This depiction of the eternal “ensō” on a backdrop of pearly white feldspar signifies enlightenment, the eternal, the nothingness, and the freedom of the mind to envision and to create...

This impressive Shino summer tea bowl was crafted using red clay from the hills near Izumo Taisha (one of the most ancient and important Shinto shrines in Japan)...

A large and powerful composition displaying beads of feldspar strung across a canvas of red ferrous clay. A perfect addition for tea practitioners in need of a good Shino piece or for collectors looking for a classic and exceptional example of this type of pottery.

As the name suggests to anyone familiar with Japanese pottery, Kato Toyohisa (b. 1962) hails from a long line of Mino potters...

A great example of a modern Shino tea bowl based on pieces being produced nearly 500 years ago in the kilns of Mino. This piece shows excellent texture to the glaze with a very active and diverse ceramic landscape. In addition, the use of a darker ferrous compound gives it a rather weighty and seasoned appearance when compared with the more commonly encountered red Shino glazes of the modern day...

Occasionally while browsing through the temple markets of Kyoto or perusing backstreets tea-ware shops, an attractive piece will catch my eye for no particular reason. When this happens, I typically buy it immediately without hesitation, trusting that I will be able to place it to a specific period or kiln given enough time and research...

Graceful, sensitive, and with a distinctively feminine aura—this subtle work of ceramic art has an air of quiet days spent in the garden or of spending an afternoon brightening up an interior space. Using a technique known as 灰釉 (kai-yu) Terai uses the natural ash of various hardwoods to achieve a subtle textured matte glow which is unique to each piece.

Yoko Terai (b...

Small silver vase with flared and hemmed neck. A finely chiseled snake is wrapped around the neck and an enameled chrysanthemum. The lower body is enamelled in polychromy by silver wire partitions. Under a round base there is a signature in a golden cartouche of Mitsu Shige. Period: Meiji. Height: 10cm (4")

This is a water pot called SUITEKI made of Japanese copper ware. SUITEKI is one kind of the tools for calligraphy. It is used to pour water into an ink stone.

A Suiteki of copper in this square pot form is doubtlessly very rare.

This small water pot Suiteki is a high class piece which was made about 200 years ago. It dates from the Japanese Edo period. This is an old original...

Takashi Nakazato is a celebrated Japanese ceramic artist whose family's mastery of pottery now spans 14 generations. Born in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture in 1937, Nakazato inherited a rich legacy of craftsmanship dating back over 400 years. He trained extensively in traditional ceramic techniques under his father, and later pursued further studies at the Kyoto City Arts and Crafts Institute...

A small Japanese Satsuma koro with a pierced metal cover by an unknown maker, late 19th century. The vase is decorated with the Imperial chrysanthemum crest and three family crests, including the Paulownia of the Toyotomi clan, the Hollyhock leaves of the Tokugawa shoguns and the cross of the Shimazu clan who ruled over Satsuma, Ōsumi and Hyūga.

At the top corners can be found quarter-flower heads delicately painted in red and gold. Each mon is finely detailed...

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. This small dish fashioned from coarse clay and covered in a silky ash glaze. Slightly oblong with one edge gracefully arching upwards, both sides of the dish have been traditionally repaired using lacquer and gold...

This white porcelain statue depicts a small seated Bodhisattva deep in meditation. Bodhisattva, otherwise known as bosatsu in Japan, are enlightened beings who have postponed Buddha-hood in order to remain on earth and help others to break their cycles of karma. The base of this statue is unglazed showing the fine porcelain clay from which it is crafted...

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...

The creator of this extraordinary work, Shibuya Deishi, is best known for his works of “Oni-hagi”—typically made with rough clay and heavy dripping glazes. This piece by contrast seems delicately crafted and has a very soft and warm quality to it. The outside is covered with overlapping molded flower petals done in an almond glaze with ivory accents at the tips of each petal...

Assorted group of Japanese black lacquer tea bowls and saucers for the export. Each decorated in gold with different designs. Four saucers, six small cups and one larger bowl. Condition: rims with little lacquer loss, one bowl with foot rim chip. Dimension: saucers: 11.2 cm diameter. Bowls: 5.9 cm and 6.6 cm diameter. Without wooden stands.

Molten glaze in volcanic plumes extending from a yellow blast wrap tendrils around this exquisite Bizen vessel by Baba Takashi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Bizen Yohen Tsubo. The kiln effects are spectacular, covering the blackened Bizen clay with yellows, charcoals and a myriad of natural tones. It is quite large at 15 x 13 x 9-1/2 inches (38 x 33 x 24 cm) and is in new condition. Depending upon destination, special shipping consideration may be required.
At 36, Ba...

A captivating blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary flair; with exquisite attention to detail, Goro masterfully combines the vibrant green Oribe glaze with bold geometric patterns, creating a dynamic and visually striking piece. The bowl's elegant form and balanced proportions enhance the tea-drinking experience, while the unique surface texture adds depth and tactile pleasure. This tea bowl showcases his innovative approach to ceramics, honoring the rich legacy of Oribe w...

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...