There is nothing superfluous in the work of Saito Hiroyuki, often described as “Muda no nai utsuwa” (Vessel without waste). Here is an exquisite tea bowl in muted silver and black with a texture which will make your hands want to dance. Like the creator, it is chic, with a simplicity of form which is timeless, and yet very much rooted in the world we live in today...

Endorsed by the recent Head Tea Master of Urasenke as an exceptional work, this black Raku tea bowl was granted the poetic name “Kokon” Ko, meaning “the distant past” and Kon meaning “the here and now.” This name carries with it the connotation that tradition and accumulated generational knowledge can, in a sense, connect us with the people, places, and situations of times gone by; helping us better understand our present day roles in the ongoing play of form and energy.

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There is an understated elegance in the work of Saito Hiroyuki which is very difficult to describe, but blatantly apparent the moment one holds his work. This guinomi is expertly crafted, rough textured outside with a smooth rim leading to the dark inner “Ma” (emptiness), ready to be filled. It is 6.5 cm (2-1/2 inches) diameter, 5 cm (2 inches) tall and in excellent condition, directly from the artist...

This piece was fired in "Anagama" small kiln with red pine fire woods for 10 days and 2 times. Ancient Shigaraki works was made of clay that was consisted weathered granite, it has very high fire resistance, 1300 Celsius degrees. Ashes of red pine tree turned to green glass ,it is called "bi-doro" at high temperature, and fierce fire made spectacle scene on the surface. Sugimoto is famous for not only remaking old Shigaraki, Iga pieces but also an authority in tea ceremony pottery ware...

This Japanese antique tsutsugaki textile fireman coat Sashiko Edo era(1800-1867), has a beautiful and dynamic drawing of a hawk that spreads its wings and flaps powerfully on the bold waves. This powerful hawk movement is a painting that is rarely seen in the firefighter Sashiko. And the sharp eyes of the hawk are very impressive. There is a light stain on the bottom wave, but it is not noticeable...

Suzuribako in roiro lacquer decor of a setting sun behind the waves in red and gold lacquer. Inside a couple of gold lacquer cranes on a nashiji background. Edo period 19th century or before. Good condition, no repairs. Normal use wear for this period. Very interesting subject. Dimensions about 21x21 cm

Antique Izumo-Irabo Tea Bowl named "暁の月" (Akatsuki No Tsuki) with 7th Iemoto (grandmaster) of Edosenke tea school signed box.

Akatsuki No Tsuki means yellow moon which shines in the dawn.

Edosenke tea ceremony school was originated by renowned tea master Kawakami Fuhaku (1719-1807) who studied under Joshinsai Tennen Sosa (1705–51), the 7th-generation head of the Omotesenke tea school...

Uchishiki which is one of temple decorations put under the altar. This one is made of "hangiri" (pants), which is one of No costumes. It is made of blue ground silk satin with "hiun and uroko" (flying cloud and fish scale) design with gold treads. It has kanji letters "Meiji 5 (1873)"in the back, however it is the date when it was dedicated, so the age of the cloth might have been from late Edo period. Real gold thread is woven for the design...

This is japanese excellent antique Tsutsugaki textile hemp furoshiki meiji era .Furoshuki, a technique of tsutsugaki that excels in hemp, is very rare. Very beautiful. Spiny lobsters are very impressive. There is a very light stain. There is no damage. The condition is very good. Size: Length 68 cm (26.8 inch) Width 70 cm (27.6 inch)

Antique Japanese bronze bowl in the form of a large, round lotus leaf. The bowl is raised on it's coiling lotus stem and another unfurled leaf. A tiny frog perches on the edge of the bowl.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 4 1/2" high x 8" wide

Antique Japanese cloisonné vase decorated with various types of blooming chrysanthemums from a large white variety to purple then small red and yellow flowers. The ground is a deep blue. The interior and bottom are covered in green enamel.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 7 1/4" high x 3" wide

Antique Japanese lacquer raised tray. Standing on four legs with square frame and decorated all over with scrolling vines and pine bows in maki-e lacquer on a black ground with clouds of gold nashiji. Prominent in the design is the appearance of the aoi mon (crest) of the Tokugawa clan, marking this tray as the property of the ruling Tokugawa Shogunate.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 8" high x 14 1/2" wide x 14" deep

Antique Japanese scroll painting depicting 13 Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Wisdom Kings. The deity at the very top is Dianichi-nyorai (Vairocana) with his hands in dhyana mudra...

Signature Shunju colorful glaze decorates this expressive vessel by Murakoshi Takuma enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Tobe! (Fly!). The wide piece is like a bird, wings spread wide as it sets to leap for the sky. He says that he made this shape specifically in memory of his wife, who loved flowers. It is 53 cm (21 inches) wide and in perfect condition, directly from the artist.
Murakoshi Takuma is one of those enigmas who simply lives to work with clay...

A pair of blue and white Hirado oil jars or bottles of squat shape, Meiji period, c 1900. Molded decoration of Paulownia leaves in reserves and an under-glaze blue diaper (grid) pattern. One with a cork stopper crowned by a small silver bird. Height: "2 ¼ /6 cm, diameter: "3 ¾ / 9 cm. Condition: small glaze crack near the mouth to one jar, otherwise fine.

A cluster of succulent flowers blossom among the vibrant leaves of the loquat tree on this unusually shaped vessel by Sueoka Nobuhiko enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 28 cm wide, 36 cm tall and in excellent condition.
Sueoka Nobuhiko was born in Fukuoka on Japans Main Sothern Island in 1948, and apprenticed under future Living National Treasure Fujimoto Yoshimichi in 1973...

An antique Japanese Tohoku Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the rounded Kakute style handles with Sho Chiku Bai back plates. The full moon lock plates have an incised open fan design. In 2 sections, the upper portion has two full width drawers and the bottom section has a full width drawer, a partial width drawer and a security hinged door hiding 2 small drawers...

An antique Japanese Gifu Choba Tansu made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles. Famed Gifu region horizontal slats comprising the pair of sliding doors and the sides of the tansu...