ken kata

Hello Guys, Yes, I did notice that about the older the period ones being "Roughly" made.. I got some green Oribe pieces that I did not find a display area yet. Thanks guys.

Hello Members Some of my recent acquisitions... I am not sure how old they are. Please post on what you think, or, how you would tell the " Age Era Period " that these Chawans are from. The "dirtiness" of the Bare Clay.. ? The color of the clay? The fineness or coarseness of the Clay? How much, if any, or, the mixture of the fine and course grains in the Clay? The pattern of the Glazing at the bottom. The shapes of the "Foots".. " Lopsided shapes, whimsical designs..." Here's something to watch from You Tube. I think this is apart of an old NHK Begin Japanology episode. The Narrator is Mr. Stuart Varnam-Atkin : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8MdpKETnXQ

I am tending to go towards the Mino Oribe irregular shapes, like you.. and, have been adding more Oribe to the Collection. Got this big size Tomobako.. and, this standard size Tomobako the other day. I can't read the kanji, but, supposed to be "Sho Kato" and " Shuntai Kato"..

These "Lids" were described as "High Class" material.

HI Robin, On the lid, If Ivory, look for the Scraggier lines. The lines look like "Cross Hatch" or curve lines intersecting each other. 90* is Elephant, 120* is Mammoth.. (?) Bone has small pits, like , being "porous".. Resin - Cream color, might have a "Marbling" effect, when they mix the cream color in the resin. Some makers tent to not "Stir" the mix, to get that Marbling effect. I use a lot of those Cream color resin materials in the stuff I make. In the industry, one manufacture/seller named it "Alternative Ivory" .. I work with these Materials for years. In this World, noting can replace the quality of Ivory. Looks, machining, finishing. All was Pre Ban, bought from a "Museum" that had US Documentation to be Legal. They bought from Big Game Hunter's Estate sales.

I know this post s late, but, I was looking around at Kabutos, and, I saw this. Thought I'd copy and share this photo to the members, in case some did not see this one.

Hello Guys, I was watching , and reading and, Now I understand. "Oribe", is a term they use to describe the irregular styles/ types of Tea Ceremony wares that the Daimyo Furuta Oribe liked/preferred. The Green color was another "feature' he liked. The Oribe works come under Mino-ware From Wikipedia ( I am a contributing Member ) 1) Mino ware (美濃焼 Mino-yaki) refers to Japanese pottery that was produced in Mino Province around the towns of Toki and Minokamo in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan. 2) The history of Japanese pottery in the Toki area appears to have started more than 1,300 years ago. Some kiln traces and earthenware pieces, which are in the 7th-century style, have been recovered within the territory of the city. Craftsmen around the Seto area fled during wars before the Azuchi–Momoyama period (1568–1614) and settled in the region. They were under the protection of the lords of Toki. The pottery was founded by Katō Yosabei, whose sons also started other potteries in the area. The technical merit and artistic impression reached new heights when crockery for tea ceremony had been produced there. Under the guidance of lord Furuta Oribe, the Oribe ware developed as a variation of it. Daimyō feudal lords highly admired such tea vessels, bowls, pots and utensils with unique styles of oribe. More emphasis has been put on daily necessities since the early Edo period (1603–1867). Certain Mino kilns also produced Ofukei ware.[1] With the introduction of mass production introduced in the Meiji period (1868–1912), Mino ware became widely available. Ceramics from the Mino region amount to around 50% of Japanese pottery produced.[2] 3) Throughout the centuries, four styles of Mino were developed that differ from each other in appearance. These have strong connections to tea ceremony:[3] Ki-Seto ware: style is yellow.[4] Setoguro ware: style is black.[5] Shino ware: style is often grey with autumn grasses in white as a prominent theme. This result is achieved by incising through a slip of iron oxide and covered with feldspar glaze. In the oven, the fire would bring our variations in colour through the uneven glaze. Sub-styles are Muji-Shino, E-Shino, Beni-Shino, Aka-Shino, and Nezumi-Shino.[6] Oribe ware: style is green and black.[7] Sub-styles are Ao-Oribe, So-Oribe, Aka-Oribe, Narumi-Oribe, Shino-Oribe, and Kuro-Oribe. [8] Another ORIBE Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mVN6VpXFGM

Hello Guys, Me again.. I got a couple of Green "Oribe" pieces. The Oribe Snack Plate/Bowl , called "Kashiki" (?) .. was sold as Oribe.. The Fan shaped Snack Plate was sold as "Shino" .... That Kiku ( I can spell Chrysanthemum ) style is a popular motif that I see on many items. The Potter's Seal/Stamp/Marks ( What is the proper tem for this?) , on the bottom seems to be the same. I was going to research what or why Oribe and Seto have similar looks/style, or, why are they linked together. Would any one here know about,or, why this is? I like watching Core Kyoto's CERAMIC TREASURES. Watch this episode on Oribe-ware : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5uIopm3fa0&t=776s Next... The Japanese Craze "Kannyo"

You guys

Hello Guys, I really like these Japanese "Crab in a Crevasse" ceramics/pottery. This is my small collection of trhem.. They are several kilns that make these. Raku, Suigetsu, Banko, and, Shigiraki. I am still interested in learning more about this popular Motifs ,but, there is not much on the 'net. Maybe some members here might know more about them, or collect them..

They sent me a White Day Gift. These cute , colorful Erasers. Daimyo store has "Something for everyone".

Dave, you're the best. To us, "If a Picture is worth a thousand words, your pictures are worth Millions". Alton

Good Morning Guys, Thank you for your "Insights'.. Discussing the vast number of "Points of Interest" that come to mind when observing an item, helps bring the "Overall" mindset to become better at making my own judgments. The "Informal" way we discuss things here, (You Gentlemen add "Personal Touch of Wisdom, Patients and Kindness") makes it easier to learn , that trying to find reading on the subject matter. I have these newer "Kuro" Oribi style Chawans. I find those unusual, flat, saggy shaped ones fit really well in hands.. Very comfortable , like a Banana fits in the hand.

Good Morning.. Howzit guys.. Man, you guys find the cool, old stuff!! Many of the items I got, are MRPO ( Modern-made Regular Production Options/items)... I often look at the bottom "Un Glazed" portions, to see if it looked "Aged"..or, how "Aged' does it look.. I am trying to get a feel for the "Market Values" , with "age-consideration".. If that makes sense to you guys. Design/Motif is a big factor, but, assume that the feature design is "acceptable" to taste.. There must be a "cut-of" point , where the Item/art Piece becomes "significant enough", to command high prices, or, "Museum Quality Status". I know it is relevant to Affluence, but, how, or, what else, can determine if the piece is "significant'. Significant, in the sense of "Importance to the " Heritage of a Nation", the people, the culture... I do not think "Supply and Demand" is a good way to see this.. but, more of Culture Significance. But, the "Supply and Demand" method, and, or, Desires to own things, of today , seems to dominate over Culture Significance. I am curious to know what you gentlemen paid for your Art Pieces you show, to get some sense of value . You can, Please, private message me with that.

Jean, Thanks for the insight of the Cobalt. I was searching the 'net for info. I did not know the Glazes was causing health and "growing" legal issues.

Good Morning Gentlemen, I got this old Sake Bottle last year. I thought it would be a interesting discussion, "as to" what it is. The features that capture my attention, is; 1) The old Blue and White color scheme. Could this color combination be referred to, as, "Somesuki" / Mono Chrome? 2) The "Old" Impressionistic style of the Brush Strokes of the Bamboo Leaves. ( I love those Japanese Bamboo Leaf designs) 3) The Thermo Stress Cracking on the surface. One person on a video said it reminds him of the street patterns on a city map. I thought it looked like the Rock Wall Foundations of Japanese Castles. 4) The Cloth/Fiber weave pattern on the bottom face. 5) The Wabi-Sabi , Hand-made appearance. Can you imagine of they took a "culture swab" , to see what kind of residue is still in the crevasses or inside the bottle? They might , actually tell where that bottle was/came from and who touched it. 6) The body of the Tokuri has a "lumpy" surface, and, small depressions, like "Where your Fingers and Palm would fit right in". I would like to know what you gentlemen "see" ( Your thoughts) and what you feel the time period and where it might have come from. Thanks for viewing.. Alton

Hi Guys, I actually got to do a repair. as, One of my Soraku Sasaki Chawans broke.. I was told there is one small crack, when I bought it, but, last week, I was taking this bowl out of the box, and, I felt the wall "Crumble" . Ahhhh.. I wonder if there was enough stress from expansion and contraction due to the Hawaii Climate. Hope I can "save" this Bowl, and, if "Fortunate", make it look better with Kintsugi The video below, explains some ways Kintsugi shares the struggles of life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBUTQkaSSTY&t=36s Thanks for viewing Alton Reply to Piers Post below: Piers, I actually did not see any cracks when I receive the Bowl. I put is with the other "bunch" of boxes, and, forgot about it till the other week. When I was going to see what was inside the Tomobako ( I got so many Tomobakos laying around) , that is when I felt the side "break off"/ crumble.

Good Morning Gentlemen, Thank You for your compliments/postings. Fuuten (Axel), I have been buying so many, and, lost track of what is what. " Ignorance is not a bad word, but, it does cause a lot of problems" - Alton Takata ( Another of my famous sayings.. LOL ) I got many Chawans, still in the boxes.. Even I get "surprised', when I open those boxes. as, I forgot I bought some of them. for real.. RokoJuro ( Jean) , for Chanoyu , It would be . like most Toriawase do? I only collect Chawans, I buy/use Yamamotoyama ( When on sale) and/or cheap Sencha Tea Bags. I do drink a lot of Green Tea. Henry - Thanks, as, I never heard the name Fuji-san before . Right on Robin!! Ed, yes, I do have some Yakimono. Kashiki plates/bowls , Sake Bottles, Vases. I do like and collect Japanese "Landscapes of the Mind" ,type Ink Painting Style. I love the "Misty Beauty" of "Impulsive Brush strokes and abstract lines". Japanese ink Painters, like most Japanese, strayed away from "realism". With a history of warfare and struggle, the common people looked for ways, to cope with in their everyday lives" and tend to show "Hearts turned toward Nature". Those thoughts were apart of Shuichi Kato's teachings. ( 1919 - 2008) His lectures were so informative, I could never have learned many things, if not for him. Thanks guys

Hello guys.. I also collect Japanese Chawans ( Tea Bowls)... I'm so busy everyday, I have so much things to do, I am behind in re arraigning my Collection rooms. Here is some photos of my Mount Fuji, or Fujiyama Collection ( The name " Mt. Fujiyama " is redundant, so, don't call it that ) Also, some of my Raku ware on the top shelf. I'm not sure how many guys are into Japanee Chawans. In collecting Chawans, there is many "Categories" to choose from. So many, hard to cover them all. I collect Raku/Shino/Kyomizui " - aka the Wabi Sabi type Chawans. Also, Kyo-yaki, for their beautiful Brush art works. I have many "Crab in a Crevasse" pieces. Please do not think I am here to "show off". I just want to "share' my collection with other Japanese Art and Culture People. I surround myself, or, as Mike Wolfe said, "He lives in his Collection". I love Japan. For me, it is too late. I should have started sooner. Thanks for viewing.. "To know Japan, you must study their Arts ( and Weapons). To study their Arts , is to learn about their culture. To learn about their culture, is to learn their history and warfare Only then, you will think Japanese " - Alton Takata

Since we are on Hon Ami Koetsu, I thought I'd share an Incense case I got a while back. when I saw this, it reminded me of his works. also, a Kyo-yaki Chawan, displaying one of the famous works , " Red and White Plum Blossoms". of Ogata Korin, by modern day Potter Miyaji Eika

Hello guys. This is the description of this Chawan that "attracted me".. REGION OF ORIGIN : Japan SIZE Width 4.8in : Length 4.8in : Height 3.1in : Weight 8.82oz + Box 8.11oz Width 12.2cm : Length 12.2cm : Height 8cm : Weight 250g + Box 230g CONDITION : Relatively good. Used. No serious damage. AGE : About 100 years ago. MATERIAL : Pottery TYPE : Tea bowl for tea ceremony AUTHOR : The name of potter KAO is Koetsu Honami. He is an artist in early stages of Edo. His work has very high appraisal. I think that this is imitation of his work. But it is the fine arts of Japan made seriously ABOUT WORK This is made well and has good painting. APPURTENANCES Dedicated box with appraisal SUPPLEMENTAL Please purchase at this opportunity, and add to your tea utensils collection. Notice the seller's disclaimer, underlined . ... Yes, I agree.. It would not be real, if i got it.. Next, I will post on "suspicious " Potter's Markings on Chawans..

Hello Guys, I got this a while back. It was sold as a Hon Ami Koetsu related piece. There was a name Kao, that was mentioned with this piece. As always, I can not translate the Writings. Do I have something of significance? Thanks for viewing.

Hello Evan, Thanks for showing and telling about you collection. I also collect Japanese Chawans, and, some Yunomis. You do have a good eye for the "Original" "authentic' , "Museum Quality" pieces. I always wondered , are there many Collectors of this level of "quality"? I have seen some at "Low" starting prices, usually several hundred dollar range. I did want to venture into these " Museum Quality" grade pieces, but, I was always afraid, that there is no market for the prices they go for. I think I got about 100 chawans in my collection. I have many ,that was over 100 dollars. My Kichizaemon was 500, but, nothing over that, as, I was to afraid to "Invest'. Evan, Guys, Any thoughts on the future of collecting Authentic, Original , Museum Quality pieces?

Thanks John, I forgot to mention, that the staute sellers said the same thing, that, "Sando appear on some Jizo or Bosatsu Statues, but, not all".. ( as quoted by John ) I just received this wooded Seated Nyorai Statue. Said to be from the 1800's.. The Statue is , about 15 inches tall. The Pedestal, ( called Diaza) type is called "Renge-za " or, Lotus Pedestal Got some damage/ Missing "Leaf. I am making a "replacement " for that missing leaf, and, i got to learn how to make/apply that "Patina" look. I saw that, there is places that sell "Patina" paints. Got to look for those again. The top / tip of the "Halo" was cracked and glued back on.. The Halo, or, know as Kohai, represents the light emitting from the Buddha, when he reaches "Enlightenment".. On this Statue is called Niju-enso , or, double Ring Halo This Statue was "Low priced".. I guess because of the amount of damage, but, for what it is, I was very "Happy' to obtain it. Namu Amida Butsu

Hello Guys, 1st. Disclaimer: I am not or referring anything about "regrets" toward the "Buying" of the Kannon Statue I bought. The Gentleman who I bought it from had this large size wooden Kannon and I wanted one. This is not a complaint or feedback against him I (We) are here to learn and/or, research Japanese Art . i received, and, I was reading the BUDDHIST SCULPTURES book. There was a chapter about "Characteristics of Buddha Statues" It is stated that there is a "Number of specifications set by the Scriptures that the Bushi ( Sculptors) had to adhere to. " They are called "Iconographic ( Spelling?) Characteristics of Buddha " I did ask another seller of Buddhist Statues, and, she said another Statue supplier said to look for the lines on the neck of the Statues. according to the Book, those lines are called "Sando", (Three rings at neck).. It is one of the 32 iconographic traits, symbolizing his Super Human qualities. I am not sure, as, the book did not specify, that, these "characteristics" hold true, for the Kannons, Myo-o, and Ten -mons. Question? If it is not Japanese made, will it still be "OK" in a Japanese Butsudan? I hope and pray it will..