~ Japanese fine art from the ancient city of Kyoto ~

Autumn Nanga Landscape by Takamori Saigan (1847–1917)

This atmospheric autumn landscape by Takamori Saigan (1847–1917), unfolds through delicate ink work and restrained colour. Russet trees occupy the foreground, w

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 Fine Bamboo Ikebana Basket by Shimabashi Chikufusai

Here we see an elegant Japanese flower basket woven from richly patinated susudake, or soot-darkened bamboo. Its softly rounded body combines areas of delicate

A Fine Late Edo Black-Lacquer Takatsuki with Gold and Silver Maki-e

An especially elegant late Edo-period lacquer takatsuki, or raised serving stand, supported upon three dramatically curved feet. Against the deep, highly polish

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

A Hanging Scroll by Imperial Court Artist Taki Katei (1830 - 1901)

This Meiji-period hanging scroll has that lovely quiet confidence you see in literati-style kachōga (seasonal nature motifs) of the era: elegant, unforced, and

A Wajima-nuri Red Lacquer Bowl Set by Kado Yui

A stunning pair of Wajima-nuri lacquer lidded bowls; each formed with a compact rounded body and fitted cover and with a surface finished in a deep, contemplati

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

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

[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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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