Surely an extraordinary confluence of circumstances must have come into alignment in order to bring this remarkable composition into existence. Done in the Korai style—referring to the heavy influence from Korean forms and glazing—this exquisite Edo period Karatsu-ware tea bowl features a white stripe running horizontally along the outer surface of the bowl known as Hakeme. This type of white slip brushing serves as a high-contrast background for the iron spotting and pigmentation brought ou...

A delicate and very fine ORIGINAL CHINESE QING DYNASTY PAINTING depicting a seated Guzheng Player in a garden while secretly being observed by two beautiful Maidens. Framed, with Chinese characters/text and Seal. Overall good condition. Size: 35 cm. x 32 cm. (~ 14" x 12.5" inches) framed.

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...

A Nyonya plate with a painting of a Sage. It is unusual to find human figures on Nyonya ware. Makers mark stamped on the bottom of the plate. Nyonya wares are over-glaze polychrome enamelled porcelains made in Jingdezhen in the Kiangsi province of China for the Straits Chinese, or Babas, whose female counterparts are called Nyonyas, hence the term Nyonya ware. Nyonya wares were mainly reserved for festive occasions and special functions. Size. Diameter 21cm. H. 5cm. Condition: No repairs. Some...

Chinese Qing dynasty oxblood vase. 24,7 cm high. Good condition except chipped at foot rim from kiln.

Antique Japanese scroll painting of a horse, done in sumi ink, its legs kicked up into the air. Very disciplined calligraphy brush work is used, and may have been executed by a Zen Buddhist monk. This horse painting was possibly cut down from a larger screen and mounted as a scroll.

18th century Edo period (1603-1868)

Size: 17.5" W x 52" H (entire scroll) 14.25" W x 20.75" H

The jet-black glaze of this cha-ire (tea caddy) nicely highlights the Chrysanthemum flowers (Kiku) adorning the upper surface—long considered 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 the Chrysanthemum. Over time, it became the Imperial Family Emblem and during certain eras was generally forbidden to be used by the general public.

In f...

A relief gilt moulded lacquered ritual pitcher cup & saucer. It is unusual to find this type of lacquer ware in this design. Age: Pre 1920. Size: Pitcher. H. 20cm. W. 16cm. Cup. H. 9.5cm. Saucer. circumference. 13.5 cm. Condition: No repairs.

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 ...

A Very Rare/Fine Korean Long Silver Bar Hairpin/Enameled Phoenix Head-19th C.: Korea, Joseon dynasty, 19th century. The large terminal cast with two confronted phoenixes on either side of coral-산호) jewels and with confronted cranes, longevity medallions and feathers in low relief and further bead jewels, the the edging of the enamels silver in blues reds, greens, red and yellows, the cylindrical shaft silver with pointing tip. It’s in very good condition with old patina, it meas...

An elegantly hand-crafted cloisonne obidome of a double-gourd form. The burgundy-colored glass enamelling of the gourd is thickly applied and translucent. The cobalt blue "rope" around gourd has pure gold highlights. Can be used as a pendant. Size: L. 5cm. W. 3cm. Condition: No repairs.

Chinese Qing dynasty blue and white figure. 19,5 cm high. Figure has been broken on the legs. Please see on the pictures.

A intricately formed obidome (kimono rope ornament) of a golden woven basket overflowing with chrysanthemums of silver and golden tones. Chrysanthemums are a symbol of steadfast friendship. Signed by the artist. Size: W. 4.3cm. H. 3.3cm. Condition: Natural ageing. No repairs.

This Hirado-yaki brush-rest—fashioned for the scholars desk of a bygone era—features meticulously sculpted plum blossoms set in a porcelain reproduction of a knotted plum branch. Hirado wares—alternately known as Mikawachi wares in some contexts—are known throughout Japan and also abroad for their high quality and fine craftsmanship and date back at least as far as the mid-18th century when they were produced exclusively for powerful lords and their families. In the 19th century, Hirado ...

A Nyonya plate painted with auspicious symbols of a peach, peony and Buddha hand citron. Nyonya wares are over-glaze poly-chrome enameled porcelains made in Jingdezhen in the Kiangsi province of China for the Straits Chinese, or Babas, whose female counterparts are called Nyonyas, hence the term Nyonya ware. Nonya wares were mainly reserved for festive occasions and special functions. Size: W. 23.2cm. Condition: Normal wear.

Here is a fine hand formed tea pot of dark clay by Otagaki Rengetsu engraved with a poem and enclosed in the original signed and age darkened wooden box. It reads:
Oyamada no Hita no kakenawa, Uchi Haete, Keburi Nigiou, Miyo no aki Kana
In the hillside Paddies, Clappers with ropes as long as the smoke trails, the peaceful abundance of an Imperial Reign in Autumn…
It is 6 cm (2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Much has been written about the life and work of poet/...

When the founder of the Urasenke style of tea ceremony, Sen-So Soshitsu (1622 -1697) was invited to Kanazawa as the lord of the tea ceremony for the powerful Kaga lords in 1666, the first Chozaemon came with him and established Ohi-yaki ware in Kanazawa. Chozaemon had been the chief apprentice for the Raku family in Kyoto and took with him many of the principles and ideas associated with Raku-ware. Since those auspicious beginnings, Ohi-ware has held a high place in the world of tea ceremony des...

Jambala (Tibetan: Dzambhala) is the Tibetan God of wealth and appropriately a member of the Jewel family. He comes in many forms and in this Jambala is in its “white form” and holds a trident and a scepter rides on a Makara (sea creature). Jambala is said to decrease obstacles and increase all good fortune and happiness. Jambala is also the protector of beings from sickness and difficulties. He is also the Bodhisattva of material and spiritual wealth and is said to give financial stabilit...