant signed 'Rakuzan' modern ceramic studio vase ca.1970. Lovely cloud swirls and asymetrical balance. Very art deco. H:16" by W:11" by depth: 9". Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.

Stunning, bold art deco Shigaraki wood-fired ceramic plate. Full of feldspar or long life stones unique to Shigaraki clays. Some kiln scars made during firing but the glaze has oozed out of the crack in the back indicating a natural firing scar. Diameter: 20". Great condition. Ca. 1970

Rich impact art deco plate from the pottery master Kanou Mitsuo. He was born and lived in Kyoto c.1903-1970. He was known for his tortoiseshell glazes. In 1949 he won first prize at the Nitten, Japan's prestigious Fine Arts Exhibition. Later he was asked to be the top judge in the event. The plate comes in the original signed kiri wood box and on the lid it reads, 'Bekkou Yu' tortoiseshell glaze, and 'Hirabachi' flat plate. Inside the lid is his name and hanko. $680 Shipping/insurance to usa/western europe $95. (dia:30cm; h:7cm)

Signed on the bottom, KANINKOSO, this bronze 'koro' incense burner is from the Showa Period 1950-1960. The main body has a flock of cranes in supurb relief, as well as a lid with a hexagonal turtle diaper and a turtle on top.

Exceptional art deco signed Gyokusen-do hand-hammered copper flower vase with the famed foundry's seal on the bottom. Showa Period c. 1960. This vase has a rare Mt.Fuji pattern throughout. Hand hammered copper 'dochu' is a very diffiult technique to achieve. Superb vase in perfect condition. H:9" x Diameter: 9". Ask for shipping quote.

Exquisite dochu hand hammered copper flower vase from the famed Gyokusendo Foundry in Niigata Prefecture of Japan. Showa Period C.1960. Loveyl drip glaze in relief and in perfect condition. Has the Gyokusendo seal on the bottom and comes in the original paulownia signed wood box. H:25cm x diamete:21cm. Ask for shipping quote.