Peacock in cast bronze and partially gilded shakudo in 2 shades of gold. Japanese work in the style of Miyao around 1900. No signature. Hardwood and boxwood plinth.Good condition, no welding and original patina. Very slight wear, insignificant for a century-old object. The body of the peacock is raven wing black which suggests that it is in shakudo which represented a significant additional cost, the shakudo alloy being obtained by adding gold to copper. Total height about 16cm.

Bronze sculpture of a giraffe beetle (Prosopocoilus girafa). The top of the abdomen is raised, revealing a perfume burner. The lucanus, in Japanese kuwagata mushi, is highly valued for its playfulness and aesthetic value.
Insects (mushi) have a very important place in Japanese culture. Insect hunting is a popular pastime, especially among children. Using nets and cages, they catch cicadas, beetles and other insects to observe them...

Kohai, a halo made of metal (copper). Very little bit of gold plate is left. 19th century. L:38.5cm, W:13cm

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...

Antique Japanese large bronze sculpture of a hawk perched on a gnarled pine branch with wings extended. Beautiful and dramatic with lovely attention to detail. In two sections.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1925)

Dimensions: 25 1/2" high x 22" wide x 12" deep.

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...

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...

Antique Japanese bronze usubata (container for ikebana flower arranging). Charming bronze frog with bumpy skin except for his belly and under chin which are smooth. Out of his mouth comes the stem of the water container portion of the usubata. Inside the inverted conical container is a rounded form with ridges for holding flowers and branches in place...

Incense burner in chiseled bronze with brown patina in the shape of a rounded gourd, decorated with long branched stems fitted with carved branch tendrils, gourd leaves, flowers and shoots.
The calabash is a plant native to the tropical regions of Africa and Asia...

Japanese bronze brown patinated representing a hare laying on a crescent moon.

Japan – Showa (1912-1926)
Height: 11 cm – 4,3 inches

The Hare is a very beloved animal in Japan. Each year, on the 15th day of the 8th month of the moon calendar, Japanese are celebrating “Tskukumi”, a party paying tribute to the hare of a tale.
A God decided to get down on earth as a starved man...

Three turtles bronze incense burner.

In Japan, the turtle (kame) is considered a symbol of wisdom, stability and luck. Tradition has it that it brings protection and 10,000 years of happiness because of its longevity and the slowness of its movements. In the Taoist belief, the turtle symbolizes the world: its shell represents the sky, while its body represents the earth.
The use of incense was introduced in Japan at the same time as Buddhism...

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...

Lovely Gilt bronze incensor with raised chrysanthemum flowers and tripod feet in the form of chrysanthemum leaves. Reticulated cover for smoke. On the bottom is the incised signature of Kо̄sai Sano 佐野宏采, a favorite artisan of Emperor Hirohito's. Age: Early 20th century

Size: 6"H x 4" Diameter

Antique Japanese rectangular bronze letter box. Decorated with a highly raised design of Benten, the Goddess of knowledge, music and eloquence. She is standing on a water dragon who looks up at her admiringly. With a plectrum in one hand, she plays her biwa. Waves churn around Benten and her dragon. The sides of the box are decorated with raised waves and remnants of gilding. The interior of the box is lined with wood...

The censer in the form of a woven basket with a domed open-work lid, suitable for the transportation of avian livestock especially the Gallus domesticus. The base with the mark Seimin chu (cast). Meiji period.

The censer comes with the original box with inscriptions on the lid and front panel, alongside a paper label.

Approximately 6.7 cm by 6.7 cm, 9 cm high. Perfect condition with only a little wear to the patina from use. This is exaggerated by my lighting. The tomobako is ...

Antique Japanese Bronze Dragon and Phoenix Pedestal Stand, beautifully modeled and unusual with dragon encircling diameter of the neck with the phoenix above him. key lappet border at base. Good overall condition. Some wear to finish on top.

Size: 31"H x 10.75" Diameter at top and 12.5" Diameter at base.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912), circa 1900

Antique Japanese rectangular bronze censor with four legs. The lid has a pierced floral motif and a fu-dog finial. The body of the censor has dragons for handles and is encircled with a scrolling key fret motif. The front has a highly raised makara-like elephant-headed water serpent while the back has a raised peacock. The bottom has a six character mark.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 12 1/2" high x 9" long x 7" wide

Pair of dramatic Japanese large bronze candlesticks. Each candlestick depicts strolling vines with blossoming flowers on all sides. Small detail are seen down to each petal. The bronze nail head is in great condition and could easily support large candles an be used once again.

Taisho Period (Early 20th Century)

Dimensions: 24 1/4" High x 9 1/2" wide

19th Century Japanese Bronze Katsuma Dorje Vajra

It is 4.9 inches (12.5 cm) in length by 4.9 inches (12.5 cm) wide. It is 326 gram.

It has loss of patina, oxidation, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

The Katsuma is a cross made with three prongs on each arm, thus forming 12 prongs, which symbolize the 12 aspects of the laws of cause and effect. Its full name is Katsuma Kongo, or gilt-bronze katsuma. The twelve innen are the interrelated basic elemen...

Antique Japanese small bronze door latch in the form of a rabbit. The rabbit sits on a section of hollowed out log. The log is patinated green and the rabbit, a deep orange. With signed tomobako.

Age: Taisho/Showa Period (circa early 1900's)

Dimensions: 1 1/4" high x 2 1/8" long x 1 1/4" wide

Japanese silver teapot with a jade ring lid. Description & size: 10.5 cm height x 9 cm wide (4.2 in x 3.6 in) Weight: 154 gram Circa: Meiji Period, early 20th Century Production: Handcrafted & forged in a personal silver teapot with a jade ring lid finial. Signed

Antique Japanese bronze vase molded with a pair of phoenixes in flight. Signed on the bottom. Also called hou-ou, the pair of mythical birds together are often symbols of fidelity but also represent fire, sun and justice. When used in reference to the imperial household, the phoenix represents the empress.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1926)

Dimensions: 13" high x 8 1/2" wide

Antique Edo Period Japanese bronze standing red crown crane incensor with swirling dragon and tengu (mythical animal that lives in lakes) at its base. Original hand worn bronze patina consistent with age. The incense smoke would rise up an out from the openings in within the feathers of the crane on its back.
The red-crowned crane is a large East Asian crane among the rarest cranes in the world. In some parts of its range, it is known as a symbol of luck, longevity, and fidelity.

A rare antique Japanese very large size bronze Giboshi (bridge post finial). The upper section represents the sacred Hoju, a jewel that brings dreams into fruition. Also, its form symbolizes an onion which is thought to ward off evil spirits. It is of unknown Japanese origin but by its shear size, it would have been used in a Shinto Shrine building or a large footbridge.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 21" High x 12 1/2" Diameter

Japanese Bronze vase with round base flowing naturally in then up opening ever so gently to the rim. Two small matching rings attached as handles. May be used for a beautiful small flower display. Holds water with no leaking. Comes with original tomobako (box) made of 100% kiri wood and cotton ties. Original patina consistent with age.
Great overall condition with no dents or blemishes.

Signed Tatori Mashihiko

Art Deco (1920's)

Dimensions 5" Wide x 9...

An antique pair of Japanese bronze garden temple lanterns with reticulated sides. Hinged door on each lantern allows access to the interior. Four feet allows placement on a stand or pedestal while a top loop allows each lantern to be hung.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions of each: 16" High by 14 1/2" Square

A well-cast bronze figure of a squatting horned demon (oni), dating to the late Edo period. Arms outstretched, as if to grab something (or someone?). Strong, expressive facial features. Measures 4-1/2" in height. Affixed to a custom base, which adds another inch or so, for a total height of just under 6". Traces of pigment.

Pair of antique Japanese bronze candlesticks modeled as guardians with cartouche on bottom. Dates from Meiji period.

Provanence East Coast Estate
Meiji Age (1868-1912)
Size H 10 3/4" x W 3 1/2" x D 2 3/4"

This is a very rare Cloisonne piece from Kinuken or S Inaba. Kinukenwas one of the Meiji masters. We've never seen another. It was acquired from one of the best cloisonne collections in the world. It is probably a late Meiji, early Showa era piece. The plague has two sides and a footed gilt frame. Some of the gilt is worn, otherwise it is in perfect condition. Stamped S. Inaba on the frame. It stands 7 5/8 inches and is 7 5/8 inches wide. A similar piece, not as large or as detailed by S.Inab...

Fine Japanese Bronze of a Sage, signed Shoun, with a silver goat, beautifully rendered with the finest of details shown perfectly. Excellent condition and original patina in Top quality. Finely rendered silver long hornedloyal goat lays beside its master looking up in contently. The beard of a male goat resembles the beard often depicted on a Chinese sage.As a symbol of filial piety, as well as purity and kindness.

Provenance McIntyre Collection

Dates Meiji period 1868-1912

Antique Japanese dark green bronze suiban on four elephants head legs. Ribbed sides with kanji in raised relief (Good Fortune Fuku or Good Fortune) on sides. Key fret design on rim. Signature etched with three characters on bottom, "Tōryūshū".

Meiji Period (1868-1912) circa 1900s
Size: 4 3/4" H 8 3/8" W 7 1/4" D

Japanese late Meiji period bronze vase with silver inlaid bamboo decoration on the front. At the bottom of the back is the incised signature of the engraver Mitsunobu. The base reads "Kyoto Kuroda made." 6 1/8" high. Late 19th to early 20th century. Very good overall condition with a nice patina. The silver has not been polished. There is a vertical area on the back that feels slightly flattened, but is barely noticeable.

Very nice small Japanese bronze bowl with a slightly flared lip. May have been used on an alter for offerings or to burn incense. Beautiful warm patina with nice weight to it, this bowl measures 3" across the top by 1.25" high. Dates circa 1850.

A fine old ceremonial sake pourer, hisage, hand made from copper and decorated with shochikubai (pine, plum and bamboo), minogame and cranes. Also present are two prominent Tokugawa family crests and on the handle three 16 petalled chrysanthemum crests and another on the rear handle mount. 19th century or earlier. Fine work.

The body of the pourer has probably been raised from one sheet of copper. It is quite thick-walled and notabley the section grows thicker at the edges, as does the ha...

A Japanese copper writing box used for paper and writing supplies. The lid is engraved with grape leaves and grape clusters. The border is nail studded. The interior is beige velvet.

Date: Taisho c1920

Dimensions: 11" X 9.25" X 2.75"

Antique Japanese copper and bronze tsuri-doro, Buddhist temple hanging lantern. Six sided lantern with doors decorated with pierced designs of kiri blossoms and scrolling leaves. The base stands on feet which have a repouse design of lotus leaves. The top finial and handle is in the shape of a budding chrysanthemum flower. The double door is latched with a flying crane. Edo Period (at a later date, the paper of the lantern was replaced with a more durable material and the lantern was outfi...

A Japanese bronze vase decorated with dragons and clouds. Meiji period, mid to late nineteenth century. Unsigned. The work is reminiscent of Murata Seimin.

Approximately 21 cm high. The weight is just over 1.9 kg.

Please study the photographs.

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A five prong vajra or dorje. Bronze, with fine reddish green patina. Japan, 18th century. Length: 13 cm. Very good condition.

A rare Japanese bronze mirror in Tang style dating to the late Heian period decorated with Karahana, Tang flowers, and a pair of Mandarin ducks, symbols of marital fidelity. A distinguishing feature of Japanese mirrors was that each individual design was carefully carved into the sand mould using a spatula and similar tools, so that no mirror was identical, rather than using a mould as did the Koreans and the Chinese. Similar patterns appear on Korean mirrors of lobed form, direct copies it is ...

Japanese small bronze censer for a Buddhist shrine, made in a squat round form with inlaid gold metal shapes in a random pattern. Cast mark on the bottom. Nice patina.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 2" high x 2 7/8" wide diameter

A bronze mirror, wakyo, decorated with a classic Autumn pattern that evolved in the Heian period which features a pair of birds, sparrows, water weeds, ashi, water, and a wave washed sandy beach, suhama. The design is cut by a single ring. The design of the inverted pistil boss and the density of the design, horror vacui, dates the mirror to the late Kamakura period 1275-1325. A great deal of the detail has been lost as a result of wear and over polishing. See British Museum 1927 – 1014.5 (...

A good quality mirror of comparatively small proportions decorated with a fine line drawn pattern of a double and single Chrysanthemum supported by a fence and a banded hedge set against a fine sand textured ground to the reverse of the mirror. Fine line drawing in this style first appears in the eighteenth century. The mirror is signed on the left hand side Fujiwara Mitsumasa. A Mirror signed by a kagamishi with this name is included in the Kyoto National Museum Collection (EK248-85) and is...

A Japanese handled mirror, e-kagami, decorated with a Hoo Bird in flight, a harbinger of Peace, combined with Waka Matsu, Young Pine, a common motif associated with the celebration with the New Year. The design can therefore be seen as symbolising a wish for a Peaceful New Year. In the right hand portion of the mirror reverse is a set of four characters reading Fujiwara Mitsunaga. Two individuals with this name operated as Mirror makers, kagamishi, during the Edo period, one operated during the...

A Japanese handled mirror, e-kagami, cast with a Hoo bird in flight, a symbol or harbinger of peace, and a Kiri tree to its right, auspicious symbols associated with the Empress of Japan, Kiri ni Hoo. Beneath which is pine tree set upon a rocky shoreline washed by seigaiha; a wave pattern symbolizing eternal peace and happiness. The design overall connoting a wish for Peace and Harmony. To the left of the pattern is a set of four characters reading Fujiwara Mitsunaga. Two individuals with this ...

Considered auspicious symbols of wealth, status, and good fortune; foo dogs—commonly referred to as shishi or koma-inu in Japan—are often seen in pairs guarding shrines, straddling the doorways of shops, and protecting public buildings. This fierce guardian appears to be made from bronze, has very detailed and skillful etching, and a wonderful patina that would place it sometime before the turn of the last century.

Guardian lions are commonly seen in pairs. The male is almost al...

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...

This is a beautiful pair of mixed metal decorated bronze vases. They are highly detailed and stand just 5 inches. Both vases are signed Miyabe Atsuyoshi. One vase has a lightly bent rim otherwise the condition of the pair is excellent.

This is an exquisite decorated iron Koro signed Nihonkoku Kyoto ni sumu Komai sei. The condition is excellent and actually better than the images show. A glue/cloth residue was left on the underside and side of the base.This is easy to remove.The piece stands 4 1/8 inches tall and is 3 1/8 inches wide. The delicate lid appears to be silver.

With short neck and ovoid body, this beautiful Japanese copper ‘do-chu' vase is marked 'Hisayoshi' on the side. The brilliant rich color of this type of ware is achieved by adding smoked straw during firing and often deepens over time. This stained metal canvas makes the perfect backdrop for the decorative cherry blossoms and single dazzling chrysanthemum depicted in fine detail on the front of the vase.

Produced in Hiroshima by Ito Hisayoshi, this type of do-chu (metal craft—li...

The design of this mirror has not entirely escaped the conventions of earlier Kagami-e (Long handled Mirrors) of the late Muromachi –Momoyama era, which are essentially mirrors of conventional round form retaining a central boss to which a handle has been attached. In this example the Cranes are arranged directly opposite each other, their beaks meeting with that of the kame, to create a T form; a convention that appears in the late 16th century. Contrast that with earlier examples in ...

A small bronze, hakudo (white bronze), early handled mirror 17.2cm long. The mirror portion measuring 7.7cm in diameter. Typically for an early bronze mirror, it is basically a round handleless mirror, even down to a pierced boss for the attachment of a ribbon, with an attached handle. The mirror is of a design typical of the sixteenth century incorporating a pair of Cranes, sotsuru, conjoined at the beak with a tortoise kame-gata form central pierced boss in a “Y” shaped formation In add...

Antique Japanese iron tomiodai candleholder. Includes full five tiered with twenty five iron prickets, used in traditional buddhist or Shinto rituals. Forged iron with age consistent to usage.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size: 27.5" L x 14.5" W x 26.25" H

Unusual original Japanese flint lighter netsuke. Constructed of iron and brass, this piece would have been used to create a steady fame in less then perfect conditions. The striker would create contact friction and create a spark igniting the fuel source. Firearms at this time required a flame in order to ignite the fuse. Original russet patina with all parts still intact.

Edo period (1603-1868)

Size: 2" L x 1" W x 1.5" H

The mask is of dark brown russet lacquer finish and the interior is smoothed lacquered red. The high jaw his two protrusion hooks for strapping the cords, underneath the chin is a vent hole. The mask is fitted with yodare kare of three row of false scale lace and blue silk.

19th Century Edo Period

Size: 6.75" L x 3" W x 8.5" H (12.5" H on stand)

Antique Japanese bronze temple bell, or "bonsho", with a handle of dragon heads called a ryuzu, protrusions called "chi chi" or "nyu" to improve resonance of sound, the "tsuki-za" striking panels, and the "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...

A Myochin iron forged Jizai Okimono articulated spiny lobster. Each iron plate is carefully reppouse hammered iron creating a natural realism representing the spiny lobster. The amount of fine detail that goes into this piece is equal to that of one of his most well known helmets. The lobster is fully splayed on a well mounted bronze stand.
All ten legs and long antenna and articulated with multiple joints on each leg. Exquisitely crafted, showing off a very high skill of the metal w...

Antique Japanese bronze temple bell known as a "bonsho", with a handle of dragon heads called a ryuzu. Protrusions called "chi chi" or "nyu" to improve resonance of sound, the "tsuki-za" striking panels, with lotus shaped "tsukiza".

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...

Antique Japanese bronze temple bell, or "bonsho", with a handle of dragon heads called a ryuzu, protrusions called "chi chi" or "nyu" to improve resonance of sound, the "tsuki-za" striking panels, and the "mei-bun" inscription of the bell's history.

BonshÅ (Japanese: 梵é˜, Buddhist bells), also known as tsurigane (釣りé˜, hanging bells) or Ågane (大é˜, great bells) are large bells found in Buddhist temples throughout Japan, used to summon the monks to prayer...

Antique Japanese bronze vase, of wide, round, and shortened form, its edges sculpted with dragons flying through clouds. Beautiful original aged patina.

Early Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

Size: 12" W x 7.5" H

A Very Rare/Fine Japanese Bronze Bell Casted with Date, Dadicators and Temple’s Name: Japan, early 20th century, dated: Tahsho 9-1921, The quite large size of Japanese bronze bell casted with 9 nipples per each panel for 3 panels, and dragon head as a bell head is from early 20th century, rare as a casted large 4 characters between square panel, date, dadicators and its temple’s name on the bronze bell, the bell covered over all with old green patina. It is in very excellent conditio...