The Kura - Japanese Art Treasures
Robert Mangold has been working with Japanese antiques since 1995 with an emphasis on ceramics, Paintings, Armour and Buddhist furniture.
All Items : Archives : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Pre 1920 item #898341 (stock #MOR2591)
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Hotei bows deeply, showing an unusual moment of respect from the surly sage. An unusual bronze image by Oshima Joun enclosed in the signed wooden box. The face is at once relaxed and respectful, one hand wrapped around a gnarled walking stick supporting the heavy bag on his back. All facets are rounded, with a soft, tight orange-peel surface typical of Tokyo school bronzes. The image is roughly 5 inches (12.5 cm) in all directions, and in excellent condition. Oshima Joun was professor at the Tokyo Art School from 1887 to 1932. His works were selected to represent Japan at the World Exposition in Paris (1900). There is a dearth of information available, specifically, for more on this artist see Victor Harris, Japanese Imperial Craftsmen, Meiji Art from the Khalili Collection (London, 1994) and or Arts of the East and West from World Expositions (2004).
All Items : Archives : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Pre 1920 item #898264 (stock #MOR2590)
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Wild roses blossom on the rich tea green sides of this cloisonné vase by the Ando studio enclosed in a custom silk lined padded wooden box with a separate compartment for the rose wood stand (included). The base color is that of maccha green tea, making it doubly Japanese. Each leaf, each thorn each petal is wrapped in a thin silver wire frame. The vase is roughly 10 inches (25 cm) tall and in excellent condition.
All Items : Archives : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Pre 1920 item #897512 (stock #TCR2587)
The Kura
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Exquisitely formed Hakuji pale porcelain defines this fine vase by Suwa Sozan I enclosed in the original signed wooden box bearing the Teishitsu Gigei-In stamp. Two simple bands match in width the diameter of the large rings suspended from simplified animal head handles. Fretwork in the lower belt provides the only overt decoration. The vase is 12 inches (31 cm) tall, roughly 6 inches (15 cm) diameter and in excellent condition. Sozan (1852-1922) was born in Kutani country, present day Ishikawa prefecture, where he initially studied before moving to Tokyo in 1875. Over the next 25 years he would gravitate between Tokyo and Kanazawa, working at various kilns and research facilities. He again relocated, this time to Kyoto in 1900 to manage the Kinkozan Studio. His name became synonymous with celadon and refined porcelain and was named a Teishitsu Gigei-in (member of the Imperial Art Academy), one of the highest honors in Japan. He was succeeded by his adopted daughter upon his death. He is held in the Kyoto National Museum among many others.
All Items : Archives : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Pre 1920 item #896926 (stock #TCR2586)
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Exquisite floral designs rise softly beneath the rich yellow glaze on this large porcelain vase by Seifu Yohei enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Crisp clarity defines the petaled blooms in slight relief blossoming on scrolling vines. A style both Seifu III and IV were well remembered for. It is signed simply on the base Seifu. The vase is 9 inches (23 cm) tall, the same diameter and in perfect condition. This is likely the work of the fourth generation Seifu, dating from the 1910s or 1920s. Seifu, unlike many potters of the time, was low production and tenacious in approach. The third generation head of the family (d. 1914) was honored as a member of the Imperial Art Academy (Teishitsu Gigei-In).
All Items : Archives : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Pre 1950 item #896584 (stock #TCR2582)
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An exquisitely formed sometsuke porcelain by important Seto porcelain artist Kawamoto Rekitei (1894-1975) with raised patterns of grapes forming on the vine. The delicate shades of the steadily browning grape leaves is easily conveyed by the masters touch, each leaf carefully bordered in a raised border, the dark grapes slowly growing plump in the shadows. The vase is 9 inches (23 cm) tall, over 7 inches (18 cm) diameter. Rekitei was born in Aichi prefecture, home of Seto-yaki and a long standing important production center for Japanese Sometsuke porcelains. In 1914, at the very young age of 20, he received the top prize at then National Ceramics Exhibition (Tojiki Hin Hyou Kai and later (1922) received the gold prize at the Peace Exposition. His works were featured at the Paris, San Francisco and Chicago World Expositions. He was contracted by the Japanese government in 1948 to create a vase for presentation to President Truman, and his work graces the collection of the Imperial Household. In 1972 he was named an Important Cultural Property of Aichi Prefecture (Ken Shitei Mukei Bunkazai).
All Items : Archives : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Pre 1920 item #888953 (stock #TCR2574)
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A sage stands in deep contemplation of the sight of a sheer falls , his paige cautiously approaching behind on the rugged outcropping; a fine trumpeting ZeZe-Yaki sometsuke porcelain vase decorated by important Meiji artist Yamamoto Shunkyo. The decoration is performed with a very delicate hand. It is signed on the side Shunkyo followed by a Ka-O signature, and stamped on the base Zeze. The vase is 10-1/2 inches (27 cm) tall, 7-1/4 inches (18.5 cm) diameter and is in fine condition. Zeze yaki is the ceramic ware created in Otsu, (former home of Zeze castle) the artists home of many long years. Shunkyo (1871-1933) was a student of Kono Bairei and Mori Kansai, and taught at the Kyoto Municipal School of Art. He was also a member of the Imperial Art Committee and frequent exhibitor at the Bunten. His paintings are included in most important collections.
All Items : Archives : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Pre 1980 item #886659 (stock #MOR2565)
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A Chawan tea bowl by Goho with calligraphy work by Yamada Mumon enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The calligraphy reads Mi-Do, The Way of Taste, followed by Mumons artistic signature (Ka-o). The bowl is 4-1/2 inches (11 cm) diameter, 3 inches (8 cm) tall and in perfect condition. Mumon (1900-1988) studied law in his youth, but was converted to the life of Buddhism by a statement of Confucian theory which says, rather than become a lawyer, create a world where there is no need for courts. After taking the tonsure, he initially studied under Kawaguchi Ekai, the first Japanese Zen priest to visit Tibet. However after several years in isolation battling tuberculosis, he emerged to receive his certificate of enlightenment from Seisetsu Genjo, and went on to head a number of prominent Zen temples. Later in life Mumon traveled the world, working hard to spread to light of Rinzai Zen.
All Items : Archives : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Pre 1980 item #886604 (stock #MOR2566)
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The character Kotobuki followed by a playful verse crying Watashiya kyujukyu made (Longevity, I live to 99). Ink on paper enclosed in a subtle cloth border befitting Zen art. It is stamped Taishitsu (his art name) and enclosed in the original signed wooden box with the same inscription on the lid. The scroll measures 10 by 73 inches (26.5 x 185 cm). There is some cupping in the scroll, otherwise in fine condition. Mumon (1900-1988) studied law in his youth, but was converted to the life of Buddhism by a statement of Confucian theory which says, rather than become a lawyer, create a world where there is no need for courts. After taking the tonsure, he initially studied under Kawaguchi Ekai, the first Japanese Zen priest to visit Tibet. However after several years in isolation battling tuberculosis, he emerged to receive his certificate of enlightenment from Seisetsu Genjo, and went on to head a number of prominent Zen temples. Later in life Mumon traveled the world, working hard to spread to light of Rinzai Zen.
All Items : Archives : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Pre 1900 item #881881 (stock #ANR2564)
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Flora in heavy pigment decorate the gold leaves of this two panel Rimpa screen dating from the late 18th to early 19th centuries. Tinges of red bring a brush of Autumn to the various grasses and flowers. Heavy veining on the gold as well, evidences the age and brings to vivid life the scene in the fore. The screen has been restored at some time in the distant past with some repairs performed then, and is bordered with patterned blue silk in a natural wood frame. Each panel measures 24-1/2 by 71-1/2 inches (63 x 181 cm) and is in very presentable condition.
All Items : Archives : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Pre 1920 item #881545 (stock #ANR2563)
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A dilapidated shrine nestles deep in a forested mountain side with a cluster of stone Jizo and a fudomyo climbing the green hillside behind signed Koho and dating to the late Meiji. A quiet and contemplative scene reflecting the quality of the art of the time, the subject not overstated but resting silently awaiting our discovery. The scene is quite personal, inviting the viewer into its depths for a moment of silence where only the falling of the pine needles and call of a distant bird may disturb ones thoughts. Water falls into a misty vale in the upper right while trees cling tenuously to the shrub covered crags. The thatch covered wooden structure is decorated with various Ema votive placks and a strand of rain washed paper over the door. It is likely the work of Mizuno Koho (b. 1846), a Kyoto artist (Shijo School) active through the early Taisho period. ‚dEach panel measures 37 x 69 inches (93.5 x 175 cm) nd we have had the screen re-backed with sturdy green cloth. Due to regulations enacted last year permission for export must be applied for (a formality) and usually requires about 15 days before shipping.
All Items : Archives : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Pre 1920 item #856181 (stock #MOR2538)
The Kura
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A pimpled toad looks to the sky exhaling a clouded spirit, a truly superb version of this theme in deep caramel bronze dating from the Meiji period. It is an interesting theme, the ugly creature elevated to the status of saint. Judging by color and quality, we attribute this as the work of Kanaya Gorosaburo (1836-1890), a bronze artist of Kyoto fond of this color and known for his superb modeling and detail. Not always signed, Gorosabutro was often known to sign only the box. This piece is unsigned. It is 7-1/4 inches (18 cm) tall, with the basin 5 inches (12.5 cm) diameter.
All Items : Archives : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Pre 1800 item #854105 (stock #MOR2536)
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An antique cast bronze waniguchi bell or gong, the type used to hang in front of places of prayer and under temple eaves dated 1710. Often these can be found hanging over saisen-bako where the bell is rung by clanging a dangling rope with wooden corbel against the bell to awaken the gods; coins are tossed and a prayer given. Anyone who has been to a Japanese Temple or Shrine may have noticed one. A much thinner cast than the later bell we are offering
All Items : Archives : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Pre 1700 item #842209 (stock #ANR2495)
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A typical Muromachi style Sansui screen showing scholarly travelers in a ragged landscape of precipitous hills and temples dusted with clouds of gold flake likely dating from the late 16th century. It is bordered in fine antique patterned brocade with a black lacquered frame. The gold mist engulfs the scene, giving life to the unusually large figures, a Muromachi-Momoyama trait. In the area about the travelers’ path, gold has been rubbed into the paper, giving it a soft sheen. The screen measures 64-1/2 x 142 inches (164 x 361 cm) and is Completely Restored.
All Items : Archives : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Pre 1920 item #841931 (stock #TCR2492)
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A large Kiji porcelain vase with florals (stylized millet?) in raised relief by Miyanaga Tozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The architecture and infinite care shown in the carving on the surface proves this to be a superb piece deserving of the name of one of Kyotos top porcelain artists. The vase is 10-1/2 inches (27 cm) tall, 11-1/2 inches (30 cm) diameter and in excellent condition. Miyanaga Tozan I (1868-1941) is one of the most important names in Kyoto ceramics. He was born in Ishikawa prefecture, and graduated from the (now) Tokyo University of Art. While a government employee, he represented Japan at Arts Expositions, and studied art in Europe before returning to Japan in 1902 to devote himself to the production of ceramics, with great emphasis on celadon, one of the most difficult of all ceramic wares. He was direct teacher or mentor to a number of prominent artists including Kitaoji Rosanjin and Arakawa Toyozo. He was succeeded by his adopted daughter who brought a refreshing variation of color and delicate touch to the porcelains they produced. The kiln is now in the third generation, run by his grandson.
All Items : Archives : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Pre 1920 item #841877 (stock #TCR2490)
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A massive museum quality Chinese style Pot by leading Kyoto artist Ito Tozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The bulb-form body is sculpted with 14 flutes, a pair of beast heads serve as handles. The glaze is olive covered in red, bleeding through in places, the combination of color quite striking. The vase is 18 inches (46 cm) tall, 14 inches (36 cm) diameter and in perfect condition and comes with the original rosewood stand. The box is simply titled Horo-Kama Kabin signed inside Tozan Kinsei and stamped Tozan. The Ito family, spanned three generations. Ito Tozan I (1846-1920) began his artistic career studying painting in the Shijo manner under Koizumi Togaku before moving to the plastic arts under a number of teachers, including Takahashi Dohachi. He began using the name Tozan in 1895, and later received a number of prizes from the Imperial family, as well as being internationally acclaimed in the Paris, Chicago and Amsterdam Exhibitions. He was named a member of the prestigious Imperial Art Academy in 1917, three years before his death. He worked very closely with his adopted son, Ito Tozan II (1871-1937). He too began life as a painter, but his talent was seen by Tozan I, who adopted him and converted him to pottery, where he both succeeded and excelled as a member of one of Kyotos most well known pottery families. The line unfortunately died with the third Tozan in 1970.
All Items : Archives : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Pre 1920 item #823995 (stock #TCR2468)
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An exquisite large vessel by Seifu Yohei III (1851-1914) enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The mirror smooth surface is lightly tinged pink, a delicate touch only Seifu could create. The Fretwork about the center is absolutely perfect. The vase stands just over 12 inches (31 cm) tall, 5-1/2 inches (13 cm) diameter and in excellent condition. It is signed on the base Dai-Nippon Seifu Zo. Seifu, unlike many potters of his time, was low production and tenacious in his approach to perfection. What makes this piece so exceptional is not just the artist associated with it, but that the artist rarely made such large works. For his accomplishments he was honored as a member of the Imperial Art Academy (Teishitsu Gigei-In).
All Items : Archives : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Pre 1920 item #822055 (stock #MBR2461)
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Like an aged boxer, the squat muscular crab takes a stance of readiness, one claw up prepared to defend against a coming attacker. This little fellow is unusual in that it is made of thick bronze, with each joint pinned in a way that allows for some mobility. Legs splayed the creature is 9 inches (23 cm) wide, standing it is 3-1/2 inches 89 cm) tall. There is a repair to the first joint of the 2nd left leg. It dates from the first part of the 20th century.
All Items : Archives : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Pre 1920 item #819654 (stock #MOR2444)
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Everything about this sencha tea implement storage cabinet is top quality; a most unusual box made up almost entirely of worm wood featuring a removable door with an inner panel of antique Chinese origin, possibly an image of a tea salesman with his baskets of leaves. A bronze handle surmounts the lightweight box, with a set of four jade rings attached through a pair of folding fans serving as a handle for the door. Climbing up the naturally gnarled sides of the door are two tiny frogs gazing across the smooth reflective burl-wood center panel like a pool. Inside red-orange (shu-iro lacquer covers the removable shelving, with a small drawer below opening with a solid ivory pull. The box is 7 x 11 x 14 inches 818 x 27 x 36 cm) and in fine condition. The box itself likely dates from the boom in Chinese style tea ushered in at the end of the Edo period, and in fact may be of Chinese origin which the polished wood of the door seems to indicate.