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...

Beautiful Japanese Daki Ningyo standing at the unusual height of 26 inches (66 cm), making him a very rare and striking figure of the merchant class. He is wearing an Inro with a pair of Kokishiki dolls inside. It is most uncommon to see this type of Ningyô outside of Japan, for they are highly prized by the Japanese. A widely held theory has it that these dolls were commissioned by patrons of Geisha as presentation gifts. This one is outstanding in every way...

Late Meiji - early Taisho (1900-1920) okimono size wooden mask of smiling Okame. Wonderfully captured facial expression, cleverly exaggerated cheeks sticking out, great quality carving typical for the Hida school. The material is ichii (Japanese yew wood) with clever use of wood texture to add to the charm of the piece. Signed SUKEZUMI on the back - the artist must have been a Hida school carver and worked on netsuke as well. Height 5 inches.

Rare and interesting model of a stoneware vase with brown enamel and fine details of lotus and a crane. Height : 19,5 cm. Japan Edo (1603-1868). Provenance : Collection of Mrs André Schoeller. Sold by Me Ader, Drouot, 18-19 fevrier 1963, n°15

Tall Japanese sectional patinated bronze tripod censer, or incense burner, on a pedestal base decorated on the vertically ribbed body with a relief motif of birds perched on blossoming, leafy branches. The lid has a Buddhist lion-dog (shishi) finial and there is an elaborate animal mask form handle on each side. The base holds a square apochryphal Chinese Ming dynasty Xuande reign mark. Late 19th century. 19 1/2” high x about 10 1/2” diameter...

An antique Japanese Niigata 2 section Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) with hand made iron fittings. The lock plates feature the Sho Chiku Bai motif (Pine, Bamboo, Plum Blossom known as the 3 felicitous friends of winter) with the longevity symbols of the turtles and crane. Each drawer has Kakute handle pulls and the hinged door hides 3 small drawers.

The front of the chest is made of natural Kirinoki while the tansu body was designed using a dark red wiped lacquer technique...

Wooden sculpture of Shichimen Daimyojin in sitting pose, one leg crossed over the other. She sits on the summit of mount Shichimen, her shoes by her side, holding a golden jewel in her left hand and another object, likely a key that is now missing. On the back in red lacquer an donation inscription with the date of Tenpo 7 (1836). Polychrome decorated wood with finish for protection of pigments, gilt metal crown, glass or crystal eyes. Japan, late Edo period...

A small yet resplendent Japanese four panel folding screen. In Japan, small screens are often referred to as, Hina Byobu. The view is showing a waterfall with different flora and fauna.The work has the distinct characteristics of the Kano school which was the dominant school of painting in Japan. Age: 19th century Size: Length 31.75" Height 17.75"

This is an old silk satin obi in maru obi style (design runs on both sides from one end to the other). This obi was probably made from a uchikake gown. It is very soft and feather light with soft padding inside. The padding is wrapped with floss silk inside to keep the soft material and padding intact - you need many years of experience...

A black bird sporting a tufted beak shelters among the thick foliage of fresh bamboo by the easily identifiable and quite rare artist Sakakibara Shiho performed with pigment on silk in the original signed double wood box titled Mosochiku Hakkacho (Crested Myna Bird in Moso Bamboo), a favorite motif by the artist dating from the Taisho period. It is bordered in fine pattered silk threaded with gold and is appointed with solid ivory rollers (these will be changed if exporting)...

The decoration is in hira maki-e of gold and silver lacquer and kirikane, nashiji on a fundame lacquer background of a landscape, a stream in the middle of pines and cherry trees. flowers. The interior of the compartments is in nashiji lacquer. It bears the signatures of Kajikawa and Shunsho. Some slight marks of use. The ojimé is made of champlevé enameled metal decorated with flowers. The netsuke represents a monkey climbing on a chestnut. Height: 8.7 cm.

Antique Japanese hand-woven indigo cotton fabric, with paste resist Japanese characters in two corners, white thread sashiko stitch patterns of geometric diamonds and fan shapes, white stitched edges, white fabric with grey calligraphy sewn into center of underside with darker indigo patch. Size: 60" x 53"

A Fukagawa five 7/8 inch bread plate. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt Fuji mark in underglaze blue inside the foot ring. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. Priced for each bread plate, there were six available when listed. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

This is a very fine Japanese cloisonne saki pot done with the gilded wires. The condition of the gold is exceptional for this style of cloisonne. There is a very slight dent on the metal edge of the handle that can be seen best in the 5th image. The pot measures 4 inches across and has a slight bluish green counter enamel.

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...

A small Pure Land Buddhist shrine -zushi- containing a figure of the 11-headed Kannon on a lotus, holding a flask in his left hand, standing before a full-size mandorla.
Painted in mineral colors and gold onto the gilded doors are Jizo bosatsu to his right and Kokuzo bosatsu to his left.

Carved wood (probably boxwood), decorated with gold. Jewelry gilded metal (now black).
Red lacquered shrine with fine gilded hardware. Japan, Edo period, 18th century.
Case: ca...

Height: 9.1 cm (3.7 in)
Width: 4 cm (1.5 in)

Fine Satsuma vase by Hododa; one main panel of Lohan surrounded by many other figural panels; the polychrome work and diaper borders are of very high quality; this could be a collaboration with another artist; signed on the base with two dragons

Lovely black lacquer Japanese vase with 2 crickets. On the back side is a red dot (2 gold dots are on the front), a very interesting and subtle design element. Note in the photos, there is some minor chipping around base. Measures: 8.5" high, 4.25" across shoulder.

Tall Japanese Boy's Day banner depicting 3 samurai on horseback. Wonderfully dramatic scene with swords drawn and crashing waves on a black ground. Bright colors in paste resist dye on cotton. The top of the banner is decorated with a wood sorrel (katabami) mon. Taisho Period. Size: 23 1/2 feet high x 33 inches wide.

Tall circular woven bamboo yumi arrow case. The bamboo has a sooted chestnut patina. It is held together with a long silk tassel and attached to the circular fitted cover. The yumi is stenciled with the family crest of Chiba. Included are 4 arrows. Mounted for a custom fabricated Bronze museum stand.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 3.5" x 37" L (40" H on stand)

Japanese Meiji Period Imari Vase beautifully rendered in perfect condition. Scrolling vine wrapped around the neck of the vase. Vibrant orange and reds with fine gold coloring detailing the peony flowers. Cartouche on bottom. Size: 16.625" Height x 6.5" Diameter.

Antique Japanese Bizen ware ceramic sculpture of a pair of puppies. Each beautifully sculpted with charming features. Bizen ware pottery is made of the reddish brown clay with high iron content that is found in the area around the village of Imbe in Bizen province. Fine signature on base.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 4 1/4" high x 6" wide x 4" deep

Porcelain ewer from the Kyushu Arita oven second part of the 17th century. We only know a few identical models, one, with its lid, is kept in the British museum, another is housed in Tokyo at the Idemitsu Museum and happens to be one of the major pieces of the collection, finally a last one, damaged and without a lid, was sold by Sothebys London on June 1, 1981. To our knowledge there are no others...

Pair Japanese Nabeshima Porcelain Dishes with underglaze Blue Thistle with Red flowers, Ca. 1890, Meiji period, 4 5/8" diameter, 1 1/4" high, very thin crispy porcelain dishes with delicately decorated with Thistle plants, with fine exact comb high feet and double Peony floral sprays on 2 sides under the dish. One(1) dish is glued together lower area about 2 1/2" long on the wind swept Thistle decorated area. The other dish is in fine condition without any damages.

Antique Japanese single section isho tansu with locking bar. The upper portion has a full width drawer with a large iron money bag shaped lock plate...

Antique ukiyo-e woodblock print of a samurai warrior in a crouched pose, one sword on his hip and one in his hands. He wears a blue and red kimono and he has a traditional chonmage hairstyle. Framed behind glass. The back of the frame lists artist Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864). Size: (entire frame) 21.75" height, 17.25" width (artwork only) 14.25" height, 9" width

Early 19th century boxwood netsuke of a frog on a folded decaying lotus leaf. Very strong early carving, perfectly captured posture, wonderful representation of shapes and textures. Excellent finish, beautiful wear and patina. Signed KYOGETSU in rectangular reserve on the bottom. Length 2.2 inches.

18th Century Edo Period Saga Ningyo of a young boy holding a rooster in one hand and a scepter in the other. His head bobs while his tongue goes in and out. Carved entirely of wood, his robes are built up with pigments in a technique called 'moriage'. He has a gorgeous blue outer robe decorated with foliate scroll slightly raised in relief. His inner robes are brown with shaped roundels of geometric patterns and cloud shapes. This rarest of all Ningyo forms almost never comes up for sale and...

Contemporary Japanese Jewelry box made from Keyaki hardwood. This wood has been "recycled" from old buildings in Japan and used to make High quality contemporary Japanese Furniture. Beautiful warm finish with great detail in the quality of construction. Dimensions: 11" High X 10 1/2" Long X 9" Deep

19th century boxwood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Buaku type. Wonderful quality detailed carving, lighter wood (probably ichii - Japanese yew wood), excellent staining and patina. The signature on the back bar appears to read GENRYO followed by kakihan (carved monogram) of the artist. Height 1 1/4 inches.

Antique Japanese triptych woodblock print, meaning it is comprised of three separate sheets, depicting Akechi Mitsuhide in the final battle of Yamazaki in 1582. He is shown seated upon his horse, which has been shot dead with arrows, clutching his sword and gazing over the river at the approaching enemy forces in the distance. Four of his own soldiers are seen scattered around, either dead or dying, soaked in blood, suffering traumatic injury. The bloody scene is done by renowned ukiyo-e artist ...

A large and ornate kiseru (tobacco pipe) dating from mid-to-late Edo. The metal fittings forming the ends of the pipe are engraved with detailed cherry blossoms and maple leaves being carried by the current of a stream. The bamboo tube connecting the fittings is in excellent condition and displays a soft warm luster. This piece is quite large as kiseru go—measuring 11.2 inches in length (28.5 cm). It is in fine condition and has a nice rustic antique quality to it that makes it unique and quit...

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, 1839-1892. Title: The Moon of Ogurusu in Yamashiro (yamashiro ogurusu no tsuki). Series: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon (tsuki hyaku shi). Signature: Yoshitoshi. Artist's Seal: Taiso. Engraver's Seal: Enkatsu. Publisher: Akiyama Buemon. Date: Meiji 19 (1886), 2nd month, 1st day. Format: oban tate-e, (Image) H.13 x W.8.875". Condition: Very good colors and impression. Four minor worm holes in margin (2 top, 2 bottom,) 2 tiny dots of red ink in center of pri...

This is kanjin-sumo rikishi tsutsugaki nobori textile of the Edo era. It is very very rare textile. It has a thin stain. However, it does not stand out. It has slight damage. However, it is good condition generally. size:190cm x 41cm (74.8" x 16.1")

Early 19th century netsuke of a buffalo on a base, its head turned back. Unusual and wonderful stylization of the creature - see its upturned snout and raised ears and horns. Beautifully carved, excellent staining, superb wear and patina, old age lines. Height 1 5/16 inches

Unusual 19th century lacquer ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) of seed shape with faceted surface showing variously colored layers of lacquer from which the piece was built. Wonderful design piece, metal liner, in great condition. Height 0.67 inches.

1930's Japanese Mixed Metal Bronze Vase with Frog Signed

It is 9.4 inches (23.9 cm) tall by 4.5 inches ( 11.5 cm) wide. It is 3.2 Lb.

It has a dent at the side and 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 you need to do is return the item to us within 10 da...

Man's han-gappa which was worn over kimono when he went out and made of hand-spun cotton, both outside and the lining. It is in very dark green, dyed with natural indigo and vegetable yellow. It has beautiful two kinds of katazome (stencil-resist dye) for lining which is natural indigo dyed. The collar is made of imported wool. The fasteners made of spiral cord show it was made in Tenpo in late Edo period (1831~1845) according to the "Kinsei Fuzoku-shi" written by Kitagawa Morisada beginning fro...

Sake (or water) container made of hyotan painted with kakishibu (persimmon juice) many times. It has hand-bladed silk cord for decoration and carrying. In excellent condition except for a bit of wear in the tassels. Late 19th to early 20th century. L:44cm Diameter:8cm

A very unusual large dish of conventional European metal form with a Kraak style fuyo-de pattern partially executed in underglaze blue the remainder painted in enamels. The central reserve decorated with hemp palms, shura, and cyclads, sotetsu, next to a body of water framed by a border of brocade lapets in enamels. The rim with reserves containing precious objects, and stylised auspicious five petal flowers, rather than the more usual Aster or Chrysanthemum flowers in Kraak style. A very simil...

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...

Antique Japanese cloisonne oval-shaped container with fantastic designs outlined in wire of flying birds amidst scrolling vines and blooming lotuses, with draping blue and red panels, depicting a phoenix whose tails resemble fish fins or flower petals, and a red dragon with flames and smoke clouds against a sparkling background. The main body color of the cloisonne piece is a pastel speckled yellow and its inside is a pale blue. It stands on four brass legs and sits upon a carved hardwood stand...

This is tsutsugaki & handwriting fireman's cotton coat sashiko hanten coat of a splendid firefighter of the late Tokugawa period of the Edo era(1800-1867). This is a very advanced technique. And the entire surface is stitched with sashiko. The lining is indigo dyed. Song dynasty in the early 12th century Water Gate Break is a famous scene in "Suikoden".　Chou Jun, who appears in Chinese biography stories, has the best swimming talent among biographic characters and is famous for breaking e...

Small cloisonné enamel vase, dragon and phoenix decor. Silver wires. Golden border. Japan Meiji period. H; 105mm. Good condition, slightly worn gilding. Artist's signature incised below.

This lovely Ido-gata shaped chawan has very nice asymmetrical balance highlighted by extensive and skillfully applied kintsugi gold repairs. The inside bottom of the bowl is covered in a green glaze resembling a carpet of fine moss which stands out nicely agains the backdrop of the ashen-colored crackled glazing of the walls of the bowl.

Stemming from the philosophy of wabi-sabi or, beauty in the imperfect, cracks and repairs in a work of pottery are often seen as highlighting the h...

DESCRIPTION: Dramatic in its bold yet simple design, this Japanese lacquer box makes a striking statement. The background of this large box is lacquered in a mirror-like, black ro-iro ground, with a vivid gold lacquer design on the lid of bamboo superimposed over a ginko leaf, all within a gold circle. The box is supported on four curved feet, and the interiors are brilliantly lacquered in orange-red. This box is in excellent condition, with very minor “bumps” to the outer lid, and the r...

A piece of Iyo-zome cloth which was futonji (bedding). It is made of hand-spun cotton and has katazome (stencil-resist-dye) pattern. The name Iyo-zome is originated from Iyo sudare (bamboo screen) since the pattern looks like wood grain by looking through two layers of them. Stripes are dyed with two katagami (stencil paper), one is vegetable indigo and the other is natural brown dye. Two katagami are dyed by displacing them so that they make wood grain like pattern. Iyo-zome was very popular in...

Height: 18 cm (7.3 in)
Width: 8.7 cm (3.5 in)

Fine Japanese porcelain vase; features underglaze blue floral work with a scrolled floral border above the base; hanging lappets below the rim with two beast-head handles adjoining; good condition

Antique Japanese set of 10 imari plates with foliate edges, underglaze motifs of and scrolling vines with gilt accents. The underside features cobalt blue underglaze auspicious objects and a four character signature.

Size: 9.5" W x 1.75" H

Antique Japanese small tansu chest made all of kiri (paulownia) wood. The chest is configured with seven drawers of various sizes: 3 small drawers above 2 medium drawers above 2 large drawers. Black iron hardware includes 7 round lock plates, circular corner bracing and square drawer pulls.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 23 1/4" high x 27" wide x 13" deep.

Japanese antique Zuishin dolls (Ningyo). This set of dolls are often called Daijin minister dolls but they are actually the imperial guardsmen and escorts for the Heian court (794-1185). A beautiful quality set in the perfect size to decorate Hina Goten (Imperial Palace). Meiji Period (1868-1912). Approx. 5” tall, 4 ½” in width.

1900's Japanese Lavender Amethyst Crystal Carved Kogo Box with Butterfly

It is 1.01 inches (2.58 cm) tall by 1.85 inches (4.7 cm) wide. The box is It is 1.9 inches (4.8 cm) tall by 1.7 inches (4.3 cm) wide by 2.4 inches (6 cm) in length. It is 34.8 gram. Total weight with box is 52.4 gram.

It has inclusion, flea bite chips and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

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Height: 22.8 cm (9.2 in)
Width: 9.2 cm (3.7 in)
Weight: 700 gm

Japanese gilt bronze vase; well modelled with an Art Nouveau style plaintain lilly (hosta) wrapped around the vase; marked on the base; good condition with some wear to the gilding

Antique Japanese round lacquered wood container decorated on both sides with a karakusa (octopus vine) pattern and blossoms around the central aoi mon of the Tokugawa shogunate. Gold lacquer on a dark brownish black ground. Possible for archer bow strings.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 3 3/4" wide diameter x 1 3/4" deep

Early 19th century bronze suigaraake (ashtray) netsuke in classic bowl shape, cloisonne outside and a swinging loop for hanging. Excellent early work in terms of Japanese cloisonne, functional netsuke shape, design of flowers among scrolling vines, matte finish, beautiful wear and patina, original pitting typical for the period. Diameter 1 3/4 inches.

Antique Japanese ikebana (flower arranging) basket made of split bamboo. Bold pattern with root wood handle wrapped in strips of bamboo. Subtle variegated coloring and patina.

Age: Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 17" high x 11" wide

Extremely Rare 18th Century Edo Period (circa 1780) Musha Ningyô (Japanese Boys Day Figures) representing the famed brave warrior, Kato Kiyomasa (1562-1611), who accompanied Hideyoshi on his campaign against Korea. He is gloriously represented here, along with his attendant holding a banner. Kato is wearing sumptuous brocades, a black velvet trim robe with gold trim and is holding a spear with a sword at his side. He is in a kneeling position. Kato Figure: 12 inches (30.5 cm) high x 13 inches (...

Meiji (1868-1912) Japanese Mixed Metal Bronze Gourd Shaped Vase with Birds and Morning Glory

It is 9.6 inches (24.4 cm) tall by 5 inches (12.7 cm) wide. It is 3.8 Lb.

It is tarnished and has been repaired at the bottom. It also has missing some flowers, oxidation, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

For more photos, please see gy5518A.

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from u...

19th century wooden netsuke of standing Saigyo Hoshi with his attributes of a large hat and a staff as he looks upward toward the summit of Mount Fuji. Saigyo Hoshi was a member of the Fujiwara clan, a poet and a priest, as well as a military advisor to the Shogun Yoritomo. Netsuke is beautifully carved out of kurogaki (black persimmon wood) with excellent face and wonderful flow to the lines of the robe. Wear consistent with age, beautiful characteristic sheen to the surface it the wood. Height...

Pair of solid cast mixed metal buttons representing different means of Japanese locomotion from the late 19th century. They are made of silver and shakudo inlaid with gold sentoku and silver. Some small details are in solid gold (dresses, petals, barriers) others are in gilded copper. The silver faces and hands are a bit worn as shown in the pictures. Real little jewels. Very nice quality work. On the reverse side two rings allow a suspension.We can sell only one 600$ or the 2 for 1000$ Origin...