Deceptively simple and notoriously difficult to apply with the calligrapher’s brush in one fluid, arching stroke; the symbol of the ensō has long been associated with strength, elegance, and the simultaneous being and non-being of the universe. A closed ensō (such as the one featured here) is more closely associated with the idea of transcendent perfection, while an open ensō represents movement, fluidity, and attainment in the corporeal world...

Rectangular box for paper (Ryōshibako) decorated with birds and pine trees.

The lid presents a design mixing several techniques of lacquer work. This is visible with the three cranes represented in the middle of pine branches in gilded maki–e (a precious metallic varying density powdered sprayed onto a base or background of fresh lacquer) on a black background.

The crane in the center is in brown lacquer with metallic pigments...

Wonderful Early to Mid Edo (17-18cc) Kuro Oribe Kutsugata Chawan (distorted tea bowl) for Tea Ceremony.

Clay covered with black dull glaze, of irregular form with unglazed foot ring and surrounding area. The old label on the box has the name Rinzo (林蔵) who was probably a potter or a tea master.

From Japanese private collection

Oribe ware known since 16th century and it is coming from Mino of Gifu prefecture of Japan.
It has distinctive green or black colo...

19-20cc Karatsu Guinomi (sake cup) With Gold Decoration Antique Sake Ware
Skillfully decorated with gold however it is not a repair but a decoration of unglazed areas.

Karatsu ware is one of most desired pottery type in Japan based in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture since 15th century.

Size
Width 7cm
Height 4.6cm

Condition
No cracks, no chips

Living National Treasure Fujiwara Yu (1932-2001) Bizen Goma-Hidasuki Chawan (Studio Pottery Bizen ware).
The mark of the potter is carved on the bottom.

Very interesting chawan which combines two Bizen techniques: Goma (outer side) and Hidasuki (inner).
Goma resembles sesame seeds because the of the attached pine ash...

Eiraku Zengoro XVI Sokuzen (1917-1998) Ninsei style Chawan for Tea Ceremony
The mark of the potter is stamped near the foot ring.

Rare excellent chawan that expresses the red sun behind the golden clouds skillfully using brush technique where the unseen areas are magnificent views of the mountains with a mild white glaze on fine white clay.

Eiraku Zengoro XVI Sokuzen was the head of one of the most influential pottery family in Japan for nearly 60 years and received nu...

Height: 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Length: 5.6 cm (2.3 in)
Depth: 3.9 cm (1.6 in)
Weight: 195 gms

Quality miniature bronze okimono of a rat; fine casting and patina throughout

A unusual example of an antique Japanese three section Tansu chest called Ishodansu made of Toneriko (Japanese Ash) and Katsura woods. Original bronze hardware including the Warabite handles and the kissing duck handle backplates. This one-of-a-kind Tansu highlights Yosegi (Marquetry) incorporated into the beautiful Japanese Ash burl. Upper section has two horizontal rolling siding doors hiding a split level display shelf with three side by side drawers below...

An antique Japanese Tansu chest called Oki Getabako (Large shoe chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Large two sliding doors hides 2 full width shelves. Originally used in a large Ryokan (country inn) in the Kansai region of Japan to store wooden clogs and shoes for guests staying there. Traditionally kept at the entrance of the inn, guests would remove their footwear and change into slippers that were provided...

Rare pair of Taisho Period, C.1920 clay Shinto Inari foxes. One has a scroll in its mouth, the other the Hoju sacred gem. Very good condition. 13" high by 7" wide. Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.

A bag made of asa (hemp) and dyed with kakishibu (persimmon tannin). Warp and weft are hand-plied. It has and cotton lining. Late 19th to early 20th century. 27cm x 60cm

A bag made of hand-spun cotton with shibori (tie-dye) and katazome (stencil-resist-dye) pattern which is vegetable indigo dye. It has cotton lining with kasuri pattern which is also hand-spun and vegetable indigo dye and thinly padded with cotton. Generally in good condition except for a few stains. The first half of the 20th century. 30cm x 41cm

Living National Treasure Yoshimichi Fujimoto (1919-1992) Aka-e Tokkuri (sake bottle) with iconic floral design.

Light in weight, this work is a masterpiece in transition from pottery to porcelain. On a plump chamfered shape and a milky white background, the iconic flower patterns drawn with a relaxed brush stroke showing vivid colors.

After graduating from Tokyo Fine Arts School, Yoshimichi Fujimoto studied under Hajime Kato, and then learned Kutani ware porcelain while se...

Kato Juemon (1894-1974) Aka Oribe Chawan with box signed by Sen Soshitsu XV Grand Master (Iemoto) of Urasenke Tea School (b.1923)

Fine Red Oribe Chawan for tea ceremony made by Kato Juemon (1894-1974).
Of irregular Kutsugata shape with unglazed foot ring.
The mark of the potter is stamped on the bottom.
Juemon Kato (1894 (Meiji 27 year) - 1974 (Showa 49year)) is a renowned Japanese ceramist...

An antique Japanese Cha Tansu (tea chest) made entirely of Rosewood (Shitan). Beautiful configuration of sliding doors, shelves and drawers. Each display shelf has an arabesque border and the center and top shelf have a horizontal scrolling design. The top, back and sides all have floating panels and the chest has an open air design with areas for storage.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1900-1920)

Dimensions: 42" Wide by 42 1/2" High by 13" Deep

An antique pair of Japanese Fusuma doors made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Natural Urushi lacquer frame and hand painted design of Bamboo trees on one side and Pine trees with Bamboo on the opposite side. Bamboo symbolized tenacity and perseverance while the Pine tree represented a long life making these doors auspicious and full of good luck.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: Each 35 1/2" Wide by 71 1/2" High.

Overlapping crescents in pale colors decorate the textured white clay of this tall vase by Kamoda Taro enclosed in the original signed wooden box dated 1989 and titled Kaku (With Corners). It is 12 x 15.5 x 32 cm (5 x 6 x 12-1/2 inches) and in excellent condition, hand signed on the base in a colorful cartouche.
Kamoda Taro was born in Mashiko the eldest son of legendary ceramic artist Kamoda Shoji...

Hiroshi Yoshida
Hirosaki Castle
Series: Eight Scenes of Cherry Blossoms
Date: 1935.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.75 x 10.5 inches.
Signed and sealed in the image. Titled and signed in pencil.
Jizuri seal at upper left margin indicating a first edition self-printed by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Reference: Abe catalog #192.
Condition: Pencil note at top margin. Paper lightly toned.