Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian (108)

White blossoms cluster along the thin branches draped over the shoulder of this exquisite pink tinged vessel by Imperial artist Seifu Yohei III enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shiroyama no Sakura no Zu Kabin (Blossoms of Shiroyama Vase). This is the pinnacle of production for imperial artist Seifu Yohei III, a large Taihakuji porcelain vase with carved designs. Museum quality would be an understatement. Seifu III was known to have made few large works, so this is a very important piece, and Taihakuji was his most appreciated style. It is 19.5 cm (8 inches) diameter, 29.5 cm (12 inches) tall and in perfect condition and retains the original rosewood base and original stamped cloth wrapping.
Seifu Yohei III (1851-1914) was the adopted son of Yohei II. Sent at the age of twelve to study painting under then the top Nanga artist Tanomura Chokunyu, he returned in 1865 due to illness. The next year he entered as an apprentice the Seifu studio, then under the control of the second generation. As so often happens in these situations, in 1872 he married the daughter, becoming a “Yoji” or adopted son of Yohei and taking the family name, established himself as an individual artist. Within the year his genius was discovered, and works by him were sent to the Vienna World Exposition. Seifu II retires of illness in 1878, and III succeeds the family kiln. Once again he is honored as the new head of the kiln to produce the dinnerware for the former president of the US Ulysses Grant. His work was highly acclaimed, both domestically and abroad, drawing honors and prizes at the Naikoku Hakurankai (National Exhibition), Chicago and Paris World expositions and being named one of the first members of the Imperial Art Academy specializing in ceramics in 1893 (Tei Shitsu Gigei In). Works by this rare artist are held in Museums and collections throughout the world. He was succeeded by the fourth generation Seifu (1871-1951) in 1914.

A devil plays the shamisen, a cup and bottle of sake at his knee, on this wide low bowl by Kiyomizu Rokubei V decorated by Nakajima Kaho with a poem scrawled about the outside enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kaho-gajin hitsu Kashi-zara. It is 21.5 cm (8-1/2 inches) diameter 6 cm (2-1/4 inches) tall and in perfect condition. The box retains the original wrapping cloth stamped by Rokubei.
Kiyomizu Rokubei V (Shimizu Kuritaro, 1875-1959) initially studied painting and decorating technique under Kono Bairei, one of the foremost painters in Japan in the Meiji era. After graduating the Kyoto Municipal Special School of Painting, he took a position under his father at the family kiln however. That same year he exhibited his first work at the National Industrial Exposition. He was a co-founder of Yutoen with his father and Asai Chu, and worked ceaselessly to promote the pottery of Kyoto. He helped to establish the Kyoto Ceramics Research Facility (Kyoto Tojiki Shikensho) at the turn of the century which would be the proving ground for many young artist of the era. Doctor Maezaki Shinya has noted that Teishitsu-Gigei-in (Imperial Art Academy Member) Seifu Yohei III also fired his acclaimed works in the Rokubei kiln in the Taisho era. Due to his father’s poor health Rokubei V took the reins unofficially in 1902, commanding the helm until assuming the name Rokubei V in 1913. It was in 1928 that Rokubei changed the reading of the family name from Shimizu to Kiyomizu and applied it retroactively to previous generations. He exhibited constantly, and garnered a great many awards. He worked to get crafts added to the National Art Exhibition (Bunten/Teiten) and served as a judge in 1927, the first year crafts were allowed. In 1937 he was designated a member of the Imperial Art Council (Teishitsu Bijutsu Inkai). Despite changes in the world around him Rokubei persevered, working in all manner of materials and styles. He retired in 1945, perhaps as exhausted as Japan was with the end of the war, or perhaps seeing that capitulation would signal a new era in need of new leaders and a new aesthetic. He passed the name Rokubei to his son and took the retirement name Rokuwa. Uncontainable he continued to create pottery under that name until his death in 1959. His influence is so pervasive he was voted one of the most important potters of the modern era by Honoho magazine, the preeminent quarterly devoted to Japanese pottery. A multitude of works by him are held in the National Museums of Modern Art, both in Tokyo and Kyoto, the Kyoto Kyocera Museum, The Kyoto Hakubutsukan Museum and the Philadelphia Art Museum among others.
Nakajima Kaho (1866 - 1939) studied painting under Mori Kansai (1814-1892) and calligraphy under famed artist Tomioka Tessai (1836-1924), later marrying his eldest daughter and this family relationship is believed to have been the basis of Kahô's lifelong friendship with the famous painter, who was 30 years his senior. In his early years Kahô was a competent painter in the Maruyama-Shijô tradition, but at the end of the 1910s he started studying 18th century painters from the Kansai district, e.g. Nagasawa Rosetsu, Itô Jakuchû and especially Yosa Buson, whose style served as his model from then on. Apart from making paintings, Kahô also made prints, lacquer paintings and pottery.

A classic Tamba Tea leaf storage jar (Chatsubo) with interesting mukimimi or “turned ears”, the tie lugs swirling like a Domoe on the shoulder next to the neck, each leaning to the right, as if listening to the next. In my experience this is quite unusual. The jar is covered in rivulets of flowing green leading down to an undulating belt line between the glaze and the raw clay. A white shadow in the clay indicates where once a label, likely identifying the type of tea contained, had once been applied. The jar is 28 cm (11 inches) tall and in excellent condition.

A Takatsuki stand of wood covered in black lacquer decorated with scrolling vines among which are randomly placed crests in the design of the Daruma Wheel on the stem, and the heraldic Mitsuba-aoi hollyhock crest within the tray. Slightly warped and worn with the centuries, finding a piece from this era in such good, original condition, is exceedingly rare. Early Muromachi, 14-15th century, it is 30 x 30 x 28.5 cm (12 x 12 x 11-1/2 inches).
The Mitsuba Aoi crest is associated in modern times with the Tokugawa clan, however many clans used the crest in the past, as it was the crest of the Kamo-jinja Shrine. Many local clans in Mikawa, such as the Matsudaira clan, the Sakai clan and the Honda clan, used the aoi-mon as their family crests. Gradually through the Edo period the use of the Mitsuba Aoi was severely restricted to only those associated with the Edo Bakufu (Shogunate).

A very thin cast bronze image of a hunched female crow in dark olive patina with an incised signature on the underbelly Takayo dated Bunan 2 (1445). The image is made in several parts, the upper and lower halves of the body joined along the neck and under the wings, the feet separately cast and attached where they join the body. There is some form of plug, or possibly spur mark, on the breast above the signature. It is 23 x 16 x 10 cm (9 x 6 x 4 inches) and weighs 616 grams (1.3 pounds), in overall excellent condition.

The gaze is stern on this Edo period image of the divine general Shori Ken (Chinese: Zhongli Quan or Han Zhongli), god of war and one of the eight immortals in the Daoist pantheon. This character is most discernable by his feather fan which was said to be able to resurrect the dead and here he holds out prominently in front of himself. Astride a typical stocky Japanese horse in full trappings, he would have looked down on visitors from a gate or the eaves of a palace or shrine. The tassels on the horses trappings and a few facial highlights are done in soft color, the rest in natural wood. The figure is 19 x 20 x 40 cm (roughly 8 x 8 x 16 inches) tall, carved of hardwood, and is in overall excellent condition but for one chipped finger on his right hand.
Taoism is ever present in the background in Japan, its rituals, superstitions, and symbols. As well it is certain that Taoism and its symbolisms are prominent in Japanese art, much more so than Confucianism. However it has been here so long and become so intertwined with the culture it is difficult to distinguish. According to Jeffrey L. Richey: Though there is no dispute that Daoism is present in Japanese culture, the degree and importance of its influence has been the subject of ongoing scholarly debate. One problem has been dislodging its specificity from the broader mass of Chinese culture that has entered Japan over 15 centuries. This very span of time admits a complicating plurality: Daoism in China was multilayered and changed over time, while its products, which first arrived in Japan as part and parcel of the ritsuryō state (7th century), went on to appear piecemeal chiefly through textual sources over the centuries.

A very rare pair of Art-Deco era bronze candlesticks covered in polished nickel by Hata Zoroku enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Each is 12 x 7.5 x 35 cm (5 x 3 x 14 inches) and is in overall excellent condition, with some minor wear to the nickel. They come with teh original adapters for samller candles.
Hata Zoroku I (b. 1823) was especially famous for his iron kettles used in tea ceremonies, which often featured intricate designs and ornamentation. His work gained recognition not only in Japan but also internationally. He was instrumental in preserving traditional Japanese metalwork techniques during a time of great social and political change. His works often displayed a balance between functionality and artistry, which helped solidify the demand for high-quality, handcrafted kettles. His success led to the establishment of the Hata Zoroku lineage, setting a high standard for future generations. Later generations continued to uphold the Hata Zoroku name, producing highly sought-after metal objects that reflected the blending of traditional craftsmanship with modern influences. Zoroku II (1854–1932) was active during the late Edo period into the Meiji era, a time of major social and economic transformation in Japan. He continued his father’s legacy in crafting fine kettles, but also expanded the family’s craft into more decorative objects. With the growing export market during the Meiji era, Zoroku II’s works reached international audiences. His pieces often exhibited a fusion of traditional Japanese and Western influences, reflecting the cultural shifts of the time. Zoroku II began incorporating newer techniques and styles, blending modernity with tradition. He experimented more with motifs such as landscapes, animals, and symbolic patterns, and his work was highly regarded in both domestic and international markets. His works were showcased in international expositions, contributing to Japan’s recognition as a center for exquisite craftsmanship. Zoroku III worked hard to ensure that traditional metalworking techniques were preserved during a time of industrialization. He was especially known for creating limited edition pieces that were highly valued among collectors of traditional Japanese art.

A horse shaped koro from the kilns of Bizen dating from the later half of the Edo period enclosed in a period iron bound wooden storage box. The ears are removable, and the saddle lifts off to reveal a compartment for burning incense. It is 27 x 14 x 17 cm. One ear and one tassel along the saddle have been repaired.
Bizen ware, which enjoyed great popularity throughout Japan from the Middle Ages to the Momoyama period, lost its prominence to Seto, Mino, and Arita pottery during the Edo period. The Bizen kilns attempted to break through this situation by developing items such as saikumono (ornamental works) and saishiki Bizen (also called Iro-Bizen or colored Bizen ware). Under the guidance of official painters employed by the Okayama domain, they colored figures and animals, fired at low temperatures, using gofun (white pigment) and mineral pigments. These pieces were used as gifts to the shogunate and other domains.

A set of five fluted dishes decorated with draped branches dating from the mid to later Edo period enclosed in a period age-darkened wooden box. Several have had repairs made with lacquer nad powdered silver, enhancing the beauty and sense of age. They all bear on the base the Mizoro stamp impressed into the raw earth. Each is 16 x 10 x 4.5 cm (6 x 4 x 2 inches) and all are in overall fine condition, with the silver repairs blending with the finely crackled glaze and dark iron decoration.
Many people think of Kiyomizu-yaki as the only type of pottery in Kyoto, but there are other types of pottery such as Awata-yaki, Otowa-yaki, Iwakura-yaki, Asahi-yaki, Raku-yaki, and Mizoro-yaki. Mizoro-yaki is a type of Kyo-yaki that was fired in Atago-gun, North of central Kyoto. There are many mysteries and rumors about the origins of the pottery. According to Tauchi Baiken's "Thoughts on Ceramics" written in the Ansei era, Ninsei Nonomura started Mizoro ware. Other documents, from the Enpo period, Taihei of Mizoro Village became an apprentice at Higashiyama Seikanji Yaki Ichimonjiya, and then returned to the village and opened a kiln. According to the "100 Year History of Kyo Yaki", it was established in 1554 AD by Yozo Unsonin. In any event, it is generally agreed to have begun by the mid 17th century, and lasted for about two hundred years.

A set of 5 matching candle sticks in the shape of nets drying on a pole enclosed in the original antique wooden box. Dating from the 19th century (Late Edo to Meiji periods), they are 28 cm (11 inches) tall, 12 cm (5 inches) diameter and in overall excellent condition.

A wild Edo period figure of a devil bent over backwards in the bridge position, a Sharito Tower balanced on his abdomen, a bell dragging him down suspended from his back. What awful crimes did he commit to be punished so!?! The bronze bell is either from, or at the least pays homage to, Korean styles. Dating from the Edo period, the unusual image is 22 x 14 x 66 cm (9 x 5-1/2 x 26 inches). Some minor losses to the polychrome consistent with age. The crystal ball and brass fitting inside the tower are later additions.

A fabulous carved wood image of the fearsome Shishi Lion with glass eyes dating from the Meiji period signed Kazumoto-to (Carved by Kazumoto). It is 35.5 cm x 26 cm x 27 cm (14 x 10-1/2 x 11 inches). There are a few chips in the curly mane and tail and some cracks typical of age along the grain in the base.

A set of two large deep Imari fluted porcelain bowls dating from the later Edo to Meiji period (19th century) decorated with blossoming cherry trees over wave frets with a rabbit in blue in the center. Each is roughly 16.5 cm (6-1/2 inches) diameter, 11.5 cm ((4-1/2 inches) tall and both are in overall fine condition.

A set of Nesting Oribe bowls dating from the Momoyama to early Edo period from the Ohira-gama enclosed in an old collector’s box. Both They display a brownish color, typical of early works from the late Muromachi to Momoyama periods. The spur marks between are quite distinct “C” chapes. A simple tendril of iron has been poured over the sand textured surface, otherwise there is no decoration. Both slightly onched shapes feature kin-tsugi gold repairs. The large bowl is 23 x 24.5 x 6 cm (9 x 9-3/4 x 2-1/2 inches), the smaller 21 x 22.5 x 5 cm (8-1.2 x 9 x 2 inches).
The remnants of the Ohira kiln are located on Prefectural Road 84 just outside Toki-city. The Ohira old kiln group includes: several kilns, the Yamanokami Kiln, Yuemon Kiln, Seidayu Kiln and Ohira Kamagane Kiln. According to the overview in Shino, Volume 15 of the Encyclopedia of Japanese Ceramics (Chuo Koronsha), the Yamanokami Kiln fired Shino’s precursor, white glaze-gray Shino, during the Muromachi period. It is believed to have been active from the Tenbun era (1532–1554) to the Eiroku era (1558–1569), gradually progressing to higher-quality Shino. After that, Yuemon Kiln (which operated for a long time) produced quite high-quality Shino ware. Additionally, a climbing kiln called the Seidayu Kiln was established, where later-period Shino was fired during the Keicho era (1596–1614).

A hauntingly beautiful set of 6 Edo period dishes decorated with Sasa-grass in mellow beige color on a creamy white surface. Each is roughly 12 x 8 x 2.2 cm (4-3/4 x 3-1/4 x 1 inches) and are in overall fine condition, enclosed in an ancient wooden box. It is likely there were originally 10 dishes, 6 of which have survived the centuries.

A set of four “Mokume” wood-grained dishes in pale crackled glaze decorated with iron lattice from the Seto area enclosed in an ancient wooden box titled Seto Oribe naga-zara. Each dish rises slightly off the table on four pinched feet. They are roughly 19 x 10 x 3 cm (7-1/2 x 4 x 1-1/4 inches) and all are in overall fine condition.

Tile images on cracked pale glaze decorate this squared bowl stamped on the bottom Fuji from the Fujimiyaki Kiln of Nagoya enclosed in an old wooden box. There is one tiny gold repair on the rim, otherwise is in perfect condition. 13.5 cm (6-1/2 inches) square, 9 cm (3-1/2 inches) tall.
The founder of Fujimiyaki, Murase Hachiroemon I (Miki) was a samurai of the Owari Domain who served in various positions, regional magistrate and head of the domain school. He was also skilled in many arts, including seal carving, tea ceremony, poetry, and haikai (Japanese linked-verse poetry). His house was adjacent to a kiln belonging to the potter Keisuke (of Keiraku ware), and he married Shige, the daughter of Hozo Ichie, an Owari samurai. Because of these connections, he learned pottery techniques from Hozo and enjoyed making his favorite ceramics around Kaei 5 (1852). In 1879 (Meiji 12), they built a kiln in the garden of their villa in Kamimaezu (Fugetsuso Seisonsha) and began their pottery business with six people, including four technicians invited from Seto. Some of the works from Mika’s pottery hobby up until this time, including tea bowls, water jars, and flower vases, are part of the Morse Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. They are also included in the Clemenceau Collection at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

A fan shaped dish from the Gentaku Kiln dating from the first half of the 20th century decorated with a poem and autumn persimmon fruits. It comes enclosed in a wooden collectors box annotated inside with a description of the piece in delicate brush strokes. The dish is 25 x 28 x 5.5 cm (10 x 11 x 2 inches) and is in excellent condition, stamped Gen on the underside. A very intriguing bit of Japanese Ceramic history. In the early Showa period, the first generation, Kahei, built the Gentaku Mountain Villa and established the Gentaku Kiln to produce pottery for guests. However, the kiln naturally fell into disuse with the onset of the Second World War. Oshima Rakuan and various potters were invited to create work there.

A 19th century fan shaped dish from Southern Kyoto decorated with sailboats passing the pines of Matsushima in front of Mt. Fuji enclosed in an old wooden collectors box. It is 23.5 x 16 x 2.5 cm (9-1/2 x 6-1/4 x 1 inches), with minor chips to the edges typical of the softer clay of Awata. It is stamped on the underside Rakunan, Junzan. Rakunan refers to the southern part of Kyoto city.

Cranes soar inside this set of five dishes from the Tosa domain on Shikoku. Outside waves crash about over the fawn spotted Gohon glaze. Each is clearly stamped on the base Odo. They are roughly 15 x 10 x 5 cm (6 x 4 x 2 inches) and all are in fine condition, but for one hairline crack.
In 1653, under the order of Tosa Domain's lord at the time, Yamanouchi Tadayoshi, a potter named Kuno Seihaku was invited from Osaka to open a kiln in Odo (present-day Kozu Town), located north of Kochi Castle. This marked the beginning of the production of "Oniwayaki" (a general term for pottery made at kilns established by feudal lords or castle lords who had an interest in pottery). At that time, the clay used was transported from Nojiyama, where high-quality clay could be found. In 1820 (the 3rd year of the Bunsei era), the kiln was moved to Nojiyama, and for about 50 years, until the Meiji period, porcelain was also produced. After the Meiji period, the kilns were privatized, and several kilns were opened around the Nojiyama area.

A sake cup stand (Haidai) in sometsuke blue and white pottery decorated with festive lobsters stamped on the base Momoen-zo and enclosed in an older wooden collectors box. It is 9 cm square, 6.8 cm tall and in perfect condition, dating from the later 19th century.

A shallow bowl in the Mishima style from Izumo named Meigetsu (Bright Moon) by the famous priest Takeda Mokurai dating from the mid to later Edo period enclosed in a fine kiri-wood collectors box titled Izumo Mishima Chawan. Perfect for summer Usu-cha, it is 13.2 cm (5-1/2 inches) diameter, 4.5 cm just less than 2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
The origin of Izumo-yaki lies in the early Edo period, when the second generation Matsudaira Tsunataka requested a Hagi ware potter from the neighboring Mori clan, which was eventually granted to the third generation Izumo leader Matsudaira Tsunachika around 1677. The founders of the kiln were Kurasaki Gonbei and Kada Hanroku. Although under continuous production, the kiln had its ups and downs until it was strongly revived by the 8th Lord of Matsue, Matsudaira Harusato (Fumaiko 1751-1818) Daimyo of the province. From then it fell strongly under his aesthetic taste. Flagging in the late 19th century, artists such as the great scholar and Nanga artist Tanomura Chokunyu sought to revitalize it, and came to Shimane to decorate the works or to teach decoration and painting techniques. It became an important influence on the Mingei movement and was visited by Bernard Leach, Hamada Shoji and Kawai Kanjiro in the early 20th century.
Takeda Mokurai began his journey down the Buddhist path at the age of 7 under the priest Ryodo. Developing under a number of masters, it was during a sojourn in Hakata he developed a love for poetry and calligraphy, something for which he would later be greatly remembered, for in later days his scholar script was highly prized. He finally settled under Yuzen Gentatsu, from whom he received Inka. A pious man he was sent to Kyoto to work at Kenninji temple in the heart of Gion, the pleasure district. His exemplary performance there, and a series of unfortunate deaths left the young priest in charge of the sprawling complex. As a scholar priest he had great influence on the art of early 20th century Kyoto, as Zen practice was almost seen as a given for painters and ceramic artists of the time including Tsuji kako, Kiyomizu Rokubei and Ito Tozan among many others. For more information on this important Zen Master, see the art of 20th Century Zen by Stephen Addiss and Audrey Yoshiko Seo.

A collapsed water jar covered in iron glaze and enclosed in an ancient wooden box heavily annotated inside the lid and named Ho-gyoku by the Head priest of Bukkoji Temple in Kyoto. There is a red lacquered Ka-o signature used by the elite on the side of the vessel. It is 32 x 23 x 27.5 cm (11-1/2 x 9 x 11 inches) and is in fine condition. The box lid claims it was the property of or named by the head of Bukkoji Temple in downtown Kyoto.
In 1212, following his expulsion to Echigo, the True-land Buddhist prophet Shinran Shonin returned to Kyoto and began to develop the teaching of Shin Buddhism at a hermitage in Yamashina (eastern part of Kyoto). This hermitage was the origin of the present-day Bukkoji Temple. It was named Koryu Shoboji Temple. Genran, the 8th Abbot, who succeeded, passed away in the 13th year of his reign. His wife, Ryomyo, was appointed the 9th Abbot. In an era more than 600 years ago, when women were severely discriminated against, a woman abbot was unheard of. But in establishing Bukkoji: "Amida's Primal Vow does not discriminate between the young and old, good and evil; true faith alone is essential." In 1586, under orders from the Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Bukkoji was moved from Shirutani to the present location.

A beautiful 19th century Mishima style Hakeme-chawan inlaid with designs in white slip from the Rakuzan kilns of Shimane prefecture. It comes in a silk lined cloth pouch enclosed in an old kiri-wood box titled Rakuzan Yaki Chawan. Inside the lid is a poem accompanied by a painting of a soaring bird. It is 13.6 cm (5-1/2 inches) diameter, 6 cm (2-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Rakuzan pottery falls under the umbrella of Fushina or Fujina Yaki, the Goyogama clan kiln of the Matsudaira of Matsue in modern day Izumo, sometimes simply called Izumo-yaki. The origin of Rakuzan ware lies in the early Edo period, when the second generation Matsudaira Tsunataka requested a Hagi ware potter from the neighboring Mori clan, which was eventually granted to the third generation Izumo leader Matsudaira Tsunachika around 1677. The founders of the kiln were Kurasaki Gonbei and Kada Hanroku. Although under continuous production, the kiln had its ups and downs until it was strongly revived by the 8th Lord of Matsue, Matsudaira Harusato (Fumaiko 1751-1818) Daimyo of the province. From then it fell strongly under his aesthetic taste. Flagging in the late 19th century, artists such as the great scholar and Nanga artist Tanomura Chokunyu sought to revitalize it, and came to Shimane to decorate the works or to teach decoration and painting techniques. It became an important influence on the Mingei movement and was visited by Bernard Leach, Hamada Shoji and Kawai Kanjiro in the early 20th century.

An aka-Raku Chawan decorated with a phoenix by Kikko Jusoken sealed on bottom with what appears to read “the 7th Kyoto Gosho Hakurankai enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 12 cm ( just less than 5 inches) diameter, 89 cm (3-1/8 inches) tall and is in excellent condition.
Kikko Jihei (the firs Jusoken, 1784-1861) was born in Kaminada Village, Iyo country (mod. Ōzu City, Ehime Prefecture), as the eldest son of Todara Genbei, a retainer of the domain. Before establishing his own kiln, Jihei learned various pottery techniques at kilns in Kyoto. He studied under some of Kyoto's foremost masters, including the first Takahashi Dōhachi and the first Kiyomizu Rokubei. After receiving guidance from these emblematic potters of the era, he decided to set up his kiln in Jūso Village, Osaka, for its high visibility. In 1817 at the age of 33 he was commissioned by Mizuno Tadakuni, who later became the Lord of Osaka Castle, to present works to the 11th Shogun, Tokugawa Ienari. These works included a food container (jikirō) adorned with cranes and turtles and a goldfish bowl. As a result, Tadakuni bestowed upon Jihei the kiln name "Kikkō" along with a gold and silver seal. From 1819, at the age of 37, Jihei adopted the surname Kikko. In 1827, he took on the name Kikko Jusoken. Kikko Jusoken worked on his creations at kilns from Osaka to Edo. The first Kikko Jusoken had no children. However, he passed on his kiln in Jūso Village, Osaka, to his niece's son, Kameji, who became the second-generation Kikko, and his own sister's son, Yoemon, who became the third-generation Kikko. The first four generations died within a short time span of each other, all by 1863, and this is likely the work of the fifth generation, who held the reins until 1891.

An austere wide low Chawan tea bowl from the Asahi kilns of Nara prefecture emblazoned with Daibutsuden (Great Buddhist Hall). This was made to fund the rebuilding of the Great Buddhist Hall at Todaiji Temple during the late Meiji period. It is 15 cm (6 inches) diameter, 6 cm (2-1/4 inches) tall. There is a single gleaming gold repair to a chip in the rim.
Tōdai-ji in Nara, Japan, was founded in the 8th century by Emperor Shōmu as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples. It houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues in the world. Over the centuries, Tōdai-ji suffered multiple fires and earthquakes, leading to several reconstructions. The current Great Buddha Hall, rebuilt in the 17th century, is the world's largest wooden structure. Major restorations were conducted in the early 20th century, incorporating modern techniques to preserve its historical significance. In 1906 (Meiji 39), dismantling and repairs began, incorporating new methods such as reinforcing the interior with steel frames. The restoration was completed in 1912 (Meiji 45).

A very rare 19th century tea bowl by Ohashi Shuji enclosed in the original wooden box signed by both the artist and a tea aficionado named Horinouchi Fusensai. It is 10 cm (4 inches) diameter, 12 cm (just less than 5 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Ohashi Shuji (1795-1857) studied medicine before coming to pottery at the age of 37. A practitioner of the Hisada School of tea, he studied in Kyoto under Ogata Shuhei, and was adept at many styles. ＜ｂｒ＞ Horinouchi Fusensai (1889 – 1945) was the 10th head of the Horinouchi school of tea.

A pale glazed deep Tsutsu-gata chawan tea bowl by the first generation Kuze Kyuho decorated with dried lotus leaves by famed painter Hirai Baisen enclosed in the original wooden box signed by both artists. It is 11.5 cm (4-1/2 inches) diameter, 10.5 cm (roughly 4 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Hirai Baisen graduated the Kyoto Municipal School of Fine Arts and was a regular exhibitor with the Bunten from 1907-1931. Having worked in any number of styles, he was a true Jiyu-gakka who excelled in the early years of his career. However he did slowly withdraw from the competitive world of Japanese art beginning in the war years. His works are held by the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and a plethora of important public and private collections.

A fabulous Toyoraku-yaki pottery bowl covered in colorful lacquer dating from the Mieji period enclosed in an old wooden collectors box. Insed Oribe green flows down from the rim to garden scene of iris and ya-giku (wild chrysanthemum) growing along a rived on the white crackled glaze. Outside geometric patterns in alternating gold green and red supported on three black bamboo shaped feet. It is 13.4 cm (5-1/4 inches) diameter, 10 cm (4 inches) tall and in excellent condition but for a very small chip in hte glaze inside the wall of the bowl (see close-up for details).
The Toyoraku tradition began in the mid 1700s, however it was the fourth generation head of the household (Toyosuke IV 1813~1858) who moved the kiln to Kamimaezu in Nagoya and began applying lacquer and Maki-e to the works. He was succeeded by his son, Toyosuke V (d. 1885) who passed the kiln to his own son Toyosuke VI, (d. 1917), who was highly lauded in his lifetime and made pottery on order of the Meiji emperor, his pieces being selected for international exhibition. The family lineage ended in the Taisho period.

5 low-fired plates in sundown-colors decorated with seasonal images by Nakagawa Wado (1880-1943) from the Jusanken Kiln of Osaka. Each is roughly 14 cm (5-1/2 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
The Kikko Kiln was established in Osaka in the opening years of the 19th century by Iyo native Toda Jihe, who had learned the ceramic arts in Kyoto under all of the great names of the time, Kiyoizu Rokubei I, Ryonyu the 9th generation head of the Raku family, and Ninnami Dohachi among others. He would be known as Jusanken Shogetsu. After being noticed by then Daimyo of Osaka area Mizuno Tadakuni, he received the kiln name Kikko. His works were distributed as gifts among the Daimyo, and he was called to work in many fiefs creating “Niwa Yaki” kilns throughout Japan. During the Meiji the kiln would be split into two continuing lineages, one using the Jusanken stamp, the other Kikko Shogetsu.

A small set of three nesting bowls with pouring lips by Asami Gorosuke of the Kyoto Pottery Tradition dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. The largest is 11.5 x 13.5 x 6 cm, and all are in perfect condition.

A set of five Kosobe-yaki pottery plates decorated with plum blossoms, harbinger of Spring. Each is 12 cm (5 inches) diameter and in excellent condition, dating from the century and stamped Kosobe on the base.
The potter who founded Kosobe ware, Shinpei Igarashi, is said to have trained in Kyoto. He opened a kiln in Kosobe Town, Takatsuki City, during the Kansei era (1779-1801), and the operation continued for about 120 years until the fourth generation, Nobuhira. During this period, a variety of products, ranging from tea utensils to everyday household items, were produced for the surrounding areas, and sometimes orders were fulfilled for restaurants in Osaka and Kyoto. The rustic design of Kosobe ware is still widely appreciated by ceramic researchers and collectors today

A meek mouse huddles between erratic designs on the crackled-cream colored surface of this lidded container dating from the later 19th century Awata Kilns of Kyoto. It is 17 cm diameter, 11 cm tall and in excellent condition.
Awata, or Awataguchi, was the end of the Tokaido road connecting Kyoto and the Edo period capital of Tokyo. Potteries began there in the opening years of the Edo period.

A carved wood guardian figure of a Koma-inu looking quite genki with his tongue lolling and wearing a sheepish grin. It is made from a piece of wood which has grown around a stone, visible in the belly of the creature. This type of item, called Ishikui or Ishigami, is a highly prized phenomenon in Japan. The much-weathered figure was likely in the semi-outdoors for several hundred years, becoming rounded and loosing bits here and there. The tail, carved from a separate piece of wood and inserted, is no longer extant. It is roughly 40 x 20 x 41 cm (16 x 8 x 16 inches) and solid, with no insect damage.
Komainu, also known as lion-dogs, are mythical creatures that hold significant religious importance in Japanese culture. They are often depicted as pairs of fierce-looking creatures resembling lions or dogs, with one open-mouthed and the other closed-mouthed. These statues are commonly found at the entrances of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan. Komainu are considered protective guardians that ward off evil spirits and negative influences. The open-mouthed Komainu is believed to expel evil spirits, while the closed-mouthed one is thought to keep good spirits inside. By placing these statues at the entrances of sacred sites, it is believed that they protect the grounds and the people who visit them. The origin of Komainu can be traced back to ancient China, where similar guardian lion statues were prevalent and likely came to Japan during the 8th century, when cultural exchange between Japan and the continent was thriving. Over time, they became an integral part of Japanese religious and architectural practices.

A set of five covered bowls from the Akashi kilns of the 19th century decorated with cotton flowers on brown sandy clay. Each bowl is roughly 11.5 cm (4-1/2 inches) diameter, 6 cm (2-1/4 inches) deep. There are minor abrasions to the soft clay along the rims, but no cracks, and overall in rare fine used condition. Akashiyaki is a type of ceramic from Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture influenced by Mishima, Ko-Kiyomizu and Ninsei wares which reached its peak in the latter half of the Edo period. At the beginning of the Edo period, Tadazane Ogasawara from the Matsumoto domain of Shinano Province was granted the Akashi area with a value of 100,000 koku and founded the Akashi domain. Tadamasa strove to establish Akashi Castle and improve the castle town and economics of the province. According to one theory, Tadamasa initially invited Nonomura Ninsei from Kyoto, and had him develop a kiln to fire pottery which began the industry development. In the Genna era, a government kiln was built and Toda Oribenosuke began firing pottery in Akaura, Toba village. This is known today as Ko-akashiyaki. Bizen-style and Mishima-style tea pottery were produced and loved by tea masters. After that, the production of Akashiyaki was suspended for a period of time during the Tenmei period, but Tezuka Magoichiro, the group magistrate of Akashi Town, had Yamada Kikutaro reestablish the industry during the boom years of the Bunka/Bunsei eras in the early 19th century. Akashiyaki continued to be produced in this way into the Meiji era, however most of the production was for everyday items, and was rarely fired in large quantities, so as mass production took over it declined flourished from the end of the Meiji period to the beginning of the Taisho period

A celadon vase with beast head handles clasping ringlets decorated with a band of intense blue featuring civets frolicking among vines burgeoning with grapes enclosed in the original singed wooden box. It is18 cm (7 inches) diameter, 22 cm (9 inches) tall and in perfect condition.
The name Kozan was granted by Prince Yasui-no-Miya in 1851 in honor of the tea ware produced during the later Edo for the imperial Court by the tenth generation head of the Kyoto pottery family Miyagawa Chozo. The Kozan (Makuzu) kiln as we know it today was established in Yokohama in 1871 by the 11th generation head of the family where he reinvented the family business. He immediately set out on a journey which would propel the Kozan name to International Celebrity status, and send his wares throughout the globe. Pieces produced there were marked Kozan, or Makuzu, the official kiln name, or both. Although he had been running the daily operation since the late 19th century, the first son, Hanzan, succeeded as head of the kiln, in 1912, with the father officially retiring to spend more time on his own research and art. Kozan I dies in 1916. The kiln was run by Hanzan through the early Showa era, he officially taking the name Kozan II in 1917, after one year mourning for his fathers passing. Under Hanzan the kiln was commissioned for works to be presented to the Prince of Wales, the 25th wedding anniversary gift for the Taisho emperor and the Showa Emperors coronation gift. The kiln was completely destroyed in the bombing of Yokohama in 1945. For more on this illustrious family see Bridging East and West, Japanese Ceramics from the Kozan Studio by Kathleen Emerson-Dell.