~ 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. Meanwhile, hi

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 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 have a sak

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

[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 on earth to

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

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 kiln in the

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

Hanging Scrolls by Baisen Hirai

This masterful rendition of an idilic landscape done in the Nanga style of Chinese painting is spread across three canvases titled 1) “Arashiyama” (A district n

Hanging Scroll by Tani Bunchō (1763 – 1840)

A masterpiece by one of the premier Literati painters from the Edo period. Born into a wealthy samurai family, At a young age, Bunchō was given a stipend that e

Henko Vase by Kawai Kanjiro

Conceived by 20th century master ceramicist Kawai Kanjiro—here an abstract depiction of flowers is used to adorn an exquisite “henko” shaped vase. The glaze is

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

Late Edo Hirado Lantern with Serpentine Dragons

Hirado-ware, this intricately crafted incense burner in the shape of a lantern features two intertwined dragons dancing around the base. Various parts of the la

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

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

A Bizen Tea Bowl by Isezaki Koichiro

First born son to Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun, Koichiro (b. 1974) has quickly made a name for himself as an independent artist. Not content to rely sol

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

A Ring Handled Celadon Vase by Suwa Sozan (1852 – 1922)

A Chinese style celadon vase by one of the 5 Imperial Court Artists of Meiji. Sozan spent his life perfecting techniques for celadon production first used in th

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

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

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

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

[Prowling Tiger] Edo Period 6-panel Folding Screen

An absolutely stunning rendition of a powerful tiger—muscles rippling—prowling through a dark bamboo grove. One of the best tiger compositions I have personally

A Tenmoku Bowl by Living National Treasure Yuzo Kondo

Yuzo Kondo is one of the more recognized names in the world of modern Japanese pottery of the 20th century. Though known mainly for his sometsuke creations (blu