Wooden nyoi (ruyi in Chinese) scepter, an implement used by Buddhist priests during a ceremony or during formal preaching. Carved naturalistically in the shape of a lotus bud on a long stem with a lotus leaf wrapped around the stem. Rose wood or sandal wood. Made in two pieces.
Japan, 19th century.

Length 13-1/8 inches

Tiny chip at leaf edge. Fine condition.

Pale jade spots dot the incised surface of this unusual vase by Nagae Shigekazu enclosed in the original signed wooden box retaining the Shiori and Shifuku. The vase, if not for its distant, moon-like quality, has a very pop-art-presence, blending both the austerity of Japanese traditional aesthetics with contemporary art. Fun and moving; a haunting pleasure. It is 14 inches (35.5 cm) tall, 5 inches (13 cm) square at the base, 7 inches (19 cm) wide at the rim and in excellent condition...

This past summer I had occasion to visit Richard Milgrim in his Mountain Studio and asked him to pair some sake cups and Tokkuri for us. It is a rare opportunity to have an artist personally select pieces which he feels work together. This set is making use of his signature Concord glaze (Konko-yu) from America, with clay from Japan, while the cup is also using a variant of that glaze Black Concord (Konko-guro). The Tokkuri is 9 cm (3-1/2 inches) diameter, 12 cm (5 inches) tall...

Beautifully plaited bamboo basket by Iizuka Sounsai of the famed Iizuka Family of reknown basket makers in the Taisho and Showa eras. Signed on the reverse with an incised signature by the artist: Kyokusho Saku or Made by Kyokusho (Iizuka Kyokusho, the go or art name of Iizuka Sounsai, active early 20th century). Late Taisho – early Showa era, circa 1920 – 1940. Iizuka Kyokusho was a brother of Iizuka Rokansai and Iizuka Hosai. He worked in Tokyo, and liked to work with slat bamboo...

Yuzo Kondo is one of the more recognized names in the world of modern Japanese pottery of the 20th century. Though known mainly for his sometsuke creations (blue and white porcelain), he did not settle on this style until well into his potting career that lasted nearly seven decades. The pieces shown here then would be from an earlier period and are evidence of his competency with varied styles and glazes—not just the ones he is most well-known for...

This is an antique Japanese 3 section Isho Kimono Tansu made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Each section interlocks by way of a dual carrying handle/locking bar connection. Constructed using Japanese straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. The top section features a shelf for additional storage while the center section has three Kimono trays behind the front doors with two large drawers for additional storage in the bottom section...

An antique Japanese rare Tanuki (badger dog) that originates from the famous kiln region of Shigaraki, Japan. It was made in an Oribe glaze and it is shown holding a sake bottle in its right hand and a burl wood walking staff in its left hand. It is artist signed on the back.

The Tanuki is a shape shifter turning into various objects or people causing it to get into mischief and often comical adventures...

Red and Blue Rivulets drip down over green melding into the ashen gray textured glaze on this Tea Jar by Sakuchi Ensen enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 25.5 cm (10 inches) diameter, 28.5 cm (11-1/4 inches) tall and in excellent condition. The box top is lightly stained.
Sakuchi Ensen (B. 1922) began on the path of the potter in 1946, searching to create something unusual in the hills of Okayama...

Ohara Koson (Shoson)
Magpie and Magnolia
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.25 inches.
Date: 1931. This edition 1946-1957.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Watanabe 6 mm seal at lower left.
Shoson signature and seal lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Reference: S5.1 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Condition: Excellent. Point-sized mark at bottom edge...

A vintage Japanese 2 section Tansu chest made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware with straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nail construction. 3 drawer top section and 2 drawer bottom section. Both sections can be separated for use and display in different rooms of a home...

A fine deep grey Saji river stone in the form of a miniature mountain landscape with high peaks and deep ravins; looking from the front and back sides there is a long passage in between the peaks, completely natural! The stone has a perfectly fitted rosewood base, daiza. Suiseki are highly appreciated for their aesthetic or decorative value in Japan but also by collectors in the western world...

A mid century Japanese single section Kimono chest called Isho Tansu made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand made bronze hardware. With 2 sliding doors that cover a large storage area, 3 small side by side drawers and 2 large drawers below. Side handles allow for moving this tansu from place to place. Constructed using hardened wooden nails and Japanese joinery.Age: Showa Era (1960's)

Dimensions: 33 7/8" Wide by 37" High by 16 7/8" Deep

Antique small Hirado ware figure of a tiger...

Tatsuzo Shimaoka (1919-2007) Square Bottle Vase with iconic Aka-e Designs

With tall rectangular sides, decorated with impressed rope patterns inlaid in slip and with Aka-e designs.
It is rare to see Shimaoka bottle with such design which he mainly applied for tea ware.

Tatsuzo Shimaoka was a Japanese mingei potter who studied under Shōji Hamada and later became the second Living National Treasure of Mashiko, Japan.
He was best known for his unique Jōmon zogan ...

Ryohei Tanaka
Soaring Birds (Titled in Japanese at lower left)
Medium: Japanese Etching
Date: 1982.
Edition: 78/100.
Signed "T. Ryohei" and dated in pencil.
Paper size: 23.75 x 14.375 inches.
Condition: Outer margin has slight toning.

Ohara Koson
Willow Tit Sitting on a Vine
Date: 1910s-23.
Size: 14.125 x 7.5 inches.
Publisher: Daikokuya.
Koson signature and seal.
Reference: K29.1. in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Back lower left corner is toned.

Kasamatsu Shiro (1898 - 1991)
Spring Night, Ginza
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.625 inches.
Date: 1934.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. 1946-57 edition.
Watanabe black 6mm seal at lower left corner.
"Printed in Japan" and "Original Works of Art" stamped on back.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Pencil note "Shiro" and tape residue at top margin.

Height: 17 cm (6.9 in)
Width: 10.5 cm (4.2 in)

Fine Japanese Satsuma vase by Hododa; depicting the Seven Lucky Gods known in Japanese folklore; mounted in silver, gilded on the base; signed Hododa; very good condition