A well forged, handsome mokume tsuba in mokko-gata form with katakiri-bori landscape decoration on both the omote and ura. The mokume grain is large and well controlled reminding one of ayasugi hada. In fact, this tsuba is indeed a tosho (swordsmith's) tsuba, being made by [Kai Ju] Kiyonaga and dated the third year of Bunkyo (1863) believed to be the same as KIY 298 referenced in Hawley's, Japanese Swordsmiths...

From our Japanese Collection, a good Fuyode Ko-Imari Arita blue and white porcelain dish, the term "Fuyode" referring to late 17th century Japanese porcelain painted in the style of Chinese Ming Dynasty porcelain. This is one of the earliest examples of Japanese Arita ware. This dish is painted in underglaze blue with a central panel of flowering peony, and with panels of the “Three Friends of Winter" design (pine, bamboo, and prunus) in the border...

From our Japanese Collection, a good kutani baluster-shaped jar and cover, Meiji Period (1868-1912), executed in traditional kutani palette of iron-red, green, yellow, and gilt highlights, depicting a continuous scene of figures gathered around the circumference of the piece. A small but charming example of genuine 19th century kutani.

Size and condition: 7 1/4 inches tall, 5 inches at the shoulder...

From our Japanese Collection, a good Meiji Period (1868-1912) imari lobed dish, executed in traditional palette using iron red, orange, blue, green, and gilt on a white porcelain body, depicting a stylized chrysanthemum head motif in the center well, along with dragon, phoenix, and floral motifs in the border reserves. An unpretentious but well-made traditional example.

Size and Condition: 8 3/8 inches in diameter...

From our Japanese Collection, a good set of three large ceremonial lacquer sake shallow bowls in graduated sizes, Showa Period, very handsomely executed with raised gold and black designs of figures set against a red lacquer ground...

This is an amazing piece of Satsuma from Yozan. The vase stands 5 1/4 inches tall and it is covered with eye straining detail. It is better than the images show and in hand has a jewel like aura. Condition is excellent.

The fine crackled feldspar glazing of this Hagi composition contrasts nicely with the red ferrous clay of the base and the wrought silver globe resting atop. Along the lower half can be seen a geometric windowed pattern giving this incense burner a sense of dimensionality.

Legendary potter Miwa Kyuwa (1885-1981) has been credited with reviving the Hagi tradition of pottery after the war...

Heavily influenced by Koryo potting styles and techniques, the Tobei lineage has been crafting exceptional tea-ware implements for 13 generations. The piece shown here was made by the 12th generation (Tahara) and, due to its excellent character, was endorsed by the 15th tea master of the Urasenke School of Tea, Hōunsai. The natural ash glaze gradates from a glossy lavender towards the top to a light tan nearer the bottom...

Father to internationally known Hagi potter Kaneta Masanao (the 8th generation Sanzaemon potter), though he never achieved the same level of notoriety as his son, his pieces have a grace and elegance all their own as demonstrated here with this charming tea bowl. With its milky crackled glaze and split foot (wari-kodai) showing the rich clay this piece was fashioned from, it possesses strong character and has a calming presence, bringing a sense of stability...

The creator of this exceptional tea bowl is Koto Kenshi, a native of the town of Hagi in Yamaguchi prefecture who has been producing many fine works since opening his studio in 1970. This piece features a milky ashen glaze with a portion of the foot of the tea bowl exposed, displaying the reddish coarse clay beneath.

Hagi-yaki has a tradition stretching back over 400 years and is a high-fired stoneware type of pottery...

Heavily influenced by Koryo potting styles and techniques, the Tobei lineage has been crafting exceptional tea-ware implements for 13 generations. The piece shown here was made by the 12th generation (Tahara) and, due to its excellent character, was endorsed by the 15th tea master of the Urasenke School of Tea, Hōunsai. Like much of Tahara pottery, the natural ash glaze displays glossy lavenders, light tans, and hues of ivory...

A delightful Hagi tea bowl from the Jōzan Kiln in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Very representative of the genre with its milky glaze and ido-shape. This piece is a step above their typical offerings as can be discerned not only from the lovely composition but also from the quality of the box and the silk pouch that was also custom furnished...

This remarkable tea bowl is from the kilns of Yoshida Shuen (1940-1987)—an apprentice of Miwa Kyusetsu (1910-2012) who was awarded the status of Living National Treasure in 1983. It features a warm crackled glazing with a few small portions of the foot of the tea bowl exposed, displaying the somewhat reddish coarse clay that this piece is fashioned from.

Hagi-yaki has a tradition stretching back over 400 years and is a high-fired stoneware type of pottery...

This remarkable tea bowl is from the kilns of Yoshida Shuen (1940-1987)—an apprentice of Miwa Kyusetsu (1910-2012) who was awarded the status of Living National Treasure in 1983. It features a milky translucent glaze somewhat resembling coral, with a few small portions of the foot of the tea bowl exposed, displaying the reddish coarse clay that this piece is fashioned from.

Hagi-yaki has a tradition stretching back over 400 years and is a high-fired stoneware type of pottery...

Hagi-yaki has a tradition stretching back over 400 years and is prized for its subdued colors and classical features, especially the glazing, which is often clear and vivid. The natural ash Hagi glaze of this piece gives it a mellow yet robust feel. In addition, the split wari-kodai at the base together with the asymmetrical hand-molded shape offers the user a unique tactile experience The sides of the bowl show pale ash, ivory, and faint hints of lavender...

An interesting contemporary Hagi piece resting on a split-foot (wari-kodai) and a unique glaze patterning that somewhat resembles layers of flower petals. A creation of Morishige Tetsuyo, a native of the famous potting town of Hagi who later studied in Kyoto and eventually took up a position at the family kiln “Renkozan” with tutelage from both his father and grandfather. This particular piece is from a series he began in 2009 aptly named “Kaben” (The petal series). Actively displaying b...

The trademark glaze on this delightful sake flask (tokkuri) is by none other than 8th generation Hagi potter Masanao Kaneta. Close inspection reveals flecks of reflective powdered shell on a backdrop of thick, translucent glaze with hues of orchid, salmon, and ivory. One of our favorite Hagi potters, if you have not previously experienced works by this artist we cannot recommend him enough.

Like the seven generations who proceeded him, Masanao Kaneta (b. 1953) learned his Hagi tech...

This remarkable tea bowl is from the kilns of Yoshida Shuen (1940-1987)—an apprentice of Miwa Kyusetsu (1910-2012) who was awarded the status of Living National Treasure in 1983. It features a warm milky beige glaze with light umber accents and shows a bit of exposed clay on the kodai (foot) where the artists seal is located.

Hagi-yaki has a tradition stretching back over 400 years and is a high-fired stoneware type of pottery. Hagi-ware is prized for its subdued colors and class...