~ Japanese fine art from the ancient city of Kyoto ~

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

A Meiji Period “Tetsubin” Cast Iron Kettle with Cherry Blossom Motif

During the Meiji period in Japan, the humble iron kettle, known as a "tetsubin," emerged as an iconic symbol of traditional craftsmanship and functional artistr

An Excellent Edo Period Oribe Tea Bowl with Poetic Name 'Toma-bune'

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

An Antique Karatsu Amigasa Tea Bowl with Shifuku

Minimalistic, elegant, and exceptionally light in the hand, this antique Karatsu tea bowl displays an impressive milky ash glaze that descends towards the foot,

An Edo Period Takatori Kataguchi Bowl with Warabaiyū Glaze

Sometime around the year 1600 the first Takatori kiln was constructed at the foot of Mt Takatori in Fukuoka. This tradition was based on styles created by Korea

A Four Cornered Black Raku “Jidai” Chawan

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 w

An Excellent Edo Period Korean “Ido” Tea Bowl — Collector Piece

A very interesting chawan (tea bowl) dating from the Korean Joseon period (Richō in Japanese; 1392-1897). This particular piece appears to be from the 17th or 1

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 Bronze Flower Vase by Living National Treasure Takahashi Keiten

The style of this vase, known in Japanese as karakane (“kara” meaning Chinese and “kane” meaning copper), has been carried on by Japanese craftsmen since its th

A Karatsu Tea Bowl by Shibayama Toshiya

Accents formed using iron pigment stand out across a backdrop of blue-green glaze. The base and a portion of the inside of this ceremonial tea bowl are unglazed

A Porcelain Hira Tea Bowl by Miura Chikusen III (Tea Master Item)

Currently in its 5th generation, the Miura Chikusen line of potters has continued to produce high-quality Kiyomizu-yaki and Kyo-yaki porcelains used in sencha f

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, Wakashima Takao (b. 1

A 17th–18th Century Korean Tea Bowl with Gohon Firing and Notched Foot

Here we see a quietly beautiful Korean tea bowl with a rounded, gently tapering form and a tall, dramatically notched foot. A translucent blue-grey glaze covers

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 Classic Black Raku Tea Bowl by Ōhi Chōzaemon IX

An austere masterpiece of functional art — the perfect accompaniment on the journey inward to stillness and contemplation. Crafted by the 9th Ōhi Chōzaimon (190

A Red Raku Tea Bowl by Tamamizu III - Nindosai (d.o.b. unknown -1763)

Price on Request Over the years we have taken a special interest in Raku-ware and especially in works produced by the Tamamizu kiln, such as the 275+ year old c

A Master Work by Hayashi Shotaro (b. 1947) - Published + Exhibited -

Price on Request A stunning work of Shino-ware by veteran potter Hayashi Shotaro—winner of numerous awards for his bold and innovative style and widely recogniz

An e-Karatsu Mizusashi by Nakagawa Jinenbo

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 Rare Antique “Tsutsu” Tea Bowl by Raku IV Ichinyū ( 1640-1696 )

Price on Request Over the years we have taken a special interest in Raku pottery, especially in pieces made by the original Raku family (16 generations) and by

An Inlaid Clay Vase / Mizusashi by Nishida Shinya

Japanese inlay ceramics (zōgan) are created by making incisions on the surface of a clay body which are then filled with various colored clays, creating a patte

A Modern Bizen Lidded Jar by Yokoyama Naoki

Traditional Japanese art tends to be timeless and inspiring in form, however, occasionally lacking in diversity and innovation. That is why artists who can inco

A Willow Patterned Black Tea Bowl by Banura Shiro

Splashed across a beautifully textured backdrop of shimmering black, the willow leaves painted in silver bring with them a sense of calm and contemplation. Gene

An Excellent Mino Tea Bowl with Cinnabar Glaze

With pottery shards from excavated kilns dating back to the 5th Century, Mino-ware is one of the oldest and most revered pottery traditions in all of Japan. Tho

A Zeze-yaki Tea Bowl from the Kageroen Kiln [Tea Master Item]

Although reports vary, it is generally thought that Zeze-yaki had its heyday in the late Momoyama to early Edo period under the influence and patronage of legen

A “Kase-Guro” Raku Tea Bowl by Higaki Ryota

An excellent offering from Higaki Ryota of Katsura Kiln, this piece displays a classic and iconic shape coupled with a beautiful Kase-guro glaze said to be used

A Shigaraki Tea Bowl by Sugimoto Sadamitsu

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

A Dragon Kogo (Incense Caddy) by Suwa Sozan II

An often overlooked implement in tea ceremony, here we have the humble kogo (incense box) with an image of a sleek and flowing dragon. Commonly thought to repre

An Exceptional Tenmoku Tea Bowl by Sasaki Zen

With origins stretching back over 1,000 years, Tenmoku pottery is thought to have first found its way to the shores of Japan in the 12th century by monks who br

A Raku IX (Ryônyû) Red Tea Bowl with Extraordinary Lacquer Repairs

Price on Request Raku-ware carries with it a very naturalistic aura; with its implements made of raw clay, its use of fire/ water/ and air to shape and harden t

A White Raku Tea Bowl by First Generation Ito Tozan

One of the most prominent potters of the Meiji period and one of only five to ever be appointed as Imperial Court Artist, the name Tozan is synonymous with fine

An Excavated Mishima Tea Bowl [Tokugawa Clan]

Appearing to be from a 2006 excavation site in Tokyo known to be a former residence of the Owari Tokugawa clan—the most senior contingent of the Tokugawa clan t

A Black Raku Tribute Tea Bowl by Kiraku Kizu

With a masterfully applied black Raku glaze and a noticeable aesthetic of austerity and stillness, this piece is what is refereed to in Japanese as an “utsushi”

A Kohiki Tea Bowl by Sugimoto Sadamitsu

Kohiki is a traditional Japanese pottery style known for its simple and rustic aesthetic. It involves applying a white slip onto the vessel's surface, followed

A Black Raku Tea Bowl by Ito Tozan

Crafted by one of the most well-known potting families from the Meiji period (Ito Tozan), this black Raku tea bowl displays a glossy sheen and gentle swells rip

A White Raku Tea Bowl by Master Potter Sugimoto Sadamitsu

Though rare, occasionally I come white Raku piece by one of our favorite potters, Sugimoto Sadamitsu. Adorned with subtle crackling patterns and variations in t

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

An Iron Chagama Crafted by Living National Treasure Takahashi Keiten

Chagama are traditional Japanese iron kettles used in tea ceremony (chanoyu) for boiling water. Their design tends to reflect the aesthetic principles of wabi-s

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Set of Shuhai by Living National Treasure Katori Masahiko

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each pewter cup showcases a unique luster that this metal alloy is revered for; highlighting its historical signifi

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A Finely Crafted Bronze Quail Incense Burner from Edo (Temple Relic)

This Edo-period bronze quail incense burner is a stunning piece of Japanese craftsmanship. The lifelike form of the quail, intricately detailed and gracefully c

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Edo Period Bizen-yaki Chawan w Signed Sokuchusai Omotesenke Box

Signed by the 13th Iemoto (tea master) of Omotesenke, Sokuchusai (1901-1979) this exceptional tea bowl bears the poetic name Asahi or “Morning Sun.” Brilliant o

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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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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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An Antique Black Raku Tea Bowl with Gold Repair

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 w

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An Exceptional Antique Raku Tea Bowl with Gold Repair

Based on telltale signs, this extraordinary Raku tea bowl likely dates to the late Edo period (200+ years old). Crafted with meticulous care, its smooth, ebony

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A Red Tenmoku Tea Bowl by Master Potter Kimura Moriyasu

A mesmerizing piece of ceramic art, this exquisite tenmoku tea bowl embodies the rich traditions of Japanese craftsmanship that are inspired by over a millennia

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An Antique Oribe Style Tea Bowl

Oribe is a visual style named after the late-16th-century tea master Furuta Oribe (1544-1615). Kuro Oribe pieces are the most common with their jet-black glazes

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An Edo Period Shino Tea Bowl with Gold Repairs

This lovely Shino tea bowl from the Edo period is fashioned from coarse Mino clay and is covered in feldspar glazing. As with many pieces of this period and sty

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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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A Beautifully Repaired Edo Period Karatsu Kintsugi Chawan

Stemming from the philosophy of wabi-sabi—often described as the beauty found in the imperfection and transience of the world—cracks and repairs in a work of po

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A Chashaku by Tea Master Tantan-sai (Poetic Name: Kamigaki)

Here we have a very unique ceremonial tea implement made by one of the most important figures from Japanese tea culture in the past century. While most tea scoo

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