Original Japanese print by well known artist Mayumi Oda (1941-present), titled "Let Wisdom Arise Within Us" (Blue) , number 23/100, and signed in pencil along the bottom. Wonderful depiction of a goddess wielding a sword while riding on the back of a growling fu lion, surrounded by large bouquets of peonies, the flower petals blown around her by mystic winds.

Size: 19" W x 26" H

The name “Tobe-ware” first appeared in historical documents in the mid-18th century, though the tradition itself dates back well over 1,000 years. Within this style can be found an abundance of fine porcelain and celadon works as well as works painted with dark ferrous glazes—such as the piece featured here.

The creator of this fine work Sakai Yoshito (b. 1931) has been the main figure in maintaining the Tobe-ware tradition in modern times...

A very unusual jar covered in crinkled metallic green glaze with a wooden lid covered with cloth wrapped in a net of orange chord made to hold tea leaves by Sugimoto Sadamitsu enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The appearance is deceptively large. Spectacular kiln effects live up to this artists reputation. It is 8 inches (20 cm) diameter, 8-1/2 inches (21.5 cm) tall plus lid. And in excellent condition....

This remarkable hira tea bowl displays a subtle grace and refined elegance grounded in classic form, masterfully applied glazing, and a delightful rustic feel bestowed by the hand of time. Though the glazing is described as shiro-yu, or white glazing, it appears more of a creamy shade of beige...

One of my personal favorite shapes for a chawan, the wa-nari (sometimes pronounced rin-nari) appears firmly grounded and balanced at all times. With round curving surfaces so natural in the hand—they conjure images of ripe fruit waiting to be devoured.

This piece was produced by Koizumi kiln in Aichi Prefecture, most likely by the head potter Kato Shineda—though it only bears the seal of the kiln and not the potter...

Surely an extraordinary confluence of circumstances must have come into alignment in order to bring this remarkable composition into existence. Done in the Korai style—referring to the heavy influence from Korean forms and glazing—this exquisite Edo period Karatsu-ware tea bowl features a white stripe running horizontally along the outer surface of the bowl known as Hakeme...

Gorinto (5-tiered stupa) sculpted in one piece from a gray-hued igneous stone. Early- to mid-Edo Period ca. 1700. Very minor old loss. Variegated lichen accumulation.

Height: 41 cm
Width: 10 cm
Depth: 10 cm

The gorinto is a uniquely Japanese style of stupa comprising five geometric forms, which correspond (from bottom) to earth, water, fire, wind, and ethereal space...

Stone gorinto (lit. 5-tiered stupa) sculpted in four parts. Momoyama/Edo Period ca. 1600. Minor old loss. Variegated lichen accumulation.

Height: 44 cm
Width: 19 cm
Depth: 19 cm

The gorinto is a uniquely Japanese style of stupa comprising five geometric forms, which correspond (from bottom) to earth, water, fire, wind, and ethereal space...

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)
Takakura Moon
No. 36 from the series "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon"
Date: 1886.
Size: Oban. Approximately 14.75 x 10.25 inches.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon.
Carver: Enkatsu.
Condition: Slight creasing.
- Hasebe no Nobutsuru looks on as Prince Mochihito and his companion Munenobu flee from the Takakura mansion disguised in women's traveling costumes...

This is a very fine and rare Japanese cloisonne box. The piece could have been made by Kumeno because of the style and quality. This box has been masterfully repaired on the bottom underside to chips in the dark blue enamel. The repair look great with no silver wire work and none of the flowers affected. The box has also not been sprayed. It has gilded bronze rims and this has worn. The box measures 4 3/4 by 4 1/4 and is 2 1/4 inches tall.

A very interesting chawan (tea bowl) from the Korean Joseon period (Richo in Japanese; 1392-1897). This particular piece appears to date from the 15th/ 16th century and comes with what may be the original box and a quite old silk pouch. The light creamy crackled glaze is smooth in the hand and fine hairline fractures radiating along the walls of the bowl show remnants of gold repairs from previous centuries...

Kawase Hasui
Ishizue, Niigata
Size: Chuban. Approximately 10.25 x 7.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Date: 1934.
This edition 1930s.
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso.
Bears the oval Hasui seal.
Reference: Hotei #352.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Provenance: The Robert O. Muller estate.
Condition: Excellent. Uncirculated.

Fabulous Taisho Period bronze buddhist temple water bowl in the shape of a lotus. Great patina from years of use. Two handles and tripod feet. Excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote. 15" wide by 12" high.

A soft pallet of blurred pastels blend between gold risers on this elegant form by Yoshita Yukio enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Saishoku Kinsai Hanike and dating circa 2002. It is 11 inches (28 cm) tall and in excellent condition.
Yoshita Yukio is the fourth generation head of the Kinsan Kiln in Kutani, specializing in Kinsai and Yuri-Kinsai wares. Unlike standard Kutani wares, he uses a pallet of soft, earthy or pastels with accents in gold to create a new appeal...

Like the charred remains of an open book deep fingerprints still visible from the opening hands within, this is a fine example of the work of Avante Garde Akiyama Yo enclosed in the original wooden box dating from 2013. It is 6-1/2 x 5 inches (16/5 x 13 cm) and is in excellent condition.
Akiyama Yo was born in Yamaguchi, home of Hagi pottery) in 1953, but went to Kyoto to study at the Kyoto Municipal University of Arts in 1976...

Kawase Hasui
Evening Shower at Imai Bridge, 1932
This is a lifetime edition printed between 1946 and 1957.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10.5 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Bears the 6 mm seal.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent with a couple of scuffs at upper left corner. Uncirculated.
Provenance: The Robert O. Muller estate.

Here in Kyoto our gallery is located along the Kamo River in a district known as Shobu-en Machi, which roughly translates as “Iris Town.” As you can imagine, the scene depicted in this painting of irises and cranes is one that can be commonly witnessed in our neighborhood in the spring (May) when these flowers are in full bloom. Close inspection of the painting shows one crane amusing itself in the swirling eddies created by rocks on the river bed, while another lifts its head to admire the ...

This striking chawan is a fine example of “Oni Shino” (carbon trap and natural ash glazing) that Tsukigata is so well-known for. Coining the term in the mid-50’s after countless failed experiments—which ultimately culminated in the discovery of this unique style of pottery—“Oni” translates roughly to demon or ogre. Fired at extreme temperatures for days in an anagama, the iron in the clay and in the glaze fuse, drip, and coalesce—while at the same time blending with the molten as...