Raku Kichizaemon XI Keinyu Ceramics

On offer is a Japanese ceramic tea bowl (chawan) used in the traditional chado ceremony. The bowl was potted in clog form with a ring foot shaved extremely low. Its size and harmonious proportion make it perfect to be held in both hands during chado. Classified as shino ware...

A small ceramic stemmed dish with high cylindrical foot in white glaze with a cobalt blue underglaze inscription in the center from Korea, circa 18-19th cent...

A very fine pair antique Chinese Kangxi porcelain famille verte Buddhist Lion joss stick holders dating between 1662 and 1722. The dogs sit raised on...

A rare and attractive pair Chinese Qing Jun-ware Foo dogs decorated in liver red glazes and dating from around 1850. The porcelain dogs are heavily made and stand raised on rectangul...

An antique Korean ritual incense burner circa 19th century, late Joseon dynasty. It was made in Bunwon Kiln in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Do, near Seoul. The ceramic container has a thickly b...

Stunning Pair of early Meiji period Satsuma heavy gauge earthenware Rouleau Japanese Vases of Museum quality and generous proportions. These beautiful Satsuma-ware vases were made du...

A wonderfully glazed, impeccably made Chawan tea bowl by famed Japanese master potter the 13th Kichizaemon Raku, Seinyu (1887-1944) who was the eldest son of Konyu - the 12th Kichizaemon of the Raku family line of potters - known as the most noted and celebrated tradition of pottery within the world of Japanese tea. Kichizaemon Raku was the 13th master to carry on the family's esteemed name and tradition. The bowl features shifting textures and deep, rich colours which radiate in the light. The term "Raku" was derived from the site where clay was dug in Kyoto in the late 16th century. The Kanji character for Raku translates to "enjoyment" or "fun/delightful" For 15 generations it has been the title and seal used by a lineage of potters whose work formed the central tradition in Japan. This lineage believes that 'Raku' refers to the potters who use the technique, not the technique itself. In the 16th century, the first of these potters, Chojiro is said to have come under the patronage of the Japanese tea master, Sen-No-Rikyu. According to legend, in 1598 a few years after Chojiro's death, ruler, Hideyoshi Toyotomi bestowed upon his adopted son, Jokei, a golden seal with the written symbol "Raku." Both the name and the ceramic style have been passed down through the family to the present ever since. The name and the style of ware have become influential in both Japanese culture and literature. Raku ware marked an important point in the historical development of Japanese ceramics, as it was the first ware to use a seal mark and the first to focus on close collaboration between potter and patron. Other famous Japanese clay artists...

Dubbed as production of the "Chinese Modern Official Kiln", a small group of porcelains of the highest standard were produced in Jingdezhen from 1962-1967, The production was aimed as a revival of the Chinese porcelain after the foundation of the Republic in 1949 in order to serve the purpose of decorating the meeting halls for the newly renewed diplomatic relations around the globe. The best available materials and artists, including the painters and potters, were employed to achieve a high quality that rivaled the pieces produced during the pinnacle years in the porcelain production in the previous Qing dynasty. Due to the breakout of the Cultural Revolution, most of the pieces failed to be used as intended. Most if not all signatures, such as found on this vase, were added later as a hallmark to distinguish them. "Zhong Nai Hai Huai Ren Tang Treasures Porcelain Research Bureau year of 1962". Zhong Nai Hai is the residential and working compound for Chinese political elites in Beijing and Huai Ren Hall being an important meeting hall. The pieces from "Modern Official Kiln" ubiquitously showcase perfectly balanced forms with precision in symmetry. The use of very high quality Gaolin clay resulted in a semi translucent body, often quite thinly potted. The superbly underglaze paint were sandwiched between a pre-applied glaze and then an overglaze, and the elaborate designs were drawn by master painters. Often, there is a hidden red Chinese National Emblem on the interior wall. These features were all well reflected in this piece. The decoration of the blue paint on the vase is of a classic regal composition and the cobalt blue is of a vivid radiating color. Blooming peonies, an old laurel tree with blossom and scholar rocks provide the background and anchor for a pair of pheasants. One raises its head to crow while the other one looks down. These motifs are commonly found in classic Chinese scroll paintings, a genre called "Flower and Bird Painting". On the back of the vase, there are Chairman Mao's head portrait watermarked in the glaze as well as a cursive poem with a collection number as shown. For a pair of blue and white vase of the same production, see sale by Singapore International Auction PTE ltd on July 21st, 2019 lot 2014. For a pair of blue and white urns...

A wonderful Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner, koro, in the form of a treasure ship, Takarabune, Taisho Period (1912 - 1926), Japan. The censer boldly modeled as the legendary Takarabune, or Treasure Ship, a mythical ship said to carry the shichifukujin, the Seven Lucky Gods, around the heavens during the first days of the New Year, visiting lucky humans to bring blessings and prosperity. The black bodied, single mast ship sails on the water, its sail full of wind and decorated with the character "takara", meaning treasure. The pierced top of the ship serving as the cover for the censer. It is loaded with magical items and treasure, most prominently, a large coral branch...

A ceramic stem bowl with high cylindrical pedestal foot in white glaze from Korea, circa 18 centuries of late Joseon Dynasty. By shape, this piece appears to be a ceremonial vessel t...

A Satsuma ware miniature ewer from the studio of Yabu Meizan (birth name Yabu Masashichi; 1853-1934), who was one of the most celebrated and collectible Satsuma artists from the Meij...

A collection of two ceramic chaires (Tea caddies) of Ko-seto ware type from Edo period Japan circa 17-18th century. This type of small jar was made of stoneware in old Seto kilns in ...