A pair of Japanese Edo Period scroll paintings by the painter Sumiyoshi Hiroyuki (1755-1811) , one of a dragon in the clouds and another of a tiger in a bamboo thicket, skillfully painted in sumi ink on silk and signed by the artist. The painter, Hiroyuki was as disciple of the painter, Hiromori and a of successor of the Sumiyoshi School which worked primarily for the Shogunate of Edo Period...

Antique Japanese 6-panel folding screen, or "byobu", with a wonderful painted ocean scene and pine trees over a gold leaf background. Mild damage is hardly noticeable and does not detract from the gorgeous paintings. 19th century SIze: 66.75" height, 145" length

A wonderful Japanese scroll painting showing one peahen strutting underneath the cascading tail feathers of a peacock, standing upon a small rock structure. Pink and red peonies bloom around the two majestic birds. Attributed to artist Tani Bunchō (1763-1841). Size: (entire scroll) 88" height, 35.25" width (artwork only) 51.5" height, 28.5" width

This playful image of a Japanese raccoon dog (tanuki) enjoying a flask of saké was done by one of the most renowned and loved waka poets of the 19th century, Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875).

Born into a Samurai family but soon after adopted by the Ōtagaki family, from the age of seven to sixteen Rengetsu was a lady in waiting at Kameoka castle where she was trained in the arts and courtly graces...

This soulful image of a Japanese hamlet in the depths of winter was done by one of the most renowned and loved waka poets of the 19th century, Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875).

Born into a Samurai family but soon after adopted by the Ōtagaki family, from the age of seven to sixteen Rengetsu was a lady in waiting at Kameoka castle where she was trained in the arts and courtly graces...

This poetry and artwork, done by one of the most renowned and loved waka poets of the 19th century—Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875), tells the story of a personal moment of joy and contemplation upon returning home one autumn evening accompanied by the brilliant moon above...

A symbol of health and prosperity, these ripe eggplants were painted by Hasegawa Gyokuhou (1822 - 1879), a disciple of one of Kyoto’s leading Shijo school artists, Matsumara Keibun (1779 - 1843). The attached stylized calligraphic poem, which speaks of accomplishment and being productive in one’s endeavors, was done by one of Japan’s most renowned and loved waka poets of the 19th century—Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875)...

Signifying strength and resilience, bamboo—together with pine and plum (sho chiku bai)—is an auspicious symbols running through the heart of Japanese art and culture. The young bamboo depicted here—sprouting from a patch of rocks—were composed by one of the most renowned and loved waka poets of the 19th century, Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875).

Rengetsu was born into a Samurai family but was soon after adopted by the Ōtagaki family...

Antique Japanese door with beautiful painting of two beautiful geisha. One holds a black and gold lacquer tray while the other kneels beside her. Flecks of gold accent the space surrounding the painting. The backside of the door has a monochromatic painting of waterside scenery. Meiji age (1868-1912) Size: 71" height, 37" width, 1.25" depth

Antique Japanese door with a beautiful painting of a playful looking geisha holding the folds of her robes and carrying a maple branch in her hand. Her robe is navy blue with a turquoise obi, with intricate auspicious symbols accented by red. A low hanging maple branch with fall colored leaves and mushrooms hangs above her head. Splashes of gold flecking surround her. The opposite side of the door has been painted with a wonderful scene of boats and mountains...

This poem, inscribed with Rengetsu’s unmistakeable flowing calligraphic script, is set on a backdrop of colored washi paper decorated with gold flecks and intricate renderings of magical forest spirits. The spirits are drawn using “gofun”—a calcium carbonate powder obtained by heating and grinding oyster shells collected around the Inland Sea coast...

This tranquil pond scene is done in sumi on gold leaf and has a black lacquer wooden frame. Appearing to date from Meiji or early Taisho, the various cranes and songbirds are depicted with light and playful brushstrokes giving the piece an air of serenity and calmness...

Antique Japanese triptych print of a landscape with a port scene and mountains by Hiroshige Utagawa. Three individual woodblock prints compose this tranquil port scene at the base of a mountain range. Original condition. Each measures 16.5" tall by 9.75" wide, overall 16.5" by 29.5" wide. They are in very good condition with few signs of age. The first print bears seals in the upper and lower left corners. The second print bears seals in the upper and lower right corners...

Japanese large scroll painting of a colorful bird seated on a persimmon tree branch, a bright persimmon hanging overhead. Signature and red seal in left corner. Provenance: Collection of Trotter's Antiques, Pacific Grove CA. Size: 88" H, 19" W (entire scroll), 31" H, 11.5" W (painting only)

Wonderful Japanese scroll painting of Mt. Fuji surrounded by mist, with small birds and reeds in foreground, painted in light colors on silk, signed: by Kazan, of Gaishi Studio. Total size: 33 1/2" wide x 69" high. painting size: 15 1/2" high x 26 1/2" wide. "Biog.:1793-1841 Painter. Born in Edo, son of a samurai. Served Lord Miyake, of the impoverished Tawara clan...

Japanese scroll painting depicting a scene from the Genji Monogatari (Tale of Genji)...

Antique Japanese zenga scroll painting of Bodhidharma, with calligraphy most likely done by multiple people, with artist chops. Date reads "7th year of Taisho" (1912-1925) circa 1918 Size: 79.5" L x 26" W (entire scroll) 52" L x 18" W (painting only)

Antique Japanese zenga calligraphy scroll with swirling wish-granting ball of flames, signed with artist's chop. Nicely colored mounting with porcelain scroll ends. Taisho period (1912-1925) Size: 77.5" L, 15.5" W (entire scroll) 46" L, 11.5" W (artwork only)

Japanese scroll painting of a mountain landscape with a river leading into a waterfall, tree branches overhanging the edge of the mountain, a tent set up at the water's edge beside some flowers. Artist chop on side. Size: (entire scroll) 72" H x 18.5" W (artwork only) 41" H x 13" W)

A late winter scene picturing a majestic white hawk alighting on a plum branch in full bloom. Hawks—which were used for hunting during the Momoyama and Edo periods (takagari)—are considered symbols of nobility, strength, and are thought to embody the samurai spirit. This piece is signed Kano Tanshin, though it is unclear exactly which Tanshin as there were several Kano painters who went by this name during this period.

Color on silk, this scroll is 71.5 inches tall (18...

Antique Japanese two-panel gold leaf screen with elegant, simplistic landscape scenes in black, with calligraphy and artist's signature. Unusual small size, very charming. Edo Period (circa 1800's). Size: 65" L, 11" H

Antique Japanese 4-panel screen with delicate painted flowers over a gold leaf background. Clouds of gold flecks decorate the sky and the open valley. Unusual size for the long four panel.

Edo period (1615-1868) Dimensions: (entire screen) 100.5" L x 36" X (painting only) 94" L x 30" H

A finely painted water colour , with gold leaf overlay, depicting a scene from the 11th Century classic "The Tale of Genji" written by noblewoman and lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu. This item was made in Japan in the 19th Century during either the late Edo or the Meiji period (1868-1911). Condition: there are small marks on the paper and some losses to the gold leaf which predate the framing of this picture during the 1920s or 1930s. Frame: 32.5cm (12.75 inches) wide; 29cm (11.4 inches) high. ...

Based on a classical tale adapted into a popular Kabuki performance in late Edo, the story of the Fuji Musume or “Wisteria Maiden” is an often employed motif in Japanese art. In the story, the Wisteria Maiden is depicted in a painting holding a wisteria branch, until one day she becomes smitten with a young man passing by and steps out of the painting in an effort to capture his attention. Unfortunately, her attempts are futile. Her love goes unrequited, and she sorrowfully steps back into ...

A finely painted water colour , with gold leaf overlay, depicting a scene from the 11th Century classic "The Tale of Genji" written by noblewoman and lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu. This item was made in Japan in the 19th Century during either the late Edo or the Meiji period (1868-1911). Condition: there is very minor "foxing" to the paper which probably predates the framing of this picture during the 1920s or 1930s. Frame: 32.5cm (12.75 inches) wide; 29cm (11.4 inches) high. Painting: ...

Antique Japanese scroll painting of a beautiful court lady with very long, flowing hair rolling up her screen door. To her right is a painting of cranes flying over seaside mountains and trees. In good condition. Circa 1800s Edo age (1615-1868) signed Totsugen Tanaka of the Tosa School. From Bay Area Estate. Size: (entire scroll) 63.5" H x 17" W (artwork only) 33.5" H x 9.75" W

Long a symbol of longevity, good luck, and support in many parts of Asia; in Japan the turtle has the added symbolism of being one of the cardinal protectors of Heian, the ancient capital city of Kyoto. This rendition of a turtle basking on a sunny riverbank was done by one of the most renowned and loved Waka poets of the 19th century, Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875).

Born into a Samurai family but soon after adopted by the Ōtagaki family, from the age of seven to sixteen Re...

New Arrival

Japanese antique small and charming scroll painting and poem by Otagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875). The image is of a small hut with a thatched roof. The poem translates as follows:
春鳥 春寒み 榾火にねぶる 山賤の 夢おどろかす うぐひすの声

cold spring day, a worker naps, by an outdoor fire,
his dreams i...

Antique Japanese Zen Buddhist calligraphy scroll painting, with three red chops. Meiji age (1868-1912)

Size: 70" L x 19.5" W (entire scroll) 53.5" L x 12.75" W (artwork only)

Antique Japanese scroll signed Rengetsu (1791-1875), with beautiful calligraphy poem, and small painted flying crane, painted in sumie, beneath. Grass writing calligraphy poem reads: Tsuki no , aki no tomoshi, saki no toki matsu hodo, shiru toki wa, hatsukari no shiru Along with The Autumn moon, Instead of waiting for its coming, The first geese Know already

Size: (entire scroll) 70" L x 12.5" W (artwork only) 38" L x 9.25" W

Antique Japanese framed floral painting, with silver and gold flake accent clouds, of grape clusters on vines and large leaves, with red chop, possibly by Ogata Korin (1658-1716), Rinpa School.

Size: (entire frame) 28.5" L x 25" H (artwork only) 18.75" L x 13.5" H

Antique Japanese scroll painting of a young woman with a younger girl , dressed in beautiful flowing kimono and standing below a cherry blossom branch. There are three chops altogether, one is of a very unusual shape of a vase. Beautiful calligraphy along the upper region with artist's signature below in corner. Tomobako is included.

18th century

Size: 61" H x 17" W (entire scroll) 33" H x 11.5" W (artwork only)

Here in Kyoto our gallery is located along the Kamo River in a district known as Shobu-en Machi, which roughly translates as “Iris Town.” As you can imagine, the scene depicted in this painting of irises and cranes is one that can be commonly witnessed in our neighborhood in the spring (May) when these flowers are in full bloom. Close inspection of the painting shows one crane amusing itself in the swirling eddies created by rocks on the river bed, while another lifts its head to admire the ...

Antique Japanese scroll painting of a horse, done in sumi ink, its legs kicked up into the air. Very disciplined calligraphy brush work is used, and may have been executed by a Zen Buddhist monk. This horse painting was possibly cut down from a larger screen and mounted as a scroll.

18th century Edo period (1603-1868)

Size: 17.5" W x 52" H (entire scroll) 14.25" W x 20.75" H

Antique Japanese scroll painting of a small bird, perching on the branch of a tall growth of flowers. Signed with red chop.

Size: 16" W 9 69" H (entire scroll) 10.25" W x 38" H (painting only)

Antique Japanese scrol painting of a landscape with boat. The water is very still and the moon is high over a mountain in the distance. A flock of geese swoops down from the sky on the right. On the far left, an outcropping of rocks partially obscures some rural houses. A willow tree drapes itself outward over the water. With signed tomobako. Signed Tan'yu and with the seal of his given name Moninobu. Certified by Eitoku, his grandfather. Kano Tan'yu (1602-1674) was one of the foremost...