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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

Height: 10.5 cm (4.2 in)
Width: 8.5 cm (3.5 in)

Good Japanese Satsuma lidded koro; shows gilt bordered panels of Lohan in various domestic settings; fine diaper work throughout; signed; wear to finial; good condition

Height: 4.6 cm (1.8 in)
Width: 2.5 cm (1.0 in)
Depth: 2.3 cm (0.9 in)

Fine netsuke of two figures wrestling - one is an Oni; natural material; excellent detail; signed Mitsusada to the foot; good condition

This is natural indigo dyeing Shirusi-Hanten made at the beginning of the Meiji period. This gets texture and others by cotton and silk. As for this, cotton and silk are spun by hand. It is rare that Shirusi-Hanten is woven by cotton and silk. Most are only cotton. This has fading with several places of a few holes, but the state is good. This was sewed for a child again. Size 65cm x 103cm (25.5 "x40.5")

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...

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...

Rare Japanese Funa Tansu known as a Ship Captain's vault chest. Made with beautiful original thick Hinoki (Japanese cedar) wood, with triangular mortis and tenon joinery. The corners and drawers are accented by attractive ash color iron plating. The inside of the chest holds a unique array of seven drawers in a natural finish, with hirute type drawer pulls and all but three with additional locks.

An old Japanese label remains on the second drawer down...

Exceptional and rare thick earthenware ceramic ebisu and daikoku masks that have slots on the top of their heads for money. Holes on the back to hang but piggy banks would have to be broken to get out the money. Great expressions and beautifully made folk art. 11" high by 10" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

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...

Antique Japanese Oribe mizusashi (water container) for use during the Tea Ceremony. Coil form body, glazed with thick deep green glaze with hints of a lovely deep red in areas. Custom fitted with a simple black lacquer lid.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions:5 3/4" high x 5" wide diameter.

The inside of the bowl is painted with cherry tree boughs laden with blossoms—done in a dazzling underglaze blue-and-white porcelain distinctive of Imari-wares. Below, the trunks of the trees can be seen grounded in a grassy field resting on an abstract ring of karakusa (arabesque). The center of the bowl displays a fashioned wreath of cherry blossoms strung together with field grasses...

With short neck and ovoid body, this beautiful Japanese copper ‘do-chu' vase is marked 'Hisayoshi' on the side. The brilliant rich color of this type of ware is achieved by adding smoked straw during firing and often deepens over time...