This rare and interesting ceramic work was done by one of the most renowned and loved waka poets of the 19th century, Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875). In fact, if you look closely at the attached images, you will see her finger imprints clearly preserved in the molded clay.

Born into a Samurai family but soon after adopted by the Ōtagaki family, from the age of seven to sixteen Rengetsu was a lady in waiting at Kameoka castle where she was trained in the arts and courtly graces...

Massive Japanese Meiji period Kyoto Satsuma earthenware deep scalloped rim bowl with 17 lobes densely painted on the interior and exterior with a profusion of gilt and enamel flowers. Four-character Kinkozan tsukuru mark with Shimazu crest to the base. Very heavily potted (weighs over 8 lbs.). Dates circa 1890 - 1910. 11 7/8” diameter by 7” high. Nicely carved wood stand included. Very good overall condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs...

This extraordinary piece depicting what appears to be a learned scholar (possibly of foreign origin?) being escorted by a young vassal, is done in fine white porcelain from the Hirado region of Japan. Hirado wares—alternately known as Mikawachi wares in some contexts—are known throughout Japan and also abroad for their high quality and fine craftsmanship and date back at least as far as the mid-18th century when they were produced exclusively for powerful lords and their families...

A wonderful translucent blue celadon vase decorated with a low-relief vine and grape motif. This piece was made by one of the few great female Japanese potters of the 20th century—Suwa Sozan II, daughter of Meiji Imperial Court Artist Sozan I.

Suwa Sozan I (1852—1922) was born in an area of what is known today as Ishikawa prefecture. After a short stint in the military he took up pottery design and painting under Touda Tokuji in 1873...

Truly beautiful Japanese antique small earthenware jar from the Shigaraki kiln. Made from the red clay of Lake Biwa, this jar is covered with a thick mineral glaze which has dripped and pooled. It has a lip which has been dimpled for pouring and a wonderful indented area that has been blackened in the firing process. The ash glaze on the lip and on the inside is a lovely green color...

Japanese ceramic square dish by famed artist Otagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875) with lovely grass calligraphy, tan milky translucent crackle glaze, curled edges, four oval feet, bottom incised with floral pattern and signature. Four rounded feet raise bottom surface...

Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) Satsuma earthenware compressed bombe form tripod koro (incense burner) or vessel with wide, inward curling cobalt mouth, decorated with two opposing figural panels, one featuring samurai and the second with women and children of the nobility engaged in leisure activities. The panels are set against a cobalt blue background with dense gilt geometric and floral motifs. 6 1/2” diameter, 4 1/4” high. Late 19th to early 20th century...

A healthy round-faced, plump figured, seated boy wearing a typical high hat of boy doll figures of the period. He is also wearing a checker-patterned loincloth. His hands are positioned under his chin, where he is holding his hat ties together. The stoneware was formed with a mold (you can see the faint molding line on both sides and underneath--it is not a crack.) The surface has a natural patina from age. Age: Late 19th Century. Size: H. 10.5cm. W. Base. 7.5cm...

A French porcelain octagonal vase and cover after a Kakiemon original by Samson of Paris, 19th century. This is very close to the original as can be seen when compared to a pair of vases on ormolu stands in the Tokyo National Museum.

Approximately 21.5cm high. The top of the neck has been damaged and pieces glued into place. The stopper is also glued into the neck...

Manufactured specifically for export to Europe sometime during the first half of the 18th century. The cutout, rather small in this case, is to allow the bowl to fit comfortably under the chin when the barber is wielding the razor. Barbers at that time also provided a service to the medical profession by bleeding patients and these bowls are sometimes called 'Bleeding Bowls'. The two holes in the rim, pierced before firing in the kiln, are for suspension cords so tht the bowl could be displayed ...

Japanese Hirado Porcelain Okimono-Daikoku, god figure, Ca. Meiji period, 3 3/4" high, 2 3/4" wide, 2 3/4" deep, with underglaze blue design in some area. The condition is good, no damages, kiln firing mark on the side of barrel.

An oblong Oribe dish with striated designs by Kato Shigetaka enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 10 x 11 inches (26 x 27.5 cm) diameter and in fine condition.
Shigetaka was born the second son of Kato Tokuro in 1927. He graduated the Seto Industrial School of Ceramics and studied under his father. From 1959-1971 submitted annually to the Nitten where he received the Hokusho prize as well as the Modern Ceramics Prize among others. He also received the Japanese Ceramics Societ...

Antique Japanese porcelain maneki-neko, or "beckoning cat", a popular image for welcoming good fortune into the home. They often come in colors such as white, black, or gold. This porcelain statue happens to be in what is considered the luckiest color of calico. Beautifully hand painted with gilt accenting.

Meiji period c1900. Dimensions: 12" H x 5" W

Japanese antique ceramic chawan (tea bowl) by the famous artist and poetess, Otagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875) with a cream crackle glaze and bare foot. Includes its own tomobako. On the sides of the bowl she has inscribed a poem in hiragana titled "Hermitage in the pines"

のちりを　よそにはらいて　行く末の 千代をしめたる　宿の松風
The world's dust swept aside no concern about the future; in my hermitage I have all I need: the sound of the wind in...

Antique Japanese noh theatre mask of the character Ko-Omote, a youthful girl. Very unusual that this mask is made of ceramic instead of carved from wood. Beautifully painted with red lips and blackened teeth, joyful eyes and dark hair with four loose strands, very important defining characteristics to tell each mask apart. The backside is signed in-between her eyes and has been affixed with parts for displaying the mask. Edo Period (circa 1800's) Size: 8" H x 5" W x 2.5" D

Antique Japanese Hirado ware porcelain puppy dog wearing a ribbon around its neck. Carefully hand sculpted in a realistic manner. It has an amusing expression on its face full of detailed character. Early Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Size: 4" H x 5" L x 3.5" W

Large original Antique Japanese large low-fire ceramic mask of the Lucky God, Daikoku. His laughing face is round and painted with charming detail to his beards and eye brows. He is wearing his traditional hat that has been hand painted with great detail. One of the Lucky Gods, Diakoku is the God of Good Fortune as well as a god of the kitchen. It is possible that this mask may have hung on the wall in a temple's kitchen. Early Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Size: 16 1/4" high x 19" wide...

Large Antique Japanese oribe ware tebachi, or ceramic container with handles. The inside and outside edges are hand painted with scrolling leaves and flowers. Round ribbed body tapers at the foot, thick dripping blue and purple glaze around handles. 19th Century Size: 10.5" H x 16" W