Set of Two Antique Japanese Ceramic Ko-Seto Chaires

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 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...

Tri-pod ceramic bowl likely used as an incense burner (koro) by Japanese Imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa late Meiji period. The signature indicates that it was produce...

A tri-pod ceramic incense burner (koro) by Japanese Imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa late Meiji to the start of Taisho period (1890-1910s). A fine example of the artist's work belonging to the late part of his underglaze paint phase (started around 1887 until his death), the surface of the koro was painted in beautiful shades of blue to depict a continuous landscape not unlike a traditional ink and watercolor hand scroll. The rise and fall mountains recede and fade into the horizon and are dotted with groves of pines. The sky is painted with a beautiful subtle shade of pink, suggesting a time of sunrise or sunset. The koro is fitted with an ensuite reticulated sterling silver hoya (incense cover), pierced with swirling cloud and marked with "pure silver' in Kanji. The base is signed in underglaze blue "Makuzu Kozan Sei" within a double ring. The piece is beautifully potted in form and the decoration was done with expertise using the novel technique developed by Kozan called Fuki-e (the blow painting), in order to achieve the striking landscape known as "Mountain and Water" with sense of dimensions and gradient, the poetic effects normally conveyed only by sumi ink staining on paper. The piece comes with an unsigned tomobako (wood storage box) of a recent age. Also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), Makuzu Kozan was 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 artists 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. 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...

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...

Japanese Abura-zara (oil plate), Seto ceramic plate used to catch oil drippings from lanterns, simple flat, round dish with slightly raised edge, one half...

These charming bronze shells were cast in Japan in the 19th century. They lived for many years in the collection of the Paris artist Pierre Le-Tan. One of...

A very nice Ko-Kutani plate, circa 1660-1680. See: Shibata collection Condition: Overall condition rim fritting and hairline. Size 205 x 132 mm ...