Ca. early 1800s

In the style of Okuda Eisen, possibly made in Kyoto at one of the Kiyomizu Kilns. One of a set of five or ten used for individual servings of sweets or other items in a tea ceremony context. Made from porcelain with thick overglaze green enamel and rapidly painted floral designs in red enamel. This style was popular in Kyoto in the late 1700s and 1800s, and was revived again in the 1900s...

Length: 9.6 cm (3.8 in)
Height: 3.2 cm (1.3 in)
Width: 7.9 cm (3.2 in)
Weight: 320 gms

Japanese Komai style box featuring an inlaid gold peacock; inlaid birds and wind effect to the sides; gilded interior tarnished; minor marks; signed; good condition

Rare Japanese keyaki wood choba tansu with 15 exterior drawers (3 interior drawers) and a locking bar, keyaki (elm) wood front and frame with dramatic grain and lacquer finish, elaborate iron metal wood including moko shaped drawer pulls, locking bar has iron work with bamboo motif, the safe box has a key and the three small drawers on the inside are made all of kiri wood with handles to match the front exterior, Edo Period, Makuni area. Size: 38" high x 34" wide x 14 3/4" deep.

An antique Japanese Kanazawa Mizuya Tansu in two sections made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. Original Bengara Urushi lacquer finish and hand made bronze hardware including the stylized Mokko handles. Sliding doors all open to spacious storage areas with removable shelves as well as five organizing drawers.. A trick lift-up and out door hides an area for additional storage...

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...

An antique Japanese Sakata Kotansu (personal storage chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulowani) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware and natural Urushi lacquer finish. Main lock plates feature stylized Chrysanthemums and their leaves. Five drawers for spacious storage and a hinged security door that hides two small drawers where valuables were kept...

In our opinion this is the best Iga Vase, we have ever seen. Massive and intentionally distorted Vase of wonderful native Iga clay. The vase is 3300 g heavy and has a height of 8,1'' and a width of 7,1'', which is very tall for an antique Iga vase.

The vase was made between 1800 - 1850 during the later Edo Period and is in good antique condition. No repairs. Only an untimportant chip on the bottom caused during the process of firing. The vase comes with an old wooden box...

An antique Japanese bronze Buddhist temple bell called Bonsho with a carrying handle depicting diverging dragon heads called Ryuzu. The upper protrusions called Chi or Nyu improves the resonance of the sound when struck. Two opposing striking panels called Tsuki-za is the point on the bell where the best and longest sound is achieved. A bell of this size was hung in a small temple to summon the monks to prayer...

Japanese Buddhist Zushi (portable shrine) with bright red lacquered wood exterior and gilt interior. Shrine with the statue of sitting Fudo Myoo, the fierce deity with his pair of attendants, is seated on a craggy outcropping. The double doors decorated scrolling gilt metal work.

Buddhist traveling altars and shrines create a sacred space of spiritual magnetism and are the product of dedicated craftsmanship...

An antique Japanese tansu chest with Biraki hinged doors made entirely of Paulownia wood. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles. The doors secure two large drawers where kimonos were stored. Constructed using Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails. It would make a functional dresser in today's contemporary home or a side table that would be perfect under a window...

Edo Period (1603-1868) Kiyomizu Ware Bowl with Gold Repair Kintsugi

Kyo/Kiyomizu Ware has several centuries of history with over 300 kilns located around Kyoto, Japan.
The history of Kiyomizu pottery goes back to the Momoyama period (1568-1600).

Size
2in. (5.2cm.) high;
4.8in. (12.3cm.) diameter;
7.05oz...

Pure Aka-Raku Chawan by the 9th generation Raku Ryonyu (Raku Kichizaemon IX) 楽了入 (9代 楽吉左衛門) enclosed in its originally signed and sealed wooden box and made around the beginning of 19th century about 200 years ago during the Edo era.

This Raku chawan is particularly endowed with a structural power deriving from simple composition of features of a bowl - another reminiscence of the earlier generations of this unique family of artists.

Ryonyu was the second...

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892). Subject: “Kyoudou Risshiki” (Instructive Models of Lofty Ambition), Toyotomi Hideyoshi seated on a tiger skin listening to a priest speaking on behalf of the Mouri clan. Text by Housai. No. 33 in a series of 52. Signature: “taiso Yoshitoshi”. Artist’s Seal: Taiso. Engraver: Kataoka (per Keyes, p 459.) Publisher: Matsuki Heikichi. Date: Meiji 18 (1885), 12th month (December.) Format: oban tate-e with printed borders, H.12.5 x W.8.25"(inc...

An antique Japanese Kimono Tansu made of 100% quartered sawn Keyaki (Zelkova) hardwood and Suginoki interior (Cryptomeria) woods. All original Urushi lacquer and hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles. 5 large drawers with a hinged security door that hides 2 small drawers where valuable were kept hidden. Lock plates feature the full moon design and it was constructed using straight dovetail Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

Funny brown-patinated bronze featuring a mouse standing on its hind legs on a squash.

Japan – Meiji (1868-1912)

Height : 14 cm (5.51 in) - Length : 24 cm (9.45 in) – Width : 8 cm (3.15 in)

Antique Japanese jizai-kagi in the form of a whale. In a Japanese home, water in a kettle or pot is heated over an irori (sunken hearth). The jizai hook hangs from a strong ceiling beam. From this, a long device is suspended with a hook on the end that can be adjusted up or down by moving the jizai-kagi. Often these are carved in the form of a fish. This unusual jizai-kagi is carved of kayaki (zelkova elm) wood with traces of black lacquer and patina from hearth smoke. A portion of it's...

An antique Japanese Sakata Funa Tansu also known as a ship captain's chest with a Keyaki (Zelkova) wood exterior and a Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood interior. Finished in a natural Urushi lacquer, it showcases the beautiful wood grain. Hidden to the right behind the sliding doors are small drawers for additional storage and a removable Kakesuzuri Bako complete with inkstone. All of the bronze fittings are original to the piece and the dovetail joinery adds strength and durability to this fine wor...

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...

Ivory netsuke representing a bamboo shoot (takenoko).

Netsuke constitute the major part of Japanese ivory of great quality. Since the Japanese costume (kimono) had no pockets, the objects were passed under the belt and the netsuke, held by a cord, was used to hold them.

From imaginary animals to natural and domestic elements, the subjects represented in netsuke are varied. The netsuke could represent elements of daily life. Netsuke carvers supplied for posterity ...

This very well carved and rare Japanese ivory okimono is a mid-19th century product. It is 10 ¾” high, 3″ wide and 2 1/4″ thick both measured from the bottom. It depicts a fisherman sitting on a wood stool with his tool box on his side. He is repairing his broken fish net which is hanging on a tall pole. The artist (carver) did a wonderful job on the fisherman’s robe, his cigarette pipe and pouch, even the tool box was carved with wood grain. The facial expression, the musc...

Round ivory kôgô box with shibayama technique, inlaid with gold and pewter or silver lacquer. Lake decoration in two cartouches on the side and the top of the kôgô, surrounded by rinceaux.

It could be the representation of views of Ômi, around Lake Biwa (present Shiga prefecture). The temple on the rocky mountain is probably the Ishiyama-dera, built around 762 A.D. in Ôtsu. It is part of the Kansai Kannon pilgrimage circuit. It is said that Murasaki Shikibu started to write Th...

This superb ivory carving of an aristocratic young woman holding a child is a mid or late Meiji period (1868~1911) product. The woman is formally dressed in a kimono decorated with patterns and floral designs. Her hair is elaborately coiffed. She holds a boy in her left arm and a parasol in her right hand. The child is holding a branch of chrysanthemum. The piece is very well executed and stands 10 ¼” high, 4” wide and 3 1/8” thick (measured from the bottom). The artist’s signature...

This interesting and finely carved Japanese ivory okimono is a mid-19th century product. It is 6” high, 2” wide and 1” thick. It depicts one adult and one youngster engaged in folk dancing. The man is wearing a traditional hat called “Kazaori Eboshi.” He has raised his two arms up and is holding drum mallets. The boy is holding a paper fan. The artist’s signature “Yoshiaki” is on the base. Aside from some old repairs and crack lines due to its age, this charming piece is in...

This is another example of a Mythical Animal or Demon. It has the body of a dragon with deep delineated scales and large claws instead of hands, a demon face with goat-styled horns, and lion-style hair. Its tail that wraps around its feet. It is signed. It measures 0.97 inches (2.4cm) wide, and 1.97 inches (5.0cm) tall. It is in excellent preserved condition.

Wonderful and definitely rare Iga Chawan with aesthetic kintsugi gold repair. This chawan was made approx. 200 years ago during the Edo Period. Great wabi-sabi expression.

Iga ware was always made in the Iga City area of Mie Prefecture. Using local clay and traditional techniques, Iga ware carries a rich tradition that can be traced back to the Nara Period (710-794), featuring easy-to-hold shapes prized by tea masters and a natural, almost wild beauty actualized by the unique qualit...

19th Century, excellently hand-carved in rare Kurogaki (Black Persimmon) Wood Netsuke depicting a realistic chunk of Driftwood that shows well rendered areas of partially turned bark and a large opening in the middle that may have been dug up by the elements. This piece is attributed to the Iwami School, because it presents all the characteristics of netsuke made by carvers of the region in Japan (See partial illustration - photo #6 - of the book 'Iwami Netsuke from the R. S. Huthart Colle...

Matching pair of Japanese scrolls. Seed syllable depictions of the Womb World (Taizokai Mandara) and companion Diamond World (Kongokai Mandara). Beneath the 8 Patriachs. 150x50.5 cm. Paints on paper with silk borders. Undated, estimated to be late 19th/early20th century. Repairs to border. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.

This rare Japanese 19th century painted ivory snuff bottle is 3 ¾ inches tall, 2 inches wide and 3 quarters of an inch thick. The base inscribed with a four character Qian Long mark. Both sides depict ladies chatting in a garden. The workmanship is superb and it is in excellent shape except slight retouching on the bottom.

The figures are expertly carved and depict members of the Buddhist pantheon, unidentified by the writer. The material used has a marine origin and is most likely walrus tusk. They are darkened from age and have achieved a pleasing colour. The lotus stands are separately constructed and as they have been produced from a cross-section of the tusk they exhibit the dentine found within. At the least 19th century.

PLEASE NOTE THAT DELIVERY CAN BE MADE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM ONLY.

App...

An antique Japanese bronze temple bell called Bonsho with a handle depicting diverging dragon heads called Ryuzu, protrusions called chi chi or nye to improve resonance of sound, two opposing Tsuki-za striking panels and a Mei-bun inscription of the bell's history. Bonshō (Japanese: 梵鐘, Buddhist bells), also known as tsurigane (釣り鐘, hanging bells) or ōgane (大鐘, great bells) are large bells found in Buddhist temples throughout Japan, used to summon the monks to prayer and to de...

Late Edo Period (1850 - 1868) Japanese signed Noh theater Mask of Okame, the Goddess of Mirth, a very popular image in Japanese culture. A beautiful example of the type of mask done by a master carver, using Cypress wood (Hinoki) and many layers of Gofun, crushed oyster shell lacquer. A very charming and well rendered image. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Probably late 1800s

Decorated with a scene of birds and trees in the Kakiemon palette and style in overglaze enamels on a clear glazed white porcelain background. The base is slightly recessed and the footring is unglazed, exposing the hard, white porcelain paste. The shoulder is carved with a groove design that radiates from the base of the neck and is decorated with a scattered flower design in overglaze red enamel. The base is painted with an underglaze blue fuku mark in cursive script....

This is a real old Japanese mizusashi made of Oribe clay. It dates from the early Meiji Period.

Signed on the bottom from the artist.

It is in great condition - no repair, no crack, no water leak.

Size:

15 cm height

13 cm diameter

15 cm trunk diameter

Weight:

1,3 kg

Shipping included

A rare iron hanging censer in the shape of a Mongolian Saddle Stirrup (Abumi) with silver mesh lid covering half the top. It comes in an age-darkened and worm-eaten kiri-wood box titled simply Tsuri Koro. The receptacle is 13.5 x 7 x 15 cm (5-1/2 x 3 x 6 inches) and is in excellent condition, dating from the Edo period.

Large Japanese early Meiji period sumi ink on paper scroll by calligrapher Ito Keishu (aka Ito Shinpei), who was active circa 1870s to 1890s. Signed and with three red seals. Paper mount and wood scroll ends. The scroll measures 79” x 32 1/2" (painting size: 54 1/2" x 26”). Good intact condition with some rubbing and soiling evident. There is a small distressed area or repair to the paper mid-way down the scroll on the right side (see enlargement). The top mount has a few old paper r...

Elegantly shaped Ki-Seto Chawan from the Edo Period, early 19th century with a rarely seen gold rim. Precious metal rings were added when the chawan was made for the aristocracy and for the high nobility.

The beautiful and glossy glaze (guinomi-de) has a fantastic crazing. The bowl has also a decoration with vivid tanpan marks ( copper green marks ).

This Ki-Seto tea bowl is in very good condition, very unusual for a chawan of this age. Absolutely highly recommanded for ...

Okimono sculpture in bronze of a crow perched on a tree stump in varnished wood. Its eyes are in shakudo.
In Japan, the crow (karasu) is a symbol of gratitude and family love. It is also considered as the divine messenger of good omen. The Kojiki (713) relates that the crow Yatagarasu guided the mythical founder of Japan, Emperor Jinmu (660-585 BC), on a military campaign to Yamato.

Signed under the crow within an oval cartouche 義光, Yoshimitsu.

Japan - Mei...

A four-case lacquer inro in iroe, togidashi, hirame and kirigane lacquer, on a nashiji lacquer background, decorated with a boat, sailing on the flow, carrying numerous passengers, there are some mountains in the background.
Nashi-ji lacquer interior.
The ornamentation probably depicts the Sumida river in Tôkyô. A similar inro is represented in the book Inrô, japanese belt ornaments the Trumpf collection, Uta Werlich/Susanne Germann, Linden-Museum Stuttgart, arnolsche art publ...

19th Century Edo Period Japanese Clay Mask of Tengu, the mischievous God of the Forest. A wonderful example of Mingei used as decorative art, with an underglaze of red and white fired to give a wonderful presence. 8.25 inches (21cm) tall) x 6.25 inches (16cm) wide. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Antique Japanese ranma with wonderful large scale hawk sitting in pine tree, beautifully carved on both sides, carved of keyaki (elm) wood, Meiji Period. Size: 59 1/2" x 16 1/4" high x 2" deep.

Ivory netsuke of a human skull.

Japon – Meiji era (1868-1912)
Height 1.2 in (3 cm) – length 1.4 in (3.5 cm) – width 1 in (2.5 cm)

This small Japanese ivory okimono is a mid-19th century product. It is 4 1/8″ high, 1 3/4″ wide and 1 1/4″ thick. It depicts a smiling fisherman standing on the shore. The fisherman is wearing a traditional bandanna and a straw apron. He uses both hands to pull a fish net in. The artist’s signature “Gyokudo” is on the base. Aside from some old repairs and crack lines due to its age, it is in good condition.

Japanese bronze vase with flaring rim. The slender body with a coiled Dragon in relief. 19thC. Height 8 5/8" (21.9cm). Condition: very good.

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...

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).

An antique Japanese hibachi (brazier) cast in bronze and hand crafted with a dragon and thunder bolts flying amidst the stormy clouds on one side and a crouching tiger with its playful partner hanging from a bamboo limb in a forest of bamboo on the opposing side. The handles feature converging phoenix birds with their tails as the apex.

Originally used as a hand warmer in a country inn (Ryokan) in Japan, in present day it can be used as a planter or decorative centerpiece of a room.

This very well carved Japanese ivory okimono is a late 19th century product. It is 5 1/2” high, 2 3/4” wide and 2 1/4″ thick measured from the bottom. It depicts a smiling farmer holding a bundle of fresh cut lotus roots which are wrapped and bound in a straw sheet. The facial expression is very realistic. The short robe with willow tree design indicates it is either spring or summer which is the right season for harvesting lotus roots. The artist name “Furuyama” is on the bott...

A late Edo iron tsuba with chisled decoration of a pine trunk and boughs on one side and flowering prunus blossom with bamboo on the other side. The three representations comprising the "Three Friends of Winter". The simplicity of the chiseled smooth surface successfully imitating sumi-e painting. Good condition - presenting more nicely than in the lighting used for our photography. Emits a clear tone when tapped. A pleasing piece that would add character to a prospective blade. The seppa-ana ha...

A letter open done in mixed metal with motif of cranes, chrysanthemums, magnolia-like flowers, and other flowering plants. The letter opener contains a signature that is difficult to read. Age: Meiji Period. Size: Length 13" Width 1.5"

Toushin (wick) zara (plate) held a small amount of oil with a coiled wick, and was usually set in some sort of lamp arrangement. These were used until the advent of glass and other lamps. This example of fine folk pottery is from central Japan, likely Mino ware, produced during the Edo (1600-1868) Era. The top side has a warm yellow glaze, and the underside is unglazed. H. 1.5cm (0.6") Dia.10cm (4".)

Rectangular kobako box in ivory with inlays of stones and mother-of-pearl according to the shibayama technique to represent insects. Combining this technique and the legs painted in the hollows of the ivory, the insects stand out and are highlighted by the play of volumes, materials and contrasts. Among them, there is a cricket, a firefly, a fly, a dragonfly, a ladybug and a butterfly.

The shibayama technique consists of inlaying ivory with lacquer, wood or precious materials or st...

Charming cast iron antique Japanese Tetsubin (tea kettle) Classically shaped, with charming quality. Rope design is looped around short neck of tetsubin and tied into a bow on one side. Handle has loop rope design along top. Gorgeously aged, Tetsubin has ridged mouth with a lotus flower motif nob on the top of lid. Meiji Period (1868-1912) Dimensions: 7.5" Tall, 6.5" from spout to back

Perfect Aka Raku Tsutsu Chawan made by the 10th generation Kichizaemon Tan-nyu and enclosed in an authentication wood box written and signed by the 12th generation master of Omotosenke, Seisei (1863-1937).

Tan-nyu (1795-1854) was firstly named as Sojiro. He was the second son of Ryōnyu, the second generation master. In 1811, at the retirement of his father-master Ryonyu, he succeeded as Kichiza’emon. In 1819, together with his father Ryonyu, he assisted Oniwa-yaki Kairakuen ...

This late 19th century Japanese gold lacquered tortoise shell box is 5 inches long, 2 ½ inches wide and 1 inch thick. On one side, it depicts an eagle resting on a plum tree and a sparrow flying over a river on the other side. The workmanship is precise and elegant. Except for a few tiny chips and scratches due to its age, it is in good condition.

Golden patinated bronze representing a lying crane with its baby bird on its back.

The Japanese crane is also known as tanshozuru (丹頂鶴) which mean “red crowned crane”. It is known to be standing for longevity since the tale told this animal to be 100 years old. The crane is omnipresent in Japanese culture, mostly in the tales of “Tsuru no Ongaeshi” and “Tsuru Nyobo".

Furthermore, if you fold and bound a thousand crane of a paper to each other throughout ...

This is a Japanese antique indigo dye cotton Shonai Sashiko noragi boro hanten jacket. A slightly thin indigo-dyed cotton cloth with two threads in one, and hand sashiko. Cotton cloth is a thin hand-spun cotton. It is an item around the end of the Meiji era. The shade of indigo dyeing is beautiful and it is a little thin, so it is ideal for wearing. There are 3 holes that have been fixed. There are light stains, but they are not noticeable. Size: Length 82 cm / 32.28inch ...

This finely crafted Japanese yakkan (copper teapot) shows the kind of beautiful patina that can only be achieved with time and careful used and looks to date from the Meiji period of the late 1800s.

The brilliant rich auburn color of this type of metalwork is achieved by adding smoked straw during the firing process and often deepens in character over time. The resulting stained metal canvas makes the perfect backdrop for the decorative autumn grasses, flowers, maple trees, and drif...

19th Century, Japanese nicely hand-carved boxwood Netsuke depicting a character of a Japanese folk tale 'The story of the old man who made withered trees blossom': Hanasaca Jiisan. Here, Hanasaca is shown in one of the scenes of the folk tale where he is chopping down a tree to make a mortar. Hanasaca's dog who appeared to him in a dream is showing him the location of the tree. Netsuke has a chimney himotoshi that starts on the bottom of the irregular platform where both characters stand, and...

Japanese antique rectangular kesa or priest/monk's outer vestment cloth. The silk brocade of this kesa is a pale orange color and finely woven with colorful designs of dragons in clouds. The silk is Imperial Chinese, as shown by the five clawed dragons. Lined with dark blue silk.

Often described as a mantel or robe, the kesa is worn draped diagonally over the left shoulder and under the right armpit. Meant as a reminder of the Buddha's own simple patched garment, kesa are formed f...

Black-patina bronze hare standing on its four legs.

There is only one Japanese word for both hare and rabbit : usagi. Hares hold an important place in Japanese myths and superstitions. As many other animals, they were believed to reach a fabulous age and become blue at five hundred.

Japan - Meiji Era (1868-1912) Height : 4.9 in. (12.5 cm) - width : 2.8 in. (7 cm) - depth : 4.5 in. (11.5 cm)