Curator 
This is a beautiful example of a cobalt blue porcelain vase, likely of Japanese origin, featuring a design known as “Coransha.” The vase showcases a deep blue glaze with delicate pink and white floral motifs, which are common characteristics of this style. “Coransha” refers to a type of Japanese porcelain that is highly regarded for … Read more
The image shows a set of Russian nesting dolls known as Matryoshka dolls or Babushka dolls. These dolls are a traditional Russian craft. They are known for their distinctive construction. This construction features a series of wooden dolls of decreasing size placed one inside the other. Each doll is painted to depict a woman dressed … Read more
This is a Camus Cognac decanter from the 1980s, crafted in collaboration with Haviland Limoges. This piece is indeed a beautiful and collectible item. Here are some specific observations based on the images: Base Markings The decanter’s base has clear markings indicating it is a product of Camus Cognac, referencing “La Grande Marque.”It also mentions … Read more
This Ikebana vase is specifically crafted by Kei Kiyoyama, a renowned craftsman/artist in the pottery area in Japan. The vase has a unique and contemporary design, characterized by its circular shape, central opening, and handle-like form. The greenish hue of the glaze, along with subtle color variations, adds to its aesthetic appeal. The vase is … Read more
Often called the “Laughing Buddha.” Budai is a figure in Chinese folklore often associated with happiness, contentment, and abundance. He is typically depicted with a large belly, a joyful expression, and sometimes holding a cloth sack (representing wealth or good fortune). This sculpture shows Budai with his arms raised, a common pose symbolizing joy and … Read more
This is a life-size Samurai Boy’s Day helmet made of iron and brass. Such helmets are associated with traditional Japanese culture and were displayed during Boys’ Day (Tango no Sekku), a Japanese holiday celebrating boys’ health and happiness. The helmet features intricate detailing, including decorative elements that suggest a blend of artistic craftsmanship and historical … Read more
Lacquerware is a decorative art form that involves lacquer application to objects such as boxes, bowls, or trays. This particular item is a red lacquer box with intricate designs and patterns. The craftsmanship proves it is of Asian origin, as lacquerware is a traditional art form in countries like China, Japan, and Vietnam. Lacquerware items … Read more
A portable version of a koto, a traditional Japanese string instrument. The koto typically has a long, rectangular body made of wood, with the strings running lengthwise across the top. The portable version is more compact but retains the essential features. Traditional Kotos have 13 strings, though variations with more strings exist. Each string has … Read more
A shamisen is an aesthetic and iconic Japanese musical instrument. The body of the shamisen, known as the “dō,” is typically rectangular and covered with skin, often from a dog or cat, though synthetic alternatives are also used. The long, slender neck, called the “sao,” is fretless and usually wood-made. The shamisen usually has three … Read more
This vase is an exquisite example of Chinese artistry. The black lacquer finish with gold and other colored detailing is characteristic of traditional Chinese lacquerware, often used to create intricate designs and scenes. Here are some points of interest about such vases: Traditional Chinese lacquerware involves applying multiple layers of lacquer derived from the lacquer … Read more