Tumulus Period (AD 250-552) Clay Haniwa (Haniwa means “circle of clay”) forms were installed in the tumuli (burial mounds) that were built throughout Japan from the Third to the Sixth centuries. The Haniwa formed part of the rites used in sending off the dead. Today, these Haniwa, made in the shape of buildings and possessions which do not exist now, and also in the form of animals and even people, show us what things were like in those times...

Musha Ningyo of Shoki the Demon Queller, mid-19th Century late Edo early Meiji Period. An unusually large and early version holding a captured Oni (demon). This is a rare find for this subject. He is powerful and majestic. His face carved of wood with crystal eyes and massive beard and hair made of silk is a masterwork. He wears a Chinese cap and a robe with gorgeous, sumptuous brocades. According to Japanese folklore, the spirit of Shōki is able to scare away demons...

Each plate has the design of a single chrysanthemum (kiku) shifted towards the left side of the plate … but they were carved in a way that each has a life of its own. None of them look the same. The design is sharply cut into thick layers of black urushi lacquer – tsuikoku. It is known to be a difficult job – this later lead to Kamakura bori(carving) which is a technique of lacquering on carved wood. The plates are very light. It indicates a high quality, matured wood inside...

From our Japanese Collection, a truly superb satsuma vase, Meiji period (1868-1912), of tapered hexagonal form depicting a continuous procession of figures underneath a canopy of hanging wisteria. The vase is of the highest quality, as are all of our satsuma offerings. Note in particular the exceptional gold detailing to the robes of the figures, or look for example at the detailing of the two bijins standing with the open parasol: The work is extraordinary...

Additional Photos for Satsuma Vase Item # 947590

Noh Mask (noh-men), Hanakobu Akujyo (Akujou), bumpy nosed fierce old man. Besides the distinctive nose, he has a deep V-shaped crease between his eyebrows and the veins on his temples to his forehead, piercing bulging eyes, teeth painted in gold, with a tan colored horsehair beard and mustache. Not an ordinary face of an old man, he appears to possess something supernatural. This men(mask) is very lightweight. Written on the reverse side is "Hana kobu Aku jyo" in gold...

Japanese silk obi, Nagoya style, dyed with the design of Chinese Empress and court attendants in the bamboo grove. It appears that this was converted to current Nagoya style obi (from kimono?). The design of this obi is unique. The wide and narrow area of this obi has different designs on both sides and all seams appear clean. By taking one side of the seam apart, you have a large fabric to work with (double in size with one seam in the center)...

Japanese antique Jizai or "J" hook, made for hanging a large kettle by rope from rafters over fire pit, made of keyaki (elm) wood, wonderfully rough hewn and sculptural, carved with eight sides, great patina from smoke and use, Meiji Period (1868-1912). Size: 30 1/4" high x 15" wide x 4" think (10" wide including small cross beam at top).

Japanese Edo period round-form bronze kagami (mirror) decorated in high relief with a finely detailed motif of crane and its young among pines. The perforated boss in the center, which holds a tassel, is in the form of a minogame (tortoise). There is an inscription at one side (see enlargement 6). We are unsure of the precise dating, but confirm it dates no later than Edo period (pre-1868). 4 3/4" diameter with a 3/4" high rim. Very good overall condition with typical wear for its age...

A Japanese leather tobacco pouch with pipe case (kiseruzutsu) and ojime made out of stag horn. The pipe case is finely carved in relief with an eagle on a pine branch above a waterfall; the ojime is engraved and decorated with a key fret design; the pouch with a patinated copper clasp modeled as a frog. All and all, it feel muscular (large) and detailed with quality. Pipe sold separately (Listed, item # 1036417)...

A Japanese tooled leather tobacco pouch decorated in low relief in gold and colors with shaped panels of boys at play, roosters, peonies, ducks, etc, silver peony shaped clasp; the pipe case in pressed fiber in imitation of rattan; agate ojime. Meiji period.

Japanese carved wooden NETSUKE. Beautifully carved wood figure of FUKUROKUJU resting against his money bag. Unsigned. 1 1/4" length, 1 3/8" width by 1 1/16" tall.

From our Japanese Collection, a very fine and early Gosu Blue satsuma vase, late Edo Period circa 1840-1860, signed Gyozan. There are four separate gilt-framed panels: Two depict shi-shi, one depicts scholar's table objects, and one depicts a flowering plant. Each panel is surmounted by birds in flight on the upper shoulder, probably phoenix. As with all of our satsuma offerings, this piece is of the highest quality, and is a particularly fine example of early Gosu Blue satsuma.

Size and ...

Japanese late 19th century sleeve from a stage costume. The sleeve has design hand embroidered on front and back. The front has a large pearl with 3 dragon claws showing around the edge. There are also plum blossoms, bamboo leaves and stylized clouds. The reverse has the 3 friends, bamboo, plum and pine with cloud designs. There is also a fabric handle for the piece. This type of sleeve was not actually worn, but held against the body during a performance. The piece measures 24 1/2" wide...

Beautiful Kutani ware porcelain standing figure of Kannon Bodhisatva (Quanyin), she stands in a relaxed pose with flowing black robes decorated with feathers, she has elaborate gold jewelry and crown with a small buddha in headdress, carefully sculpted and painted from her lovely face to her toes which rest on lotus leaves, late Meiji/early Taisho Period. Minor repairs. Size: 17 1/2" high x 5 1/2" wide

Japanese Satsuma cup and saucer finely decorated in overglaze enamels and heavy gilt highlights with alternating reserves featuring various activities of the noble classes and Buddhist arhats. The inner rim is decorated with a hanging lantern motif and the interior bottom with Buddhist arhats. The base of each piece bears a gold rectangular Satsuma mark and circular Satsuma family crest. Saucer: 4 7/8” diameter; cup: 2 1/2” diameter x 2 3/8” high. Meiji period (late 19th 20th century)....

Edo period, 1600s / early 1700s

The seated Buddha image has traces of gilding darkened from years of candle and incense smoke. The mandorla is thin metal repousse. There are chips, wear and losses to the lacquered wooden case.

Height: 9 ¼ in.

1600s or earlier

This figure has old losses to both forearms. The features are worn and it is blackened overall from incense and candle smoke, but it has a pleasant, soft patina. A metal nimbus was originally attached to the back with a small strip of metal that still remains. Acquired in Kyoto in the early 1970s.

Height: 6 in.