~ Japanese fine art from the ancient city of Kyoto ~

A “Koyo” Tenmoku Tea Bowl with Silk Pouch by Touetsu Kiln

Before styles such as Raku, Hagi, Karatsu, etc came into fashion for use in the tearoom in early Edo, it was commonplace in cultured society to use tea-ware imp

An Iga-yaki Vase by Nagatani Yasuhiro

A beautifully crafted vase from a studio potter in the hills of Iga, a few hours drive east of Kyoto. Iga-ware has quite a long history—by some accounts dating

Raku XV “Reki-yu” Tea Bowl

Raku tea bowls and other tea-ware implements are shaped by hand, using clay that was prepared often several generations before by a previous Kichizaemon (master

Tokkuri with Enso by Living National Treasure Kato Kozo (b. 1935)

This depiction of the eternal “ensō” on a backdrop of pearly white feldspar over red clay signifies enlightenment, the eternal, the nothingness, and the freedom

A Large Serving Tray by Ōhi Chōzaemon 11 (Toshio)

This large serving tray by Ōhi Chōzaemon XI (Toshio) brings together the rich glaze tradition of Ōhi ware and a distinctly contemporary sculptural form. Its bro

A Large Karatsu Floral Vase by Nakazato Tarōemon the 14th

In Japan, famous for its generational potting families, only a handful have made it all the way through to the 14th generation—the Nakazato line being one of th

An Iga “Torigata” Vase by Furutani Michio

In excellent condition, this bird-shaped, or “torigata” vase is a beautiful example of Iga pottery from last century. A master of form, material, and technique,

A Set of Four Sculptural Oribe Dishes by Takauchi Shugo (b. 1937)

Few contemporary potters have explored Oribe with the originality and energy of Takauchi Shugo. His pieces tend to embody an unmistakable sense of movement and

A Modern Oribe Serving Dish by Takauchi Shugo

A harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary artistic expression, this extraordinary serving dish encapsulates the essence of Oribe pottery

A “Konoha” Leaf Adorned Black Vase

A technique most commonly seen in Tenmoku tea bowls, “konoha” is accomplished by applying a coating to an actual leaf and then attaching the leaf to the surface

A Green Oribe Vase by Tamaoki Yasuo

As can be seen from the attached images, especially beautiful in natural light; this charming vase features contoured ridges encircling the exterior while rivul

A Modern Shino Kataguchi Vessel by Suzuki Shu

A decidedly modern and innovative take on the classic Shino trope, this “kataguchi” or one-sided pouring vessel lends an air of depth, contemplation, and brilli

A Tokkuri with Enso by Tsujimura Yui

With an uncanny ability to emulate features of the natural environment, the creator of this sake vessel,Tsujimura Yui, is one of Japan’s most skilled potters wo

A ko-Seto Mizusashi with Black Lacquer Lid (Tea Master Item)

Seto is a pottery tradition established in the 12th century with the aim of reproducing fine Chinese porcelain and tenmoku-style tea bowls—which were hard to co

Stylized Sake Flask by Renown Potter Suzuki Goro (b. 1941)

Known for his non-conformist and bold style, Suzuki Goro has outdone himself with this stylized Oribe sake flask (tokkuri). Oribe is a visual style named after

An Edo Period Seto-guro Mino Tea Bowl

Living in Kyoto it is not uncommon to come across beautiful antique tea bowls, however, finding pieces that are in good condition, aesthetically compelling, and

A Red Raku Tea Bowl by Famed Potter Ichigen (1662 – 1722)

Over the years we have taken a special interest in Raku-ware and especially in works produced by the Tamamizu kiln, such as the 300+ year old ceremonial tea bow

An Edo Period Black Oribe Tea Bowl

Living in Kyoto it is not uncommon to come across beautiful antique tea bowls, however, finding pieces that are in good condition, aesthetically compelling, and

Porcelain Incense Burner by Miura Chikusen (1854 – 1915)

This Meiji period incense burner is made of fine white porcelain with a silver globe decorated with autumn foliage. As with much of Japanese pottery from this e

Porcelain Vase by Miura Chikusen (1854 – 1915)

This Meiji period vase is made of fine white porcelain fashioned after classic Chinese pieces from the Song Dynasty. The potter, first generation Miura Chikusen

A Large Celadon Phoenix vase by First Generation Suwa Sozan (1851-1922

A rare and interesting offering, here we have an exquisite celadon phoenix vase with Chinese form and patterning. First generation Sozan gained wide acclaim in

A Joseon Period Bowl with Excellent Kintsugi Gold Repairs

Here we see a beautiful example of Korean blue-grey pottery from centuries past. At some point it was brought to Japan, so we can safely assume that it was expr

A Large Bizen Vase from Mid-Edo with Researcher Certification

Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this mid-Edo period vase embodies simplicity, beauty, and understated elegance. Originally crafted as a tokkuri, or sak

An Edo Period Bizen Vase with Researcher Certification

Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this mid-Edo period vase embodies simplicity, beauty, and understated elegance. Its unassuming form showcases the natur

A 17th Century e-Karatsu “Mukozuke” Serving Dish

A stylized grass motif painted in ferrous pigment across each side and on the inside of this mukozuke serving dish marks it as being more likely produced in Kar

An Antique Mugiwara Decorative Flower Vase

Japanese Mugiwara pottery emerged in the Mino region of Japan during the Momoyama period in the late 16th century. It is renowned for its distinctive straw-rope

An Ancient Korean Celadon Vase with Gold Repairs

Several years ago we were invited by our very talented kintsugi craftsman to what is known as a “kura-ake” or storehouse opening. Many reading this may be famil

A set of Mukozuke Serving Dishes by 3rd Generation Kenzan, 18th C.

One family of artists that has left a lasting mark on not just Kyoto but on the world at large has been the Ōgata family. Prominent among this line - Ōgata Kenz

A Momoyama Period Bizen Vase with Researcher Certification

During Japan's Momoyama period, spanning from the late 16th to the early 17th century, Bizen pottery flourished, producing exquisite pieces such as this symmetr

An Edo Period Oribe Vase with Stylized Grass Motif

Oribe is a visual style named after the late-16th-century tea master Furuta Oribe (1544-1615). Typically, black or green glazes are applied to the bodies of the

A Celadon Vase by Inoue Ryosai III

A student of Itaya Hazan, one of the most sought after potters in the world of Japanese art, the ceramicist who crafted this fine vase displays here a high degr

An Edo Period Bizen Tokkuri with Hotei Engraving - Researcher Piece

Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this Edo period vase features an engraving of the jolly gift-giver, Hotei. Said to be based on a historical Chinese Zen

A Rare Meiji Period Celadon Shuhai by First Generation Suwa Sozan

A rare and unusual offering, here we have an exquisite celadon shuhai with Chinese styled patterning lining the inside of the cup. First generation Sozan gained

A Meticulously Repaired Momoyama Period Sake Cup

The perfect vessel for enjoying fine Japanese sake or whatever spirit fits the mood. Over 425 years old, this excavated and wonderfully restored sake cup is one

An Antique Karatsu Bowl with Exceptional Makie Kintsugi Repairs

Like many pottery traditions in Japan, Karatsu takes its name from the city where it originated. As early as the 15th century, Korean potters heavily influenced

A Tokoname Sake Flask by Living National Treasure Yamada Jozan III

Tokoname pottery has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. Originating in the town of Tokoname in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, this pottery traditio

Tokkuri with Enso by Living National Treasure Kato Kozo (b. 1935)

This depiction of the eternal “ensō” on a backdrop of pearly white feldspar over red clay signifies enlightenment, the eternal, the nothingness, and the freedom

A “Rose Oribe” Masterpiece by Suzuki Goro

One of the finest, most daring, and well-crafted works I have seen by this legendary artist who is known for his non-conformist and bold style. Suzuki Goro has

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A White Shino Masterpiece by Hayashi Shotaro (b. 1947)

A stunning work of Shino-ware by veteran potter Hayashi Shotaro—winner of numerous awards for his bold and innovative style and widely recognized as one of the

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A Master Work by Contemporary Artist Kakurezaki Ryuichi

An awe-inspiring masterpiece, this tea bowl by Kakurezaki showcases his unparalleled skill and artistic vision. Crafted with meticulous precision, the bowl seam

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A Chojiro Tribute Piece by Sasaki Shoraku

Closely resembling a historically important tea bowl made by one of the forebears of the art of tea and Raku pottery, Chojiro, this piece gives one a sense of t

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An Antique Celadon Tea Container with Pewter Cap

Most likely Chinese in origin, this antique celadon tea caddy is a mesmerizing piece of art that exudes elegance and sophistication. Crafted during a time when

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A Beautiful Antique Koryo Vessel with Inlay and Kintsugi

The gray-blue celadon displays finely crackled glazing with areas slightly darkened by time. A faint pattern made of white inlay can be seen along the upper rim

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An antique cha-ire with unique glazing

This extraordinary cha-ire (powdered tea container) displays an excellent glaze that appears to have only grown more intricate and rich with time. Contrasting a

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The Perfect Symbolic Wedding Anniversary Present — Raku Seinyu (XIII)

This tea bowl crafted by one of the great masters of Japanese pottery depicts Meota Iwa—a famous Japanese landmark in Mie. Symbolizing the union between two div

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A Porcelain Kyūsu by Imperial Court Artist Seifū Yohei III (1851-1914)

Simple, elegant, and functional, this Meiji period kyūsu (teapot) was crafted with precision and care by one of the periods most accomplished ceramicists. Showc

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A Large Iga Tsubo by Master Ceramicist Tsujimura Shiro

An exceptionally large work by one of the most important contemporary ceramic artists in Japan. Collected widely both here and abroad, a favorite of Daitoku tem

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A Shigaraki Anagama-fired Tsubo by Michio Furutani

Fired for days at over 1,400C degrees, this primordial-looking wonder of ancient potting technology displays a number of beautiful natural effects from the inte

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A Shino Masterpiece by Living National Treasure Kato Kozo

This depiction of the eternal “ensō” on a backdrop of pearly white feldspar signifies enlightenment, the eternal, the nothingness, and the freedom of the mind t

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A Set of Modern Sake Cups by Hiramatsu Ryoma

If you are familiar with the work of Hiramatsu Ryoma you know that he creates very unconventional ceramics inspired by forms found in nature. Here we have a set

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