Kyoto : Art : Antiques : 9|28 : 10|8

Twice a year Seattle is gifted with one of the most eagerly awaited sales around. Today we are turning our blog spotlight on our friends Jay and Kyoko, aka Kyoto Art and Antiques.

Although based in Kyoto, they also have a 10,000 square foot warehouse in Seattle’s very own Georgetown neighborhood. Each spring and fall, they host an incredible event that lasts only eleven days. If you have an interest in Asian art and/or antiques, this is a must-see. Even if you don’t, the spectacle of it alone is worth checking out. Picture a cavernous, century-old warehouse, filled to the rafters with objects that are beautiful (200 year old hand-painted silk shoji screens), esoteric (wagashi kashigata), or just jaw-dropping (a temple bell that required a small crane to hoist it into the warehouse).

Wagashi kashigata are molds for making japanese sweets (usually from rice flour).

Detail of a large hand-painted screen.

This year their Fall Sale begins on Thursday, September 28th and runs through Sunday, October 8th. For more information, please visit their website:
http://www.kyotoartandantiques.com/
We’ll see you amidst the treasures!

Enduring Earthenware : Donabe

Donabe, one of the workhorses of the traditional Japanese kitchen, is an earthenware pot used for everything from roasting tea leaves to slow-cooking stews and porridge. Although numerous in the past, donabe makers have dwindled to just a few companies. In Iga village (where the best-known donabe were produced) there is only one company remaining: Iga Mono.

Iga Mono has been run by the Nagatani family for over 180 years, crafting pottery from unique Biwakoso clay. This clay, formerly the lake bed of Lake Biwa, is laden with the microscopic remains of aquatic life. When fired, these burn up and leave tiny pockets of air, thus making Iga Mono’s donabe quick to heat and slow to cool – precisely what the perfect slow-cooker should do. 

Momo acquired these beautiful donabe from a gentleman who purchased them in the 1960s with the intent of opening a restaurant. Handmade, wheel-thrown and wood-fired (in an earthen kiln built in the 1830s!) they feature a peony motif and lustrous turquoise handles. The largest of the three was used once, and the other two are unused.

Outer diameter dimensions are:

Medium 9"

Large 10.5"

Family 12"

Prices range from $75 - $125

Medium and large donabe are unused, the ‘family’ size was used once. 

A gorgeous trio.

Three Cs for A Rainy Tuesday

What do Candles, Cashmere and Collectables have in common?
Aside from starting with the letter “C,” all three feature fresh arrivals
at Momo.

For Sweet Petula soap lovers: locally-crafted Sweet Petula candles.
Now your favorite fragrances can delicately scent your home. We have Bourbon & Vanilla, Vintage Peony, Wildflowers & Honey and La Nuit. Yum!

Giftable, fragrant candles by Sweet Petula.

Delightfully creative Jen Gay has brought in a fresh batch of her Kitten Mittens — ever so soft, her fingerless gloves are made from recycled fine wool/cashmere sweaters, with vintage trim and buttons. A portion of the proceeds are donated to P.A.W.S. Warm and fuzzy mittens help warm and fuzzy animals in need.

Keep your hands toasty warm in the cold drizzle.

Mr. Momo and Momo Mama recently perused the treasures at Kyoto Art and Antiques and found some truly stunning pieces. Here are just
a few of the beautiful antiques they discovered:

Regal bronze Kirin dragon. It symbolizes prosperity and serenity.

Elegant white marble Buddha head from China. 

Old and New, Japan-style

Today's story: old and new, traditional and modern, antique and contemporary.

Thanks to the Kyoto Art and Antique sale, Mr. Momo was able to acquire a number of lovely antique patinated Buddhas. As the photos demonstrate, the cast iron pieces are intricately detailed and beautifully crafted.

In contrast to the antiquity of the cast iron Buddhas, a new shipment of Tokyo Five tees has arrived - casual, contemporary style with a Japanese flair. The new shirts are dark grey or neutral brown, both of which are perfect for the (someday!) Fall weather.

Secret Warehouse Sale Starts Tomorrow

Twice a year, Kyoto Art and Antiques opens its warehouse doors for 11 days only, revealing global treasures collected over the past six months. Anybody who’s anybody can be seen standing in the line that snakes its way into the off-the-radar event starting tomorrow in Georgetown. If you are a lover of all-things Asian, see you at the sale!