Fantastic antique Japanese Kutani ware sculpture of one of the fortune deities known as Hotei. The figure is carrying a child who is trying to clean the ears of Hotei. Hotei is interestingly dressed with motifs of dragons and scrolling clouds, inspired by Chinese brocades. The different symbols used on the figure are associated with the auspicious character of the deity. Age: Taisho Period c1912 Size: Length 5" Width 4" Height 10.5"

Dating from the 17th century, Kutani-ware is a type of fine porcelain that takes its name from the region from which it originates—the name literally means “nine valleys.” In sharp contrast to many other styles of Japanese ceramics which tend towards more modest color palettes, Kutani-ware are known for their vibrant red enameles, gold trimming, and complementary greens, yellows, and blues. This set of tokkuri is painted with a common hanging-lantern ornamental pattern known as youraku...

Beautiful lobed Kutani yaki dish in Yoshidaya style, modern. Decoration of camellia in white, aubergine, green, speckled yellow and gilt. The back with a character in gilt, possibly Qiu, meaning Autumn. It is also defined by Graesse in his classical work about pottery and porcelain marks as from the village of Shinomine in Arita. Diameter "6 ¼ / 16 cm, height "1 ¼ / 3 cm. Condition: fine.

Exceptionally large Kyoto ceramic incense burner. It is turned in a typical clay, a kind of sandstone earthenware covered with finely cracked glaze . A charming decor, animated by chinese children playing, develops over the entire surface, enamelled with colors predominantly green and blue. Gold details. On the sides, bouquets of flowers and leaves bloom elegantly. It is rare to find such harmonious sculptures on Japanese ceramics, usually they are ostentatiously excessive and vulgar...

Kyoto ceramic statuette of Guanyin. The clay is not earthenware, but rather stoneware fired at low temperature. An enamel decoration, applied to a cracked glaze, covers the entire statuette. The rock-base is enamelled in green and blue, stained with gold. The dress of the deity is enamelled with stylized flowers and scrolls in blue, green and red, but the whole is dominated by gold. This statuette is of excellent quality, elegant and rare...

Small porcelain dish from Japan. Decor of birds in flight in a landscape with trees and flowers painted in enamels and gilding. The porcelain is exceedingly thin similar to eggshell porcelain. Three Chinese characters are enamelled in red below, probably Kutani's mark. The designs are neat and of the best quality. Very fragile but good condition. D:138mm.

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...

Large original Antique Japanese large low-fire ceramic mask of the Lucky God, Daikoku. His laughing face is round and painted with charming detail to his beards and eye brows. He is wearing his traditional hat that has been hand painted with great detail. One of the Lucky Gods, Diakoku is the God of Good Fortune as well as a god of the kitchen. It is possible that this mask may have hung on the wall in a temple's kitchen...

A superb example of the mastery of Bizen Saiku-mono sculptures by Nishimura Shunko dating to the pre-war era. The musculature and bone structure of the creature is clearly visible, and it wears a cloak of ash glaze like fur, the tail actually covered in dry “goma” textured ash, and the lower extremities showing a fine assortment of Hi-iro flame colors on the raw clay. Stylistically there appears to be some influence of the pottery technique of Okinawan Shisa (lions)...

Gnarled plums cover the unusual rich blue ground of this antique tsubo vase from the Arita kilns dating from the early 20th century. It is 14-1/2 inches (37 cm) tall and in fine condition, signed on the base. The decoration is performed entirely in overglaze enamels with a gold rim,and is both vivid and fresh. One of the more unusual pieces I have seen from this region. It is signed on the base in Red Arita sei Miyuki Gama

Antique Japanese Maneki-neko, Meiji 1868-1912. The Maneki-neko is a beckoning cat often seen at the entrance of a shop or other business and thought to be auspicious. Hand formed with Ceramic in good overall condition. It measures 11" wide at base 16" tall.

This lovely late 19th C Ko Kutani bijin is holding two opened fans with a flower on her head. Exquisite features and detailing, this already highly collectible Ko Kutani figure is even more special because the flower also serves as a candle holder. In very good condition, she measures 11" or 27.9 cm high.

A very unusual pale yellow-green (kiji) porcelain vase in the shape of a Chinese Gu by Seiji Celadon master Suwa Sozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Fretwork and a roiling dragon body have been softly engraved into the sides; the slightest variation in tone the only hint to the subtle design-work. The vase is 11-1/2 inches (29 cm) tall, 6 inches (15 cm) diameter and in fine condition...

Very large Japanese shigaraki jar. with "watermelon" style blue and green glaze drips over a thick crackle cream base glaze. It tapers to a very narrow foot, with a drainage spout. Beautiful original condition, 19th century. Size: 42" H x 25"W

Beautiful Antique Japanese Shigaraki tea jar. Made to hold home brewed cold tea. Natural blues and Greens flow together on the original fired glazed finish. Holds water without leaks. Early 19th Century Dimensions: 18" 1/2 High X 15" Wide

Dragons charge the sides of this large water urn covered in crackled pale glaze emblazoned with a panel which specifies: Water for the 11 Faced Kannon (Quanyin). Inside is lined with iron glaze. Outside key frets surround the rim leading to a nearly flat shoulder upon which blossom five petaled plum flowers. Below this the dragons vie in the tempest, with the base drawing precipitously covered in Shipppo designs (7 treasures). It is 38 cm (15 inches) tall, 34 cm (13-1/2 inches) diameter...

Large hard porcelain bowl from Arita Japan early 18th century. Decorated in underglaze cobalt blue and enamels with three cartouches containing a Buddhist lion (shishi), a carp and cranes on a background of peonies and scrolls. Gold detail. These large bowls are typical of the Imari style highly prized by European royal courts and were present in all palaces. The one presented here has lost its lid, the collector who owns one will be able to adapt it perfectly because the sizes are standard...

Antique Chinese large porcelain vase. Decorated all over with a basket texture and a pair of dragons with a flaming pearl and cloud-like mist. The body of the vase is glazed a celadon green while the dragons remain a very pale bluish white. The dragons represent the endless cycle of transformation and the flaming wish-granting pearl is one of the Eight Treasures and represents pure intention.

Age: Republic Period (1912-1949)

Dimensions: 22 1/2" high x 13" wide