A jaw-dropping igneous chawan tea bowl by Inayoshi Osamu like a shimmering mineral deposit found deep inside some calcitic limestone cavern. When I asked him about the effects on the surface, he said that he could not wholly explain them, they were some mystery of the kiln, caused during the firing. The bowl is 13.8 x 13 x 9.5 cm (5-1/2 x 5 x 4 inches) and in excellent condition...

A beautiful example of Shigaraki pottery—the result of techniques perfected over centuries by dedicated artisans residing in the provinces east of Kyoto. This piece, made by master potter Sugimoto Sadamitsu, achieves a kind of asymmetrical balance of both form and color, displaying classic Shigaraki markings of emerald green, red ochre, and pale ash.

Sugimoto (b. 1935) is one of the most important Shigaraki potters alive today and continues to create master works into his old age...

Kawase Hasui
Moon at Matsushima
Date: 1930s.
Image Size: 6.125 x 4.125 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Reference: Hotei Hp-37.
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso.
Hasui seal at lower right.
Condition: Excellent.

Futonji or shikimono (carpet) made of many pieces of hand-spun cotton cloth except for the lining. Most of pieces are vegetable indigo dyed and some with chawata (natural brown cotton)It has some holes and mending patches. Late 19th to early 20th century. 120cm x 130cm

Kawase Hasui
Mt. Fuji from Tago
Date: 1930s.
Image Size: 6.125 x 4.5 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Reference: Hotei Hp-12.
Hasui seal at lower right.
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso.
Condition: Excellent condition.

Massive 18” high Japanese Meiji period “cong” form Satsuma earthenware vase finely decorated on the four rectangular sides in polychrome enamel and gilt highlights with vertical scenes of figures in landscapes featuring the four seasons. The base holds a square four-character “respectfully made by Ryuzan” mark. Circa 1900. 18” high, 7 1/2" square; weight: 17 lbs. Very good overall condition with some typical wear to the overglaze pigments and gilt, particularly at the rim...

A stone formed bowl covered entirely in platinum by Inayoshi Osamu enclosed in the original signed wooden box accompanied by the shiori and Shifuku. The bowl is carved and torn from a block of clay, then textured with natural stones specially selected for their surface patterns, splashed with glaze and then covered in platinum, creating dry. Matte regions punctuated by glistening liqid spatters...

Antique pair of Japanese menuki. These small but detailed elements of a traditional samurai sword were originally made to hide the pins (mekugi) that hold the back end of the blade (tang) to the hilt (tsuka). Made in pairs, they were positioned on either side of the handle. These menuki are especially fine and depict two men, likely sages by their long hair. Probably they are the friends, Kanzan (the Zen poet) and Jittoku (a servant at a monastery)...

4 Japanese Oribe Ceramic Tea Dishes, Plates, 6 1/2" diameter, 1 1/4" high, maples leaves and other plants over the running stream. The condition is good.

Japanese Oribe Ceramic Pottery Deep Dish for Tea Ceremony Serving dish with Wave pattern, 6 1/2" square, 1 3/4" high, incised marking with Japanese Kanji on the bottom. The condition is good.

Antique Japanese ikebana basket for flower arranging. Made of light color split bamboo woven into a rounded form. Contrasting dark and twisting wisteria vines make up the handle and pierce the undulating form of the basket.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 15" high x 12" wide x 11" deep

Antique Japanese wedding kimono Tansu made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand made heavy gauge iron fittings and thick wood construction for strength and durability including straight dovetail Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails. Specially commissioned chest for use as part of a bride's dowry to store her formal wedding kimono, her formal after wedding kimono and her informal wedding celebration kimono...

Antique Japanese round hibachi made of kiri (paulownia) wood and lacquered with highly raised maki-e design of irises and hydrangeas. Exuberant blossoms in gold and black lacquer with shell inlay. With a copper insert. This hibachi was originally used as a household brazier.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 9" high x 15" wide

Pair of early Edo period carved Baku mythological elephants. These would have been built into the design of a temple, displayed high up by the beam construction. Hand carved with great care from a single piece of Keyaki hardwood (zelkova wood).

Baku are Japanese supernatural beings that dispel evil spirits and devour nightmares when the mouth is open and retain good spirits when the mouth is closed...

Stunning original 92 drawer Japanese Kusuri Tansu (apothecary chest). Originally used to store herbs and spices for healing the body. Made of 100% hinoki wood (Japanese Cypress wood). Has a warm natural finish. Hand forged pulls located on each drawer.

Edo Period C. early 19th Century

36 1/2" high X 38" wide X 9" deep

An antique Japanese Kansai Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Beautiful original Urushi lacquer finish and hand made iron fittings including the Warabite handles. Sliding doors hide a spacious area that was used to store business books and records while the 11 drawers held all things suitable for a merchant e.g. writing brushes, inkstone, receipts, valuables and money.

Each side has handles for carrying about the chest...

Ohara Shoson (Koson)
Two sparrows next to a snow-covered nandin bush
Size: Approximately 5.5 x 3.5 inches.
Date: 1930s.
Shoson seal lower left.
Reference: AS.21 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Stunning Antique Japanese moon handle basket for ikebana flower arranging. Made of split bamboo that has been twisted into rope and woven tightly together along with criss-crossing whole bamboo stalks. The deep reddish color of the split bamboo contrasts dramatically with the light color bamboo stalks. The wildness of the weaving highlights the tidiness of the overall form of the basket...