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
Antique Japanese carved wooden Kyōgen theatre mask of Zo-onna (middle-aged woman). Still beautiful, she is more serious than her younger counterparts. Her face is longer and narrower and she does not smile but her mouth is open, showing both rows of perfect teeth. Beautifully carved of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood, signed on the inside.
The characters of the signature read 工藤則朝作 (作, saku, here means "work of _" / "made by _", and the name is 工藤則朝)...
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...
Antique Japanese carved keyaki (zelkova, Japanese elm) wood panel from a temple or shine depicting two dragons. The dragons are intricately carved and have reverse painted glass eyes. They coil amidst swirling clouds.
Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)
Dimensions: 49 1/2" long x 7 1/2" high x 1 3/4" thick
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...
Japanese antique pair of zenko, good spirit kitsune (foxes) specifically associated with the goddess, Inari. These figures are carved of wood and painted with gofun, a white paste made from oyster shells. Details are painted using black and red pigments. Gold lacquered hoshi no tama, resembling flames and symbolizing magical jewels that hold part of the kitsune's power, are held by each fox on the tip of it's tail...
Extremely rare Japanese antique usagi (rabbit or hare) mask for a Noh performance. Carved of wood and covered with gofun, a raised paste made from ground oyster shells. The surface of the usagi mask is carefully textured so that every hair is visible and some areas are polished from wear. The eyes of the hare are a pink color, similar to those of an albino snow rabbit.
Usagi is the creature most closely associated with the moon...
Sublime ceramic Kannon statue of old Kutani-yaki made by one of the greatest potters, Aoki Mokubei. The statue is 200 years old and in great antique condition with only a small repair on the right hand with transparent lacquer and only one! tiny spot with peeling of glaze. The all over glaze is spectacular.
Aoki Mokubei (1767-1833 ) was born in the Gion district of Kyoto as Aoki Sahei...
This large and expressive sculpture is made, as expected, from joined segments, each separately carved. This technique is a diagnostic "telltale" which helps to date the piece. The figure sits in a devotional posture, leaning slightly forward with hands joined in a gesture of worship. Extensive remains of gesso and pigment. The piece measures 14-1/2" in height and is free of re-carving or repair. Kindly examine the photographs, as they are part of the description...
Antique Japanese ranma (architectural transom carving for over a door). Made all of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood, this carving is a rare beauty in it's detail. A cross section view of a gnarled plum branch in bloom along side a stand of bamboo...
A pair of wood sculpture of Ebisu and Daikoku which are two of seven gods. Ebis is for good business and Daikoku is for luck with money. They are put on the ouse shrine. In good condition but some parts are missed in Ebis (left). Late 19th to early 20th century. Base:15cm x 5cm, Height:12cm
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...
Antique Japanese keyaki (elm) wood temple carving of a fu-dog. Beautifully carved with mane of swirling curls and mouth full of sharp teeth, this fierce guardian would have once graced the eves of a buddhist temple roof. Edo Period. With contemporary black metal stand.
Size: 15 1/2" high total (10 1/2" high not including stand) x 15" wide x 7 1/2" wide.
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).
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 similar in style to a hanging lantern with it's curling warabite corner roof and pointed finial over a hollow hexagonal light box. This style of ishidoro originates from the Kasuga shrine and for that reason it could also be called a Kasuga-doro. Edo/Meiji Period. Size: 64" high x 22" wide x 30" wide (at w...
Charming original Japanese antique bronze figure of a swimming koi, very beautiful detailed work especially on face, fins and scales, graceful naturalistic movement of the fish, Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)
Size: 11 2/4" long
Rare Japanese 7th Century Asuka Period
Buddha of Paloma Wood. Beautiful patina and wood grain. The Asuka Period is known for its significant artistic, social, and
political transformations, having their origins in the late Kofun period but
largely affected by the arrival of Buddhism from China. The introduction of
Buddhism marked a change in Japanese society. The Asuka period is also
distinguished by the change in the name of the country from Wa to Nihon. 12.75h x 9.5w x 4.25d, 32.5h x 24w ...