An antique Japanese large Jizai (hearth hook) used above an Irori (fire hearth) and hung beneath the house rafter to support a rope and hook or a Jizai Kagi (adjustable hook) to hold a kettle or large teapot above the burning charcoal. Carved from one solid piece of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood, this sculpture epitomizes the true feeling of the Japanese word Mingei (folk art)...

DESCRIPTION: In Japanese lore, there are countless tales about the mischievous Tanuki, a real animal native to Japan. Masked like a raccoon but big and stocky like a badger, they are said to have supernatural powers to transform into any living or inanimate shape. Often they assume the form of a monk, as our Tanuki does here. This Tanuki okimono is hand crafted from a single piece of wood in the best of Mingei traditions...

Japanese bamboo brush pot on three feet carved in sunken relief with the head of Zen patriarch Daruma, also known as Bodhidharma, holding a fly-whisk. Fly-whisks were carried by Buddhist priests to wave away flies which, according to Buddhist tenets, they could not kill. The fly-whisk is also a symbol of leadership. Early 20th century. 6 1/2" high x 4 7/8” diameter. Very good overall condition with typical wear from use. There are some small separations in the bamboo...

Japanese pair of shrine figures depicting two Lucky Gods, Ebisu and Daikoku. On the left is Ebisu, a popular god of business prosperity and abundant crops as well as the patron of fishermen. Carved from wood, he stands with a fish under one arm and a smile on his face. On the right is Daikoku, who represents prosperity and is the protector of crops. He is the patron of cooks, farmers and bankers. Carved from wood, he stands on bales of grain with a big bag slung over his shoulder...

This 8" high wooden figure of the sitting Tenjin was carved during the Edo period, the mid 19th century (1850). Tenjin is the Japanese "god" name name given to the Japanese statesman and scholar, Sugawarea Michizane, the 9th century poet and writer of Chinese prose and verse.

Possibly carved from cryptomera wood and darkened with age, this carved figure has both a simplicity and elegance which are, for me, the major characteristics of Japanese asthetics.

Japanese Meiji to Showa period oval form portable wood tabako-bon smoker’s hibachi with a 4 1/4" diameter recessed copper bowl for holding charcoal and smaller 2" diameter cylindrical receptacle for holding pipes and smoking tools. A fully functional lacquered wood handle is mounted at the sides. 8 1/2” long x 7” wide x 4” high (excluding handle in upright position). Late 19th to early 20th century. Very good overall condition with a nice, bold grain to the thick wood...

Eye-catching gold gilt Meiji Period C.1900 sake shop sign. Kanji characters read `Kiwami no Kotobuki` sake or Ultimate Happiness sake. The carving is in the shape of a sake keg. Excellent condition with minor lacquer wear. Old iron clamps were added in the back. See pictures. Size is 15" tall and 13" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Epic Edo Period Ca. 1860 keyaki wood (japanese elm) money box with hand forged, thick iron metal fittings. The stamp of the maker, "Shimizu" is branded on the inside. 13" long x 5 1/2" tall x 8" deep. excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Unbelievable, rare Edo Period C.1860 large shop sign 'kanban' for liver medicine. It was believed if a little boy cried too much his liver needed some help. Fantastic thick hinoki wood carving ornamentation with layers of black lacquer. Stout legs and finely detailed buddhist clouds in bronze around the frame. Great condition. Great entrance way museum piece. H:140cm x W:90cm Ask for shipping quote from california warehouse. Piece disassembles.

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

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...

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. Top:82cm x 32cm, Bottom:82cm x 56cm

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 teshoku candle holder made of bronze. A long handle makes it easy to carry a candle around for light as well as very stable when set down. Cut-out design is of a Hoju, the Buddhist wish granting ball...

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

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

Antique Japanese theatre mask of a mujina, which could mean either badger or raccoon-dog (tanuki). Both creatures are famous in Japanese folklore for their shapeshifting abilities. One of his most popular appearances is in the story of a mujina yokai (shape shifter) who becomes a kozō (little monk) and stands by empty roads at night. The other is of a tanuki who turns himself into a teapot. Mujina can also take the form of a faceless ghost...

Charming rustic Japanese antique jizai hook for heating water over a fire, made of keyaki (elm) wood and carved in the shape of a fish, beautiful wood grain with a deep patina from years of use, an iron hook is attached to the tail, a rope or chain would have threaded through a vertical hole from head to mouth, Edo Period (early to mid 19th century). Total size: 15" long x 6 1/2" high (fish is 4" high)

Early Meiji Period c.1890 red negoro lacquered Shishi mythical lion head used in the festival dances. In pristine condition with horse hair and gold gilt eyes. Fabulous mingei folk art piece. H:18" x W:14". sk for shipping quote.

An antique Japanese Shinto Shrine (also known as a Kamidana, Yashiro or Omiya) housing the deities Ebisu and Daikoku...

Antique Japanese Carpenter Reel, Sumi Tsubo, Ink Line. 9.25 x 3 inches, 23.5 x 8 cm. It is rare to see sumi tsubo (Japanese carpenter's reel or inkline used for layout) fully intact with all its parts, including line and original stick pin, like this one. The Japanese word for tools is Dogu, which was originally the word for an itinerant monk's belongings. It alludes to the spiritual value which craftsmen put on their tools. Japanese antique carpenter tools are now artifacts with history and bea...

Keyaki (zelkova) wooden pulley, used to scoop water out of a well. Wooden wheel with forged iron block. The inside of the wheel groove (where the rope would run through), lined with a thin sheet of copper. Mingei.
Japan, 19th century

Diameter wheel 12.25 in.; height pulley and block 16.75 in.; thickness wheel 3 in., thickness block 6.5 in.

Keyaki wood with beautiful patina, some dents and scratches commensurate with usage, copper on wheel slightly damage due to usage, otherwise v...

A set of plain candle sticks, called shokudai, used for hanging on a wall (like sconces). Each stick is made of bamboo. On top of the stick is a forged iron hook to hang it from a horizontal beam or slat on the wall, together with a candle pricket. On the bottom is an iron sheet dripping saucer with pricket. Mingei.
Japan, Edo period, early 19th century. Very rare pieces.

L stick 1: 15 in.; depth saucer 3.5 in. L stick 2: 16 in.; depth saucer 3.5 in.

Iron corroded and connecti...

Antique Japanese Carpenter Reel, Sumi Tsubo, Ink Line. 8.25 x 3.5 inches, 21 x 9 cm. It is rare to see sumi tsubo (Japanese carpenter's reel or inkline used for layout) fully intact with all its parts, including line and original stick pin, like this one. The Japanese word for tools is Dogu, which was originally the word for an itinerant monk's belongings. It alludes to the spiritual value which craftsmen put on their tools. Japanese antique carpenter tools are now artifacts with history and bea...

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. 32cm x 81cm

This wonderful Edo period antique Japanese tobacco box is made of wood and covered with lacquer which is now seriously aged. In the middle of the lid is small sculptured detail. The box has the original cord and horn tip toggle, and still contains tobacco. Circa 1860's this box is 4.5" x 2.5" x 3" high. It is truly a piece of old ethnographic folk art from Japan's Edo period.

KUGUTSU

Mask part of primitive wooden puppet as the original form transitioning to Ningyo Joruri (Japanese puppet drama) called Kugutsu. Edo period (1603-1868). approx. 14.3 x 19.5 x 6 cm (5.62 x 7.67 x 2.36in). In such damaged condition in the fire in the later years (so that stained with soot when touch).


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Beautiful small wooden jizai, or pothook. This type is called Daikoku, after the shape of Daikoku’s hat. These hangers were suspended with a rope from a heavy beam, over the sunken hearth. From the hanger an adjustable hook was hung that held the kettle. Good piece of mingei.
Zelkova wood with rests of smut, especially in the grooves.
Japan, 19th century.
H 9.5; w 9.25; 2.75 inches.
Slight traces of usage, very good condition.

Pair Japanese carved solid Wood Shrine Guardian Lions, 10 1/2" high, 6" wide, 11" deep each, wonderfully aged, bleached and weathered being outside above Shrine or Temple heavy door frames. These Guardians also called Protector, or Shishi Dog, one mouth open and another mouth closed, always as a pair, placed on the top of the door hinges or under the eave in front of the Shrine doors to protect and stand Guard outside before entering the Shrine. The details of the carving is bold, humorous and...

Rare paulownia wood Meiji Period Ca. 1890 herbal apothecary chest, 'kusuri dansu'. Each drawer is labeled with various healing herbal names. Size is smaller than normal, 23" tall x 15"wide x 9' deep. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Lovely Negoro lacquer'Yuto' water pot from the Meiji Period, Ca.1900. Natural cylindrical body carved out of cypress wood and flush fitting cover all with beautiful negoro lacquer finish. Copper metal fittings. Slight tiny wear on the handle corner. (see picture). H:12" x W: 12" x diameter 8". Ask for shipping quote.

A bag made of deer skin with indigo dye hemp rope. It was used for coins which were distributed among citizens in Edo period. Paper moneys were issued later, in Meiji period (1868~1912). The first half of the 19th century. 26cm x 62cm

Rustic round platter with wide rim, called ishizara in Japanese, used in kitchens and commoners’ households. Pale yellow glaze that typically leaves the foot free, turning a pale pink and then dark in the center. The plate is slightly warped, as is common with ishizara.
Nine spurmarks in the center.

Mingei

Seto ware, Japan, Edo period, 1800-1850

H 2-2.25 x diam. 12 in.

Several small scuffs and frittings in the rim, one large chip on the underside of the time, show...

Sculpture of Daikoku sitting on a rice bale with a big grin on his face, spilling countless jewels (tama) from his treasure bag.
Keyaki (Paulownia) wood, carved in a slightly abstracted manner, called ittobori.
Unsigned. Mingei (folk art)
Japan, 19th century.

H ca. 11 x W 10½ in.

Tension cracks (consistent with material and age), several scuff marks, painters tape on bottom.

Daikoku is one of the seven gods of good fortune. He stands for good fortune and wealth. T...

An antique Japanese Jizai (hearth hook) used above an Iron (fire hearth) and hung beneath the house rafter to support a rope and hook or a Jizai Kagi (adjustable hook) to hold a kettle or large teapot above the burning charcoal. The main body is carved from one solid piece of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. It was designed in the style of the hat worn by the Shinto God Daikoku (God of Agriculture) thereby being given the nickname of Daikoku Jizai.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions:...

This homemade Japanese tool was used in rural areas for cutting the groove in the tree to release and collect the sap which was harvested for the lacquerware. The wood handle is smooth to touch and has years of patina. The cutting blade is heavily aged but is in good condition. The tool is about 9" long and at least 150 years old.

An antique Japanese Jizai Kagi fish hearth hook made of bamboo and wood. Hand carved wooden fish. All original patina built-up over years of use and display. A wonderful work of Mingei art.

Age: Late Meiji (1890-1900)

Dimensions: 13 1/4" Long by 2 1/4" Wide by an adjustable 55 1/2" to 82 1/2" High

Rare bronze mythical turtle koro or incense burner from the early Meiji Period Ca. 1880. In the form of one of Japan's most famous legends is this mythological giant turtle known as the 'Minogame' or straw raincoat turtle due to the tail resembling a farmers straw coat. The Minogame is regarded as a very auspicious creature in Japan representing long life and good fortune. Sitting on its back is a nest of bronze waves holding a Hoju sacred gem koro or incense burner. 43cm long x 25cm wide x 25c...

Meiji Period ca. 1880 zen temple meal gong from Tottori Prefecture, Japan. Rich patina from temple candle smoke and oil lanterns. Excellent condition. With striker. Heavy original iron chain for hanging. 22" long x 12" tall and 6" deep. Ask for shipping quote.

A Shachihoko is a sea monster in Japanese folklore with the head of a dragon and the body of a carp. According to the tale, Shachihoko lives in the cold northern ocean. Its broad fin and tails always point up toward heaven, and its dorsal fins have numerous sharp spikes. It can swallow a massive amount of water and hold it in its belly, as well as summon clouds and control the rain. Shachihoko are often constructed in a male and female pair at each end of the roof ridge as protector spirits of t...

Simple wooden shishi (or lion) dance mask with movable ears and jaw. The ears and eyebrows are stained black. Behind the ears a row of small holes have been made, used for attaching the garment (the body of the lion). Mingei.
All light wood, wooden joints (ears on sticks for manipulation by hand).
Japan, 19th century.

H 6.5; D 9.5 inches.

Nice patina, minor traces of usage: small chip at one of ears, short and unimportant crack in skull. All in all very good condition.

Made of iron, this antique Japanese mobile candle stand, known as a teshoku, dates from the Edo period. So typical of the old Japanese ethnographic objects, the design of this single candle holder is totally simple and wonderfully functional. With a lighted candle, this candlestand could be easily carried about the house by use of long very gently curved handle. When set in down, the placement of the 3 legs makes it very stable to minimize chances of it being accidentally knocked over. It is...

Kanban with the inscription Inari taiji goyo (great Inari shrine, your order). The sign may refer to a shop at the shrine grounds, selling things to be offered at the shrine or souvenirs, or to a shop that specifically make devotional objects to the order of this particular Inari shrine. Attached to a black patinated wooden board are a bell and rope and two small objects, covered in gold brocade. Forged iron handle at top.
Measurements: height at left 38 ½ in., height at right 38 ¼ in.; wi...

Magnificent, very rare wood Bugaku dance mask depicting the Dragon King, Ryo-o. Mounted on a round frame covered on silver leaf paper. Ca. 1820. The mask has a bristling moustache and beard, 4 teeth and a hanging moveable chin piece. The top has a dragon carved. All was lacquered. A similar mask is on exhibit at the British Museum. Bugaku is a courtly ritual dance which has survived in Japan since the Heian Period, Ca. 794-1185. In the Edo Period it was popular with Samurai and he intellectual ...

A large mask in the form of the face of an oni (demon) that typically would hang in the kitchen or in a temple, to ward off evil spirits. A slit in the back is for hanging the mask from the wall.

Wood with remnants of polychrome pigments red, white and grayish black.

Japan, late Edo period (18th/19th century).

H mask 13 in.; H with stand 18.5 x W 9.75 in.

Mounted on a stand, sitting on a pole that has been inserted through the chin of the mask. Also metal wire across the ...

Very simple teshoku, hand-held candle stick, used for walking around. The handle made of a bamboo segment, the head made of forged iron and an iron sheet saucer. Mingei. Japan, Edo period, early 19th century. Very rare piece.

L stick 10 in.; diam saucer 2 in.

Iron corroded, bamboo with crack the does not impact the stability or beauty of the piece. Traces of usage.

From the collection (estate) of William Lipton, Ltd., New York

This old Japanese Noh theater mask has the expressive face of an old man. The mask is carved from paulownia wood and dates to middle Edo period, around 1750. The patina is wonderful.

Mask measures approx 8 inches high and 6 inches wide

A charming, large wooden Japanese sign covered top to bottom in kanji promoting sumo wrestling match. Dates from the Meiji Period 19th century. Size: 58" height, 45.5" length, 1" width

A shop sign carved from a block of knotted wood in the shape of a tea leaf jar engraved on both sides with the character Cha (Tea) originally gilded which still reflects light from the correct angle. A large knot making up one shoulder has split apart in the center, while the outside edge remains intact. A perfect example of the Japanese aesthetic of wabisabi. It is 32 x 3 x 32.5 cm (roughly 13 x 1 x 13 inches). The sign has been restored at some time in the past, the green and black pigment...

Antique Japanese Noh theater mask of a woman, possibly Kohime, with black lacquer hair showing three loose strands on each side, bright red lacquer lips, pale face with blackened lips and sharpened eyes. Beautifully hand-carved, with painted inscription on the inside of the mask The eye holes are carved as 16 petal chrysanthemums. Dates from early 20th century.

Size: 5.5" L x 3" W x 8" H

Antique Japanese carved wood panel depicting the familiar figure of Maneki-neko. The beckoning cat with one paw raised, is a popular folklore symbol thought to bring good fortune, whether that is in the form of customers for a business (left paw raised) or, in this case, money or good fortune for the household (right paw raised). Beautifully crafted with attention to detail.

The most popular legend relating to Maneki-neko, is that of a cat belonging to a monk living in a small...

An antique Japanese handwoven Ikebana basket used for flower arranging . Hand woven with a auspicious good luck symbol of a bamboo branch with leaves. Beautiful natural aged patina in excellent condition.

The bamboo motif represents tenacity and perseverance, one of the three felicitous friends of winter with the other two being the Plum Blossom (representing beauty) and the Pine tree (representing Longevity).

Age: Taisho Era (circa 1910-1920)

Dimensions: 8" Wide x 17 1/4"...

Beautiful Japanese burlwood vase for ikebana, or floral arrangements, with a complex, twisting, gnarled form. 20th century. Size: 14.25" height, 8.5" width

Antique Japanese Noh performance mask of Doji, a physically pretty and youthful boy to represent eternal youth. Wonderfully hand-carved and painted with wispy hair, red lips, and blackened teeth. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Size: 8" H, 5.5" W

Antique and unique Japanese Mingei Sake Bottle (Tokkuri), also usable as a flower vase. It is approx. 100 years old and made of old Shino-Ware.

You will find two amazing images on it, made with iron-oxid. Enjoy sake or beautiful flowers with this antique Mingei Folk Art item.

Mingei (民芸 lit. folk arts or arts of the people), the Japanese folk art movement, was developed in the late 1920s and 1930s in Japan. Its founding father was Yanagi Sōetsu (1889–1...

Early 20th C. back pad from North Eastern Japan (Tohoku region, most likely Yamagata Prefecture.) In the local dialect, of the Echigo & Shonai Regions (current day Niigata & southern Yamagata Prefectures), these are referred to as "Bandori." Other areas call these back cushions "se-na-ate." This particular example is a "Koro [round[ Bandori" and is made from woven straw and encased in a marvelous webbing of "yamabudo" (mountain grape vine.) Coarse hemp rope also creates a striking design in fron...

A rare sake-daru (Sake Keg) made of piled woven bamboo in combination with Japanese red lacquered pine. This tsuno-daru has two horn-like staves with inscriptions, a cross piece forming a carrying handle, and a wooden plug that pulls out. This saki barrel dates pre 1920. Sake casks such as this were prepared by sake factories to be used for special ceremonial occasions in the late 19th to the early 20th centuries. In excellent condition, it measures 21” tall and 7” in diameter.

Antique Japanese carved wooden theatre fox mask (kyogen mask) with a movable jaw that would be opened and closed by the wearer's mouth. The eyes are painted in gold while the face is painted in white lacquer with red pigment accents. A fierce scowling expression is carved into the face. Chisel marks are apparent on the backside showing it was handmade. Custom iron stand included. Eco Period (Circa 1800's) Size: 7" H x 5" W (9" H on stand)

Antique Japanese taiko drum, made from keyaki wood, with an iron handle on its front and iron studding to keep the drum skins into place. Size: 14" wide diameter on top and bottom x 18" high. Circa 1900. Taiko drums are said to have originated when the Shinto goddess of sunlight, Amaterasu, locked herself away in a cave when her brother, Susanoo, god of the sea and storms, became enraged and created havoc on dry land. The other gods became fearful that life on Earth would eventually die from ...