Artworks of beauty, serenity, and power dominate Carole Davenport's Asia week exhibition, her 16th consecutive outing. An elegant ceramic vessel from the 2nd millenium BC, the Jomon era, and a strong single character calligraphy by the famed artist Morita Shiryu, (1912-1999), bracket the date range of art works to be presented. The haunting image of a handsome, young nobleman in the form of a Noh mask carved in the 17th century by the master Deme Yukan Mitsuyasu provides a focal point of the exhibition. It exemplifies the expressive and sensitive nature of Japanese art. A cornucopia of Japanese creative output is presented, from sculpture to ceramics to paintings, lacquer and Noh masks. Of particular note is a Buddhist scroll depicting Tendai Daishi which is exquisitely rendered with minute details and splendid coloration with highlights of gold. The hand of the master Tosa Mitsuoki, (1617-1691) is detected as its creator. Perhaps the rarest and most unusual object is a tea ceremony water jar in the form of an European ceramic medicine container decorated with a Dutchman in a fanciful Japanese landscape replete with an ostrich. That avian creature was first brought to Japan's shores by the Dutch in the 1600's.  The water jar is signed on its base Kenzan along with an additional seal ji which signifies the hand of Ogata Ihachi, Kenzan's son. As part of the Japanese Art Dealers Association of New York initiative, this exhibition promises unique and beautiful objects from the Japanese culture through the ages.

Dates:     March 16-25

Location: 22 east 80th street, New York City     Fifth floor  Leigh Morse Gallery

Hours:     March 16  noon to 5pm

               March 17-25   11am to 6pm daily

               or by appointment