Laced with patterns and motifs that distinguish them and set them apart, antique Japanese vases are of a style and shape unto themselves.

Appealing as they are, there are two reasons that normally lie behind the choice to purchase antique Japanese vases. Either it is desired for the aesthetic appeal, or, intended to be part of a collection. In both cases, knowing even a little bit more about Japanese vases could enable you to come to the best conclusion.

As you’ve probably noticed, a lot of these vases are made from porcelain. Admittedly, there are other materials that are sometimes used, but the image of the porcelain Japanese vase with its lustrous finish and intricate decorations is iconic.

If you’re interested in an antique Japanese vase as a display piece, and not really too concerned about its potential historical value or significance, then the decision is easier. Although there is a wide range of decorative motifs on Japanese vases, finding one to suit a particular taste should not be a difficult task.

On the other hand, venturing into the realm of collectors, there are far more considerations to be taken into account. Factors such as make and manufacture, era, style, and so much more can all contribute to the value of a Japanese vase, which is of course of great importance to any collector.

In depth as a study of the intricacies of Japanese vases is, there are easily locatable resources on the matter both online and offline.

Due to this, if you’re interested in a Japanese vase, it would be best to first select the capacity in which you intend to purchase it, and then possibly find out more about the types of vases that may interest you.

Japanese porcelain plates are almost synonymous with the vibrantly painted scenery, portraits, or patterns, which they bear on their faces.

Historically, the very oldest ceramic pieces found in Japan date back all the way to 10,000 BC. Naturally, these pieces were nowhere near as sophisticated or artistic as the antiques from more recent history, but it does give you an idea of how far back the craftsmanship of ceramic plates in Japan began.

As far as porcelain goes, the biggest ‘boom’ that took place was during the 15th century. Mind you, this was a time when the tea ceremony was enjoying great popularity, and so it does make sense that the demand for decorative ceramics plates, bowls, and cups, was high.

It was a Korean man by the name of Ri Sampei who is credited with discovering porcelain clay in Japan, and since then almost all Japanese plates have been made in porcelain. Artistically, Japanese porcelain plates went from strength to strength, with greater intricacy and beauty being incorporated into each successive generation of plates.

Over the years, regional characteristics also began to manifest themselves in the artistry of Japanese porcelain plates. Despite the fact that the city of Arita was one of the biggest names in the industry, the artistic merit of the pieces produced in other regions sometimes surpassed those of Arita.

One thing that is certain is that, today, antique Japanese porcelain plates enjoy more popularity than ever, although mostly as display pieces. Since the time of Ri Sampei, Japanese porcelain plates have never been long absent from the spotlight.

Japanese bowls and pottery is a diverse field, but amongst the various facets that they encompass, Rakuyaki (or ‘Raku ware’, as they are known today) stand out for their uniqueness and historical importance.

Just as so many things about Japanese items, Raku is more than just the name of a type of pottery that is used to make bowls. Instead, the significance of this one name stretches from a scientific process, disciplined art, and traditional ideal.

Over the years, Raku Japanese bowls have gained renown for being the type of bowls that are used during the Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu. As the ceremony itself is a perfected art, so too are the Japanese bowls used in them, which should give you a rough idea of the prestige enjoyed by Raku bowls.

Of course, these Japanese bowls are employed for other uses too, and the techniques for the creation of Raku bowls have been adopted, and adapted, by many Western potters.

As a result, today Raku bowls can be found in many varieties, though their glazed clay finish remains constant throughout. Unlike antique Japanese bowls of this type, more intricate patterns, and even colors are now incorporated into the Raku designs.

For something that can trace its roots through the ages and into antiquity itself, Raku Japanese bowls represent an ancient art that has transcended time itself, and still exists in a practical form.

A fragment of the past that has retained its beauty to this very day.

Having a Japanese samurai sword that rests on its traditional wooden stand would definitely appeal to some as a tasteful decoration, and is really just an example of how Japanese antiques have found a place in many an admirers’ collections.

But is that the only thing that these magnificent relics of a bygone era are to be used as now? Are they confined to being purely tasteful and artistic additions to a home or workplace?

While certainly it may be difficult to find a modern day use for a samurai sword, you may be surprised to realize that in many other areas, antique Japanese swords are as relevant and practical today as in the age that they were made.

Illustrating this particular point to perfection are pieces of antique Japanese pottery and porcelain, which retain their usefulness to this very day. Some such items are so inexplicably interwoven into the culture from which they came from that they are still put to use for the purposes that they were designed.

Take, as an example, the traditional Japanese tea set with its delicate and beautifully patterned cups. Even today, some use antique Japanese tea sets for traditional tea serving ceremony.

Equally, traditional antique Japanese furniture, or ‘tansu’, are still in use.

Who knows, if you’re a fan of Japanese antiques, you might actually be able to get your hands on a few items which you’ll find a whole variety of uses for. Despite their renown for being aesthetically appealing, Japanese antiques can definitely be practical too.

New to You Japanese Antiques

One of the best side-effects of a global marketplace is the exposure to fine art and unique pieces from all corners and cultures of the world. Along with the booming interest in Asian art, Japanese antiques have caught the attention of home décor professionals, art collectors and amateur appreciators alike. The traditional view of Japanese works of art includes that hard, shiny black or red lacquer and little else. Nowadays, however, we're seeing all sorts of interesting and inspired pieces, such as antique Japanese woodblock prints and traditional vases, which add a touch of earthy charm to a room or complete a uniformly Japanese style. Conversation starters like a Japanese puzzle box, a set of hand-painted plates or an antique Japanese sword can spark drama in an otherwise neutral living space. 

Traditional Japanese prints bring with them the utterly unique experience of representing an ancient art form that dates back to the first human inhabitants in Japan. Paintings on pure silk, long scrolls of hand-spun paper so delicate it's transparent and the rough, grainy textures of watercolor paper add a purely Japanese element that cannot be duplicated in any other art form. Traditional Japanese art is characterized by polarities such as light and dark, earth and water and feminine and masculine, and it is these opposing yet complimentary elements that have influenced 19^th century western painting and 20^th century architecture. 

The ancient practice of pottery reveals that form does not necessarily heed function, as anyone who has seen a hand-crafted antique Japanese bowl or porcelain vase can attest. This concept can also be found in the painstakingly precise yet seemingly effortless brush strokes of Japanese calligraphy. When it comes to illustrating the delicate line and vivid coloration of Japanese art, though, it is Japanese woodblock prints that remain unchallenged. Like snapshots of a moment long before our time, these prints depict nature in all its silent beauty and cruelty. 

Whether you've always had an interest in antique Japanese pieces or you're new to the world of Japanese art, please take a moment to browse through our vast and varied collection of rare and unparalleled antiques. Any piece would make a unique gift for the person who has everything, or create an artful yet functional addition to your own home. Our prices are of the best you'll find online and off, and you can skip the fruitless search through musty antique stores and click through the items from the comfort of your home.

Vonnie wrote:
I am really not sure if it is a chocolate pot, but searching the net that is what I suspect. I do not know what the pattern is called. I have searched the internet for days and cannot find any pattern that contains the images on the pitcher. Could I send you a picture of the “chocolate pot” and perhaps you could tell me the pattern it contains and therefor if you do not have, or know where I could find a lid at least I would have a pattern name so I could do more searching on my own. I would appreciate it and do hope you can help. Oh, there is no marking on the bottom of the pitcher. Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.