Takahashi Rakusai III Decorative Objects

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...

Meiji period large Japanese Imari bowl centerpiece This large, distinctive, octagonal porcelain Imari bowl is painted in rich, inky blue, co...

Fringe chawan bowl Irregular, dramatic gray cracks of bold visual impact embellish the polished ceramic surface of this spectacular chawan bowl, handcrafted following the ancient ...

A ceramic tea bowl (chawan) by Japanese American artist Toshiko Takaezu (American, 1922 - 2011) circa 1980s. The hand-built form shows a near perfect round form supported by a short ...

An antique Korean ceramic tea bowl with celadon glaze from Goryeo dynasty, circa 12th century. The thin-walled stoneware bowl was potted delicately with...

A modern ceramic Chawan (Tea Bowl) by potter Kato Tokuro (1896-1985). The bowl was hand-molded in the classic Han-tsutsu-gata (half cylinder) form with slight irregularity. Technical...

A Japanese ceramic Chawan (tea bowl) of e-Shino (painted Shino) ware style circa mid-late 18th century Edo period. The classically shaped bowl features an abstract blue paint of blue grass and displays strong characters in the milky white glaze, with overall crawling and crackling effect. One of the most distinctive characteristics of Shino that is exemplified on this bowl is the small pinholes called suana, which tea masters favor (termed as yuzuhada, or citron skin). The milky-white feldspar...

A Japanese Kutsu-gata (clog-shaped) chawan (tea bowl) circa 19th century possibly older. The stoneware bowl potted from buff clay has a slight irregular shape and an unusual depth for a tea bowl. Of Mino ware...

An Aka-Raku Chawan (red-glazed tea bowl) by Raku Tannyu (1795-1854), the tenth-generation head of the Raku kiln. The Raku family established one of the lon...

A rare ceramic bowl with overglaze paint decoration by Japanese imperial potter Makuzu Kozan ((1842–1916). Unlike the better-known works Kozan made for the expositions in the west and export to the foreign market, this piece exemplifies his work for the domestic market and the tea ceremony. The bowl was made in the so called "Utusushi" Ogata Kenzan (1663-1743), a celebrated Edo painter and ceramicist. Utusushi is loosely translated as "in the spirit of". It is not at all a simple imitation of a master, but a Japanese concept of embracing the spiritual essence of a master while the creator is free to mix in his or her own unique artistic interpretation and flavor. The bowl was made to hold fruits during the tea ceremony. It has a very distinguished form with a circular lower body morphing into a square upper portion that further opening with flared rim. The surface has a grey glaze onto which Asagao flowers (Japanese morning glory) on the vines were painted in a free and poetic style. White was used for the petals, green for the leaves with touches of gold highlight. Asagao, the symbol of the summer was rendered in the spirit of Ogata Kenzan, and interestingly the shape of the blossom echoes the unique form the bowl. It was likely reserved for the tea ceremony during the summer months. Under the base, Kozan was signed in black on a white porcelain plaque inlay. For two similar examples of Kozan's work Utusushi Kenzan, see Page 168-169 of the book: Sekai ni Aisa Reta ya Kimono Miyagawa Kozan Makuzu...

A fine antique signed Japanese Imari porcelain bowl. In the form of a shaped bowl with a plum-like shape. Decorated throughout with exquisitely detailed painted or enameled dec...

A glazed ceramic tea bowl (chawan) by Japanese American artist Toshiko Takaezu (American, 1922 - 2011). The hand-built bowl is covered with a striking matte glaze in mustard yellow w...