Fine Chinese Neolithic Xiajiadian Culture Burnished Pottery Li Tripod

This superb and rare tall pottery vessel was made some 4,000 years ago by people of the Xiajiadian culture (c. 2300 - 1600 BC) from Inner Mongolia. The form of this vessel is characteristic of this Neolithic culture with its wide rim, partly hollow udder-shaped legs and carefully constructed body. The surface of the body above the legs, and the inner mouth, have a finely burnished surface, its smoothness making it a real p...

Simple yet classic styling—this tea bowl is perfect for anyone looking for the quintessential Ido-shaped chawan crafted by one of Japan’s premier Hagi potters.

Born in the famed pottery town of Karatsu in 1942, Zenzo Hatano spent a number of years learning the various styles particular to his region before taking up an apprenticeship under well-known Hagi potter Yoshiga Taibi. Winner of a number of awards including the Japan Crafts Exhibition Award in 1977, Hatano�...

We have a particular interest in beautiful old Raku tea bowls and spend quite a bit of time searching for exceptional examples to include in our gallery. Here we see a beautiful work that appears to be at least 100-200 years old which would place its era of production in late Edo or Meiji. We had our master kintusgi craftsman add a skillfully applied repair to the side giving it some added character; a truly one-of-a-kind treasure.

A tradition dating from the mid-16th ce...

Splashed across a beautifully textured backdrop of shimmering black, the willow leaves painted in silver bring with them a sense of calm and contemplation. Generously proportioned though not too heavy in the hand, the wide base ensures stability while the upward curvature of the sides breaks with convention and offers a unique and decidedly modern flair.

Born in Kyoto as the 4th son of a famous lacquer artist named Shogo, Banura Shiro (1941-2001) followed suit and went i...

Large Chinese Neolithic Machang Phase Painted Pottery Jar (c. 2300 - 2000 BC)

This large pottery jar was made over 4,000 years ago during the Machang Phase (c. 2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture, also known as the Gansu-Yangshao culture, from present day Gansu or Qinghai province. The decorative pattern, applied on top of the smooth burnished surface with a fired-on mineral-based pigment, features four roundels containing geometric patterns. On opposing sides just below its waist are tw...

Large Chinese Neolithic Machang Painted Pottery Jar (c. 2300 - 2000 BC)

This large pottery jar was made over 4,000 years ago during the Machang Phase (c. 2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture, also known as the Gansu-Yangshao culture, from present day Gansu or Qinghai province. It is quite "heavily-potted" and made from a pale yellowish-brown pottery, the colour of which varies in places due to uneven conditions in the Neolithic kiln. It is a well-made jar of fine form and good proportion...

Ancient Chinese Buddhist Pottery Amulet - Ming Dynasty

This is one of a group of moulded pottery tablets that we bought about twenty years ago. They are made from a relatively high-fired pottery and have a surprising amount of detail. They were made as amulets and votive offerings and were reported to have been excavated from the foundations of an ancient Buddhist temple, where originally many would have been placed to ensure the success of the temple. We find it quite difficult to date thes...

Small gilt bronze altar dedicated to Bodhisattva Padmapani, resting on four pillars, showing the Bodhisattva standing, backed by an aureola, holding a gourd in his left hand, his right hand in appeasing/blessing posture (abhaya mudra). Fine patina. China, Northern Wei Dynasty. Height: 8.3 cm. Very good condition.

The size of Koro : 8 1/2 "High with cover x 3 1/2" Dia. Globular, Stand Size: 5 1/8" Dia
21 cm H x 9 cm Dia x 13 cm Stand Dia
This is Very Fine Japanese Hirado Koro one tier of reticulated w/two handles
supported by Kiku flower petals(chrysanthemum flower). It came with two Bells
on the ear of Koro. It make sound of Kara-Kara(Japanese sound expression).
This wonderfully made Hirado Koro is by 15th Nakazato Moemon. World renown
Hirado artist. Koro came with Original...

Additional photos of Hirado Koro by 15th Nakazato Moemon w/Tomobako

Antique pair of small Inari Shinto shrine foxes carved of wood. Originally painted, these foxes have acquired a deep, dark over many years. Also called Zenko, these good spirit Kitsune (foxes) are specifically associated with the Goddess, Inari.
Believed to be both messengers and guardians, Kitsune serve Inari in her role as the Goddess of agriculture, specifically rice. Part of the folklore surrounding the fox is it's ability to shape shift into a human form. It is believed that Inari ...

Saito Hodo (aka Nishimura Hodo)
Street in Front of Restaurant
Date: 1920s-30s.
Size: Oban. 19.75 x 13 inches.
Publisher: Takemura Hideo.
Signed "H. Saito" by the artist.
Medium: Japanese watercolor.
Condition: Excellent.
Note: Paintings and woodblock prints variously signed "H. Saito" (Saito Hodo) and "Nishimura Hodo" were published by Takemura Hideo. They are very likely by the same artist. Works with these signatures had similar style and at times depict...

Saito Hodo (aka Nishimura Hodo)
Street After Rain (雨後の街)
Date: 1920s-30s.
Size: Oban. 19.75 x 13 inches.
Publisher: Takemura Hideo.
Signed "H. Saito" by the artist.
Medium: Japanese watercolor.
Condition: Excellent.
Note: Paintings and woodblock prints variously signed as "H. Saito" (Saito Hodo) and "Nishimura Hodo" were published by Takemura Hideo. They are very likely by the same artist. Works with these signatures had similar style and at times ...

Rare Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Swatow Porcelain Incised Celadon Dish - Flying Horses

This large and rare porcelain dish, of the type known as "Swatow" ware, was made during the Wanli reign (1573 - 1620) of the Ming Dynasty at the Zhangzhou kilns in Fujian province where many such wares were made for export around South-east Asia. More specifically, this dish was very likely produced at one of the kilns in Pinghe County, possibly at Wuzhai village where very similar incised celadon dishes ar...

Rare Chinese Song / Yuan Dynasty Glazed Stoneware Censer

This stoneware censer was made during the Song Dynasty (AD 960 - 1279) or possibly the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368). It is quite "heavily-potted" with both inner and outer surfaces coated in a crackled transparent olive-green glaze reminiscent of yue ware, apart from the sturdy foot that remains unglazed. To the inside centre there is kiln grit embedded within the glaze. On opposing sides at the shoulder are two small loop handles. <...

Fine Chinese Song Dynasty Glazed Stoneware Jar (Dragon Chasing Pearl)

This interesting stoneware jar was made during the Song Dynasty (AD 960 -1279). It is quite "heavily-potted" with deep ridges to the body and the applied decoration around the shoulder featuring a dragon chasing a pearl. The story of the dragon's pearl is one of the oldest tales in Chinese folklore. In addition to the dragon and pearl are five small appliqués. It is coated in a yellowish-brown glaze. The colour of the gla...

New Reference Book: Classical Chinese Furniture – Marcus Flacks

Unlike other Asian cultures of the 17th and 18th centuries, the Chinese did not sit on the floor. The simple fact that the Manchu invaders imported highly flexible furniture from their yurts influenced the development of Chinese design and decorative arts. Within a few years of the Manchu invasion, Chinese craftsmen combined their highly refined design aesthetic with extraordinary exotic woods, veneers, and lacquer to create s...

Chinese Song Dynasty Qingbai Porcelain Twin Fish Dish (Ex. Lammers Collection)

This dish, or shallow bowl, was made during the Southern Song Dynasty (AD 1127 – 1279). It has a moulded decoration featuring, in its centre, two fish swimming amongst waves. The two fish are an emblem of harmony and a happy marriage. The bowl is coated in a pale greenish Qingbai type of glaze. The rim remains unglazed, allowing the bowl to be placed in a firing ring in the kiln as part of a stack of similar bow...