Exceptional example of a very old Japanese bronze. This type of lacquered bronze of the best quality is extremely rare. We only know a handful. This is the Mule of Toba in cast bronze, lacquered in red and cream. The animal is represented lowering its head. His rider, Toba has disappeared. Note the elegance of the movement, the strength but also the humor that emerges from this sculpture, this is the unique work of a great sculptor...

Shiko Munakata (1903 ~ 1975)
New York, Riverside.
Date of this edition: 1983.
Size: Approximately 15.25 x 12.0 inches.
Published by Munakata Studio. Issued in Yaskawa calendar.
Medium: Japanese lithograph.
Condition: Excellent. Full margins on all sides (not shown).

Shiko Munakata (1903 ~ 1975)
Title: Onhina.
Date of this edition: 1998.
Size: Approximately 13.25 x 12.25 inches.
Published by Munakata Studio. Issued in Yaskawa calendar.
Medium: Japanese lithograph.
Condition: Excellent. Slight ripple. Full margins on all sides (not shown).

Shiko Munakata (1903 ~ 1975)
Title: Taishi. Originally published in 1955. This edition 1985.
Size: Approximately 18.5 x 8.0 inches
Published by Munakata Studio. Issued in Yaskawa calendar.
Medium: Japanese lithograph.
Condition: Excellent. Slight wrinkle at corner. Full margins on all sides (not shown).

Shiko Munakata (1903 ~ 1975)
Title: Zakkei Sanbou.
Size: Approximately 13.50 x 12.25 inches.
Publisher: Published by Munakata Studio. Issued in Yaskawa calendar.
Date of this edition: 1998.
Note: We believe that the title translates as temple in the weeds.
Medium: Japanese lithograph.
Condition: Excellent. Slight ripple. Full margins on all sides (not shown).

Shiko Munakata (1903 ~ 1975)
Titled in Japanese: Flower(s) of Vienna, the great Leo Sirota ウィーンノハナ　レオシロタ大人
Dated: April 11, 1965.
Leo Sirota (1885-1965) was one of the world's most famous pianists. Munakata was his friend and produced this print shortly after Sirota's death.
Edition: Not known. A color version of this design exists.
Signed: "Shiko" in Japanese; "Munakata" in English.
Sheet size: 16 x 10.75 inches...

Shiko Munakata (1903 ~ 1975)
Date: April 10, 1959.
Seated Figure. Here titled by the artist, "At Columbus" (コランバスに於て). Also signed by the artist and dedicated in pencil in Japanese at the top right, "to Ms. Ryuko Sato".
Munakata's famous 1959 United States lecture tour took him through Ohio. On the tour, he was known to carve one-off woodblock prints on the spot at gatherings and present them to hosts or guests, as once described on the Antiques Roadshow...

Shiko Munakata (1903 ~ 1975)
Title: Nakisakebi from the Dream Carp Series originally published in 1940. This edition 1989.
Size: Approximately 13.5 x 12.25 inches
Published by Munakata Studio. Issued in Yaskawa calendar.
Medium: Japanese lithograph.
Condition: Excellent. Full margins on all sides (not shown).

A Japanese articulated wood Karashishi mask in dark patina, himotoshi on the back next to the signature. Signed Munenaga. Edo period 19th century Sizes: 4 x 3 x 2 cm Condition report: Very Good condition

Munga Ningyo of a Samurai in Court Attire by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Late Edo Period. Height: 10 inches, 25.5 cm.

Deep grooves scored by the artists fingers allow this cup to fit snugly into ones hand, a perfect fit by Murakoshi Takuma enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Sake-nomi. It is 8 x 7 x 6 cm and in perfect condition, directly from the artist.
Murakoshi Takuma is one of those enigmas who simply lives to work with clay. He does not seek to make a living through pottery, but through his primal approach has earned a following which keeps his work in high demand...

Green glass puddles in the centers of these fabulous feldspar studded plates in ash glaze by Murakoshi Takuma enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kittate Rokusun Sara. They are roughly 18 cm (7-1/2 inches) diameter and in perfect condition, directly from the artist.
Murakoshi Takuma is one of those enigmas who simply lives to work with clay...

Crystalline green ash covers most of the rough clay that makes up this small steep sided bowl by Murakoshi Takuma enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hai-yu Chawan. It is 11 x 12 x 8.5 cm (4-1/4 x 4-3/4 x 3-1/2 inches) and is in perfect condition, directly from the artist this Fall.
Murakoshi Takuma is one of those enigmas who simply lives to work with clay...

A green pool fills the basin of this steep sided bowl, the walls dragged by the fingers by Murakoshi Takuma enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hai-yu Chawan. Large Shiseki bubbles of white feldspar crystals burst through the surface. It is 12 x 13 x 7.5 cm (4-3/4 x 5 x 3 inches) and is in perfect condition, directly from the artist this Fall.
Murakoshi Takuma is one of those enigmas who simply lives to work with clay...

Fresh out of the oven, here is a delicious treat to start the new year right, a crusty dancing form by Murakoshi Takuma enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shigaraki Mimitsuki Hana-ire. Not only does the vase itself feel alive with movement, but the encrustations of ash and glossy molten ash glaze seem to be still in formation, as if it is still settling in the kiln. It is 26 cm (10 inches) tall and in perfect condition...

An evocative thick slab curling up to form a basin on a circular solid clay foot elevating the contents 7 cm (3 inches) off the table. The artist fingers are clearly visible in the base forming deep impressions about which the cobalt and feldspar meander in rivulets...

Dark cobalt sinks deep into the rough terracotta clay giving this large serving platter its name Genso 27 (The periodic table number for cobalt). This is by Murakoshi Takuma, part of his newest series of work and comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Genso 27 Kaku-zara (Atomic number 27 Square Platter). It is criss-crossed with drizzled snow white and emerald green which float on the surface in shiny drifts...

Vivid dark ash forms emerald pools in the center of these 5 ogi-men (round fan) shaped slabs by Murakoshi Takuma. Size, shape, color, texture: these are perfect for showing off your signature dish with style. They are roughly 16 x 20 cm (6 x 8 inches), 2 cm (1 inch) thick and in excellent condition, directly from the artist this winter. We have currently not had a box made for these to keep the price and shipping fee down, but one can be prepared if desired for 75 dollars...