Perfectly formed characters eschew the virtues of the scholar life and way of tea through the Gyokusen Chaka (Song of Tea) decorating this masterpiece of calligraphy and design by Miura Chikusen enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Books have been written upon the subject of this poem centering on the experience of a Tang dynasty recluse reaching Daoist enlightenment through the drinking of seven cups of tea...

A very interesting chawan (tea bowl) dating from the Korean Joseon period (Richo in Japanese; 1392-1897). This particular piece appears to date from the 17th or 18th century and comes with a box that looks to have been furnished within the last 100 years. Over the long history of tea practice in Japan, at varying times, Korean-ware came into high fashion and ships full of the finest ceramics were brought over to Japan...

A thoughtfully crafted work of art, this bowl exemplifies meticulous attention to detail and exquisite artisanship...

Like many pottery traditions in Japan, Karatsu takes its name from the city where it originated. As early as the 15th century, Korean potters heavily influenced the development of this form—helping to endow it with the earthy, simple, and natural qualities it is so appreciated for...

Like many pottery traditions in Japan, Karatsu takes its name from the city where it originated. As early as the 15th century, Korean potters heavily influenced the development of this form—helping to endow it with the earthy, simple, and natural qualities it is so appreciated for...

Reminiscent of the wildly popular avant-garde works of Suzuki Goro, this striking modern interpretation of the classic tokkuri (sake flask) was done by budding artist Ikeda Shogo.

Born in 1976 in the southern port city of Kagoshima on the island of Kyushu, from a young age Ikeda would have been exposed to a great variety of ceramic-wares from the numerous historical kilns native to the region including Satsuma, Arita, Imari, and Karatsu...

A fine Japanese Aka-gashi wood okimono of a recumbent shishi (chinese lion). Pleasant patina and grain. Masaharu engraved signature under the base. Meiji period late 19th century Sizes: 14,4 x 35,5 cm Condition report: Very good condition

A wooden okimono depicting a lying horse, finely carved down to the smallest details. The muscles, hooves and mane are rendered with care and artistry, capturing the vitality of the horse in a static form. The excellent patina that envelops the okimono gives the horse a subtle shine that reveals the sculpted details with even more clarity. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 12 x 6 x 6.5 cm State of conservation: Very good

Japanese wooden inro with two compartments depicting a carp with horn eyes, finely carved. From the mouth comes the cord that crosses the agate ojime and reaches the boxwood netsuke which depicts the story of Oniwaka Maru, the future Benkei, and the giant carp. Origin: Japan Period: Edo late 18th early 19th century. Overall dimensions: 7 x 5 x 3.5 cm Netsuke dimensions: 3.6 x 4.5 x 3 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Sagemono complete with wooden tonkotsu with applications depicting different insects in the Shibayama technique, black stone ojime and horn netsuke. Tonkotsu, made of wood, is used in Japanese culture to contain tobacco dust, flavorings or medicines. A group of insects are depicted in great detail on the surface of the tonkotsu, including butterflies, a cricket, bees, a ladybird and a dragonfly...

A rare tabako-ire in the shape of bear claws and netsuke with eagle claw that holds a glass sphere held by a rope, with turquoise ojime. This tabako-ire belonged to an Ainu in the northern of Japan on the island of Hokkaido where the native people, the Ainu, lived. In this extraordinary find there are the symbols of the two animals most revered by this people, the bear that lives free in the tribes and the eagle that was hunted for its feathers. Edo-Meiji period 19th century Sizes: 1...

A Japanese stoneware sake bottle, tokkuri, probably from the Inuyama kiln in Maruyama, Owari Province.

The kiln is noted for overglaze enameling introduced by Dohei in 1835 and the gourd-shaped bottles decorated with maple leaves are perhaps the best known of all. This example is decorated with coloured branches and Ming dragons set within a frame of red lattice. The body is stoneware covered in a finely crackled clear glaze...

Square-shaped ivory netsuke manju depicting four lacquered frogs in different positions. It has a cavity inside where the himotoshi hole is located. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 1cm. State of conservation: Very good

A Japanese ivory seal netsuke carved in the shape of Siniu, sitting with his legs bent on an oval sigil base, smiling while holding his head up and turned back. Edo period late 18th century Sizes: 5.6 x 3 x 2.8 cm Condition report: Good condition

A Japanese pure silver vase depicting bamboo trunks with leaves, pine branches and plum tree in bloom with Japanese nightingale perched on a branch with open beak and posture in the act of singing. Engraved signature on the side, and high title junjin mark under the base. Meiji period late 19th century Sizes: 24 x 13 x 13 cm. Condition report: Very good condition

From our Japanese Collection, a fine and very attractive mid-century silk thread composition depicting a Shinto shrine nestled within a treed riverbank, with a foot-bridge and boats in the foreground. The composition uses rich but tasteful shades of burgundy, brown, cream, dark green, a touch of soft pink, and other subtle earth tones. The piece evokes a relaxed charm.

Size and Condition: Framed dimensions are 25 inches wide, 19 3/4 inches tall...

One Japanese blue and white porcelain dish. Shonsui style decoration in roundels of birds in branches with berries and of peonies, all centered by geometric decoration along the inside of the foliate rim. The back with similar decoration of roudels, blue and white band decoration above the foot rim centering a four character mark within a blue ring. Good condition. Diameter, 7 1/2 inches. Ca 1900/early 20th century...

A shell incense box (kogo) painted in relief pure gold with waka writing inside with probably poetic or romantic references. Very similar to shells for the game of kaiawase, but larger in size. Edo period 19th century Sizes: 5 x 10 x 8 cm Condition report: Good condition – with tomobako