This experimental work by young artist Hiramatsu Ryoma demonstrates his creative imagination and challenges the traditional boundaries of what defines a tea bowl. Described on the box as a “Kiretsu-mon” (ki = turtle, retsu = cracked, mon = design/ crest), according to Hiramatsu, his inspiration for this piece, and a number of others came from an ancient form of sea life known as an Ammonite—a large spiraled mollusk who’s shells are often found fossilized today...

Looking something akin to dragon skin with gilded beads glistening between the scales, this recent creation by young artist Hiramatsu Ryoma demonstrates his creative imagination and challenges the traditional boundaries of what defines a guinomi (Saké cup)...

The Mino region of Japan has been renowned for centuries for producing high-quality Shino, Oribe, Seto-guro, along with the style shown here, ki-Seto, or “yellow” Seto. The creator, Hori Ichiro, is one of the most acclaimed among Mino potters, tirelessly producing splendid works while continuing to use traditional methods passed down from other great potters before him...

The craftsman who fashioned this piece, the 9th Ohi Chozaimon (1901-1986), is the most widely recognized and most accomplished of the now 11 generations of Ohi potters. Born in Ishikawa Prefecture at the start of the 20th century, he took up the family craft and, at the age of 26, became the head potter. Raku tea bowls made by Ohi 9 are some of the finest you will encounter, comparing favorably to even tea bowls made by the main Raku lineage in Kyoto...

Kohiki is a traditional Japanese pottery style known for its simple and rustic aesthetic. It involves applying a white slip onto the vessel's surface, followed by a transparent glaze, creating a contrast between the white and exposed clay areas. Kohiki ware is commonly used in tea ceremonies but it can also be found in various other forms. Its humble and understated style, with organic textures and subdued colors, continues to be appreciated by collectors worldwide...

Seto is a pottery tradition established in the 12th century with the aim of reproducing fine Chinese porcelain and tenmoku-style tea bowls—which were hard to come by in Japan at the time. Later, during the Muromachi period, Seto potters established kilns in Mino thus starting the period known as ko-Seto, or “old Seto.” These pieces were distinctive as they were produced in small batches and with great care...

Before styles such as Raku, Hagi, Karatsu, etc came into fashion for use in the tearoom in early Edo, it was commonplace in cultured society to use tea-ware imported from China. One of the most common implements that first made its way to Japanese shores was the tenmoku style tea bowl that has been adopted and carried on through countless generations of Japanese artisans. Here we have an excellent example of this style of tea bowl—in perfect condition and featuring a custom fit silk pouch...

Most noted for his works of Shino, this attractive Oribe piece by Kato Takeshi is distinctive and eye-catching.

Born the son of a potter in 1947, Takeshi studied under Kobayashi Bunichi, Ohashi Momonosuke and later in Kyoto under Uchida Kunio, opening his own kiln in 1973 (Genkuro-gama)...

A tradition dating from the mid-16th century, Raku teabowls are made by hand, without the use of a potter's wheel; giving them a distinctly human feel. In the process of shaping the bowls, potters handle the tea bowls in much the same manner that users will hold them as they drink from them. In this way, we can imagine a connection is formed between the creator of the tea bowl and the participants in the tea ceremony...

This piece features a warm golden glaze with several patches of lighter pigmentation. The inside of the bowl is especially inviting and shows a magnificent patina developed over many decades of use and what appears to be a partly faded stencil of a pinecone. The foot is well-shaped, well-grounded, and clearly displays the unglazed rich clay...

This elegant and mature work of Karatsu pottery has an unglazed foot and beautiful crackled glazing that displays hues ranging from ivory to almond.

Toya Inoue (1942 - ) is a native of the world-renowned pottery center of Karatsu in Saga prefecture. From a young age he was interested in tea and tea-ware and studied tea ceremony under Tansai. Later in his 20’s he was involved in a project to restore ancient kilns...

One of the more innovative and international minded ceramicists on the Japanese pottery scene, Ryoji Koie’s interests and expertise cannot be confined to one narrow genre—as he often integrates non-traditional methods and materials...

This extraordinary vase is a truly Japanese expression of a classical Chinese form. Fashioned after cylindrical Song Dynasty pieces that are thought to have been introduced in the 9th century from Syria, the handles are of Chinese origin and represent the mythical "Chiwen" (Shichihoko in Japanese). This deity, typically depicted with the body of a carp, the head of a tiger, and the scales of a dragon, is believed to be a bringer of rain and a protector against fire...

Raised, undulating ridges on a field of cobalt blue highlighted with white slip and bronze flecks around the rim, this piece conjures images of the deep and stormy sea or possibly of the vast swirling cosmos...

An awe-inspiring masterpiece, this tea bowl by Kakurezaki showcases his unparalleled skill and artistic vision...

A beautifully carved tray of overlapping leaves interspersed with clustered grapes by Ichikawa Shudo signed on back in a circular cartouche. In one corner an odd round tail leads us to a squirrel head popping through the leaves, as if one were looking up through the vines toward the sky. It is 46 x 35 x 3 cm (roughly 18 x 14 x 1 inches) and is in overall fine condition, There is a slight warp to the bottom of the tray, but it is still bery usable and there is no damage to the carving. Ichikaw...

Japanese Jubako, traditional stacked lacquerware food boxes, represent not only culinary refinement but also an important aspect of Japanese food culture. These elegantly tiered containers, often adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colors, are integral to the presentation of special occasion meals such as New Year’s celebrations and formal picnics. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Jubako boxes like the one featured here showcase the artistry of Japanese lacquerwa...

During the Meiji period in Japan, the humble iron kettle, known as a "tetsubin," emerged as an iconic symbol of traditional craftsmanship and functional artistry. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and often adorned with intricate designs—as can be seen here with a cherry blossom motif and a what appears to be a pine-cone for a gripper—they became an essential tool in the Japanese tea ceremony. These kettles were prized not only for their practicality in boiling water bu...