~ Japanese fine art from the ancient city of Kyoto ~
Kano Scroll by Yasunobu (1613-1685) and Sokuhi Nyoitsu (1616-1671)
Third son of the director of the Kano School of painting, Yasunobu was appointed head of the Kyoto branch at a young age after his father’s death.…
A Rice Porcelain Vase by Wakao Kei
According to Kei Wakao, the artist who crafted this extraordinary work, it took him years of trial-and-error to perfect the unique rice-porcelain…
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…
A Katakuchi Sake Set 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…
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…
[Bodhisattva] by Kimura Buzan (1876 – 1942)
Seated in meditation with open and compassionate heart, this bodhisattva is on a spiritual journey, postponing his own salvation in order to remain…
A Black Raku Tea Bowl by “Rakuen”
A black Raku ceremonial tea bowl displaying an excellent patina bestowed by time. The light colored clay peeks through in areas giving this piece a…
A Celadon Shishi Statue by first generation Miyagawa Kōzan (1842–1916)
One of only five Imperial Court Artists of Meiji, ceramic pieces by Kōzan are highly prized by collectors and are ever more difficult to find on the…
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…
Red Lacquered Flower Vase by Chikuunsai Tanabe III
Done in a style reminiscent of Japanese Mingei art, this striking yet functional folk-craft piece is the creation of Chikuunsai Tanabe III. Made…
A Hagi Tokkuri by Masanao Kaneta VIII
The trademark glaze on this delightful sake flask (tokkuri) is by none other than 8th generation Hagi potter Masanao Kaneta. Close inspection reveals…
A “Karamono” Woven Bamboo Basket (Tea Master Item)
In Japan, woven baskets such as this are often referred to as “karamono” (Chinese style) to denote their stylistic origins tending towards…
A Mizusashi by Hachizan Takatori XI
Over 400 years ago the first Takatori potter known as “Hachizan” was brought to Japan by the powerful Kuroda clan and was tasked with establishing a…
An Exceptional Raku Tea Bowl by Sugimoto Sadamitsu
A master work by one of the top artisans of the late 20th century—the result of techniques perfected over centuries by dedicated craftsmen residing…