Japanese Neolithic period magatama stone bead. Magatama are curved beads which first appeared in Japan during the Jomon period (circa 1000 BCE), and in Korea during the Prehistoric period, mainly in the Bronze Age and Neolithic. They are found in mounded tumulus graves as offerings to deities, and continued to be popular with the ruling elite throughout the Kofun Period, and are often romanticized as indicative of the Yamato Dynasty of Japan...

Late Meiji (1890s to 1912) Japanese temple boxwood seal of square section. Excellent quality crisp carving in seal script, old red seal paste in the grooves. Gentle horizontal groove on one side indicates the position of the top of the imprint. Beautiful patina on the surface of wood, signs of use adding to the presence of the object. The impression of the seal is shown on Enlargement 3 (photo is flipped left to right to present the image as it will print on paper)...

Late Meiji (1890s to 1912) Japanese temple boxwood seal of round section with original boxwood cover. Excellent quality crisp carving in seal script, old red seal paste in the grooves. Plastic peg indicates the position of the top of the imprint. Beautiful patina on the surface of wood, signs of use adding to the presence of the object. The impression of the seal is shown on Enlargement 4 (photo is flipped left to right to present the image as it will print on paper)...

Unusual 1890s - 1910s (late Meiji - early Taisho) Japanese wooden nyoi - a Buddhist scepter - made out of a natural branch or root, its head with wonderful pattern of roiling clouds. Nyoi, or Ruyi scepter is a traditional symbol of scholarship and transmission of knowledge. Lacquered in Negoro style with bright red body and black patch on the head. Nice striated wood surface texture of the branch, wonderful patina, very pleasant to the touch...

Masterpiece large bronze kannon bodhisattva buddhist deity. Standing 27" tall by 9" wide. This Ca.1925 bronze deity has a wonderful tranquil, calming expression. Holding the heart sutra scroll. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote rom CA warehouse.

19th century Japanese wooden nyoi - a Buddhist scepter - in a form of a branch with bulbous head. Nyoi, or Ruyi scepter is a traditional symbol of scholarship and transmission of knowledge. Natural tree branch with a growth forming the head of the scepter, no carving as such, wonderful patina to the surface from being handled, very pleasant to hold...

19th century Japanese bronze for an altar of a Buddha seated in lotus position with his hands in anjali mudra - a gesture of greeting, prayer and adoration - in front of him. Very nicely cast, beautiful patina, good devotional object. Height 2.72 inches.

19th century Japanese wooden nyoi - a Buddhist scepter - with scrolling finial. Nyoi, or Ruyi scepter is a traditional symbol of scholarship and transmission of knowledge. Dense sakura (cherry) wood with beautiful texture, simple elegant carving, wonderful patina to the surface from being handled, old ink spots in places, very pleasant to hold...

During the Kamakura period in Japan (1185-1333), a remarkable form of Buddhist sculpture known as the votive Buddha emerged. Commonly referred to as kakebotoke (hanging Buddhas), pieces like this would have been mounted on spherical plaques made of bronze or copper and hung in a Buddhist temple or possibly even in a Shinto shrine. These small-scale sculptures were created to serve as objects of devotion and were often commissioned by wealthy individuals or temples...

A pair of lovely gold lacquered zen temple lotus offering stands Ca. 1930. Very good condition with minor wear. see picture. Height; 11" x Diameter of 5". Ask for shipping quote.

19th century or earlier good size Japanese magatama bead made out of jadeite with wonderful play of hues of white to very light green. Beautiful matte surface with wonderful patina, great feel of age, very pleasant to the touch. Magatama are curved beads which first appeared in Japan during the Jomon period (circa 1000 BCE), and in Korea during the Prehistoric period, mainly in the Bronze Age and Neolithic...

TO MIYOSHI SHRINE FROM YAMATO SUE

The letters made of copper plates originally attached to a votive wooden tablet dedicated from its worshipper named Yamato Sue to the Miyoshi-jinja shrine in Akita prefecture. Meiji period (1868-1912). Letter of Kami (God): approx. 11 x 13cm (4.33 x 5.11in). Besides, as seen the last three photos, changeable to "God of Clay", "Eros", and "Excellent luck" by free anagram arrangement...

SHRINE AND MONKEY

Well-matched assortment of a naturally soot-colored wooden zushi (household shinto altar) with such blackened depth and a votive seated stone monkey sculpture in the ‘gassho’ praying pose with folded hands in such mountain-like well-abstracted silhouette due to aging.

Shrine: H 29.7 x W 19.3 x D 13.5cm (11.69 x 7.59 x 5.31in), Edo period, 19th century, Japan
Monkey: H 10.7 x W 8.4 x D 7.4cm (4.21 x 3.30 x 2.91in), Meiji period...

Early 19th century Japanese wooden devotional carving of Kannon (Chinese Guanyin, or Avalokiteshvara) - the Boddhisattva of Compassion - enveloped in her robe and cape...

19th century or earlier Japanese magatama bead made out of lapis lazuli. Magatama are curved beads which first appeared in Japan during the Jomon period (circa 1000 BCE), and in Korea during the Prehistoric period, mainly in the Bronze Age and Neolithic. They are found in mounded tumulus graves as offerings to deities, and continued to be popular with the ruling elite throughout the Kofun Period, and are often romanticized as indicative of the Yamato Dynasty of Japan. It is believed that magatam...

Fabulous celebratory Shinto Shrine gable carving Ca. 1850. Carved from keyaki wood, the sixteen petal chrysanthemum is the crest or mon (紋) of the Japanese emperor and is often seen displayed on Shinto shrines throughout the country. This chrysanthemum is framed by a 'Noshi" a celebratory wrapping for gifts. This carving must have been for a new shrine. Great condition. Length: 35";H: 12"; depth: 3". Ask for shipping quote from CA.

Bato Kannon Ca. 1870 (horse-headed Kannon, also called Mezu Kannon), hayagriiva in Sanskrit, is one shape of Bosatsu (Bodhisattva) worshipped in Buddhism. It is one of the transformations of Kannon Bosatsu (Kannon Bodhisattva) and is also included in Roku Kannon (six deities of mercy). It has fierce expression, which is rare for Kannon. Granite stone, age wear, hands in gassho prayer mudra. Ask for shipping quote.

A large antique Japanese Buddhist altar table decorated with black and gold lacquer on wood. Divided into three visual sections, each one held a Buddhist item such as a Sutra, an incense burner, a temple bell, a Mokugyo, etc. Inscription on the back appears to read "Dedicated by Tokuto Eizo."

Late Meiji (1890s to 1912) Japanese temple boxwood seal of square section. Excellent quality crisp carving in seal script, old red seal paste in the grooves. Metal stud on the side indicates the position of the top of the imprint. Beautiful patina on the surface of wood. The impression of the seal is shown on Enlargement 1 (photo is flipped left to right to present the image as it will actually print on paper). Height 2.4 inches, base 0.93 inches square.

Late Meiji/Taisho (1890s-1910s) Japanese wooden nyoi - a Buddhist scepter made out of a branch with a natural knobby formation at its head. Nyoi, or Ruyi scepter is a traditional symbol of scholarship and transmission of knowledge. Wonderfully simple piece in Japanese taste, on a short side (usually nyoi are 12 inches or slightly longer), beautiful wear and patina. Comes with a box and wrapping cloth, paper label with inscription on the cover of the box, red seal and ink inscription on the insid...

Antique Japanese set of 13 lotus leaves and blossoms. Carved of wood and lacquered gold. Made for a Buddhist temple altar, they symbolize the stages of the path toward enlightenment. This set is especially lavish with giant sized lotus leaves and towering lotus blossoms. They fit into a bronze vase.

Age: Early Meiji period (circa mid 1800's)

Dimensions: Total size: 57" high x 44" wide

Unusual 1890s - 1910s (late Meiji - early Taisho) Japanese lacquered wood nyoi - a Buddhist scepter - made out of a natural branch or root, its stem twisted back with 3 branches forming the head of the piece. Nyoi, or Ruyi scepter is a traditional symbol of scholarship and transmission of knowledge. Lacquered in Negoro style with black body and beautiful bright red patches on the branches of the head. Striated wood surface texture is nicely felt under lacquer, wonderful patina, very pleasant to ...

Also known as "The Buddha of Immeasurable Light and Life,” here in this pre-Edo Buddhist painting we see Amida and his two assistant bodhisattvas, Seishi on the left (associated with wisdom and strength), and Kannon on the right (associated with compassion and mercy), descending from the Western Pure Land to welcome newly deceased believers into the realm of paradise. In this practice known as raigō, the faithful are transported via the small lotus pedestal the Kannon holds in his...

Remarkable and exceedingly rare bronze life-size kannon statue. From a buddhist temple, c. 1920. Holding a lotus about to blossom. Had a halo but had damage so we are selling without it. We feel the proportion of the halo was too big for the piece regardless. In excellent condition. Shipping from CA warehouse. 5ft. tall by 23" wide.

Very unusual 1900s (late Meiji) miniature Japanese bronze reliquary to be worn as a pendant or used on a house altar. Beautifully made crisp image of Amida Buddha modeled on the Great Buddha of Kamakura, front and back are hinged on the bottom and open to reveal small storage space for a tiny object of religious significance to the owner. The material of the figure is paktong (also called white bronze) - an alloy made of copper, nickel and zinc extensively used in China and Japan in the 18th an...

A very large example of an antique Japanese Baku corbel used in a temple or shrine. The Baku is a mythical spiritual creature which resides in the Buddhist realm. Its purpose is to devour evil spirits as well as one's nightmares. Carved from one solid block of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood, this architectural sculpture has stood the test of time.

Edo Period (early 19th Century)

Dimensions: 44 1/2" Long by 19 1/2" High by 13 1/4" Deep

An antique Japanese bronze Buddhist temple bell called Bonsho with a carrying handle depicting diverging dragon heads called Ryuzu. The upper protrusions called Chi or Nyu improves the resonance of the sound when struck. Two opposing striking panels called Tsuki-za is the point on the bell where the best and longest sound is achieved. A bell of this size was hung in a neighborhood temple to summon the monks to prayer.

Age: Edo Era (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 9.5" Diameter by 17.5" Hig...

An antique Japanese 2 section Buddhist altar called Butsudan with all original wood carving and lacquer work. Makie landscape art on the drawer fronts and sliding doors with Makie Phoenix motif to the interior floors. Two sets of doors open to an ornate interior featuring a dragon, flowers, a Toro and a plinth where Buddha would sit or stand. 3 side by side drawers at the bottom of the inner sanctum where small accessories were kept. Bottom section features a pull out tray, 4 drawers and do...

Antique Japanese small drum. Likely for ceremonial use, this drum could have been placed on a stand or held by its handle while in use. Made of keyaki (zelkova elm) wood and painted leather with iron and bronze.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 7 3/4" wide x 4" deep

Antique Japanese pair of shokudai (candle sticks) for butsudan. Made of bronze and decorated with unusual silver crest. Each with small animal head handles on either side. Nice weight and patination.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 11" high x 4" wide each

Antique Japanese small zushi, a shrine made for traveling. Carved of wood and lacquered black on the outside, the tiny doors open to reveal the figure of a praying abbott standing on a lotus pedestal. The interior of the shrine as well as the abbott himself are all lacquered gold and he holds a tiny strand of glass prayer beads. There is a tiny metal hook on the top of the zushi.

Age: Edo Period 1603-1867

Dimensions: 4 5/8"H x 2"W x 1 3/8"D

Very unusual Late Meiji Period C.1900 cypress wood 'Kannon' bodhisattva. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.

An antique Japanese Kannon Bosatsu (Kwan-Yin, Guanyin) large Buddhist wood statue. Depicting the Goddess of compassion, mercy and kindness she hears the suffering souls of the world using her hands to help save them through their misfortunes. With Amida Buddha atop her head overseeing and assisting her actions, she has 11 heads surrounding her crown to hear those in pain and suffering. Her manifestation of 20 hands and arms occurred when her two arms broke apart in trying to help all those in...

19th century Japanese copper and brass keman in a shape of a rounded fan (uchiwa) with pierced low relief decoration of two phoenixes confronting each other in flight above lotus flowers, buds and leaves rising from a pond, and an elaborate knot in the center. Hanging pendants representing the Wheel of the Buddhist Law and lotus flowers, old glass beads. Keman (from the Sanskrit kusumamālā "Garland of Flowers") is a Buddhist decoration hanging on a beam of the inner sanctuary in front of enshr...

Tall zushi or Buddhist temple shrine, housing the wooden figure of the standing Buddha Amida, Buddha of the Western Paradise. Both his hands in mudra. He is standing on a multi-tiered hexagonal base, decorated with flowers. His eyes inset in glass or crystal, which are hardly visible due to old layers of re-lacquering and soot.

The baldachin decorated with double family crest. The zushi (case) has double hinged doors decorated with family crests in gold lacquer, indicating that the shrine...

Large incense burner made for a Buddhist temple. Square format with beautiful curves and two handles on the upper rim. Cast bronze with brown patina (sentoku), the shoulder decorated with butterflies in the clouds, done in gold and silver nunome zogan and silver wire inlay.

Japan, Edo period, 19th century

H 8.5 x W 11.75 x 11.5 in.

Unfortunately badly abused as a planter, causing water damage on the patina on the outside, and with numerous small and unobtrusive dents. Some o...