Conceived by 20th century master ceramicist Kawai Kanjiro—here an abstract depiction of flowers is used to adorn an exquisite “henko” shaped vase. The glaze used is known as “tetsu-yu” for its use of iron compounds to achieve this distinctive look. Though many pieces by Kanjiro remain today, this exact combination of style, shape, and glazing is uncommon, making this a must-have work for serious collectors. Interestingly, though it may likely not have been intentional, the abstract sym...

Before styles such as Raku, Hagi, Karatsu, etc came into fashion for use in the tearoom in early Edo, it was commonplace in cultured society to use tea-ware imported from China. In fact, some pottery styles uniquely Japanese (such as Shino) are thought to have been born out of unsuccessful attempts to emulate these extremely high-quality and refined ceramics. The number of such pieces imported was so great that today it is not uncommon for Chinese collectors to visit Japan in search of authentic...

Japanese Buddhist reliquary made of gilt bronze and crystal in a miniature lotus lantern or stupa form. The sarira, or human pearls, are delicately displayed in the central portion of the reliquary through a crystal cylinder. Two types of sarira are divided between two levels, with three smaller yellowish churira on top (originating from the liver) and two larger, whitish sharira (originating from the head) on the lower shelf. These human pearls are the crystalline traces left behind in t...

Chinese Ming dynasty blue and white swatow zhangzhou. 21,8 cm diameter. 14,3 cm high. Good conditions. only found firing fault at the rim.

Antique Japanese full length tanegashima rifle with working original matchlock mechanism. Made of burl keyaki hardwood with original lacquer finish. The hand forged iron barrel is inlaid with a 3/4 length silver dragon swirling through clouds. Original decorative brass fittings with auspicious animals such as fu-dogs, birds and flowers. Unusual silver inlaid stripes on the mouth of the barrel.

Comes with custom iron stand to aid in display. (In the group picture, this tanagashima is...

From a well-known series entitled “Chōtō” (Listening to the Waves) this large contoured vase features a sandy glaze that the sculptor claims is an expression of the features of the landscape where he grew up.

Born in the port city of Shimoda, Sakiyama studied art in Osaka and then later went on to open his own kiln that he named “Hidaka” (High Sun). Appearing to have a natural gift for form and proportion, his pieces soon attracted the attention of galleries and collectors...

Antique Japanese unusual funa tansu (funa-dansu, ship merchant's safe box). Rare side-by-side configuration with a safe on the right and a compartment with sliding panels on the left. The right side safe box opens with a hinged door heavily decorated with iron work. A ivy leaf in circle mon (Itowa-ni tsuta) in the center with a ring for opening and a fan motif on the lock itself. The interior has 3 drawers in a vertical row, all with square handles and the bottom drawer with a lock. To th...

Bust of Buddha out of cast bronze. The head is full and the rest of the bust is very thick, almost 1 cm in some places, so the object is very heavy. The casting and the finish are beautiful. The mouth is inlaid with a reddish yellow metal that has not oxidized over time, probably gold, I could check and test the metal on request. The eyes were probably also inlaid because there are 2 deep incised line that are now filled with traces of white color. The ears are inlaid with a yellow metal that ha...

Very rare antique Japanese cross and Buddha made of cast iron. Extremely unusual as most pieces at this time where in bronze. This is a secret object of the Kakure Kirishitan, "Hidden Christians", devoted Japanese members of the Catholic Church who went into hiding during the beginning of the Edo Period. Brought to Japan mostly by the Portuguese, the practice of Christianity was forbidden when Japan closed itself off to the world in the early 17th century. However, some still practiced in ...

Antique Chinese solid Huanghuali (hardwood) scroll table, see with its conserved original warm tone finish. Beautiful dramatic sweeping grain with single huanghuali slab top. Joints look to be all original and in great shape. The hand carving is well done with small details showing.

Age: 19th Century (C. 1840's)

Dimensions: 68 1/2" long x 18 1/2" deep x 31" high

A large and imposing bronze image of the Songzi Niangniang (‘The Lady who Brings Children’), a primary Daoist deity. Fine expression and details. Covered with a dark brown patina all-over. Ming dynasty, most probably Wanli period (1573–1619), a time when it is known that large number of Daoist images were made. ****H 38 cm. ****Condition: Generally very fine. Minor remains of cold gilt and colouring. One tip of a finger broken off.

An antique pair of medium sized bronze Japanese temple lanterns each comprised of three sections with hinged door for access to the interior. Original beautiful patina consistant with age. Sturdy and overall great condition. Would do well inside or outside and could command a presence in any garden setting.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: Each 36 3/4" High by 14" Diameter

An antique Japanese temple carving of a flying dragon protecting a sacred Hoju while flying through the tumultuous clouds. Hand carved from one solid piece of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. Beautiful three dimensional high relief detail.

Age: Edo Period, circa pre 1850s)

Dimensions: 53 1/4" Wide by 26 1/4" High by 5 1/2" Deep

Golden cranes soar among clouds etched into the surface of this solid silver Japanese hanging incense burner (Tsuri Koro) dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. Inside is an ash-cup suspended in a triple-hinged gimble which keeps the ash pot upright no matter the angle of the ball itself. On the side is impressed the official Kokuin which reads Jungin (pure silver). The cranes have a soft golden sheen and are likely gilded or damascened with gold. It hangs from three silk chords ti...

An antique Japanese Tohoku Todana Mizuya Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original wiped Urushi lacquer finish. With two sets of vertical ribbed sliding doors, the upper section has triple level storage and the bottom section has a split level storage separated by shelves.

The Todana Mizuya was used in northern Japan as either a kitchen chest or a linen cabinet making it a versatile and functional cabinet for the Japanese home.

Age: Edo period (18...

A beautiful antique Japanese Sendai Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original Urushi lacquer finish and hand forged iron hardware including the Mokko handles. The lock plates feature a center design of the original owner's family crest with scrolling Peony buds that represents wealth and prosperity. The security door hides three smaller drawers that was used to keep valuables and important documents. Beautiful natural wood grain throughout. Constructed using ...

Antique Chinese brush rest made of black glazed porcelain in the form of a lingbi scholar rock. Sculpted and drilled with holes and windows like a miniature version of the prized lingbi stone. This brush rest has five peaks, creating four areas in which to lay one's brush when it's not in use. Fitted with a carved hardwood base. The flat underside is carved with a six character Qianlong mark.

Dimensions: 4 1/2" high x 7 5/8" long x 1 7/8" deep

Currently awaiting an uncertain succession to the 14th generation, this preeminent line of craftsmen has been a cornerstone of Hagi pottery for over 400 years. Here we see an historically important work by the second generation potter dated to the Japanese Era “Kanbun” (1661-1671)—placing it as a very mature work, completed near or at the very end of the life of this craftsman.

In fine antique condition, this piece is 12.1cm at its widest point and stands 8.2cm ta...