Based on telltale signs, this extraordinary Raku tea bowl likely dates to the late Edo period (200+ years old). Crafted with meticulous care, its smooth, ebony surface exudes a sense of depth and mystery while its reddish hues gracefully traverse the bowl's contours—creating subtle variations of color that evoke a feeling of warmth. A “hasami-no-ato” can be seen where the piece was grasped with tongs when pulled from the kiln, a feature thought to enhance the character of Raku ...

Born the second son of Ryônyû, the 10th Raku Kichizaemon Tannyû took over the family kiln in 1811 at the age of 16 and served until his retirement and subsequent handing on of the title of Kichizaemon to his son-in-law Keinyû some 34 years later. Retaining many of the unique stylistic innovations of his father including his clay trimming technique, Tannyû went on to establish several new family kilns and to produce wares for both 10th and 11th Tokugawa Lords. The piece seen here is a classi...

Found in a small antique shop in central Kyoto, this piece immediately caught my eye and I knew I had to buy it. With no original box and a potting mark that could not be deciphered, this one remains a beautiful mystery. The style itself is very close to that of internationally renowned 8th generation Hagi potter Kaneta Masanao (b. 1953); so much so in fact that we decided to contact this artist to see if it was one of their pieces. They courteously replied back that it was not. The ...

PLEASE NOTE: WE HAVE RECENTLY RE-ACQUIRED THIS VERY FINE KO KAW TEE FROM A CLIENT WHO IS LIQUIDATING HIS ANTIQUE HOLDINGS DUE TO HEALTH ISSUES AND MEDICAL EXPENSES: WHILE WE ARE VERY SADDENED TO LEARN OF THIS CLIENT'S CONDITION AND CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES, WE ARE GRATIFIED AT LEAST TO BE ABLE TO ASSIST THIS WONDERFUL GENTLEMAN IN THIS MANNER, AND TO RE-OFFER THIS FINE ITEM ONCE AGAIN: From our Southeast Asia Collection, a truly exceptional lacquered and gilded woven-bamboo basket known as a Ko Ka...

From our Indian Subcontinent Collection, an exceptional Kashmiri kashkul or beggar's bowl, 19th century, modeled after the boat-shaped beggar's bowls used by Persian Sufi mystics. This fantastic vessel is composed of a metallic body, most likely copper alloy, that has been lacquered and then exquisitely painted with floral motifs in rich but subtle shades of blue, red, yellow, taupe, black, and with gilt highlights. It sits upon a slightly splayed foot and terminates in two dragon-head finials...

Looking something akin to dragon skin with gilded beads glistening between the scales, this recent creation by young artist Hiramatsu Ryoma demonstrates his creative imagination and challenges the traditional boundaries of what defines a Tokkuri (Saké flask). Described as a “Kiretsu-mon” (ki = turtle, retsu = cracked, mon = design/ crest), according to Hiramatsu, his inspiration for this piece (and a number of others) came from an ancient form of sea life known as an Ammonite—a large spir...

From our Early Chinese Collection, an exceptional Northern Qi Dynasty Tomb Guardian (550 - 577 AD), boldly modeled in full military armor with chest and back plates, fringed mail tunics over knee guards, and battle helmet with leather side flaps. His left hand rests upon a leonine shield, the right hand would have clenched a wooden spear which has decomposed long ago. This imposing figure reflects the strong facial features typical of other known Northern Qi statuary, such as the ominous bulging...

This striking chawan is a fine example of “Oni Shino” (carbon trap and natural ash glazing) that Tsukigata is so well-known for. Coining the term in the mid-50’s after countless failed experiments—which ultimately culminated in the discovery of this unique style of pottery—“Oni” translates roughly to demon or ogre. Fired at extreme temperatures for days in an anagama, the iron in the clay and in the glaze fuse, drip, and coalesce—while at the same time blending with the molten as...

A master work by one of the top artisans of the late 20th century—the result of techniques perfected over centuries by dedicated craftsmen residing in districts in and around Kyoto. This black Raku-style tea bowl produced by Sugimoto Sadamitsu beautifully exemplifies the essence of "wabi-cha" or the philosophy of finding beauty and deep philosophic meaning in rustic simplicity.

Sugimoto (b. 1935) is one of the most important Shigaraki potters alive today and continues to create...

Occasionally while browsing through the temple markets of Kyoto or perusing backstreets tea-ware shops, an attractive piece will catch my eye for no particular reason. When this happens, I typically buy it immediately without hesitation, trusting that I will be able to place it to a specific period or kiln given enough time and research. In some cases however, this proves to be a fruitless task and I am left only to appreciate the beauty and form of the object without having access to too many d...

Description:

A Tang bronze mirror was finely cast in beautiful motifs.
It was in perfect condition with the harden burial adhesives on the surface.
Some similar pieces are in the documentation.

Date: Tang Dynasty, 618-907.

Width: 12cm.

A CUSTOM-MADE COTTON BOX IS INCLUDED.

Description: An exquisite ivory carving was in an imitation of a bamboo section with which a snail was crawling on it. In a simple clear form, this ivory was a scholar item as a brush rest and a curiosity as well. Dated from the 19th century, this beautiful piece was an enduring tradition art form originated from the earlier period of Ming Dynasty(14-15th century). A RARE, TRUE AND TYPICAL CHINESE ANTIQUE PIECE IS NOW OFFERED IN A REASONABLE PRICE TO OUR TROCADERO CUSTOMERS. Date: Qing Dynast...

Description: An exquisite white jade piece was shaped as a hanging piece and a display item as well. Carved with figurines of an old man carrying a boy on his back which was a Chinese metaphor of longevity and fertility of boys. It was very cute on the topic and the carvings was very delicate for revealing the details. Date: Qing Dynasty (18th Century) Height: 5.1cm

From our Japanese Collection, an exquisite Meiji Period (1868-1912) satsuma vase of tapered ovoid form, depicting several scenes of figures including an Empress with her attendants, all very finely executed with lavish use of raised gilding, moriage enameling, and intricately detailed shoulder work. Like all of our satsuma offerings, this piece is of the highest quality. Signed Kinkozan, circa 1880-1890.

SIze and Condition: 6 inches tall, 4 1/2 inches wide at the shoulder, perfect conditi...

An Extra Large Rare Korean B/W Dragon Bottle-19th C.: Korea, Joseon dynasty, 19th century. The globular bottle set on recessed high ring foot with cylindrical neck and slightly everted mount rim, decorated in underglaze cobalt blue with a large dragon prancing four clawed dragon chasing flaming pearls amongst stylized clouds, applied thick white clear glaze, a ring foot with a dark earth. *** It’s in very fine condition with a blue tinged white thick clear glaze but has brown glaze fir...

From a large collection of Edo period Nabeshima and Hirado-ware, this intricately crafted vase features two serpentine dragons intertwined across the face of the round porcelain vessel. In addition to the carved dragons, the body displays a painted third dragon, much fiercer than the two in relief. Overall in very good condition, there appear to be fine repairs made to the horns of one dragon.

Hirado wares—alternately known as Mikawachi wares in some contexts—are known throughou...

From our Southeast Asia Collection, an extremely fine and very attractive dome-shaped, two-piece lacquerware box from the famed U Aung Myint workshop in Myinkaba Village, Pagan Burma (Myanmar), from which the British Museum has commissioned pieces for display in London. See Isaacs and Burton, Visions from the Golden Land, Burma and the Art of Lacquer page 222-223. We had the honor, privilege, and education of watching artisans in this famous lacquer workshop creating modern masterpieces in the y...

From our Indian Subcontinent Collection, an extremely fine and beautiful Mughal - style silk rug executed in the “tree of life pattern,” with various pairs of fauna and flora in the center medallion, and flanked by additional flora and geometric motifs in the border areas. Woven with a veritable kaleidoscope of rich but subtle shades of mint, peach, burgundy, brown, cream, taupe, and burnt orange colored silks, this is a very elegant and sophisticated piece that can be used either as a floo...