1920s Scholar's Objects

An elegant vase made in Kyoto, Japan, circa 1920s. With a graceful elongated Mei-Ping form, it was likely used as a flower holder during the tea ceremony. The stoneware body has an incised and raised design of Irises in an over glazed indigo blue, an subject matter and composition found in the contemporary paintings and screens, cherished by the literati of the Kyoto society. The vase has a white glazed background sprinkled with dust for a rustic effect. The blue glaze displays some burst of bubbles upon close inspection, suggesting its age. Under the base, there is a small impressed mark of Ninsei (born Nonomura Seisuke) a famous potter from the 17th century, who was considered the founder the Kyoto ware...

From our recent Japanese acquisitions travels. Here's an extraordinary opportunity to collect and acquire a Japanese authentic hand cast copper S...

Here's an extraordinary opportunity to collect and acquire a Japanese authentic hand cast copper Shinto Suzu bell complete with its original pull rope. The bell shows good patina from age and was likely used by a member of Japan's Shinto Buddhist Community where it was authentically rung in Shinto ritual at some time in the distant past. This is a superb old copper signed casting of a wonderful temple bell and comes complete with it's elusive original pull rope. Authentically used, this Suzu bell was sourced from an old Central Japan collection. It dates to the early Showa period and displays an impressive fine old patina. The Suzu Shinto bell...

A natural root wood and burl formation adapted as a Japanese flower arranging (ikebana) vase. The elongated "body" of the vase with a natural hollow and resting on a pedestal "foot"...

A dramatic and evocative, naturalistic Chinese carved hardwood double display stand. Used by Chinese scholars to display treasured objects, this disp...