Antique Samurai drinking vessel with red lacquer and wooden stopper in excellent condition. The hand made cord tassels complete the set.

Dark old patina due to its age enhances its historical beauty. The sake gourd was a common attribute of the Samurai, it was traditionally attached to the waist by a cord.

In Japan, gourd or "hyotan" is a symbol of good luck or success.

Symbolic belief of gourd in Japan has existed for a long time...

Oshie (raised cloth picture) with samurai, which is displayed with hina-dolls on the Girl's Festival, or Hina-Matsuri, on March 3rd. It is from a collector in Matsumoto city in Nagano prefecture, and this one was made by a craftsperson in the city too. Made of several kinds of silk, gold brocade, silk crepe, black satin, etc. The face is hand-painted. The back side is washi. In excellent condition. Late 19th early 20th century. W:33cm, L:45cm

Antique Samurai drinking vessel with red lacquer and wooden stopper in excellent condition. The hand made cord tassels complete the set.

Dark old patina due to its age enhances its historical beauty. The sake gourd was a common attribute of the Samurai, it was traditionally attached to the waist by a cord.

In Japan, gourd or "hyotan" is a symbol of good luck or success.

Symbolic belief of gourd in Japan has existed for a long time...

Beautiful Early Showa 'asa' hemp noren curtain with auspicious congratulatory crane and turtle for happiness and longevity. 5'ft by 3ft. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Japanese early Showa period rectangular form cypress wood tabako-bon smoker’s hibachi with a removable top containing a small round hole (2 1/2" diameter) designed to hold a cylindrical bamboo holder for pipes and ashes and a larger hole with a copper cylindrical container (about 5 1/4" diameter) for holding charcoal. Recessed side carrying handles. 14” long x 7” high x 8 7/8” deep. The curved sides measure 7/8" in thickness. Weighs 7 lbs. Early 20th century...

Wabi - sabi Japanese Ryokan entrance way wood lamp from the end of the Taisho Period ca. 1930. Each side with fine shoji lattice work. H: 17"; W: 15"; depth:14". Ask for shipping quote.

UNSKILLFUL AND INCOMPLETE LOVELY SECRET SCROLL

Practitioner’s secret manuscript scroll of the various hand-signs called 'Kuji-in' (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuji-in) and ‘Tein’ (also ‘Inso’, ‘Ketsuin’) as the Mudra (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mudra) of ‘Mikkyo’ (Japanese Esoteric Buddhism), as the symbolic or ritual gesture or pose performed with the hands and fingers for marking each secret of various buddhas, bodhisattvas, deities, etc...

Antique Samurai drinking vessel with red lacquer and wooden stopper in excellent condition. The hand made cord tassels complete the set.

Dark old patina due to its age enhances its historical beauty. The sake gourd was a common attribute of the Samurai, it was traditionally attached to the waist by a cord.

In Japan, gourd or "hyotan" is a symbol of good luck or success.

Symbolic belief of gourd in Japan has existed for a long time...

Takatsuki; footed tray. Wood with black lacquer, ca. 1900. H.1.75"(4.5cm) x Dia.6"(15cm). Such trays were used for food service or offerings. Suitable for a sweets dish in tea ceremony.

Antique Japanese carved wooden mask of an okina, or old man, used in the theatrical art form of Noh. Every Noh mask represents a specific character, and when the shite (performer) puts on their mask, the term for putting on clothing (kaburu) is not used. Rather, it is called kakeru or tsukeru (to hang/to attach), as this symbolizes the transformation into the character. The mask shows traces of the facial hair it once had, which has been lost due to age...

Signed wood Noh mask, 'Beshimi'used for Noh plays featuring mythical demons that defy Buddhist Law. Ca. 1920. 22cm tall x 17cm wide. Some peeling but no cracks or chips. Ask for shipping quote.

Rich patina jizaikagi hearth fish from the Taisho Period C.1920. The pot stabalizers had an iron rod through the fish that went up into a long bamboo pole that had an iron hook on the bottom to hold the iron pot over the hearth fire in old japanese farm houses. Length: 11" x 7" tall. Ask for shipping quote.

Japanese carved bone three(3) monkey design Fan Holder, Meiji period, 1 1/8" high, 2 1/4" wide, 1/2" deep, with opening on the bottom and wider opening on the top, carved serious money faces with black enameled wide eyes. There are some stains and wears on the surface.

Antique Japanese set of 4 wagon wheels. The smaller wheels have 12 spokes while the larger ones have 14. The central hub and outside edges of each wheel is lined with iron.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Size: 21.75-24" L x 7" H

Beautifully symmetrical granite stone buddhist stupa. Late Taisho Period Ca. 1920. excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote. H: 17" by W: 41/2".

Richly elegant buddhist temple lamp from the Taisho Period C.1920. The lamp has carved lacquered dragons on all sides of the middle and buddhist clouds and on top handle and base in gold lacquer. Sloping mesh cloth creates a soft lovely effect. Stunning. Comes in origial cedar wood box. Ask for shippig quote from California warehouse.

Kanban with identical inscription on both sides: goko (five scents), a general, government licensed medication against all kinds of ailments. Middle brown wood with carved inscription, painted brown, gold and red. Forged iron handle on top.
Height with handle 22 5/8 in. (58.2 cm), without handle 21 in. (53.9 cm), width 7 in. (18 cm).
Some of the colors chipped out of the grooves, partly repainted and chipping again, some minor, short cracks and chips around the handle...

Antique Japanese noh theatre mask of the character Ko-Omote, a youthful girl. Very unusual that this mask is made of ceramic instead of carved from wood. Beautifully painted with red lips and blackened teeth, joyful eyes and dark hair with four loose strands, very important defining characteristics to tell each mask apart. The backside is signed in-between her eyes and has been affixed with parts for displaying the mask. Edo Period (circa 1800's) Size: 8" H x 5" W x 2.5" D

Very unusual and art deco Taisho Period C.1920 hanging iron lantern. Each of the four panels has a separate scene; one with a bat for good luck, an owl, plum blossoms and paulownia motif. Excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Magnificent set of Kamisugi Sake Brewery bronze doors from the Taisho Period, C.1920. One door has gold gilt wood letters reading 'Kamisugi' the other 'Shikishima', both sake brands. Kamisugi Sake Brewery was established in C.1805. 42" wide by 67" high. Great condition. Back with some wear. Ask for shipping quote.

Japanese carved and stained bone Brown Bear Cane/Walking Stick Handle, Meiji period, 1 1/4" high, 1 1/8" wide, 1 1/2" deep, long hair and long tail curved under copper band 3/8" high, 7/8" diameter on the bottom outside the hole. No damage on Brown Bear, some wears showing on copper band.

This old Japanese hook would have been suspended over the hearth and used to hang cooking pots over the fire. Obviously used by a rural farm family, this pothook or jizai kagi would have been hung by a rope above the fireplace, and the hook has been "firepolished" from years of use.

Fabulous Taisho Period c.1920 iron lantern. Repapered and electric source added. Very art deco. 10" tall by 9" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote from California.

Very unusual shaped zelkova (keyaki) hearth hook used to hold the pot over the hearth fire in an old minka farmhouse. Great condition. See photos. 20" high by 11" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Very rare 'Noshi" celebration wood carving. Noshi is an ornament attached to gifts and presents offered on festive occasions in Japan like weddings, births etc. This carving is a jizaikagi used on a hearth pot holder with iron fittings and bamboo pole. This would hang over the irori hearth and hold the pot above the coals. 61" long by 13" wide. great condition. Shipping from CA warehouse.

Very quintessential Japanese hanging bronze garden lantern from the Taisho Period, Ca. 1912-1926. Elegant blue-green oxidized bronze patina from years of use. Excellent condition. Papering and electric can be added on request. 11" tall by 9" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

EXCLUSIVE DOCUMENTS

Wide range of various old documents (including scroll) and samples of how to cutting, how to tying, and how to holding as 'origata' (decorative folding papers for 'noshi' gift wrapping paper for congratulatory life events) based on the Japanese traditional manners handed down to posterity. Meiji period (1868-1912), Japan. Scroll: More than 320cm (125.98in)...

Tatougami which was used at the pawnshop for wrapping pawned items. The name of the shop is "koyama Shichi-ten" and it has the shop's logo "小" in the square. It is a few layers of old washi (handmade paper) pasted together and painted with kakishibu (persimmon tannin) for strength and waterproof. Shichiya (pawn shop) appeared in Kamakura period and developed much in Edo period. 19th century, however one of mending paper has letters "Taisho 4 (1916). Top:87cm x 32cm, Bottom:75cm x 32cm

Rare pair of Taisho Period, C.1920 clay Shinto Inari foxes. One has a scroll in its mouth, the other the Hoju sacred gem. Very good condition. 13" high by 7" wide. Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.

GETA SKATES

Unique and rare old Japanese footgear for ice skating when kimono was still everyday dress for the people, Meiji-Taisho period, early 20th century.

Length with iron blade: approx...

Rich patina Late Taisho Period C.1920 bronze garden lantern. In the Yukimi snow lantern style. Each panel has an auspicious Japanese symbol: pine, plum, bamaboo and grasses. Great condition. 25" tall by 16" diameter. Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.

An Asian wood cookie press. Folk art (Japanese or Korean - if Japanese would be considered "Mingei") utilitarian object. The "cookies", or treats, pressed from this mechanism could have been sweetened bean paste, possibly with rice starch, and not necessarily cooked. The iron nails slide along routing to enable the pressing action. Well used and in fair condition - exhibiting some distress by loss of wood on ends of the top board. A nicely decorative curiosity. Length, 9 7/8 inches

Japanese Kiri wood square shape Hibachi with Copper lining, 9 1/2" high, 12" square, with inserted oval shape wood handles on two(2) sides, some separation in wood joint.

Early Japanese version of today's carpenters tool called a "chalk box". Carved from a block of wood, the well would hold cotton saturated with charcoal ash...this one has original wheel and string and shows that it has been well used....

Japanese large Wood square Hibachi with original Copper Lining, 7" high-outside and 5 1/2" inside, 17 1/2" square-outside and 16 1/2" square top rim, 11 1/2" square inside copper lining, with cut out handle on both side, original blue cotton fabric on the bottom. The beautiful bold looking grain of wood is noticeable and all original condition, no major damage except old copper lining is somewhat stained.

OKUNINUSHI NO MIKOTO

One of the most important deities that creats the land of Japan as 'Kami' in Japanese mythology. Rare old formed object made of natural stone, with one's imagination and inspiration. Attached with wooden stand. H 11.5 cm (4.52in). Dusty and stained due to aging as is.

*Okuninushi no Mikoto - ref. https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/okuninushi-no-mikoto


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Expertly executed noh mask carved out of cypress wood. Okina, among all Noh masks, the Okina (old man) mask is considered particularly sacred and has been at times treated as the embodiment of god, bringing longevity and prosperity to families. C.1920. In silk bag. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Exceptional Taisho Period C.1920 bronze tea ceremony ikebana flower arrangement boat. hanging on tripod hand forged bronze link chain, the boat would welcome visitors to the tea ceremony hut. Perfect condition. W: 12" x W:5". ask for shipping quote.

Antique Japanese hand-carved wooden theatre mask for the traditional Kyogen performance. The particular mask has the face of a fox, with coarse horse hair eyebrows and whiskers. The fearsome teeth and scowling eyes are lacquered in gold and it has red lacquered lips and veining in its ears. The jaw is hinged so that it jiggles open and closed with the dancers' movements. The inside of the mask has a special hand-carved signature by the original artist. Mounted on steel plates and armature wire p...

Brilliant Taisho Period ca. 1920 natural dye cotton futon cover for wedding celebration. Featuring Japan's 3 famous auspicious symbols for happines and longevity; cranes, trutle and pine. 4ft x 3 1/2ft. great condition with a little shredding on one edge. Ask for shipping quote.

Quite unusual bronze elephant koro or incense burner. The lid is a pagoda and the relief work is very good. The pagoda has a few corners damaged but all in all very good condition. C.1920 Taisho Period. H:17cm x w:16cm. ask for shipping quote.

Japanese Sadao Watanabe print of pouring water (1913 - 1996). Striking red background with four characters pouring water. Numbered 16/70 printed in 1971. Great condition, with no rips or condition issues. 1971 Dimensions: 27 1/2" High X 23" Wide

Japanese 32 Sword Scabbards Tray, set in Wood Frame-top and shaped bottom Tray, Meiji period, 13 1/4" x 8" wide, 1 1/2" high, and Scabbard-1" high, 1 3/8" wide for each Scabbard, include Shark's skin, various techniques Lacquered design, none of them are same, all different lacquered Scabbard, tray has rounded corners on top and short rounded bracket feet on the bottom. All the Scabbards are in good condition but wood on the bottom shows two(2) cracks between 5" to 9" long.

Japanese deep 3 dimensional carved Bamboo Sake Jug or Container with one(1) stopper, Ca. 1880- 1920, 9 1/2" high- with thinner light color of bamboo handle attached into extended to main one(1) piece of bamboo section, 6 1/2" diameter on top with hole in the center of thinly carved flower pedal. Outer side the jug has deep 3 dimensional carving of figures and temples with Pine trees and rocky mountainside in natural deep brown color of big fat one piece of hollow bamboo, with naturally aged c...

Kanban or shop sign. The sign indicates that the store would sell or manufacture ornamental pin holders for the oars on a boat (ireko), in the shape of dolls. According to the sketch pasted to the back of the kanban, this holder is mounted on the oar and is placed over a pin mounted on the boat edge. The oar pivots around that pin, so that the oar moves the boat through the water.

The pin holders are decorated as a male and a female doll in court style, their mouths wide open. The words...

Rustic round platter, called ishizara in Japanese, used in kitchens and commoners’ households. Pale yellow glaze that typically leaves the foot free. The plate is slightly warped, as is common with ishizara. Seto ware, Edo period.

In the Meiji era this plate was additionally decorated in moriage technique with overglaze enamels that required lower kiln temperatures. Images is a warrior hare, dressed in more or less Chinese warrior dress, a spear and war-fan in his hands, a halo with thre...

DESCRIPTION: A large and delightful carved wood figure of one of the seven Japanese gods of good fortune, Daikoku, the deity of prosperity. Here he is seen in his traditional pose, standing on two bales of rice with his wish-granting mallet in his right hand, and a bag of riches slung over his left shoulder. Daikoku is also venerated as the deity of the kitchen where such carvings were traditionally displayed, sometimes in the ceiling rafters for good luck. A wonderful mingei piece, his happ...

Attention-getting Japanese paper mache demon face mask. Has a devious grin, large bulbous nose, with fanged gold teeth. Face is black with red and gold highlights, making features stand out and gives an amusing yet intriguing look. Contains holes in ears of mask with cloth netting running behind face. Paper inscription on back is a description of this unique character. Taisho Period-Circa 1900 Dimensions: 17" High X 13.5" Across

Clay doll figurine of a standing Shiba puppy dog, dressed up with a multi-layered collar with bells.

Very soft clay modeled in a mold and fired at low heat. Painted with gofun (ground eggshell producing the white color), natural/mineral pigments and gold, applied after the figure has cooled. The soles of the paws are left uncolored (light brown)

Japan, Meiji era, about 1900.

H 7.4 x L 7 x W 3.25 in.

The black and white of the dog’s fur is soiled, rubbed, and somewhat cr...

Very wabi-sabi old Meiji period bronze well bucket. Great conditon. Hand forged bronze nails to attach the ring bar. Lovely patina. 11" tall by 7" wide. Ask for shipping quote. (pair available)

This Hagoita depicts the princess in the Kabuke play Musume Dojo-Ji. This paddle is a wonderful example of the folk art of Japanese folded fabric into deeply sculptured relief. Though rarely used now, the paddles today are valued as an ornament that is believed to bring good luck.

Unfortunately, though in otherwise excellant condition this Meiji period princess has lost some of the foil pedals from her headdress.

Rather art deco huge buddhist temple gable. C.1910. Cyprus wood. 4ft. tall by 2ft. wide. see pics for condition. Shipping from CA warehouse.

An antique Japanese Daruma wooden mold used for making paper mâché dolls. Retired from duty and lacquered to preserve its years of production and service. The worn lacquer is a testament to its display and use that extended beyond its useful life and paid tribute to the former artisans that supported the craft. The original removable base was made with a concave divot to allow ease of rotation of the mold when in use. Knife cuts and natural cracks from wear show how the mold was used.

Exceedingly rare and unusual bronze temple lantern. Late Meiji Period c.1910. Very large and wonderful configuration with round glass windows on each of the 6 sides. Doors open where an oil wick was placed in the old days. can be fitted for electric light. This japanese lantern exudes atmosphere. 26" tall and 19" inches wide. superb condition.

A bag made of deer skin which coins were put in. The money distributed in civil society was mostly coins in Edo period. Paper moneys were issued in Meiji period (1868~1912) All hand-sewn and in excellent condition. The first half of the 19th century. L:65cm, w:24cm

Rare item. Yazutsu (quiver) made of "koyori" which is twisted washi (Japanese handmade paper) strings. The crafts made of koyori and coated with urushi were called "Kami-Nagato" and they were popular handicrafts in Edo period, such as tabacco cases, bowls and sake containers in hyotan shape and so on. It has 15 arrows made of bamboo but feathers are worn out. The quiver is in excellent condition. The 19th century. L:94cm Diameter:7.5cm

Antique Japanese small Gigaku performance mask. Gigaku (literally meaning "skill music") is an earlier form of Japanese theatre that was brought over from Korea and China in 612. Gigaku reached a high point during the Nara Period and continued it's popularity until it was eventually replaced by Bugaku theatre. Traditionally performed outdoors at a temple, Gigaku masks were carved with exaggerated features in order for them to be seen by an audience seated at a distance. There are 14 characte...

Exceptional and rare thick earthenware ceramic ebisu and daikoku masks that have slots on the top of their heads for money. Holes on the back to hang but piggy banks would have to be broken to get out the money. Great expressions and beautifully made folk art. 11" high by 10" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Antique Japanese fireman's pick axe (tobiguchi), made with a hardwood handle with iron bars and ring, an iron axehead and secondary tool at the bottom of the handle with a nice, aged patina. Edo period (1615-1867) Size: 23.5" length, 4" axehead

Antique Japanese Noh mask of the O-beshimi fierce deity, or mythical tengu. "Beshimi" means "mouth clamped shut". This mask is hand-carved from kiri wood, and inside you can see the chisel marks left behind by the artist. There are visible traces of white gesso in the crevices of the face, which was used as a filler to cover the wood grain. Edo period, 19th century Size: 9.5" tall, 7" wide