Sakiori obi (sash) for a casual kimono which is hand-woven of strips recycled from silk and cotton kimono for weft, and cotton yarn for warp. In excellent condition. 20th century. 18cm x 2m96cm

Being based in Kyoto we occasionally come across fine Chinese and Korean tea-ware to mix in with our Japanese offerings. Here we have an example of a ceremonial tea bowl from the Shinragi kiln in Korea. Pieces like the one seen here are baked in a traditional wood-fired “climbing kiln” at a temperature of over 1,300 degrees for 5 days...

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 "Fenghuang" (Hōu in Japanese). This deity, typically depicted with the body of a bird with characteristics of a dragon, is believed to have originated in the sun and is thought to symbolize virtue, wisdom, and grace...

The poem etched on the side of this exceptional piece reads: In the future — happiness — and long life — two sprouting leaves —to grow a thousand years...

The poem etched on the side of this exceptional piece reads: "As a pastime ― bringing clumsy, fragile things to sell ― at Uruma Market ― how lonely!"  A very significant poem as it conveys a bit of irony; for the Edo period nun who inscribed this poem would go on to create a legacy of art, beauty, and philosophy that endures even today...

Here we see a Chinese style celadon floral bowl by one of the 5 Imperial Court Artists of Meiji. The potter, Sozan, spent his life perfecting techniques for celadon production first used in the Southern Song Dynasty as evidenced here with his powdery blue “kinuta” glaze...

This eye-catching porcelain composition covered in red-glaze and highlighted with sensational gold-leaf inlay is an iconic design often employed by Ono Hakuko.

Ono Hakuko (1915 -1996) is an important figure in the world of Japanese ceramics and one of the only women in the field to gain wide acclaim and recognition for her work...

Currently in its 5th generation, the Miura Chikusen line of potters has continued to produce high-quality Kiyomizu-yaki and Kyo-yaki porcelains used in sencha for well over 150 years. The piece seen here is by the third generation potter and has the rare distinction of being endorsed by Sokuchusai, a former Head Tea Master of Omotesenke in Kyoto. Simple and elegant, a section of bamboo stands out in contrast to the white crackled porcelain glaze...

One of the most prominent potters of the Meiji period and one of only five to ever be appointed as Imperial Court Artist, the name Tozan is synonymous with fine porcelains including: Kyo-style tea and sake-wares, pieces for the western export market, distinctively home-grown Japanese motifs, and expertly crafted Chinese-style pieces such as the one seen here...

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...

Simple, elegant, and functional, this Meiji period kyūsu (teapot) was crafted with precision and care by one of the periods most accomplished ceramicists. Showcasing refined beauty and delicate craftsmanship for which Japanese porcelain is renowned, its smooth and lustrous white glaze exudes an air of purity and simplicity...

An example of some of the finest porcelain modern Japan has to offer. According to the Wakao Kei, the artist who crafted this piece, it took him years of trial and error to perfect these stunning translucent glazes and associated techniques such as getting the right flowing consistency and pooling effect around the base...

A powerful Bizen sculptural vessel by Motoharu Kurokawa Of a trapezoidal shape, with irregular cut away parts on both sides. Kurokawa Motoharu ( Tokyo, 1957 - ) is an innovative craftsman from Okayama, who works with Bizen, he has won numerous prizes for the originality of his works. Member of Japan Kogei Association. Impressed artist’s mark in the bottom and information of the artist. Size: H 30 cm, W 30 cm, bottom: L 18 x 7 cm. Perfect condition

A Japanese porcelain dish depicting two figures in a garden. The moulded dish has a shaped edge dressed with an iron slip. Late 18th century or beginning of the 19th. A shaped dish with a similar subject is illustrated in 'Japanese Porcelain” by Soame Jenyns, Faber & Faber, 1965.

Approximately 12cm diameter. Near perfect condition, there is a tiny fleabite to one of the points on the rim, noted in the photographs...

A Japanese porcelain dish depicting two figures in a garden. The moulded dish has a shaped edge dressed with an iron slip. Late 18th century or beginning of the 19th. A shaped dish with a similar subject is illustrated in 'Japanese Porcelain” by Soame Jenyns, Faber & Faber, 1965.

Approximately 12cm diameter. Perfect condition...

From our Japanese Collection, a truly spectacular, massive, and published pair of imari double gourd vases, late Edo to early Meiji Period circa 1855 -1875, executed in the typical imari palette of iron-red, blue, orange, and gilt, with birds and dragons set against the "Three Friends of Winter" design of pine, prunus, and bamboo.

The double gourd shape is a very desirable form for imari collectors, but rarely is it encountered in such monumental proportions like this massive pair...

From our Japanese Collection, a published and very fine satsuma charger, Meiji Period (1868-1912), most likely between 1870-1880, depicting Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion surrounded by deities and adorants, executed in typical satsuma palette but with an especially rich, heavy, and quite skilful gold application...

Collection of 10 pages of Arabic and Farsi calligraphy. Ink, colours and gold on paper. Largest 18cm tall. Undated, estimated to be 17th century to 19th century. Provenance: Sotheby's London 1987