In the style of Enku (1632-1695)

This tall, slender figure is carved from cedar in Enku's so-called hatchet style. Enku was a yamabashi, or traveling priest, whose mission was to serve the remote villages of rural Japan-- particularly those in the more northern parts. As acts of devotion, he produced thousands of Buddhist carvings over the course of his life-- many of which were given by him to the temples he served as well as the parishioners...

Pair of Inari Foxes of sculptured and fired clay with luminescent powered white glaze. In traditional Japanese art, a pair of foxes typically flank the deity Inari’s shrine image. But in modern times, images of Inari have all but disappeared, replaced instead by images of Oinari’s messenger, the magical shape-shifting fox (kitsune 狐). Here the symbolism is two-fold. First, rice is sacred in Japan, closely associated with fertility (the pregnant earth) and with sustaining life...

Fine early example of a Jomon Period Dogu Clay Figure, the earliest known Japanese figures. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, and then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look...

Beautiful large Japanese standing Amida Buddha, finely carved wood with red, black and gold lacquer, flowing drapery. Standing on base carved to look like rock and lotus and painted with a gold lacquer, inlaid glass eyes. Early Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Size: 42" high x 19 1/4" wide x 14 1/2" deep.

Late Edo Period Japanese Bronze Turtle. A fascinating, finely casted bronze turtle, it has a wonderful attitude. The beautifully rendered form shares the feelings of the turtle with the viewer. 14.5 inches (37cm) long, 7.5 inches (19cm) across, and 5.5 inches (14cm) high.

Rare Japanese Okimono Pair of Bronze Silverised Patina Fighting Cocks. Fine dramatic sculptures that are amazing and can be positioned in endless ways. They feature very natural details and action. Heights: 10.5 and 8 inches, 27 and 20.5 cm.

Antique Japanese large and deeply carved ranma depicting three sages (from left to right): Le-tieguai (with the iron crutch) , Zheng si yuan (with the tiger) and Gama Sennin (with the frog). There is much of the original paint still intact. Wonderfully carved with great detail and expression. Most likely from a Shinto temple. Edo Period (18th century). Size: 27" high x 87" long x 3" deep. (very heavy!)

One of a collection of three fantastic and rare, large Edo Period Iki masks, de-accessioned from the Musée Archéologique in Strasbourg, France during the mid-20th Century. These three are rare for their large size. They have never before been offered on the art market. The other two masks are posted on this site. Carved Poloma wood with gofun (oyster shell lacquer), glass eyes and human hair. 9 inches (23 cm) high x 8 inches (20 cm) wide.

One of a collection of three fantastic and rare, large Edo Period Iki masks, de-accessioned from the Musée Archéologique in Strasbourg, France during the mid-20th Century. These three are rare for their large size. They have never before been offered on the art market. The other two masks are posted on this site. Carved Poloma wood with gofun (oyster shell lacquer), glass eyes and human hair. 7.5 inches (19 cm) high x 7 inches (18 cm) wide.

One of a collection of three fantastic and rare, large Edo Period Iki masks, de-accessioned from the Musée Archéologique in Strasbourg, France during the mid-20th Century. These three are rare for their large size. They have never before been offered on the art market. The other two masks are posted on this site. Carved Poloma wood with gofun (oyster shell lacquer), glass eyes and human hair. 7.5 inches (19 cm) high x 7 inches (18 cm) wide.

An exceedingly rare ancient Japanese Heian (794-1185) or Nara Period (710-794) Engraved Bronze Tortoise. The entire shell, front and back, has engraved artistic images of the people and symbols of the era. The tortoise is a symbol of wisdom, and is able to defend itself on its own. It personifies Water, Moon, Mother Earth, Time, Immortality, and Fertility. Creation is associated with the tortoise and it is also believed that the tortoise bears the burden of the whole world...

Antique Japanese beautiful ranma (transom carving) highly carved on both front and back with a scene depicting a pair of foxes in a mountainous setting with bamboo and rocky outcroppings, carved of keyaki (elm) wood and painted in mineral colors, hardware with buddhist details, Edo Period. Size: 13 5/8" high x 75 1/8" long

A masterful rendering of an unusually large rooster posturing in full stance. The metals used are copper, silver, and gold. The major body of the cockerel is called shibuichi which is meticulously composed of silver and copper mixture. The feathers are beautifully sculpted and chased in details. The movement of the feathers pronounce the figurative composition. Its tail feather is patinated and infused into the silver.

Fine Japanese Meiji Period Okimono of an Articulated Bronze Beetle with amazing detail. A masterwork of hyper realism. 2.5 inches, 6.25 cm.

Japanese Bronze Incense Burner of a Monkey. A wonderful stylized casting of a hanging monkey. A special work of art. 10.5 inches, 26.5 cm.

A Beautifully Carved Late 19th Century Japanese Noh Theater Mask of Okame, the Goddess of Mirth, in Exceptional Condition. 7.5 x 5.5 inches, 19 x 14 cm.

Meiji Period, late 1800s

This bronze sculpture of a ram is rather heavy cast and has well-delineated features in both face and coat. It is in good condition and it has its original applied reddish-brown patina overall. No signature is present. This particular subject is not often seen among Japanese bronze sculptures, and it is likely from a set of twelve zodiac figures...

Antique Japanese carved wooden figure of Nio (Buddhist temple guardian), carved of wood with wonderful details and intensity of expression, traces of original pigment, once guarded the exterior gate to Buddhist temple, on metal stand, Edo Period. Size of figure: 30" high x 17" wide x 7" deep. Size on metal stand: 32" high x 18" wide x 12" deep.

Very fine and extremely rare Japanese Haniwa sculpture of a farmer with a charming expression, pointed hat, large hoop ear jewelry below a butterfly hairstyle, arms held to the front, 3rd Century AD (Kofun Period) created for a rice farmer to represent wealth. Rice farmers were among the most prosperous of Japanese society in the Kofun period. Provenance: Property formerly owned by the Honolulu Academy of Art. Collection Number is on the bottom of the piece...

Massive antique Japanese fu-dog temple carving made of keyaki (Elm) wood. Wonderful expression, beautifully weathered. Highly carved with flowing mane. Age: Edo Period. 200+ years old. Size: 26"L x 17"H x 13.5" W

Large Rare Japanese Clay Figure of a Young Girl playing with her pinwheel. Beautifully executed and glazed with wonderful colors, exhibiting the style of the 1920s Art Deco Period in look and form. Taisho Period. 16h x 9w x 9d inches, 40.5h x 23w x 23d cm.

Beautiful Japanese antique highly carved butsudan panel, carved with scene of two dragons in swirling clouds and crashing waves, black and gilt lacquer with details in red, the eyes of the dragons are made of reverse painted glass, framed in black lacquer frame with copper hardware. This piece was once a ranma or transom over the interior doors of a large Buddhist butsudan shrine. Meiji Period. Size: 9" high x 44" long. Carving is up to 3" deep.

A big Samurai clay doll made of Fushimi clay of the Kyoto area. He is standing proud and strong in the position of drawing a sword.

It is a figure with pleasing and charming signs of time and rests of colours. The Samurai figure dates from the late 19th. century or probably earlier.

Normally all the clay dolls are somehow originated from the Fushimi clay of the Kyoto area...

Early Edo period, 17th century.

Enjoy this small local wooden folk Buddhist statue called 'Minshu-Butsu' (or 'Minkan-Butsu'), dated back to the indicated age but could also be earlier.

It is unique and soften modeled with calm smiling in 'Gassho' pose, coated with mature paint and an impressing merciful aura.

The statue shows the wear of time and draws its beauty from it. It is sprinkled with gold on the front; the back must have been against a wall or a pillar ...

You have the rare opportunity to purchase a collection of three authentic and antique wood carving Buddha statues travel shrines. They are more than 200 years old. Each of the statues is inside a Japanese ZUSHI ( Lacquer at wood with brass ).

From right to left on the first photo:

1. Buddhist statue Vairocana DAINICHI-NYORAI

Size: Width 4.1 in : Length 3.1 in : Height 9.4 in : Weight 360 g

2. Buddhist statue Amitabha AMIDA-NYORAI

Size: Widt...

We kindly present an unusual and rare Japanese pottery Kannon. She is seated and is wearing a long draped robe that also drapes over her head.

It dates from the mid Edo Period ( 17th. century ).

Good antique condition. Please watch the photographs.

Size: 21.3 cm height and 16.1 cm width, Weight 1,02 kg.

Shipping included

A comparetivly large sized Japanese Kannon Bosatsu from the Edo Period - about 250 years old - used in Sōfuku-ji ( 崇福寺 ) Temple in Gifu and since 80 years in our collection.

It is made of premium wood and has been carved by a master craftsman. The golden colour is still vivid and shiny and looks absolutely amazing. Buddha Statues of this quality are very rare.

It is in good condition with little wears of age.

Size: Width 5.9 in : Leng...

Antique Japanese tray carved in the form of a leaf out of burl wood, beautifully modeled with twisting branches, a smaller leaf and seed pods, the beauty of the burl is highlighted in this naturalistic carving, Meiji Period. Size: 19 1/4" wide x 19" wide

Rare Japanese 7th Century Asuka Period Buddha of Paloma Wood. Beautiful patina and wood grain. The Asuka Period is known for its significant artistic, social, and political transformations, having their origins in the late Kofun period but largely affected by the arrival of Buddhism from China. The introduction of Buddhism marked a change in Japanese society. The Asuka period is also distinguished by the change in the name of the country from Wa to Nihon. 12.75h x 9.5w x 4.25d, 32.5h x 24w ...

Charming original Japanese antique bronze figure of a swimming koi, very beautiful detailed work especially on face, fins and scales, graceful naturalistic movement of the fish, Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Size: 11 2/4" long

Antique Japanese ishidoro - stone temple garden lantern, carved all of granite in 6 sections. The lotus base is carved so that it is still connected to the natural rock. The lantern section is similar in style to a hanging lantern with it's curling warabite corner roof and pointed finial over a hollow hexagonal light box. This style of ishidoro originates from the Kasuga shrine and for that reason it could also be called a Kasuga-doro. Edo/Meiji Period. Size: 64" high x 22" wide x 30" wide (at w...

Stunning large Antique Japanese ishidoro - stone temple garden lantern, carved all of granite in 6 sections. The lotus base is carved so that it is still connected to the natural rock. The lantern section is different than most ishidoro in that it's roof is rounded and does not have curling corners but instead is more mushroom like in form. The light box is hexagonal and is carved in relief. Edo/Meiji Period. Size: 66" high x 24" wide x 30" wide (at widest point of base).

Antique Japanese keyaki (elm) wood temple carving of a fu-dog. Beautifully carved with mane of swirling curls and mouth full of sharp teeth, this fierce guardian would have once graced the eves of a buddhist temple roof. Edo Period. With contemporary black metal stand. Size: 15 1/2" high total (10 1/2" high not including stand) x 15" wide x 7 1/2" wide.

Japanese antique transom made of keyaki (elm) wood and carved with a scene of Ushiwaka and Benkei battling on Gojo Bridge in Kyoto. The young samurai, Yoshitsune (also known as Ushiwaka-maru) is depicted in an acrobatic pose, leaping over Benkei, the giant wild-man who was intent on stealing Ushiwaka's sword. Another samurai is carved below them, his much smaller form suggesting he is far below the action. On the right hand side of the carving, another samurai stands among the pine tree...

A pair of wood sculpture of Ebisu and Daikoku which are two of seven gods. Ebis is for good business and Daikoku is for luck with money. They are put on the ouse shrine. In good condition but some parts are missed in Ebis (left). Late 19th to early 20th century. Base:15cm x 5cm, Height:12cm

Antique Japanese ranma (architectural transom carving for over a door). Made all of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood, this carving is a rare beauty in it's detail. A cross section view of a gnarled plum branch in bloom along side a stand of bamboo. The straight leaves of the bamboo contrasts sharply with the curving tendrils and round blossoms of the plum tree. Carved in a 3 dimensional style so that the view is different on each side.

Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dim...

This large and expressive sculpture is made, as expected, from joined segments, each separately carved. This technique is a diagnostic "telltale" which helps to date the piece. The figure sits in a devotional posture, leaning slightly forward with hands joined in a gesture of worship. Extensive remains of gesso and pigment. The piece measures 14-1/2" in height and is free of re-carving or repair. Kindly examine the photographs, as they are part of the description. The piece has a wonderful, expr...

Sublime ceramic Kannon statue of old Kutani-yaki made by one of the greatest potters, Aoki Mokubei. The statue is 200 years old and in great antique condition with only a small repair on the right hand with transparent lacquer and only one! tiny spot with peeling of glaze. The all over glaze is spectacular.

Aoki Mokubei (1767-1833 ) was born in the Gion district of Kyoto as Aoki Sahei. From childhood, he was a disciple of the well known artist and Confucianist Kou Fuyou, who had a...

Extremely rare Japanese antique usagi (rabbit or hare) mask for a Noh performance. Carved of wood and covered with gofun, a raised paste made from ground oyster shells. The surface of the usagi mask is carefully textured so that every hair is visible and some areas are polished from wear. The eyes of the hare are a pink color, similar to those of an albino snow rabbit.

Usagi is the creature most closely associated with the moon. The tale of how the hare came to inhabit the moon o...

Japanese antique pair of zenko, good spirit kitsune (foxes) specifically associated with the goddess, Inari. These figures are carved of wood and painted with gofun, a white paste made from oyster shells. Details are painted using black and red pigments. Gold lacquered hoshi no tama, resembling flames and symbolizing magical jewels that hold part of the kitsune's power, are held by each fox on the tip of it's tail. These foxes were believed to be both messengers and guardians serving In...

Antique Japanese wooden temple carving of a fu dog (fu lion, or shishi). Carved of keyaki (zelkova elm) wood with wonderful details including characteristic swirling fur and wide, toothy jaws, this fu dog is a powerful Shinto temple guardian. Wide eyes are made of reverse-painted glass with irises of two different colors and with pupils of varying width, adding an intensity to his expression.

Age: Edo Period (circa early 1800's)

Dimensions: 39 1/4" long x 11 1/4" high x...

Antique Japanese carved keyaki (zelkova, Japanese elm) wood panel from a temple or shine depicting two dragons. The dragons are intricately carved and have reverse painted glass eyes. They coil amidst swirling clouds.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 49 1/2" long x 7 1/2" high x 1 3/4" thick

A large pair of temple foxes carved from granite. The Inari foxes come complete with separate plinth bases. This pair of Kitsune (foxes) is finely rendered with ears pricked back, tail upright, with paws and hinds seated on its bases. The stone Imari foxes have bryophyte moss growth which is now dormant. The granite has a blackish grey ombre patina due to its age being left to oxidize in the elements.

Inari is a popular diety associated with foxes, rice, household wellbeing, business ...

Wonderful Japanese Kutani Celadon statue of Sen no Rikyū (千利休, 1522 – April 21, 1591), the mastermind of chanoyu, the Japanese Way of Tea. It was made during the Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) by an unknown artist of Kutani. There is his seal. The statue has a fine Celadon crazing with no cracks or repairs.

Size: 19 cm height x 18 cm width

Free shipping.

Sen no Rikyū (千利休, 1522 – April 21, 1591), also known simply as Rikyū, is considered the histor...

Antique Japanese carved wooden Kyōgen theatre mask of Zo-onna (middle-aged woman). Still beautiful, she is more serious than her younger counterparts. Her face is longer and narrower and she does not smile but her mouth is open, showing both rows of perfect teeth. Beautifully carved of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood, signed on the inside.

The characters of the signature read 工藤則朝作 (作, saku, here means "work of _" / "made by _", and the name is 工藤則朝). 工藤 i...

Antique Japanese wood carving of a pair of fu-dogs (shishi) near a waterfall. Playfully, they chase each other over the flowing stream. Clouds billow over head. Carved of keyaki (zelkova - Japanese elm) wood with details in black and red pigment.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 9" high x 28 1/2" long

Antique Japanese carved wooden ranma (decorative transom). Beautifully carved with blossoming lotus flowers on a background of swirling water. The lotus flowers range in different stages of blossoming, a Buddhist symbol for the different stages of enlightenment. Carved of keyaki (zelkova Japanese elm) wood and framed in brown and gold lacquered wood.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 8 1/2" high x 46 1/2" wide

Chiseled wood sculpture representing a sitting hare.

In Japanese, the hare and the rabbit are designated by a single word: usagi. The hare occupies an important place in Japanese legends and superstitions. Like many other animals, it is supposed to reach a fabulous age and become blue at five hundred years old. In Far Eastern art, it is often depicted with the moon, an association that seems to have its raison d'être in an imaginary line that we want to see in this star...

Sculpture in chiselled and stained wood representing a hare lying down.

In Japanese, the hare and the rabbit are designated by a single word: usagi. The hare occupies an important place in Japanese legends and superstitions. Like many other animals, it is supposed to reach a fabulous age and become blue at five hundred years old. In Far Eastern art, it is often depicted with the moon, an association that seems to have its raison d'être in an imaginary line that we want to...

Dark brown patina bronze sculpture of a monkey with shakudo eyes. Sitting, he is contemplating or examining attentively a small turtle placed on his right hand, held with care. The latter is removable. The monkey's eyes seem to be illuminated by what he is observing through the shakudo (copper alloy typically containing 3-7% gold, mainly used for its black-purple lacquer-like patina).

In Japanese art, there are many representations of monkeys (paintings, sculpture, ceram...

An antique Japanese Buddhist temple freize wooden carving of waves centered by a Hoju sacred jewel. Carved from one solid block of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. Professionally mounted on an iron stand.

Age: Edo Period (1750-1800)

Dimensions: 32 1/2" Wide by 17 1/4" High by 5" Deep

Antique Japanese stone sekitō (pagoda) with three tiers. Made of granite and carved in 7 stacking pieces. The central square section is carved with a seated Buddha on four sides. The top spire is carved with 9 tiers between lotus petals. The surface has a beautiful patina and is covered with areas lichen and moss.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 75" high x 24 1/2" wide x 24 1/2" deep

Black-patina bronze hare standing on its hind legs.

In Japanese, the hare and the rabbit are designated by a single word: usagi. The hare occupies an important place in the legends and superstitions of Japan. Like many other animals, it is supposed to reach a fabulous age and become blue at five hundred years.

Japan - Meiji Era (1868-1912)
Height: 5.7 in. (14.5 cm) - width: 2.8 in. (7 cm) - depth: 4.3 in. (11 cm)

Antique Japanese small ink stone. Carved with leaves and fruit on front and back. The front is accented with three tiny pieces of coral. The entire back side is carved with intricately interlacing vines, leaves and fruit. A small mouse sits off the the right side. Comes with kiri wood tomobako.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 4 1/8" high x 3" wide

Antique Japanese bronze hiten (Sanskrit, apsara), celestial musician. Seated on swirling clouds, she moves her flute to her lips to play. Stylistically represented in the Indian or Southeast Asian traditional garb of bodhisattvas with high crown, elaborate pectoral jewelry and flowing drapery. The billowing clouds on which she sits have a green patina.

Age: Taisho period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 15" high x 9" wide x 7" deep

An amazing small wooden figure covered in with glass eyes made in the hyper-real likeness of a Rakugo-shi Comic storyteller, dressed I traditional Hakama trousers and seated on a large cushion clutching a fan in his right hand. It is 19 cm (7-1/2 inches) tall, while the cushion upon which he sits is 19.5 x 15.5 cm (just under 8 x 6 inches) and the figure is in excellent condition. There is what appears to be a signature on the bottom; Ta?Saku. This caring is very much in the audacious style...

Very old wood statue of Buddhist goddess Sho Kannon Bosatsu (one of the many forms of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara), wearing formal robes, and a diadem with bronze decorations on the two sides, standing on a lotus, her left hand holding a vase, her right hand in abhaya mudra. The goddess face reflects a profound meditation. Remnants of the original gilding. Fine age patina. Japan, early Edo period. Height: 25.2 cm. Good condition.

Antique Japanese carved wooden panel depicting a pair of pheasants. The male is seated on a blossoming cherry branch while the female looks up at him from near a spray of bamboo. Beautifully carved and painted with intricate details. The frame is lacquered.

Age: Edo Period (early 1800's)

Dimensions: 22" high x 16" wide x 1" deep

Interesting and rare lifesize Japanese Demon stone mask of granite, Azuchi-Momoyama to early Edo period c. 16th.-17th. century AD.

The mask made in a heavy granite type of stone, finely sculptured as a Demons face, probably to ward off evil spirits in a temple or as a part of a funeral chamber. Far to heavy to carry for a human, but still hollowed at the back.

Finely made with facial details and painted in red, white and gold. Old 19th. century museum tag and a number on ...

A rare late Edo Period (19th cent) Shishi Lion Foo Dog Statue made of iron rich Bizen clay, wood fired in an Anagama kiln.

Shishi (or Jishi) is translated as "lion” but it can also refer to a deer or dog with magical properties and the power to repel evil spirits. This mythical beast was probably introduced to Japan from China via Korean in the 7th or 8th century AD, during the same period as Buddhism’s transmission to Japan, for the Japanese shishi combines elements of both the...