There is no doubt about the superlative nature of the deep celadon glazes used by Living National Treasure Nakajima Hiroshi, and this vessel is no let down. A creamy blue crackling glaze covers this artful form which comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled simply Seiji Tsubo. It is 10-1/2 inches (26.5 cm) tall, 5-1/2 inches (14 cm) diameter and is in excellent condition.
Nakajima Hiroshi was born in Hiroshima in 1941...

Antique Japanese small chest with drawers, called a dibukuro. Traditional Japanese homes hold a tea ceremony room with a tokonama, or a recessed closet/alcove in which pieces of artistic appeal would be displayed such as hanging scrolls, pottery, okimono and ikebana floral arrangements. The dibukuro would be seated on the floor of the tokonama. (shown in detail photos)...

A deep black glazed bowl perfect for winter tea by Tsukigata Nahiko enclosed in a wooden box annotated by his student and titled Seto Guro Chawan. The subtleties difficult to discern, there are two distinct colors of black, with shiny, and one matte. It is 4-1/2 inches (11.5 cm) diameter, 3-3/4 inches (9 cm) tall and in excellent condition.
Tsukigata Nahiko (1923-2006) was not only an accomplished ceramic artist, but also a painter, calligrapher, sculptor and musician...

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...

With a slender balanced foot firmly grounded, the skillful lacquer repairs on this bowl highlight the age and importance of this work which likely dates from the Edo period. Stemming from the philosophy of wabi-sabi or, beauty in the imperfect, cracks and repairs in a work of pottery are often seen as highlighting the history of the object and are thus celebrated as such...

A one of a kind huge bronze lotus temple basin with a dragon wrapped around the base and coming over the top as a water fountain. The base has bronze shishi in relief. C.1880. Stands over 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide. We had the fountain installed. Comes in two pieces; the base and the basin. Excellent condition with a minor dent in the tail of the dragon. Video available for serious enquiries.

Japanese 20th century large silver vase by TSUCHIYA KYOHEI with flying fish design. The vase has flying fish flying around the sides of the vase. The design is done by hand-hammering technique. The vase measures 13 3/4" tall and 10 1/4" in diameter. The vase comes with TOMOBAKO, or original artist signed wooden storage box.

Wall vase for ikebana flower arrangement, to be hung at one of the vertical beams of the tokonoma. Brown stoneware with white inclusions, splash of greenish glaze...

Japanese 20th century bronze vase with abstract leaf design by TSUDA JOYO. The vase measures 16" tall by 6 5/8" in diameter.

Japanese 20th century silver vase with peony and vine design by metal artist, KAWAMURA SEIJI. KAWAMURA SEIJI was born in 1902 in Beppu City. He lived until 1995. He participated in many exhibitions such as the BUNTEN in 1936. Signed Seiji on bottom. 4 The vase comes with TOMOBAKO, or original artist signed wooden storage box.

Important Kuro Raku Chawan by 4th-generation master Ichinyû Kichizaemon (1640-1696). The chawan was named Kou Un (parting clouds). It comes with an authentication box with Raku seal. It has a Urasenke hakogaki by Sen Soshitsu and a certificate of its provenance.

Born the eldest son of Dônyû. His work varies from those made in his youth influenced by his father Dônyû to later work stylistically closer to that of Chôjirô...

Decidedly modern, Japanese, and minimalist; the textures, colors, and form of this fascinating tea bowl all suggest inspiration from natural objects. The grey, smooth, polished interior of the tea bowl contrasts nicely with the textured ferrous dark ochre ash glaze on the exterior...

A fulling block form draped with ochre glaze over charred olive shades by Tsukigata Nahiko wrapped in a brocade bag and enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Oni Shino Hana-Ike which is in turn enclosed in a black lacquered wooden double-wood storage box. It is a very traditional shape in Japanese pottery. This is 8 inches (20 cm) tall, 5 inches (12 cm) diameter and in excellent condition. A superlative example of this artists work...

Considered auspicious symbols of wealth, status, and good fortune; foo dogs—commonly referred to as shishi or koma-inu in Japan—are often seen in pairs guarding shrines, straddling the doorways of shops, and protecting public buildings. This fierce guardian appears to be made from bronze, has very detailed and skillful etching, and a wonderful patina that would place it sometime before the turn of the last century.

Guardian lions are commonly seen in pairs...

Japanese six panel byobu (folding screen painting). Hand-painted with imagery of realistic swimming fish and flowers with gold flecks. Signed in stylized calligraphy with 2 red chops.

Late Meiji/Early Taisho Period

Dimensions: 109" L x 53.75" H

Ohara Koson
Torii with Lantern and Deer
Size: Yoko chu-tanzaku. Approximately 14.5 x 5.50 inches.
Date: 1900-1910.
Bears Koson signature and seal.
Publisher: Kokkeido. Bears Kokkeido seal.
Reference: K44.12 and plate 28 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Some foxing (stabilized). Four small wear holes visible when held to light.

What a wonderful glaze. Slightly distorted shoe shaped (kutsugata) tea bowl from the early Edo period with a rounded brim, made of light, coarse, unrefined Mino clay. The expertly thrown body was trimmed with a potter's knife in its lower part around the foot ring.

In the style of Kuro-Oribe bowls this bowl was covered with a brown iron oxide glaze...

Porcelain plate made in China for the 17th century Japanese market. Blue and white design of 2 boats in a misty bay with land outcroppings and a mountain pavilion...