19th century netsuke of a dog seated on a base, one of its front paws raised, and the bottom of the base carved as a stylized seal with 4 characters. Superbly carved, excellent depiction of its face, limbs and bumpy spine, perfectly executed keyfret design around the base, beautiful staining typical for the artist, wonderful wear and patina...

A rare antique Japanese Kyushu Choba Tansu (merchant chest from Kyushu island) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. The frame of the chest was made using Suginoki wood measuring a very thick 1 1/ 8". Constructed with straight dovetail Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails. It has 5 drawers and a pair of hinged doors that open to a spacious storage area with a split level shelf. All original hand forged iron hardware...

Antique Japanese hangai tansu (captain's chest for business transactions). Two door panels outfitted with heavy iron work set into the frame and open to reveal five drawers on either side. The exterior frame of of the box is made of sugi (cryptomeria - Japanese cedar) while the drawers are made of kiri (paulownia) wood. The exterior has square iron handles while the interior has iron warabite shaped drawer pulls...

Unusual Antique Japanese Sakata Funa Tansu (Captain's ship safe), made of very heavy solid Keyaki (Zelkova) wood with lovely dovetail joints used in its construction. Original deep red-orange and black lacquer finish, iron hardware, Sakata area of Japan, Edo Period. Stunning original condition. Size: 10 1/2" high x 22 1/2" wide x 13" deep.

19th century ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in drum shape made out of sections of rosewood and staghorn. Very pleasant to the touch, beautiful wear and patina. Diameter 0.65 inches.

19th century lacquered boxwood netsuke of a horagai - a trumpet shell (Charonia Tritonis). These shells in Japan were often fitted with a mouthpiece on the thin end, and used as war trumpets. Beautifully carved netsuke in Japanese taste, muted lacquer colors with some wear exposing the wood underneath, tiny chipped areas along the ridge of the shell, excellent feel of age to the piece. Length 2.42 inches.

19th century netsuke of a fresh tangerine on top of a dried persimmon containing a minute landscape with houses and trees. Superbly carved elegant piece in Japanese taste, wonderful mellow patina and beautiful wear consistent with age. Great depiction of skin textures. Signed MASAYOSHI on the bottom - Sato Masayoshi was a brilliant artist, listed on p. 742 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Elegant old piece in excellent condition...

19th century netsuke of a bamboo shoot containing a hollow section with anabori (cavern carving) of the Seven Sages of the bamboo grove looking at an open scroll. (see the detail on the first photo), The inside is almost impossible to photograph, but all the sages are there, need a flashlight even to see them. Very clever joke on the usual depiction of the sages being placed among bamboo stalks, not inside them...

19th century Japanese iron mae-kanagu (tobacco pouch clasp fitting) depicting a sparrow serving sake from a bottle to an old man with a sake cup. The topic represented is Shitakiri Suzume, or the story of a tongue cut sparrow - see H. Joly LEGEND IN JAPANESE ART, p. 496. Iron is notoriously difficult to work with. Excellent design, superb crisp detailing, silver inlays and gilding. Length 1 7/16 inches.

An antique Japanese Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles and the full moon lock plates. Handle back plates feature a stylized Shimizu clan family crest. 4 drawers for spacious kimono storage and a hinged door behind which are 2 small drawers where valuable fashion accessories were stored...

19th century netsuke carved out of burl wood, its natural shape resembling a mushroom or a reishi fungus (Fungus of Immortality. Very clever natural piece with practically no carving, superb patina, very pleasant to hold. Length 2.57 inches.

Japanese pair of Satsuma vases, beautifully decorated all over with scenes of in raised gold and colorful over glaze, motif is portraying the 18 arhats surrounding a kwan yin like form bodhisattva and Chinese sages. The vases portray characteristics seen in Yokohama Satsuma wares which were produced during the latter part of the Meiji Period. Age: Meiji Period, each vase is signed on bottom: Satsuma attributed to Hattori. Size: 9" high

This is a special old Japanese Imari bowl. The crane design and use of enamels is very attractive. The piece looks similar to some of the early Fukagawa pieces. Condition is very good and there is mainly wear to the gold trim on the top rim. This heavy bowl measures 7 inches across and stands 3 1/4 tall.

An antique Japanese Gifu Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite stye handles. 5 exterior drawers for storage and organizing with 2 sliding doors behind which store records and books were kept. Hinged door secures 2 small drawers where valuables were hidden away. Horizontal side slats provide strength and a visual design element complimenting the sliding door slats...

Beautiful Japanese keyaki wood zeni bako, or money box, the top of which has a handled door with three studded iron hinges and flower-shaped lockpin, and thin iron slot for depositing money, dropping into a small drawer with an iron lockplate. Two more drawers are in front with kan/ring pulls. Edo period (1615-1867) Size: 9" height, 8.5" width, 12.75" depth

A Japanese elegant Satsuma Gosu Blu cricket cage, depicting flying butterflies and chrysanthemums with polychrome enamels enriched with gilt. Unsigned. Masterpiece of Japanese art. Edo period 1850 ca. Sizes: 15 x 10 cm. Condition report: Good condition

A good sized Imari porcelain bowl. Blue underglaze cobalt and Red, green, aubergine and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Good decorative impact. A "crows foot" crack inside the foot is stable and barely at all visible inside the bowl. Minor enamel losses. Diameter, 10 1/8 in. Height 3 3/4 in.

Late 19th century marine netsuke of a scholar holding a scroll. Nicely carved, decent face, good patina. Height 1.84 inches.

An antique Japanese Tsuruoka Bo Tansu (chest with locking bar) made of Sugi (Cryptomeria) wood. Original Urushi lacquer finish and hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute handles. The locking bar features a flying crane amidst a forest of Sho Chiku Bai (Pine trees, Bamboo and Plum blossom trees). The lock plate on the bottom drawer features an auspicious sea turtle...

DESCRIPTION: Outstanding Japanese porcelain Imari charger, circa 1880, acquired in Brussels, Belgium. This charger is profusely painted in under-glazed blue, red, green and gilt with a central blue medallion of scrolls highlighted in gilt. Surrounding the medallion is a wide border of alternating cartouches enclosing pairs of birds with bamboo leaves, and flowers issuing from rockwork with butterfly. The reverse is painted with three sets of flowering blue branches...

From our Japanese Collection, a fine and large eight-sided imari charger, Meiji Period 1868-1912, depicting a flower basket beautifully executed in traditional palette of iron red, orange, blue, and gilt on a white porcelain body, and as a lovely extra on this particular piece, the addition of Kakiemon-style greenish turquoise enamel highlights in the corners and tastefully interspersed throughout the design. Floral and cloud motifs appear on the reverse, along with 6 spur marks from the kiln s...

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in a shape of a die with dots highlighted in black ink. Nice quality work, beautiful warm patina, some wear. Cube side 0.42 inches.

Japanese three string musical instrument Player, Meiji period, late 1800's, 2" high, 2 1/2" wide, ,1 1/2" deep, the ivory figure is finely done, add nice age patina on smooth rounded carving with humorous face and hairdo, small tip of the string instrument is broken off, age crack on the tip of the robe on the left back side about 1/2" long.

Deer horn netsuke, carved naturally from root of the antler.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century
Width: 1.6 in (4.5 cm) – depth: 2 in (5 cm) – height: 0.8 in (2.8 cm)

The size of Bowl 6 5/8" Dia x 2" High. Japanese Ko Imari Porcelain Bowl. The bowl is bit larger than regular Namasu bowl. The bowl has the unusual design of archer sitting at the front of Japanese house with wave design. Arrow hit dead eye center. There are two sections divided by gold decoration of dragon with flower design around. The condition of bowl excellent, no chip, no crack and no hairline. There is some of tiny green leaf and purple enamel spots are missing due to the age which often h...

An antique Japanese Kyoto Mizuya Tansu (kitchen chest) in 2 sections made of Keyaki (Zelkova), Hinoki (Cypress) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hardware including bronze sliding door handles and hand forged iron drawer pulls. The full moon theme follows the round upper sliding door handles and the drawer pulls. There are five horizontal and five vertical drawers for organizing storage with spacious storage behind the sliding doors. Unusual shallow depth of 16 1/2" for a large Mizuya...

1900's Japanese Silver Repousse Drum Shaped Box with Chrysanthemum Jungin Konoike zo (of Yokohama)

It is 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) tall by 3.2 inches (8.2 cm) wide. It is 179.8 gram.

It is tarnished and has dent, surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of the amount you originally paid. All y...

Two(2) Japanese Bronze Fukurokuju, Ca. 1900 Meiji, one of the Seven Lucky God, representing "Longevity" and "Wisdom", 3/4" high, 5/8" wide, typical details of holding precious object with both hands in front with very long head, the condition is good.

19th century netsuke carved as a group of four seals - two of simple square section, one in a shape of a natural lotus bud stem (its stem serving as himotoshi), and one with shishi and ball finial. Elegant design in Japanese taste, bottoms are carved with raised and sunken characters in seal script and stained to resemble real seals - one of them could be a signature of the carver. Possibly made for a silk merchant - the seals resemble actual chops used for stamping silks. Great compact netsuke ...

Late Edo (1603-1868) Period Shino Chawan with all highlights of the Japanese aesthetics of wabi sabi. It is in perfect antique condition and comes with its original wooden box, a cloth bag (shifuku) and the attestation of a tea master inside.

Shino-ware dates to the Momoyama period when potters were attempting to recreate white porcelain-wares that were being imported from China at the time. Originally they were made in single-chamber anagama style kilns set into the hillsides. La...

19th century netsuke of a baying stag with its head turned back, its upper front teeth bared. Elegant carving with pure clean lines, excellent hairwork, wonderful depiction of volume of the deer body and his antlers, eyes inlaid in black horn, beautiful patina. Himotoshi is formed by its feet. Wonderful sculpture. Height 1 3/4 inches.

Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase w Rooster & Hen c19th

Description & Size: 15.24 x 6.35 cm (6" x 2.5") height & wide

Age: Meiji Period

Production: Handcrafted

This is a beautifully crafted Japanese cloisonné enamel vase w a rooster & hen c19th Century. The vase is decorated with fine silver wires with a rooster & hen surrounded by multiple colorful flowers with black enamel background. It's mounted with bright brass top rims & base. There are ...

A Japanese totai cloisonne (on ceramic body) bottle vase. Blue, white, rose, green, red and yellow enamel decoration of flowers. A silver rim encasement original to the vase. Good condition. Height: 5 inches

Late 19th century bone ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved as a toy dog (inu hariko) with a loop for hanging with gold, red and black lacquer decoration. Inu hariko are traditionally considered to be protective talismans for newborn babies. Very pleasant carving, beautiful warm patina, in great condition (some losses to lacquer). Height 9/16 inches.

Stemming from the philosophy of wabi-sabi—often described as the beauty found in the imperfection and transience of the world—cracks and repairs in a work of pottery are often seen as highlighting the history and importance of a ceramic object. Practitioners of tea in particular are fond of reminding us that works repaired with lacquer and gold such as the one featured here become more resilient and beautiful for having been damaged. In this case, the gold repairs undoubtedly enhance the bea...

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles and Sakata lock plates. 5 drawers provide generous storage and organization. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 22 1/2" Wide by 23" High by 11 3/8" Deep

Unusual late 19th century Japanese multimetal pendant in a shape of portable scales. The cover can be moved to the side to reveal gilded inside. Very good crisp work, in excellent condition. Length 1.42 inches.

Late Edo (1603-1868) Period Shino Chawan with all highlights of the Japanese aesthetics of wabi sabi and a Zen buddhistic infinity symbol.

It is in perfect antique condition and comes with an antique wooden box.

Shino-ware dates to the Momoyama period when potters were attempting to recreate white porcelain-wares that were being imported from China at the time. Originally they were made in single-chamber anagama style kilns set into the hillsides. Later, with the advent of...

A good quality Antique, 19th century, Meiji Period, Japanese Kutani porcelain plate - dish, with a thick and heavy body, extremely well potted, and beautifully hand painted and enameled with peonies and birds. Please note that this type of Kutani porcelain with a thick body was made generally for the domestic Japanese market. MEASUREMENTS: Diameter 25 cm (9 7/8 in) Height: 4.5 cm (1 3/8 in). CONDITION: In good condition: no cracks, no chips or repairs.

Japanese five section lacquer inro in the hiramaki-e technique. The low relief gilt lacquer adds depth throughout the landscape composition of pine forest, distant ocean, mountainous terrain, and the famous Uji bridge. The black ground lacquer also shows the use of nashiji gold flecks creating mist and cloud formation. The interior of the compartments are covered with the nashiji gold flecks, resembling a pear skin effect. The ojime bead is of sliver and gold in the form of a laughing face of Ho...

An antique Japanese scholar's table made of Kokutan (Ebony) and Bamboo. Beautiful original Urushi lacquer finish and constructed using Japanese joinery for strength and durability. Beaded Ebony contains the Bamboo that decorates the stand and leg structure creating an elegant refined presentation. The stand has beautiful negative cutouts on the apron front and back. Used on a Tatami floor for writing and calligraphy.

Age: Meiji Period (1890-1900)

Dimensions: 23 3/4" Wide by 11 ...

19th century Japanese bronze mae-kanagu (tobacco pouch clasp fitting) depicting chidori (plovers) in flight above and among cresting waves. Elegant design, great crisp detailing, differently colored patinas, comes with original backing. Length 1 5/8 inches.

19th century Japanese bronze mae-kanagu (tobacco pouch clasp fitting) in a form of a running boar. Wonderful dynamic design, great crisp detailing, gilded eye. Comes with original backing with design of a stone on it. Length with backing 1 9/16 inches.

This is a rare and attractive example of Japanese Golden Age Cloisonne. The colors are bright and the design is very desirable. It is a unique piece that was probably made in the mid 1890's. The tray is heavy and measures 12 3/4 inches by 8 inches. All in all condition is very good and it displays wonderfully. If you look close, there is a short craze and slight bend in the outer rim (see image). There is some roughness on the bottom is from the firing process.

Antique Japanese kannon biraki tansu. Single section with hinged doors which open to reveal 4 interior drawers; two large and two small. Made all of kiri (paulownia) wood with iron hardware. The large, round lock plate and cross bracing are classical aspects of this type of chest. Used for storing clothing and outfitted with handles for carrying.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 20 1/2" high x 37" wide x 16 1/4" deep

19th century wooden netsuke carved as seated Tanuki (badger) with its mouth wide open, beating with his paws on his extended belly as on a drum. In Japanese folklore tanuki is a notorious trickster: he drums with his paws on his large belly (tanuki no hara tsuzumi), imitating the sounding of gongs in temples and inns, and leading tired travelers astray in the darkness. Superbly carved, great sense of volume, extraordinary face with well captured insidious expression and crisply carved individual...

Height: 2.4 cm (1 in)
Width: 4.2 cm (1.6 in)

This antler horn nestuke, carved from the antler base, represents a clam shell resting on a decorated circular base. The underside has been carved to show a temple scene located near the sea. This piece is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks or restoration.

19th century netsuke carved as a fox sitting on a base with 4-character seal bottom and scenes with lobsters and shells on the sides. This particular fox represents Inari - the benevolent and well disposed creature, being the messenger of the God of rice and harvest, as opposed to the other foxes, which in Japan are generally believed to be evil creatures. Enlargement 1 shows the seal flipped left to right presenting what the imprint of the seal will look like. Nice design, excellent carving of ...

A bronze foodog that was a finial on a larger bronze piece of art. The shishi is well formed with good detail, and has a beautiful patina. The dog/lion measures about 3 1/2" high x 3 1/2" long, and dates to the 19th Century or earlier. The condition is very good. The only damage is to the base where it was broken off. The asking price includes shipping within the USA.

19th century kagamibuta (“mirror lid”) netsuke with metal plate depicting Okame leaning on a large screen as she grabs the belt of an escaping oni who is carrying a large mushroom in its hand. The netsuke is of shunga type with mushroom bearing not so subtle sexual connotation. Superb quality work with multi-metal inlays and gilding, wonderful faces, great detailing of robe pattern and pine saplings and rising sun on the screen, oni’s left foot is an old loss. Fixed in a bowl with one stab...

Late 19th century Japanese stoneware kogo (box for incense during tea ceremony) in a form of Daikoku holding a rice bale in front of him. Daikoku is one of the 7 Gods of Good Fortune, that of rice, and, as a consequence, of wealth. Stoneware with wonderful potting, beautiful celadon glaze, very pleasant patina. Great piece in Japanese taste. Height 2 inches.

Height: 4.6 cm (1.8 in)
Width: 2.5 cm (1.0 in)
Depth: 2.3 cm (0.9 in)

Fine netsuke of two figures wrestling - one is an Oni; natural material; excellent detail; signed Mitsusada to the foot; good condition

Antique Japanese Kimono Bo Tansu from the Iwayado area of Northern Japan. Constructed of quarter sawn Toneriko (Tamo Ash) wood with striking grain and a translucent lacquer finish. The frame is made of Sugi (Cryptomeria) wood with an opaque wiped lacquer finish. Hardware is hand made all of iron and includes Warabite shaped drawer pulls with unusual raised Pine and Peach back plates. Lock plates are also raised and consist of various flowers including Peony (Botan), Magnolia (Ho) and Ivy wi...

Late 19th century netsuke of standing Okame wearing a long robe with a belt tied around her waist, one hand raised, the other holding a folded fan. Wonderful chubby face with with a wide smile, excellent depiction of various textile patterns on her robe. Superb quality multicolored staining, beautiful warm patina. Signed YAMAJI in oval reserve on the bottom - the artist is listed NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 1215. Similar model by the artist is ...

Antique Japanese tetsubin (pot for heating water for tea). Made of iron in round form and decorated with raised bats. The lid is made of bronze and signed on the underside.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 8 1/2" high (including handle) x 6" wide x 5" wide

19th century netsuke of cut vegetables, tofu and rice cakes inside a wooden pan with handle. Superb elegant design in Japanese taste with perfectly captured mood of happy anticipation of a good meal, excellent carving, beautiful patina. Signed MITSUHIRO on the bottom of the pan. For a lengthy discussion of this first rate distinct artist see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, page 775. Clever and unusual object by the master carver. Length with handle 2 ...

Delicately crafted carved netsuke figure, late19th century, Meiji period; of an antique stag antler with decorative holes. Size: Height of this fine carving is 1 3/4 inches with the length of 2 inches. Condition Report: Good condition with no imperfection, de-accessioned from Los Angeles County Museum in the 60's

19th century round Japanese kogo (covered box for incense during tea ceremony) made in cloisonne technique. Simple elegant shape with decoration of three butterflies inside a spade shaped reserve, on a karakusa (scrolling vine) ground with scattered flowers. Beautiful work, great quality enameling, flecks of avanturine glass enamel in the black enamel of the spade. Very pleasant finish with original pitting, rare and early piece in terms of Japanese cloisonné, from the period of transition from...

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of a ceramic sake jar with high shoulders and decoration of concentric circles . Clever elegant design in Japanese taste, beautiful staghorn texture, in great condition. Height 5/8 inches.

Low tea bowl of irregular round shape. Raku-yaki with red glaze, decorated with black brushed-on spots and white patches, with fine crackle over all. Inside the foot a small area is left uncovered. Japan, Edo period, early 19th century.

. H 2-3/8 x W 5-1/4 inches

Minimal traces of usage, short crack