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Large Japanese Contemporary Ceramic Jar from Onda Yaki Kiln
By Onda Yaki
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large Japanese lidded ceramic jar from the kiln of Onda Yaki, circa 2010. The stoneware jar impresses the viewer with a robust bulbous form. Its black body is nearly unglazed but exuberantly splashed with strokes of slip glazes of white, yellow and blue. The visual effect is wonderful that it appears traditional and contemporary at the same time. The tri-color glaze calls to mind the San-Cai from Chinese Tang dynasty, yet the application is akin to abstract painting on canvas.
Onda Yaki also spelled as Onta Yaki also spelled Onta, is a type of Japanese pottery produced in and around the village of Onta in Oita Prefecture in Kyushu Island. It was founded in 1705. Closely associated with Mingei folk art, Onda ware was inscribed by the national government in 1995 as an Intangible Cultural Property
Background from Pucker Gallery where the jar was exibited and purchased.
"In his search for true folk pottery, the Japanese philosopher Soetsu Yanagi...
Category
2010s Japanese Organic Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Sculpture by Kawano Shoko
By Kawano Shoko
Located in Atlanta, GA
A contemporary Japanese bamboo sculpture entitled Light at Dawn (Gyoko) made in 2004 by Kawano Shoko (B. 1957). This airy piece is unconventi...
Category
Early 2000s Japanese Modern Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Contemporary Japanese White Glaze Ceramic Vase by Manji Inoue
By Inoue Manji
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large glazed white porcelain vase in the jar-form by Japanese ceramic artist Inoue Manji (Japanese, b. 1929). Minimalistic in form, the vase is pure white with a very subtle blue h...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Collection of Three Indian Sandstone Carved Heads of Deities
Located in Atlanta, GA
A collection of three carved sandstone heads on wood display stands from Northern India Rajasthan or
Madhya Pradesh, circa 11-12th century. Fragmented from large whole-body statue, these red sandstone heads exhibit very fine carving, typical of Northern Indian Art during the medieval time. Two males and one female, they represent heavenly deities Yakshas and Yakshini. Their facial features were detailed with large almond-shape eyes under thin arched eyebrows. The males have characteristic facial hairs including curvy moustaches and tightly combed beard, both finely carved, and the female wears large spoke loop earrings. They all don fantastical hairstyles with serpent-like spiral locks and some with elaborate knots on top and above the sideburns.
These deities are likely celestial musicians. A pair of full-body statues (lot 70) were offered for sale in Christie's Indian and Southeast Asian Art...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Indian Archaistic Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Sandstone
Antique Korean Ceramic Buncheong Bowl Joseon Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Korean ceramic shallow bowl on ring foot in the classic Buncheong (or Punch'ong) style from early Joseon Dynasty circa 15th century. The bowl features...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Korean Archaistic Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Japanese Woven Bamboo Sculpture by Honda Syoryu
By Honda Shoryu
Located in Atlanta, GA
Entitled "Rhythm", this abstract sculpture was made by Japanese bamboo artist Honda Syoryu (Japanese, born 1951) in 2005. The free vertical form defies the limit of the traditional material bamboo as a rigid medium, and instead displays a nearly impossibly fluidity. Rooted in ages of tradition of Japanese basket weaving, the artist managed to break that ikebana tradition using bending and twisting techniques to create a pure sculptural work.
The work is a testament of how traditional craft can be reinvented into modern art form. Signed with carved signature "Syoryu" underneath.
The sculpture is displayed on a custom-made stand and can be appreciated from all angles. It comes with its original box and cloth, with label and Japanese inscription as shown.
Provenance: Purchased in 2005 from Tai Modern...
Category
Early 2000s Japanese Organic Modern Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bamboo
Large Japanese Satsuma Ceramic Vase Kinkozan
By Kinkozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large Japanese ceramic vase from the end of Meiji period circa 1890-1910s by Kinkozan (1645-1927). One of the largest studio manufacturers of the export ceramics at the time based in Kyoto. In the typical style of satsuma made at the turn of 20th century, the vase is elaborately decorated with a rather unusual kinran-de (gold paint) and green enamel highlight on a mottled brown background. The painterly decoration depicts a large seasonal floral arrangement in a circular fashion. Besides the obviously superb craftsmanship, what sets this particular vase apart from many lower quality and mass-produced pieces is its tone-on-tone color pallet that is visually somber and the small and sensitive details that heralds the change of the seasons. When the viewer goes beyond the first casual glimpse of the blossom and foliage, one would notice that on the edges of certain leaves as well as along the stalks, there accumulates a very thin layer of the white dust that represents the frost. The flower in bloom are chrysanthemums. Despite of being splendid, they are the messengers of the autumn. The large lotus leaf was subtly rendered in a bended and slightly withered manner, just past its prime. Although the lotus is still in bloom, the prominent seed pod indicates it may be the last for the season. The sentimental capture of the change of the seasons is not unusual in Japanese art. This vase poetically represents such a subtle transition from summer to fall, perhaps depicting the very first frost.
The neck of the vase is also slightly unusual with two rolled rings...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Large and Stunning Sculptural Silver Vessel Graziella Laffi
By Graziella Laffi
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large sterling silver vessel in an asymmetrical hour-glass vase form with a larger upper conical body balanced on a much smaller base. Crafted by Graziella Laffi, Lima, Peru, Circa 1965. Marked on the rim: G. Laffi, PERU. The vessel was designed as a modern rendition of ancient pre-Columbina drinking vessel used in ceremony. The piece projects a regal and substantial aura due to its thick double wall construction with seamless craftmanship. The exterior surface was decorated with high relief roundels with concentric rings, arranged in geometrical pattern in two difference sizes. It is an impressive presence with its unique form and ornamentation that is modern and ancient at the same time.
The vessel weights about 2012 grams.
Graziella Laffi was born in 1923 in Florence, Italy to Gino Laffi, a silversmith and artist. Following her family tradition, Graziella enrolled in master classes after elementary school, focusing on design and painting. She next attended Escuela de Bellas Artes de Puerta Romana for three years, where Gino taught, and then to the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, where she concentrated in architecture until the start of World War II. In 1947, Graziella, then twenty-four, immigrated with her parents to Peru. Gino later created a silversmith studio and showroom called Fabrica Laffi on Avenue Mexico, where Graziella initially learned her Craft. The Pre-Columbian culture in her adopted country inspired Graziella to travel and collect, which ultimately influence her design in the silver pieces. Graziella learned the metalworking techniques of the ancient Peruvian civilizations and rejected the current technology. She mostly used hammering, rolling and creating joints as the ancients do. As an ambassador of Peruvian culture, her work promoted the indigenous Peruvian art and rekindled the interest in its ancient heritage throughout South America, the United States and Europe. She exhibited her growing collection of Peruvian artifacts...
Category
Vintage 1960s Peruvian Modern Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Japanese Contemporary Iga Stoneware Bowl by Shiro Tsujimura
By Shiro Tsujimura
Located in Atlanta, GA
A contemporary Stoneware Bowl made in the tradition of Iga ware by Japanese ceramic artist Shiro Tsujimura (1947-). In a slightly irregular round form, the de...
Category
Early 2000s Japanese Organic Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Antique Korean Ceramic Buncheong Bowl Joseon Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Korean ceramic bowl supported on a short ring foot in the classic Buncheong (or Punch'ong) style from early Joseon Dynasty circa 15th century. The bow...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Korean Archaistic Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Large Gilt Bronze Feuille Box by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large cast bronze powder box (poudrier) by French Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1945-1950. The box called "Feuille" (Leaf) features an irregular leaf form wit...
Category
Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Bronze
Silvered Bronze Box with Relief Cast Poem by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A wonderful jewelry box in silvered cast bronze by Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997). From a small special series, the designer created circa 1945-55. on which poems were cast in relief on the cover. Most existing examples features poems that are well-known. This poem, however, was not identified by us, and possibly is a creation of the artist herself. It is a very soulful prose (see the full poem in French below). Signed on the base as shown.
We have a gilt bronze box with the same relief cast poem that comes with a three-page Certification in French by Comite Line Vautrin, shown in some photos as well.
Reference: For other boxes with poems see "Line Vautrin Sculptor, Jeweller, Magician by Line Vautrin and Patrick Mauries, page 42.
"Les glaciers vagabonds qui ébranlent les murs
et les anges frileux qui cherchent un asile quand la nuit de décembre
anesthésie la ville t’effraient plus que les morts tutélaires et durs
Ils désertent pour toi...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Antique Japanese Lacquer and Inlay Box from Ryukyu Island
Located in Atlanta, GA
A lacquer presentation box with mother-of-pearl inlays from Japanese Ryukyu Islands circa 17-18th century. The lidded box in rectangular form with rounded corner is a classic example...
Category
Antique 18th Century Japanese Japonisme Lacquer
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer
Japanese Bamboo Basket Ikebana by Tanabe Chikuunsai II
By Tanabe Chikuunsai II 1
Located in Atlanta, GA
A woven bamboo flower Ikebana basket by Tanabe Chikuunsai II (1921-2000) from Showa era (1926-1989), circa 1950-1960s. The ikebana basket takes a vertical square form, the body was e...
Category
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
Large Sculptural Ceramic Vessel by Mihara Ken
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large ceramic vessel in an impressive geometrical form by Japanese potter Mihara Ken (1958-) made in 2007. This multi-fired stoneware in shape of a mounta...
Category
Early 2000s Japanese Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Pre-Columbian Colima Hunchback Figure Vessel
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pre-Columbian figural vessel from West Mexico Colima culture (circa 300BC-400AD). Made of molded clay, the stoneware vessel depicts a seated hunchback...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Mexican Pre-Columbian Figurative Sculpt...
Materials
Ceramic
Japanese Oribe Square Dish by Kitaoji Rosanjin
By Rosanjin Kitaoji
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Oribe-Style rectangular dish with a slightly concaved slab body and up-turned irregular edges, made by Kitaoji Rosanjin (1883-1959) circa 1930-50s....
Category
20th Century Japanese Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Japanese Rinpa Style Lacquer Ink Stone Box Suzuribako
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese writing box with ink stone (known as Suzuribako) with exquisite maki-e decoration circa late Meiji to early Taisho period (1890s-1930s)...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Lacquer
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Maki-e Lacquerware Portable Picnic Set Sagejubako
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sagejubako is a portable picnic set that became popular in the early Edo period when an additional meal was added between breakfast and dinner. It normally consists of a carry case w...
Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
Rare Japanese Lacquer Writing Box Suzuribako Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese Lacquer writing box Suzuribako Meiji Period (1868-1912), likely circa late 19th century. This suzuribako is one of the most unusual boxe...
Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
Modern Japanese Ceramic Shigaraki Ikebana Vase Takahashi Shunsai
Located in Atlanta, GA
A tall ceramic vase made in the tradition of Shigaraki ware by Japanese potter Takahashi Shunsai (1927-2011), the fourth heir of the famed Rakusai lineage of potters. The vase is heavily potted in the reddish sandy Shigaraki clay. It has a Classic vase form made for Ikebana display. The surface is thickly draped with natural ash glaze that deposited onto the body during the firing process in the kiln. It also features decoration of carved lines. Nuggets of feldspar were incorporated in the clay and exposed onto the surface as crystal like jewels. Substantial and archaic looking, the vase also has a strong modern appeal due to its Mingei styling. It was signed on the base with a pressed seal Shunsai as shown. The vase comes with its original wood storage box (tomobako) with bears the title and signature in Kanji and a seal. It also retains a paperwork noting the artist's biography and practice philosophy in Japanese.
Born in Shigaraki, Shunsai was the second son of renowned potter Takahashi Rakusai...
Category
1990s Japanese Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Modern Japanese Studio Pottery Oribe Moon Flask Vase by Ken Matsuzaki
By Ken Matsuzaki
Located in Atlanta, GA
A contemporary studio ceramic vase made by Japanese potter Ken Matsuzaki (1950-). The vase showcases distinguished "moon flask" form with shoulder loops. The moon flask form was widely recorded first in Tang Dynasty China, most likely arrived from the Mideast countries via the silk road. It was originally used as drink vessel for the nomads and the loops were used to tie it to the horse-centered owner. The exotic form persisted in Chinese ceramic production through Ming to Qing dynasty. The form is unusual in Ken Matsuzaki's work. The artist covered the vase with a thick dripping Oribe green glaze partially revealing the unglazed part of the body, which is decorated with scrolling pattern in left by ash glaze. The work is rooted in both Yohen Shino glaze technique and Oribe tradition, but interestingly it also paid homage to Sancai pottery in Tang Dynasty when green glaze was prominently used to drip and splash onto the pottery. Viewing the vase, one can see in this harmonious piece, the innovative reinterpretation of ancient aesthetics that cross the cultures, geology and time. The base is marked with the artist's signature. The vase comes with an inscribed tomobako storage box with the artist's bio and wrapping cloth with seal. The vase measures 8.6"h x 7"w x 2"d.
Ken Matsuzaki’s haptic ceramics bring a contemporary approach to traditional Japanese ceramicware, most notably 16th-century Oribe pottery...
Category
Early 2000s Japanese Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Modern Japanese Studio Pottery Oribe Vase by Ken Matsuzaki
By Ken Matsuzaki
Located in Atlanta, GA
A contemporary studio ceramic vase made by Japanese potter Ken Matsuzaki (1950-). The vase showcases a geometrical spindle form, rather distinguishingly modern. It is covered with a thick dripping Oribe green glaze partially revealing the unglazed part of the body, which is decorated with scrolling pattern in left by ash glaze. The work is rooted in both Yohen Shino glaze technique and Oribe tradition, but it is an innovative reinterpretation of the ancient aesthetic. The base is marked with the artist's signature. The vase comes with an inscribed tomobako storage box with the artist's bio and wrapping cloth with seal. The vase measures 9"h x 5.5"w x 4"d.
Ken Matsuzaki’s haptic ceramics bring a contemporary approach to traditional Japanese ceramicware, most notably 16th-century Oribe pottery...
Category
Early 2000s Japanese Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Large Ceremic Shigaraki Tsubo by Nagaoka Masami
Located in Atlanta, GA
An impressive Shigaraki Tsubo (jar normally for storage) in an archaic form with a bulbous and robust body that opens with a small lipped mouth. Heavil...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Japanese Modern Studio Ceramic Oribe Jar by Ryoji Koie
By Ryoji Koie
Located in Atlanta, GA
A glazed ceramic vessel by Japanese potter Ryoji Koie (1938-2020). Hand-built with intention to be seen as such, the tsubo has a primordial irregular form with a small opening and a swelled body resembling a beehive. The upper body was covered in a glassy green oribe glaze with fine crackles, highlighted with three incised geometrical symbols. The lower body is unglazed and exposed the white clay with marks of the hand-making pinches and kneading along the base. The base also shows highly irregular surface due to the seashell spur marks and clay pitting in the kiln during the firing process. All these occurrences honestly preserved and presented as part of the character of this wonderful modern piece. The jar comes with a plain wooden tomobako box.
"One of Japan’s most versatile and forward-thinking contemporary artists, KOIE RYOJI...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Large French Silvered Bronze Box Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A silvered bronze poudrier box "Ammonite" by French Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997).
In the 1940s, Line Vautrin designed a series that was inspired by the shape of na...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Porcelain Celadon Vase with Copper Glaze by Brother Thomas Bezanson
By Brother Thomas Bezanson
Located in Atlanta, GA
A spindle form porcelain vase by Brother Thomas Bezanson (1929-2007). As a modern interpretation of "Mei-Ping", a classic form of Chinese vase,...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Large Ceramic Vase by Brother Thomas Bezanson
By Brother Thomas Bezanson
Located in Atlanta, GA
An impressively large ceramic vase with a bulbous body and a long coiled neck by potter Brother Thomas Bezanson (1929-2007). The minimalist modern form might be distilled from the classic Chinese garlic bottle. The high glossy surface displays a splendid shades of dark purple, copper red, auberge and blue, in a copper flambé pattern called "peacock" glaze that was clearly inspired by ancient Jun Kiln...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
One of The Two Japanese Ceramic Vases Makuzu Kozan Meiji Period
By Makuzu Kozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
Two small nearly identical ceramic vases by Japanese Meiji imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916), circa 1890-1900s. The vases were made in the form of jarlet with swelled shoulder...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Faceted Korean Ceramic Celadon Jar Joseon Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small ceramic celadon storage jar circa 18th century of Korean Joseon Dynasty. The melon shape jar with a mouth and base of the same size display a beautiful harmony in its form. T...
Category
Antique 18th Century Korean Other Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Tall Korean Ceramic Storage Jar Joseon Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Korean ceramic storage jar circa 18th century of Joseon Dynasty. The jar is of a classic Maebyong form (known in Chinese as Plum Vase or Meiping...
Category
Antique 18th Century Korean Other Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Korean Ceramic Storage Jar Joseon Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Korean ceramic storage jar circa 18th century of Joseon Dynasty. The jar is of a characteristic form with a bulbous upper body that tappers with a gra...
Category
Antique 18th Century Korean Other Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Korean Ceramic Celadon Bowl with Slip Inlay Goryeo Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A superb Korean celadon bowl with elaborate slip inlays circa 12th century from the Goryeo Dynasties (918 to 1392AD). Despite inspired originally b...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Korean Archaistic Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Early Japanese Hand Basket with Brocade Interior by Suzuki Gengensai
By Suzuki Gengensai
Located in Atlanta, GA
This small elegant woven bamboo basket was meant to be a hand-hold bag with its brocade interior (which appears original). It was made by Suzuki Gengensai (1891-1950) circa 1910-20s. Suzuki Gengensai was from Kansai region and active in Osaka. He studied bamboo art under Yamashita Kochikusai (1876-1947) and became an independent artist in 1913. He received his artist name Gengensai in 1914 and in 1923 he changed the characters to Gen, a slight written variation of the character. This basket was signed in the former way, which helps to date the piece to the early part of the artist's career circa 1914-1923.
The basket is tightly woven in variation of twill plating that creates contrasting bands on the surface. The base was constructed with short bamboo stripes on the corners and side with ornamental knots.
A closely related piece (Object Number: 2006.3.651) with slight different surface twill patterns is in the collection of Asian Art Museum San Francisco. Comparing the two, they show almost identical form as well as the base construction. Both also have brocade interior and most likely were woven during the same period.
Another documented example can be found on page 180 in "Baskets Masterpieces of Japanese Bamboo Art...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Decorative Baskets
Materials
Brocade, Bamboo
Large Japanese Woven Bamboo Morikago Basket by Maeda Chikubosai I
By Maeda Chikubosai
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large and impressive Japanese basket in the form of a morikago by Maeda Chikubosai I (1872-1950) circa first half of the 20th century. Chikubosai I was from the Kansai Region and active in Sakai, Osaka prefecture. He was instructed by Wada Waichisai I, (1851-1901).
Morikago is a shallow open basket with handle. It was traditionally used to display fruits, sometimes flowers, during Sencha tea ceremony. In contrast to Chanoyu, Sencha ceremony uses loose green tea leaves instead of tea powder. The placement of loose fruits in the basket meant that the pattern of the bottom, which is often elaborate, was meant to be visible.
This morikago was beautifully constructed with bent bamboo frame and twill plaits for the body. The bottom of the basket features a double diamond pattern achieved with a variation of plover plait. The bifurcated handles was bundle-plated with a rather free spirit approach. They show a poetic suggestion of movement, as if the bamboos were still swaying in the wind. The basket has a copper insert that fits perfectly and it is quite possibly the original. The basket is signed on the base "Chikubosai". The style of the signature shows that it was made by Maeda Chikubosai I.
For another Morikago basket by Maeda Chikubosai I, see page 79 of "Masters of Bamboo" by Rinne.
For the study of the signature of Chikubosai I "Baskets Master Pieces of Japanese Bamboo Art...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Decorative Baskets
Materials
Copper
Sculptural Ceramic Ashanti Jar Robert Turner Published
By Robert Turner
Located in Atlanta, GA
A glazed stoneware jar with lid by American Ceramist Robert Chapman Turner (1913-2005) entitled "Ashanti". The vessel was made in 1974, purchased in 1978 and held in the same collection since. It was published in the artist's monograph as shown below. One of the classic forms with variations in Turner's repertoire since 1970s, the jar feature a slightly irregular form with numerous surface patching and markings under an overall black glaze with blue tint. The dome-shape lid has a cross-shaped handle with small markings. The form was inspired by Ashanti culture he observed during his trips to Africa. Incised signature "Turner" on the base.
"In 1971–72, drawn by the power of African sculpture, and wishing to imbue his work with a greater sense of universality, Robert Turner traveled to Nigeria and Ghana. The trip proved transformational. In West Africa he was deeply moved by the way in which art was ingrained in daily experience, and by the beauty of traditional forms of architecture, pottery, ceremonial objects, and decoration. After his return, Turner began to produce series of distinctive vessel types named after African kingdoms and peoples—Ashanti, Ife, Oshogbo, Akan. The first is a squat, lidded pot; the others are cone and cylinder shapes." Smithsonian American Art Museum
Robert Turner's work is in numerous museum collections including the Smithsonian Museum of American Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City.
For this piece, see page 33 in "Robert Turner Shaping Silence A Life in Clay" by Marsha Miro and Tony Hepburn.
Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Jars
Materials
Ceramic
Sculptural Ceramic Handled Vase by Robert Turner
By Robert Turner
Located in Atlanta, GA
A glazed stoneware free form vase by American Ceramist Robert Chapman Turner (1913 - 2005) titled "Oshogbo Form III" circa 1970s. The piece was purchased in 1981 and held in the same collection since. The vessel is one of the classic forms with variations in Turner's repertoire since 1970s when he started to make non-functional abstract sculptural pieces. The vessel features an irregular hand-built form with surface markings and overall red glaze, inspired by his trips to Africa. Incised signature "Turner" on the base.
"In 1971–72, drawn by the power of African sculpture, and wishing to imbue his work with a greater sense of universality, Robert Turner traveled to Nigeria and Ghana. The trip proved transformational. In West Africa he was deeply moved by the way in which art was ingrained in daily experience, and by the beauty of traditional forms of architecture, pottery, ceremonial objects, and decoration. After his return, Turner began to produce series of distinctive vessel types named after African kingdoms and peoples—Ashanti, Ife, Oshogbo, Akan. The first is a squat, lidded pot; the others are cone and cylinder shapes." Smithsonian American Art Museum
Robert Turner's work is in numerous museum collections including the Smithsonian Museum of American Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City.
For another example of the form similar to this piece, see page 40 in "Robert Turner Shaping Silence A Life in Clay" by Marsha Miro and Tony Hepburn.
Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
French Japonesque Art Nouveau Lusterware Vase Clement Massier
By Clement Massier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A ceramic vase with iridescent glaze in the shape of an elephant foot cache pot by the legendary French ceramist Pierre Clement Massier (1845-1917). Massier is widely considered as t...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Japonisme Vases
Materials
Silver
Extraordinary Chinese Scholar Rock Ying Stone on Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
The Chinese scholar rock on offer here is a wonderful example of Ying (also known as Yingde stone), a less common type than Lingbi or Taihu. Gray in color, it has an extraordinary up...
Category
Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone
Korean Ceramic Celadon Bowl with Slip Inlay Goryeo Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
On offer is a Korean celadon bowl with elaborate slip inlays circa 13-14th century from the late Goryeo Dynasties (918 to 1392AD). Despite inspired...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Korean Archaistic Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Japanese Lacquered Wood Wabi-Sabi Bowl
Located in Atlanta, GA
What can we say about this bowl? Perhaps we can start by describing the unique Japanese aesthetic concept of "Wabi-Sabi". In contrast to the western concept of beauty that is centere...
Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Lacquer
Materials
Wood
Japanese Porcelain Glazed Vase with Dragon Design Mazuku Kozan
By Makuzu Kozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A porcelain vase with dragon design by Japanese imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916), circa 1900s. The vase is made in what is considered early phase of his underglaze period during late Meiji era. In a classic baluster form, the surface of the vase was decorated with a slithering dragon in underglaze iron red circulating the exterior among pink clouds. The animated rendering of the dragon is fine and detailed, with five claws, scales, long tails and highlighted eyes. The pink cloud is misty and called Morotai or the hazy style, created with a unique technique developed in Kozan's studio called fuki-e by blowing the pigment powders onto the surface. Kozan Studio experimented with newly available colors from the west starting in the 1880s, which resulted in the expansion of the palette and style that bridged the east and west aesthetic tradition. Marked in underglaze blue on the base.
Known also as Miyagawa Kozan...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Japonisme Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Korean Ceramic Faceted Wine Bottle Vase Joseon Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Korean ceramic bottle with octagonal faceted form with underglaze copper red decoration. The robust bottle with the long neck and a relatively thick built was used to hold liquor such as wine and it was from Joseon dynasty, likely late period (circa mid-late 19th century). The bottle was covered in a milky white glaze with a pleasant warm yellow tint. It has an underglaze iron red paint of branches of gingko leaves on the front and the back side. The color was oxidated into an ochre brown hue instead of iron red. The octagonal form extends nicely from the opening to the base, continuing through the body and makes this bottle geometrically interesting. The rustic paint of the gingko leaves also render the piece a folky modern appeal.
For three faceted wine bottles from different period of Joseon Dynasty, see illustration 2, 71 and 73 of "Five Centuries of Korean Ceramics Pottery and Porcelains of the Yi Dynasty...
Category
Antique 19th Century Korean Archaistic Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Large French Sculpted Bronze Box by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large bonze box (based on the size, it is likely a card case) by French Parisian art jewelry designer Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1950s. The box features an interesting design i...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Fine Japanese Ceramic Vase Makuzu Kozan Meiji Period
By Makuzu Kozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese long neck porcelain vase circa 1900-1910s by the studio of Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), one of the most established and collected Japanese ceramist from the end of Meiji Period. Commonly known as Makuzu Kozan, which also appears as the signature on his work, his originally birth name was Miyagawa Toranosuke. He was the appointed artist to the Japanese Imperial household and his work was exhibited in many international fairs that the Meiji government participated at the turn of the century.
This vase features an elegant Classic form with a slender neck and slightly flared mouth above a baluster body. It was finely painted with two swimming carps in a copper red underglaze among green ribbons like waves. The background display a brilliant verdant green overall, Around the fish a poetic hazy effect was emphasized for a visual complexity by Fuki-e (the blow painting), an invention in Kozan's studio. The new technical development of chemical colors from the west was embraced circa 1900s in Kozan studio. This empowered the more creative experiments with not only colors, but also concept of dimension, which led Makuzu Kozan's work to become a bridge between East and West aesthetics. This is particularly evident in this vase with the Masterly details of the brush strokes, the expertly employment of gradient of color, and a very realistic and detailed rendering of the fish and their vivid motions.
For two similar examples of Kozan's work with similar carps decoration, see Page 148-149 of the book: Sekai ni Aisa Reta ya Kimono Miyagawa Kozan Makuzu...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Japanese Art Glass Sculptural Vessel by Kyohei Fujita
By Kyohei Fujita
Located in Atlanta, GA
A free standing glass sculpture in an open vessel form by Kyohei Fujita (1921-2004). The striking piece features an organic body with alternative strips of blue, white and transparent strips with gold sparkle inlays. The rim takes a free biomorphic form that resembles bone structure. It is etch signed underneath.
The vessel was made in the earlier period of the artist's career before he dedicated most of his work to the "magical box...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Art Glass
Japanese Contemporary Ceramic Sculpture Kiyoharu Ichino
By Kiyoharu Ichino
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Purple Dawn", a ceramic sculpture piece by Japanese potter Kiyoharu Ichino (1957-). Purchased from Touching Stone, Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2003. Tradition meets renovation, this sculptural piece with its slab like minimal shape draws the viewer into its mysterious shape that is reminiscent of a monument. Its surface, with the typical Tanba clay fired at very high temperature and completely free of glaze, radiates a subtle metallic sheen that is nearly in a shade of purple. This piece was purchased from Touching Stone, Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2003.
Artist's bio from the gallery and the exhibition:
"Kiyoharu Ichino was born in 1957 in Tachikui into an extended family steeped in pottery-making tradition. He learned all aspects of Tanba pottery since childhood. When he was twenty, he moved to Seto to study pottery under a master of Akatsu-yaki. Upon returning to Tachikui, he launched his career with the Tanba Group Kiln. In 1983, he established his own kiln and began showing in galleries all over Japan. His works have been selected repeatedly for the prestigious juried Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition sponsored by the Japan Crafts Association. In 1995, he was nominated to be a permanent member of The Japan Crafts Association, an honor bestowed to the most experienced and talented artists.
Traditional Tanba pottery is fired unglazed at very high temperature in large wood-fueled kilns. Ichino uses both an anagama (hole kiln) and a noborigama (climbing kiln), burning almost a thousand bundles of wood over several days to bring out the unique personalities of Tanba clay, which is renowned for its rich texture and deep purplish brown colors. Many of his pieces show silvery fire-marks like swirling mists left by the wood fire. His pieces appear to be integral parts of the clay rather than separate objects made from it. To show the unique clay texture, he often includes seemingly unfinished edges in his designs, exposing the rough clay body. Despite the high level of sophistication and innovation, Ichino's works maintain a strong connection with the ancient Tanba pottery tradition. Ichino should be no stranger to many Santa Fe residents. His work has been exhibited both in Touching Stone Gallery and as part of a major exhibition in the New Mexico Museum of International Folk Art in 2006.
About Tanba ware...
Category
Early 2000s Japanese Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Large Japanese Antique Shigaraki Tsubo Jar
Located in Atlanta, GA
An antique Japanese stoneware storage jar, known as tsubo from Shigaraki kiln, circa 17th-18th century (early Edo possibly Momoyama period)....
Category
Antique 17th Century Japanese Japonisme Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Japanese Ceramic Bowl Makuzu Kozan Utusushi Kenzan
By Makuzu Kozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
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...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Japonisme Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Japanese Woven Bamboo Brazier by Maeda Chikubosai I
By Maeda Chikubosai
Located in Atlanta, GA
An important piece of bamboo basketry art by Maeda Chikubosai I (1872-1950), circa 1920s-1930s. The body of the bamboo brazier was made with smoked bamboo (susudake) and rattan and with a built-in copper liner brazier. Mat plaiting, diagonal plaiting and twining were used to construct the robust body while hexagonal plaiting was used for the base. It is signed on the base Chikubosai Kore o tsukuru (Chikubosai made this). The copper brazier...
Category
Vintage 1920s Japanese Japonisme Decorative Baskets
Materials
Copper
Japanese Porcelain Vase Meiji Period Makuzu Kozan
By Makuzu Kozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely decorated and glazed Japanese porcelain vase by Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa 1900s Meiji Period. The vase is of a classic bottle form with baluster body and short neck. It was decorated with underglaze white magnolia blossom on a pleasant celadon background. The stamens of the flower were artistically rendered in a low relief, giving the design a realistic appeal with the dimension.
Miyagawa Kozan...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Japanese Bamboo Ikebana Basket by Yamamoto Chikuryosai I Shoen
Located in Atlanta, GA
An important Japanese bamboo Ikebana basket by Yamamoto Chikuryosai I (also known as Chikuryusai I, Shoen after 1929) (1868-1945). Active in Osaka, Kansai region, he was advised by Wada Waichisai I. After 1929, he signed his work as Shoen (Shoen made this), such as this one.
This basket was made using "sooted" bamboo (susutake in Japanese). This bamboo materials was collected from traditional thatched-roof houses that had been exposed to decades of smoke from a hearth or cooking fire, therefore the basket displays a deep rich patina that is hard to attain by color-lacquering. The basket featured a large rounded barrel form with handle. The body was constructed with a twill plaiting variation of a more relaxed and loose weave. It allows the light coming through to render the piece a lighter sense. Parallel plaiting was used to reinforce the body with stripes of bamboo, while adding more visual constrict to a free spirited background. Twisted bamboo strips form rope-like handle and the top rim. It is signed "Shoen Made This" on the base. Two-piece water container made from bamboo trunk is retained with the piece as shown.
For the artists other and similar work, see baskets masterpieces of Japanese Bamboo Art...
Category
Vintage 1930s Japanese Japonisme Decorative Baskets
Materials
Bamboo
Japanese Wagumi Handled Bamboo Basket Ikebana
Located in Atlanta, GA
Bold, rustic and with an earthy free spirit, this wagumi style flower basket with twisted handle (ikebana) was designed and woven to evoke a sense of serenity and humbleness during t...
Category
Vintage 1920s Japanese Japonisme Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bamboo
Rare and Large Japanese Porcelain Vase Makuzu Kozan
By Makuzu Kozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking blue and white vase from the studio of Japanese Potter Makuzu Kozan, also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), one of the most established and collected ceramist from Meiji Period. Born as Miyagawa Toranosuke, Kozan established his pottery studio in Yokohama around 1870s and later became one of the appointed artist to the Japanese Imperial household. His work was exhibited in many international fairs that the Meiji government participated at the turn of the century and won many grand prizes.
With an impressively large size, this vase was likely made and reserved as a presentation piece for one of the many expositions the studio participated in the early 20th century. It was decorated with underglaze cobalt blue using the novel technique developed by Kozan called Fuki-e (the blow painting), in order to achieve the striking dimensional literary landscape known as "Mountain and Water". Being one of the most creative ceramists, Kozan started experimenting with new chemical colors from the West in the format of his porcelain glaze around 1880s. New colors allowed him to create underglaze designs that appeared bright, smooth and glossy. He even invented his own receipt of cobalt blue to achieve a much brighter yet softer shade, as evident on this vase. To create landscape that is realistic and dimensional, more common in the western paintings, he was inspired by the native Japanese ink painting technique developed around 1900 by Yokoyama Taikan...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Wiener Werkstatte Brass Bowls by Dagobert Peche
By Dagobert Peche, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of brass bowl in stepped concentric form designed by Dagobert Peche (Austrian, 1887-1923) and for Wiener Werkstatte circa 1910s-1920s. In the iconic style of Vienna Secession,...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Decorative Bowls
Materials
Brass
Japanese Bamboo Basket Ikebana by Yamashita Kochikusai
By Yamashita Kochikusai
Located in Atlanta, GA
Yamashita Kochikusai (1876-1947) was a Japanese bamboo artist from Osaka, Kansai region. He apprenticed under Wada Waichisai I (1851-1901), becoming independent in 1901. His students include Ezono Chikubisai, Suzuki Gengensai and Inose Kohosai. He won prizes for his work at numbers of exhibitions and was patronized by the Imperial Household.
The basket on offer has a simple but elegant elongated shape and it was finely woven with smoked bamboo likely circa 1910s-1920s, late Meiji to early Taisho period. The body was constructed with Hexagonal Plaiting for the main body, reinforced with twining in the upper and lower portions. The special design was reserved for an mouth ring...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Decorative Baskets
Materials
Bamboo
Large Japanese Bamboo Ikebana Basket Maeda Chikubosai I
By Maeda Chikubosai
Located in Atlanta, GA
An important woven bamboo ikebana basket circa first half of the 20th century (Taisho or Showa era) by Japanese bamboo master Maeda Chikubosai I (1872-1950). Chikubosai I was from th...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Vases
Materials
Bamboo
Rhino Contemporary Japanese Lacquer Art by Someya Satoshi
Located in Atlanta, GA
Japanese Lacquer Rhino Sculpture by Someya Satoshi (1983-). A hand-molded lacquer sculpture that depicts a fantasy beast "Rhino". The artist uses century-old traditional techniques and symbols but with an innovative contemporary energy that borders mysticism, shamanism and surrealism. Found objects were equally treated as part of the meticulous designs as the elaborate Maki-e and shell inlays.
According to the press of Honolulu Museum of Art: "Someya Satoshi has been described as “one of the most significant contemporary lacquer artists working in Japan today.” (Japan Times, 12 Dec. 2013) His work combines objects of daily use, such as bathing buckets, serving trays, and soup bowls, with a wide array of natural materials, including animal bones, horns and antlers, sand, stones, leaves and branches. In the process, he implements a range of traditional lacquer methods passed down from pre-modern eras, such as the kanshitsu or “dry lacquer” technique, the origins of which date to Japan’s Nara period (710–784). After creating his forms, he embellishes them with designs inspired by calligraphy, traditional Japanese textile patterns, and even contemporary manga or comic books. His work defies ordinary definitions of lacquer art and successfully challenges the perceived limits of this extremely difficult and, in some ways, most conservative of traditional Japanese art forms".
His work was exhibited in US such as Honolulu Museum of Art, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Morikami Museum etc. For a complete resume of the artist, see the artist's page in Imura Art Gallery.
Reference: For a very similar Bull Sculpture see Hard Bodies Contemporary Japanese Lacquer...
Category
Early 2000s Japanese Japonisme Lacquer
Materials
Rope, Wood, Lacquer
Large Willow Sculpture by Harry Bertoia
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Atlanta, GA
Stunning wire sculpture by Harry Bertoia (American, 1915-1978).
Made of stainless steel in free standing form.
Provenance:
Purchased directly from the artist by the current owner in ...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rare Silver Vase with Glass Insert by Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Wiener Werkstatte silver reticulated flower basket with original glass insert in a very rare model made with silver. Designed by Josef Hoffmann (Austrian, 1870-1956), Vienna, circa...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
