Wall vase in cast bronze, representing a dragon coiled on itself, its meandering body delimiting the contours of the vase. The casting must have been complicated and several holes and gaps appeared which were filled with welded bronze plates as can be seen in the detail photos. At the back a finely crafted ring allows the suspension. Most likely Japanese work...

A very interesting chawan (tea bowl) from the Korean Joseon period (Richo in Japanese; 1392-1897). This particular piece appears to date from the 15th/ 16th century and comes with what may be the original box and a quite old silk pouch. The light creamy crackled glaze is smooth in the hand and fine hairline fractures radiating along the walls of the bowl show remnants of gold repairs from previous centuries...

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...

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...

Simple yet classic styling—this tea bowl is perfect for anyone looking for the quintessential Ido-shaped chawan crafted by one of Japan’s master Hagi potters.

Born in the famed pottery town of Karatsu in 1942, Zenzo Hatano spent a number of years learning the various styles particular to his region before taking up an apprenticeship under well-known Hagi potter Yoshiga Taibi...

Decidedly masculine in character with straight sculpted edges, a rich palette of color, and a calm steadiness in the hand; this tea bowl was crafted by one of Japan’s great masters, a Mashiko potter by the name of Takauchi Shugo.

A native of Tokyo, Takauchi (b...

This extraordinary mizusashi is a fine example of Oni Shino (carbon trap and natural ash glazing) that Tsukigata is so well-known for. Coining the term in the mid-50’s after countless failed experiments—which ultimately culminated in the discovery of this unique style of pottery—“Oni” translates roughly to demon or ogre...

When the founder of the Urasenke style of tea ceremony, Senso 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...

Descended directly from the Raku household of potters in Kyoto, Ohi is known as some of the highest quality tea-ware in Japan. The 10th generation Chozaemon is especially appreciated for his masterful technique and high-quality pieces. This one has the added distinction of being endorsed by Hōunsai, the 15th head tea master of Urasenke and of having a expertly applied gold repair along the front of the vessel...

Accents formed using iron pigment stand out across a backdrop of blue-green glaze. The base and a portion of the inside of this ceremonial tea bowl are unglazed displaying rich clay. Created by Shibayama Toshiya, this is an example of contemporary Japanese ceramics at its finest.

A native of Nagoya Shibayama (b. 1959) is exceptionally versatile, working in styles such as Seto, Shino, Karatsu, and Shigaraki among others...

A very interesting ceremonial tea bowl produced by one of the oldest generational potting families in Kyoto. In excellent condition with one fine gold repair along the rim; apart from its obvious beauty, this piece is interesting as a conversation piece for its involvement of two generations of Eiraku, a Head Tea Master of Urasenke, and a former Head Priest of Daitokuji...

We have a particular interest in beautiful old Raku tea bowls and spend quite a bit of time searching for exceptional examples to include in our gallery. Here we see a beautiful work that appears to be at least 200 years old and likely much older...

A mesmerizing piece of ceramic art, this exquisite tenmoku tea bowl embodies the rich traditions of Japanese craftsmanship that are inspired by over a millennia of Chinese artistry. With its distinctive deep red glaze, reminiscent of brilliant sunsets, red chili peppers, and festival colors; its presence creates an enchanting visual allure. The bowl's form is elegantly simple, with a gently flared rim that invites contemplation...

Momoyama to early Edo period made, little distorted half cylinder ki-Seto (yellow Seto) chawan with a great wabi-sabi atmosphere, rarely seen on ki-Seto items.

Ki-Seto is said to have been the outcome of the attempts of potters to recreate Chinese celadon wares...

Is there a tea ceremony connaisseur, who does not like to have a true Edo Ko-Hagi Chawan with beautiful loquat color?

Take a look on this rounded wan-shaped bowl. The light, sandy clay with enclosures is expertly thrown. Including the foot ring the bowl is covered with a mixed feldspar and ash glaze.

The light iron oxide in the clay produded a beautiful loquat color known from Korean Ido chawans. The unrefined clay indicates, that this piece was produced during the mid Ed...

This is pure antique Edo: Wan-shaped tea bowl made of dark, iron oxide bearing, sandy Karatsu clay. The thinly thrown body is covered with the typical white, feldspatic Shino type glaze. It differs from the Mino Shino glaze by being glossier due to a higher ash content.

Under the glaze a line was applied in iron oxide resembling the skin of a whale (kawakujira). Just the foot ring and its immediate surrounding was left unglazed. The glaze has a beautiful fine crazing.

This e...

It is commonly said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, yet, in the real world, there seems to be a fair amount of congruity about what people consider beautiful, with most arguments about particular instances being about degree, not direction. This chawan is pure beauty - no matter from which angle you look at it.

Slightly distorted cylinder shaped tea bowl with a rounded brim, made of light, coarse, unrefined Mino clay in the early Edo Period around 1620. The expertly thro...

Impressive Japanese Kyo-yaki Chawan, hand molded by legendary Nin'ami Dohachi during the Edo Period. His signature is written on the bottom of the chawan.

It comes with an older wooden box. Size: 7,5 cm height x 14,8 cm in diameter.

Chawans of Nin’ami Dohachi are exhibited in the most important museums, for example the British Museum.

Nin’ami Dohachi II ( 仁阿弥道八 - born Takahashi Mitsutoki; 1783-1855) worked in Awata until he set up a kiln in Fushi...