~ Japanese fine art from the ancient city of Kyoto ~

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

Lacquer and Gold Painted Natsume Tea Caddy by Wakashima Takao

Exquisitely painted cherry blossoms (sakura) and willow branches (yanagi) on a background of jet-black traditional lacquer. The craftsman who fashioned this fin

Large Bizen Plate by Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun

Created by Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun, Bizen pieces like the one seen here originated in Okayama (south-western Japan) and have a long history that is

Neriage Tsubo by LNT Kosei Matsui

Master of a very difficult technique from the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) known in Japanese as Neriage, the potter who created this elegant vase uses extre

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

Sculptured Vase by Takayuki Sakiyama

From a well-known series entitled “Chōtō” (Listening to the Waves) this large contoured vase features a sandy glaze that the sculptor claims is an expression of

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 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 Large Blue/ Green Oribe Platter by Tamaoki Yasuo (b. 1941)

A stunning example of blue/ green Oribe-ware by one of the veterans of Mino ceramics, this platter displays astounding variation in color and texture with deep

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,

Lacquer and Gold Painted Natsume Tea Caddy by Kawase Hyokan

Exquisitely painted willow branches (yanagi) on a background of jet-black traditional lacquer; this exquisite functional art object appeals not only to practiti

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

Living National Treasure — Exhibition Piece — Uozumi Iraku III

First presented at the Ishikawa Traditional Crafts Exhibition, this fine mizusashi crafted with extraordinary precision is a testament to the generational knowl

An exceptional Tenmoku tea bowl with Yohen glazing

Occasionally while browsing through the temple markets of Kyoto or perusing backstreets tea-ware shops, an attractive piece will catch my eye for no particular

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Historically Important Tea Bowl by Saka Kōrai-zaemon (1615-1668)

Currently awaiting an uncertain succession to the 14th generation, this preeminent line of craftsmen has been a cornerstone of Hagi pottery for over 400 years.

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A Poem Inscribed Tea Bowl by Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875)

The poem etched on the side of this exceptional piece reads: 花を待つ人の心や雲となりて山の端ごとに立ちまよふらん The hearts of those waiting for flowers to blossom — have they turned in

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Bizen Tea Bowl by Living National Treasure, Isezaki Jun

The distinctive and easily recognizable style of Bizen pieces, such as the one featured here, originated in Okayama (south-western Japan) and has a long history

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An Asahi-yaki Tea Bowl with Extraordinary Maki-e Gold Repairs

One of the most extraordinary gold repairs I have seen on a tea bowl in my nearly 30 years in Japan. If you search far and wide occasionally you can find maki-e

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Haito Chawan with Gold Decoration by Sato Kazuhiko

An ancient technique known as “haito” in Japanese was used to give this piece its distinctive look. Thought to have originated in neolithic times and commonly u

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A Porcelain Chawan with Gold-leaf by Ono Hakuko

This eye-catching porcelain composition covered in red-glaze and highlighted with sensational gold-leaf inlay is an iconic design often employed by Ono Hakuko.

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An Iconic Hakeme Tea Bowl by Raku XI (Keinyu)

This exceptional tea bowl was crafted by one of the great masters of Japanese pottery and given the poetic name “Nami” (wave) by a famous tea master of the Ura-

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An Antique Karatsu Tea Bowl with Excellent Gold Repairs (Kintsugi)

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

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