Antique Japanese carved wooden figure of Nio (Buddhist temple guardian), carved of wood with wonderful details and intensity of expression, traces of original pigment, once guarded the exterior gate to Buddhist temple, on metal stand, Edo Period.
Size of figure: 30" high x 17" wide x 7" deep.
Size on metal stand: 32" high x 18" wide x 12" deep.
Antique Japanese carved wooden ranma (decorative transom). Beautifully carved with blossoming lotus flowers on a background of swirling water. The lotus flowers range in different stages of blossoming, a Buddhist symbol for the different stages of enlightenment. Carved of keyaki (zelkova Japanese elm) wood and framed in brown and gold lacquered wood.
Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)
Dimensions: 8 1/2" high x 46 1/2" wide
Sculpture in chiselled and stained wood representing a hare lying down.
In Japanese, the hare and the rabbit are designated by a single word: usagi. The hare occupies an important place in Japanese legends and superstitions. Like many other animals, it is supposed to reach a fabulous age and become blue at five hundred years old...
Antique Japanese carved wooden panel depicting a pair of pheasants. The male is seated on a blossoming cherry branch while the female looks up at him from near a spray of bamboo. Beautifully carved and painted with intricate details. The frame is lacquered.
Age: Edo Period (early 1800's)
Dimensions: 22" high x 16" wide x 1" deep
One of a collection of three fantastic and rare, large Edo Period Iki masks, de-accessioned from
the Musée Archéologique in Strasbourg, France during the mid-20th Century. These three are rare for their large size. They have never before been offered on the art market. The other two masks are posted on this site. Carved Poloma wood with gofun (oyster shell lacquer), glass eyes and human
hair. 7.5 inches (19 cm) high x 7 inches (18 cm) wide.
Wonderful Japanese Kutani Celadon statue of Sen no Rikyū (千利休, 1522 – April 21, 1591), the mastermind of chanoyu, the Japanese Way of Tea. It was made during the Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) by an unknown artist of Kutani. There is his seal...
A large pair of temple foxes carved from granite. The Inari foxes come complete with separate plinth bases. This pair of Kitsune (foxes) is finely rendered with ears pricked back, tail upright, with paws and hinds seated on its bases. The stone Imari foxes have bryophyte moss growth which is now dormant...
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).
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...
Antique Japanese Okimono Bamboo Sculpture of a Snow Monkey Holding a Peach. Unique
master carving of wonderful charm and presence with a fine patina. A must for the monkey and Japanese enthusiast. 12 inches, 30.5 cm tall. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.
Edo Period (circa 1850) Japanese Noh Mask of Shojo, representing a happy, merry soul. He has a reddish complexion from drinking sake. This mask has a wonderful, happy presence. Beautifully carved to create a compelling expression. Lacquer over Paloma wood. 8.5 x 5 inches, 21.5 x 13 cm. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.
Chiseled wood sculpture representing a sitting hare.
In Japanese, the hare and the rabbit are designated by a single word: usagi. The hare occupies an important place in Japanese legends and superstitions. Like many other animals, it is supposed to reach a fabulous age and become blue at five hundred years old...
A masterful rendering of an unusually large rooster posturing in full stance. The metals used are copper, silver, and gold. The major body of the cockerel is called shibuichi which is meticulously composed of silver and copper mixture. The feathers are beautifully sculpted and chased in details. The movement of the feathers pronounce the figurative composition. Its tail feather is patinated and infused into the silver.
Antique Japanese wood carving of a pair of fu-dogs (shishi) near a waterfall. Playfully, they chase each other over the flowing stream. Clouds billow over head. Carved of keyaki (zelkova - Japanese elm) wood with details in black and red pigment.
Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)
Dimensions: 9" high x 28 1/2" long
This signed Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Theater Mask of Tengu by the artist, Kogyo is an extraordinary example of the character, with its dramatic and spectacular face. The most fabulous one we have seen. This mask represents the mischievous Forest God seen in Kyogen plays
performed between Noh Dramas. It is for the most discerning collector. Lacquer over wood with silk hair. 9 inches (23 cm)h x 6.5 inches (16.5 cm)w, 21 inches (53.5 cm)h with beard. Excellent Condition...
Meiji Period, late 1800s
This bronze sculpture of a ram is rather heavy cast and has well-delineated features in both face and coat. It is in good condition and it has its original applied reddish-brown patina overall. No signature is present. This particular subject is not often seen among Japanese bronze sculptures, and it is likely from a set of twelve zodiac figures...
Beautiful Japanese antique highly carved butsudan panel, carved with scene of two dragons in swirling clouds and crashing waves, black and gilt lacquer with details in red, the eyes of the dragons are made of reverse painted glass, framed in black lacquer frame with copper hardware. This piece was once a ranma or transom over the interior doors of a large Buddhist butsudan shrine.
Meiji Period.
Size: 9" high x 44" long. Carving is up to 3" deep.
Late 18th, Early 19th Century Edo Period Japanese Wood Horse Sculpture in a galloping pose. The horse still has a good amount of its original colors and gold gilt. It would have been offered as a gift to a Shinto shrine from someone with the means to afford more than the usual horse plaque, but not quite the means to afford to give a real horse to the shrine, a gift only the most wealthy could afford to give...