With the distinctive brown and cream glaze of the Chizhou kilns this artistically crafted pottery pillow is in the form of a kneeling, noble boy In very good condition with no cracks or losses. The glaze shows wear on the nose, knees, stomach and elbows. Qing Dynasty, late 19th C. Size, 9"in height and 15.6" in length.
A well formed, mei ping pottery jar with splash glaze for which this kiln is known. In good condition with some glaze abrasion an two glaze firing flaws and a small chip in the foot. H:9" D:6.5
An unusual Tang Dynasty, (618-906 CE) low fired, terra cotta tomb figure in the form of a Night Watchman, The figure wears the traditional winter garments of the northern provinces, with heavy hat and cloak and a watch lantern suspended around his neck. Mold cast with no effort to conceal the casting marks. Only traces of the original slip and pigment paint remain. Note old chip at rear on lower hem of the cape. H:12"
A classic Mingei Tonkotsu, simply carved to hold tobacco. The Muso-zutzu or pipe case is suspended on a black silk cord with a fluted glass ojime and is also quietly understated in a brown woven style. Both in very good condition with the usual wear from use and age. Late 19th Century.
Depicting a creature from Japanese folk lore variously translated as demons, devils or trolls. They seem to be assigned responsibility for various events or actions for which there is no immediate, obvious explanation.
Crafted in ivory with small horns, fangs and unkept hair, the carver has captured the essence of the Oni. This is further accented by the use of, inset hornbill and ebony eyes. The cord fastening device shown on the back is somewhat manju like. Signed. Size 1.75" x 1". ...click for details
From the early 20th Century, a refined marine ivory carving of Diakoku, one of the seven Lucky Gods. Diakoku is the God of Wealth, Commerce and Trade as well as often considered the God of the Household where he is often found in the kitchen.
Shown smiling and holding his golden mallet, one is drawn to the attention to detail not only in the features but also in the fall of the garments and their decoration. Nicely yellowed with age this is perfect in every way with the exception of one small c ...click for details
In the tradition of the Meiji artists veneration of nature, this charming Japanese bronze water dripper is in the form of a detailed basket with flowers and leaves. The traces of remaining gilt accent well executed flowers. In excellent condition. Classic "High Meiji" period. H:2.5"xL:2.75"
In excellent condition, an attractive Taisho Period c. 1925-1928, signed Satsuma and bearing the Shimazu family mon.
The front depicts noble women with children while the reverse is painted with lush hanging flowers. The shoulders bear gold gilt dragon faces. A classic Satsuma vase. Height 5", diameter 2.75".
A well forged iron mokko shaped tsuba with a Centipede like inlay (Mukade Zogan) of alternating iron and brass staples. This technique produces a look that was much used by the Samurai of the period since the Centipede is sacred to Bishamon, (God of War) and therefore propitious for a warrior. Takeda Shingen (1521-1573)
one of the most powerful warlords of the period particularly favored this design.
In very good condition with only slight wear from use and age. Approximately 2.75" in di ...click for details
An early 20th C ivory netsuke depicting Diakoku with his rice tray. Well carved with nice detail to face and garments. The ivory has a nice patina, with the honey yellow of age. Signed on the right foot with an inscription on the bottom of the tray. 1.25" x 1.25". Circa 1930