Sakiori obi for an everyday kimono. It is handwoven of cotton and silk strips of old kimono and cotton yarn for warps. Some wefts are from kimono with kasuri. In excellent condition. 20th century. W:16.5cm, L:2m92cm

The creator of this lovely Hagi chawan, Hirose Tanga (b. 1939) is the master-potter of Tenpozan kiln in the city of Hagi. When I acquired this piece I thought it reminded me of bowls produced by Yoshida Shuen (apprenticed under NLT Miwa Kyusetsu). As it turns out, Yoshida worked alongside Hirose in establishing Tenpozan and in training young potters in the art of “oni” Hagi which utilizes a rough textured clay and a milky translucent glaze (like the bowl shown here)...

The image of the brush-drawn circle, known most commonly as the “enso” of Japanese Buddhism, has long been a symbol of strength, elegance, and the simultaneous being and nonbeing (mu) of the universe. A closed enso is associated with the idea of perfection while an open enso represents movement, fluidity, and attainment in the corporeal world...

Chinese cinnabar lacquer box in the form of a lobed squash or fruit with stem for handle, deeply carved with intricate scenes of flowers and butterflies, interior is lacquered black.

Mid 20th century.

Size: 6" wide x 3 1/2" high including stem

Japanese uchikake (wedding gown) with a colorful design of flowers and birds done in the Tsujigahana-zome (dye) style. The old Tsujigahana dye technique was used on the clothing of the Muromachi to Momoyama period elites. Inside the tie dyed area, flowers and birds were painted with blue, purple and black ink. Tsujigahana-dye was short lived and completely vanished by the early 17th century because of its extreme complexity...

Vintage Chinese red lacquered trunk with gilt lacquer designs of lotuses, reeds, and cranes. It has two metal handles on its sides, a front lock, and comes with a sheet of glass to lay over the top of the chest so objects can be placed over it without damaging the lacquer. Size: 12" height, 23.75" width, 13.75" depth

Very interesting and unusual Tibetan Thangka (also known as a scroll painting) depicting the bhavacakra, or wheel of life, representing samsara (cyclic existence). Thangkas are often found on the walls of Buddhist temples and are meditated upon in order for monks to reach enlightenment. The bhavacakra has different layers, each with a different meaning: The first and center layer represents the three poisons of ignorance, attachment, and aversion. The second layer represents karma...

Naruko-kei Kokeshi by Tsugawara Wahei, born Sept. 13, 1945. Wood, Height 7". Although this is a typical Naruko stle kokeshi, the words "Kaizen Damashii" (Group Spirit) have been written over the normal decorative patterns. Also written is "Mogami Denki Kabushiki Kaisha" (Mogami Electric Company, Inc.) This was probably commissioned and given out to company employees at a corporate solidarity event or campaign. Probably dates from the 1980's.

From our Southeast Asia Collection, a small but fine Burmese ink on palm leaf sutra with thayo embossed wood covers, depicting Buddha under the Bodhi Tree of Enlightenment flanked by two adorants in the center medallion, then encircled by disciples and zoomorphic entities in the surrounding images. The reverse side contains sutra writings in Burmese script, not yet translated...

Tibetan thangka, or scroll painting, of a mandala, which is a spiritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism representing the universe. Mandalas are very architectural in design and are based upon the form of a stupa. Mandalas are meant to be meditated upon to reach enlightenment, and are generally shown as a large circle with four gates or arches to be entered mentally...

An enchanting tea bowl with painted plum blossoms. The blossoms appears to be of the "un-ryu" species which translates as "flying dragon" in English. Grounded and weighty in construction, the innocent and playful drawings on the outer surface of this tea bowl make for a well-balanced composition.

In excellent condition, this piece measure 4.7 inches in diameter (12 cm) and stands 4 inches tall (10 cm). It features a signature in the clay of the pedestal (unknown potter)...

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, height 9.5". Naruko-kei, Miyagi Prefecture. Made by Itou Shouichi (Matsuichi?), born on Feb. 13, Taisho 13 (1924). This kokeshi probably dates from the 1970's.

A dazzling Hagi-ware bowl with cherry petal and earthen tones made by one of Japan's great potters. The 14th potter of the Sakakura line of potters Sakakura Shinbei XIV (1917-1975) was designated an important human cultural treasure of Yamaguchi prefecture in 1972...

Japanese Kimekomi hina ningyo (dolls), Dairi bina, emperor and empress doll. Kimekomi dolls were originally carved out of willow trees growing on the riverbank of the Kamo River in Kyoto. They were made using the leftover material from Kamo Shrine. Today, the dolls are made out of paulownia sawdust mixed with glue. This method was developed by Kanabayashi Mataro (1897-1984). Each section is divided by grooves and each block is covered with brocades...

Chinese censor made of copper, three legs, two looped handles, round bulb form, lovely mottled patina on outside, interior has green patina. Republic Period early 20th century. Size: 6" wide diameter x 5" high (including handles)

Japanese 4-panel byobu folding screen, with a shochikubai or "Three Friends of Winter" motif (plum, pine, and bamboo), the image of a pheasant seated upon a jagged rock formation, with a small singing bird on the twisting trunk of the plum tree. The image was taken directly from a commemorative stamp which is affixed to the corner of the frame.

20th century

Size: 65.6" L x 36" H

Located at the foot of an active volcano, the Ougaku kiln specializes in a type of pottery know as Sakurajima-yaki. The kiln is headed by Hashino Midori and run entirely by female potters who strive to infuse each piece they produce with the “energy” of the surrounding environment. Pieces such as the one featured here are made from volcanic ash and mineral-rich onsen spring water giving them a unique luster that is difficult to reproduce...

Southeast Asian brass bowl with copper and silver overlay, most likely used in a ritualistic manner. It has round, copper accents going around the top and bottom of the bowl, as well as geometric shape allover design. The image of a silver, multi-armed figure holding a serpent also appears going around the bowl, possibly some kind of deity, some have been defaced. Early 20th century Size: 2.5" tall, 4" wide