A pottery tradition that harkens from the Mino region of Japan, Shino-yaki dates from the Azuchi Momoyama period. It came into fashion when first commissioned by renowned Muromachi cha-jin (tea masters) Shino Soushin. This is thought to be the first type of pottery in Japan to feature drawn paintings on the ceramic surface.

This attractive e-Shino bowl (“e” meaning picture) bears an abstract motif on a background of white feldspar...

A beautiful and delicate white porcelain composition with low-relief molded seashell design lining the inside. The overall condition of the bowl and several oxidation marks on the bottom suggest considerable age—at least several hundred years. The box lid bears the character “定” which can be translated as “truth” or “certainty.” The origin of this piece is unknown, though the previous owner regarded it as Chinese (Northern Song)...

Really important Ko-Karatsu (kogaratsu - oldest Karatsu ware made during the 16th century) Madara tea bowl with a yobitsugi repair of highest quality.

The bowl is a so called Madara Karatsu tea bowl (provenance is the legendary Hobashira-kiln) due to its typical cookie-like sandy clay and wonderful blue-purplish flecks.

But its true highlight is the perfect traditional yobitsugi restoration with a pure silver gintsugi (kintsugi)...

The Japanese matchlock was introduced to the Japanese by the Portuguese during the Sengoku period. Originally called teppo, it was known as the name tanegashima where its origins was founded.
The tanegashima rifle where used by the samurai class and their foot solders (ashiguru) and within a few years of the introduction of the munition it completely altered Japanese warfare. This long rifle gun has an octagonal russet iron barrel with a flat sighting plain on top and a bore of 3/4”...

Introduced to Japan through the Portuguese in 1543. Intended for use by mounted samurai, these pistols where called horsemen cannon's (Bajo zutsu).
They proved however to be totally impractical weapons to fire, since the rider had to ignite a piece of chord to the lock, while aiming the chamber and at the same time controlling his moving horse. None the less, owning a pistol remained a symbol of a samurai family's power, rank, and wealth...

Of Steeply conical form with a bulbous top. This jingasa is constructed of hide and cloth, shaped in a mold, lacquered in reddish brown lacquer, with a gilt rising sun mon on the rounded apex.
The samurai class in feudal Japan, as well as their retainers and footsoldiers (ashigaru), used several types of jingasa made from iron, copper, wood, paper, bamboo, or leather...

A circular form rising to a shallow point at the center, this jingasa is made of hide and cloth shaped in a mold, then finally black lacquered. It is decorated in front with a gold lacquered mon of an enzo which represents eternity. Mounted on a custom iron stand.

Edo Period 19th Century

Size: 18.5" diameter x 4" H (29.5" H on stand)

Kawase Hasui
Spring Rain at Arakawa (Literally "May Rain")
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10.5 inches.
Date: 1932.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten. Carver: Harada. Printer: Yokoi. Also bears the Doi watermark.
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso. This seal combination indicates printing between 1950-1963.
Excellent color and condition.

Japanese wooden clothing chest (Sendai-Tansu) with unique ironwork.

Age: Japan, Taisho Period, A.D. 1912 - 1926
Measurement: Height 109.7 C.M. / Width 44 C.M. / Length 91 C.M.
Condition: Nice condition overall (some expected degradation due to its age). Please refer to the enlargement photos for more details.
Shipment: Worldwide shipping from Bangkok, Thailand at actual cost. Please e-mail us for the shipping fee.

A very unusual sculpted work in crispy Manyosai Shino glaze by Hayashi Shotaro enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 8 x 10 x 10 inches (25 x 20 x 26 cm) and in excellent condition.
Shotaro is one of Japans true genius potters, moving far beyond tradition, glaze research and firing technique, to a place of inception. He first began with a 7 year apprenticeship under his older brother Kotaro, ending when he established his own kiln in 1974...

Small bronze cannon of this type where made for shooting flaming arrows at ships, launching fireworks at festivals, and for signaling purposes. The example of cast bronze with a bore that is described as at the breach and the bore is reduced to a half round section to form a chamber for the powder mount for use. The gun would be imbedded into a wooded block such as the lower half of the barrel and the entire breach end is covered...

Small bronze cannon of this type where made for shooting flaming arrows at ships, launching fireworks at festivals, and for signaling purposes. The example of cast bronze with a bore that is described as at the breach and the bore is reduced to a half round section to form a chamber for the powder mount for use. The gun would be imbedded into a wooded block such as the lower half of the barrel and the entire breach end is covered...

Small bronze flared muzzle cannon of this type where made for shooting flaming arrows at ships. For launching fireworks at festivals and for signaling purposes. The example of cast bronze with a bore that is described as at the breach and the bore is reduced to a half round section to form a chamber for the powder mount for use.
The gun would be imbedded into a wooded block such as the lower half of the barrel and the entire breach end is covered...

The netsuke is made in the shape of a matchlock pistol. It is composed of different material such as wood, brass, and iron. Constructed during the Meiji period for export to the European market. Mounted on a custom iron stand.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size: 3.75" L x 1" W x 1.5" H
(4.75" H on stand)

Unusual original Japanese flint lighter netsuke. Constructed of iron and brass, this piece would have been used to create a steady fame in less then perfect conditions. The striker would create contact friction and create a spark igniting the fuel source. Firearms at this time required a flame in order to ignite the fuse. Original russet patina with all parts still intact.

Edo period (1603-1868)

Size: 2" L x 1" W x 1.5" H

The netsuke is made in the shape of a matchlock pistol. It is composed of different material such as wood, brass, and iron. Handmade during the Meiji period for the European market. Mounted on a custom iron stand.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size: 5" L x 1.5" W x 1.5" H
(4.25" H on stand)

A powder flask of a natural painted turtle and fitted boxwood nozzle and stopper cover. The skeletal shell of the turtle is smooth with a warm tone patina. The flask is attached by a silk chord to a piece of circular boxwood toggle that could be slipped into the belt. Mounted on a custom iron stand.

Edo Period 19th Century

Size: 3.25" L x 1" W x 5.25" H (10.5" H tip of bottle to end of string) (7" H on stand)

This bronze cast cannon is decorated in low relief of a coiled dragon. The fish like handle stock and representing a carp is in homage to the original purpose of such cannon. These examples where used to shoot flaming signals from ships at sea. Mounted on custom Bronze stand. Pitting finish shows indication of sand casting. Fine detail shows high level craftsmanship.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size: 4" L x 1.25" W x 1.5" H (4.5" H on stand)