An elongated Kutsugata Chawan, the sloughing ash glaze interrupted by swaths of running iron, which turn to rivulets on the roughly textured outside, while forming a black pool in the center of the bowl. Surprisingly comfortable, it has a definite drinking point at one narrow end, the rich dark lagoon revealed as one tips up to take the last sip. It is 16 x 12 x 8 cm (6-1/4 x 5 x 2-1/4 inches) and is in excellent condition, directly from the artist...

A detailed leather sculpture of a scorpion by contemporary Japanese leather artist Ko Kono. ko Kono was born in Uwajima city, Aichi Province, Japan in 1956. He attended Kyoto Saga university of Arts and lives near Kyoto.
Each piece is a one of one with the artist never repeating the same insect twice.

Age: Contemporary 2021

Dimensions: 8" wide x 10" deep x 7" high

Japanese hand woven bamboo ikebana flower basket. The bamboo has been expertly woven with a organic natural feel. Warm patina that is original. Condition is very good.

Age: Meiji Period 1868 - 1912

Dimensions: 15" wide x 12" high

Japanese Contemporary Leather Sculpture of a driver ant. Hand sculpted and wrapped in top grain leather. Made by Japanese artist "Ko Kono" born in Uwajima city, Aichi Province, 1956. He attended Kyoto Saga university of arts and lives near Kyoto.
Each piece is a one of one with the artist never repeating the same insect twice.

Age: Contemporary 2022

Dimensions: 14" wide x 14" deep x 10" high

Height: 8.6 cm (3.5 in)
Width: 11.2 cm (4.5 in)

Quality Japanese Satsuma square sectioned bowl; the outer surface decorated with panels depicting individuals in rural settings, surrounded by intricate heavily-gilt diaper work below and above the rims; internally decorated with a base roundel of families outdoors; signed on the base; good condition.

TOOL OF DOLL’S HEAD CRAFTSMAN

Straw-made base sticking with such incomplete doll’s heads during the making process as the professional tool of Japanese ‘kashira-shi’ (craftsman specializes in making doll’s head). Showa period, 20th century. Base: H 15 x D 16.5 cm (5.90 x 6.49in), Largest doll’s head: L 19.5 cm (7.67in)...

A well made and complex burl keyaki wood box of drawers and compartments. Compartments and drawers well suited to hold inkstone, colors, paper, brushes, works and accessories. Nice, handmade hinges and drawer hardware. Painted decoration of Shishi among peonies - nicely done in a charming, mingei (folk art) manner and likely by a previous owner of this kodansu. Late Edo period. There is expected wear from use, movement and checking of wood, and minor losses to the polychrome lacquer decoration...

A carved wood Noh-men Mask of a female demonic figure named Hannya. Carved wood covered with Gofun, gold and mineral pigments, 20th century. It is 25 x 19.2 cm and in overall fine condition bearing the carvers seal in the back. The Hannya is a mask that represents a female onryō (vengeful spirit)...

A carved wood Noh-men Mask of a spirit named Deigan. Carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century. It is 21.2 x 13.3 cm and in overall fine condition bearing the carvers seal in the back. The Noh play Lady Aoi (Aoi no Ue) by Zeami is based on Chapter 9, “Leaves of Wild Ginger” (Aoi). Lady Aoi, Genji’s first wife, is possessed by a spirit during childbirth and becomes seriously ill...

A carved wood Noh-men Mask of a young female figure named Zou Onna. Carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century. It is 21.2 x 13.5 cm and in overall fine condition.
Noh theater, often referred to as Nohgaku, is a traditional Japanese performing art with a rich history dating back centuries. It is a highly stylized form of theater that combines elements of dance, music, poetry, and drama...

A carved wood Noh-men Mask of a warrior named Chujo. Carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century. It is 20.8 x 13.3 cm and in overall fine condition bearing the carvers seal in the back.
Noh theater, often referred to as Nohgaku, is a traditional Japanese performing art with a rich history dating back centuries. It is a highly stylized form of theater that combines elements of dance, music, poetry, and drama...

Something paleolithic, like the excavated bone of some long extinct creature, covered in crystalline clear glaze by Kato Tsubusa enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 40 x 7.5 x 7.5 cm (16 x 3 x 3 inches) and is in perfect condition, directly from the artist this summer.
Kato Tsubusa was born in Tajimi city, the home of Shino, in 1962, graduating the municipal Pottery Design and Technical Center in 1979...

A set of large Abalone Shell Shaped bowls covered in ash glaze with liquid pools of jade green by Murakoshi Takuma enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hai-yu Awabi Bachi. Perfect for winter food, Oden or even Niku-jaga. These are 16 x 13 x 6 cm and are in perfect condition.
Murakoshi Takuma is one of those enigmas who simply lives to work with clay...

An elegant sliver of ice green porcelain supported on three pinched feet perfect for serving some small hors d’ouerves by Kato Tsubusa enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shizuku. It is 14.5 x 17.5 x 5.5 cm (5-3/4 x 7 x 2 inches) and is in perfect condition, directly from the artist this summer.
Kato Tsubusa was born in Tajimi city, the home of Shino, in 1962, graduating the municipal Pottery Design and Technical Center in 1979...

Lavender tinges the fog-gray surface of this chilling torn form by Hagi legend Kaneta Masanao enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hagi Haku-yu Yohen Kurinuki Mizusashi. It appears to be torn and wrestled, or perhaps chiseled from the earth, the p@ale glaze running over the ragged surface, settling into the clefts and folds. It is 20.5 x 23 x 20.5 cm (8 x 9 x 8 cm) and is in excellent condition...

Large Japanese natural hand formed ceramic sculpture by the artist Yamaguchi Mio. Looks as if it has grown out from a coral reef underwater. This example is one of only three that I know the artist created of this scale One is currently on display at the Chicago institute of Arts, the second is in a private European collection.
Her inspiration lies in the steady growth of natural objects, pine cones, the growth of life over season, years, and eons.

Age: Contemporar...

Daisho Bushu school iron tsuba. Sukashi decoration of basket weave panels and parcel gilt prunus blossoms. Each signed Bushu Ju Masanaga. A nice pair of tsuba having started life together. Edo period. Good condition. Larger, 2 7/8 by 2 3/4 inches. Smaller, 2 3/4 by 2 5/8 inches.

Arai Yoshimune
Arashi-Yama, Kyoto
Dated: Jan 6, 1914.
Size: Approximately 5.5 x 3.5 inches (14 x 8.8 cm)
Not signed.
Publisher: Hasegawa Takejiro.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print in postcard form.
Condition: Excellent.
Note: The postcard mentions a one-year old Helen Donaggho, whose obituary at 90 years old can be found online.