One of my personal favorite shapes for a chawan, the wa-nari (sometimes pronounced rin-nari) appears firmly grounded and balanced at all times. With round curving surfaces so natural in the hand—they conjure images of ripe fruit waiting to be devoured.

This piece was produced by Koizumi kiln in Aichi Prefecture, most likely by the head potter Kato Shineda—though it only bears the seal of the kiln and not the potter...

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...

A very unusual jar covered in crinkled metallic green glaze with a wooden lid covered with cloth wrapped in a net of orange chord made to hold tea leaves by Sugimoto Sadamitsu enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The appearance is deceptively large. Spectacular kiln effects live up to this artists reputation. It is 8 inches (20 cm) diameter, 8-1/2 inches (21.5 cm) tall plus lid. And in excellent condition....

The name “Tobe-ware” first appeared in historical documents in the mid-18th century, though the tradition itself dates back well over 1,000 years. Within this style can be found an abundance of fine porcelain and celadon works as well as works painted with dark ferrous glazes—such as the piece featured here.

The creator of this fine work Sakai Yoshito (b. 1931) has been the main figure in maintaining the Tobe-ware tradition in modern times...

Original Japanese print by well known artist Mayumi Oda (1941-present), titled "Let Wisdom Arise Within Us" (Blue) , number 23/100, and signed in pencil along the bottom. Wonderful depiction of a goddess wielding a sword while riding on the back of a growling fu lion, surrounded by large bouquets of peonies, the flower petals blown around her by mystic winds.

Size: 19" W x 26" H

Antique Japanese small Kiri tansu from the Sakata region, with red lacquer top and sides and black lacquer front. Motifs of bamboo, pine, kiri leaves, and other floral imagery can be seen in the iron plates of each drawer. The bottom right corner houses an ornate lockbox with two small drawers inside. Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 33.25" L x 16" W x 21.5" H

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

Antique Japanese scroll painting of a small bird, perching on the branch of a tall growth of flowers. Signed with red chop.

Size: 16" W 9 69" H (entire scroll) 10.25" W x 38" H (painting only)

Antique Japanese painting on silk, of a pair of black birds pierced on the branch of a tree. With calligraphy and red chop signature.

Size: 12.5" W x 52" H (entire scroll) 7.75" W x 18.75" H (painting only)

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...

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...

Ohara Koson (Shoson)
Three Red Carp, water plant above
Size: Yoko o-tanzaku. Approximately 15.25 x 6.75 inches.
Date: ca. 1920s-1930s. "Paris, August 1939" noted in pencil on the verso in French.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Reference: S39.3 and Watanabe W36-571 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Condition: Excellent.

A pair of Namasu or small serving bowls in revived Kakiemon style decorated with a depiction of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove in low moulded relief; here represented by just two of them. The Sages were synominous with a hedonistic lifestyle of drinking and poetry. The foliate rims of the dishes are painted with a fuchi beni, iron brown glaze...

Antique Japanese bronze vajra, an important symbol in Vajrayana Buddhism, Hinduism, and Tantra religions. The name vajra means both thunderbolt and diamond, as it is a symbol of brute strength and indestructibility. Its center piece represents the center of the universe with lotus pods blooming outwards to extend the five pronged weapons. The five prongs represent the "Five Poisons" which prevent humanity from reaching enlightenment...

Antique Japanese two section 6ft Mizuya (kitchen tansu) make with Hinoki (cedar) wood, with Keyaki (elm) burl panels. The top section has two sets of sliding doors, one with mesh, all with ornately carved panels across, the lower portion has eight small drawers with beautiful Keyaki burl. The bottom section houses a single shelf behind two large sliding door panels. Its sides are reinforced with horizontal braces. Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 71.5" L x 20" W x 67.5" H

This is one of the most significant Japanese satsuma pieces ever created. This is a museum piece with fabulous workmanship in combination with a very large size. This bowl truly has a volume 10-20 times bigger than a normal 5 inch Yabu Meizan bowl. It measures 7 inches tall and is 9 ¾ inches wide. It is also heavily made weighing about 4-5 lbs. The bowl features 6 different exquisitely decorated panels in polychrome and gilt. These panels depict people, birds and landscape scenes...

This a beautiful and unique Japanese Satsuma bowl. Yabu pieces with unique birds like this one has are rare. The piece is very finely rendered with intense work. Condition is excellent. The bowl measures 5 inches across and is 3 inches tall. This wonderful bowl is from the same great collection the large Yabu museum/exhibition bowl came from. Contact for price and shipping.

Antique Japanese large indigo Tsutsugaki yogi robe made out of a futon cover, with a paste-resist Kikumon, or Chrysanthemum crest on its back, also called the Imperial Seal of Japan. Tsutsugaki is a technique in which bindings are applied to the cotton threads in any desired pattern and dye is applied over them. The bindings resist the dye, leaving behind patterns in the original color of the threads. The edges of fabric are sewn together using white sashiko stichwork...