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, Japanese antiques 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 Japanese antique tea sets for traditional tea serving ceremony.

Equally, traditional Japanese antique 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 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 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 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.