Extremely rare 3rd to 7th Century Kofun Period Haniwa clay sculpture of a Horse, completed with the most fabulous trappings, a fine saddle, etc. Presented on a lacquered stand. The horse is a very important figure in the Samurai society. This figure possibly may have been found near the village of Motomachi, close to the port of Konjō in Musashi Province, in present day Tokyo. Pieces like this are usually found in private collections or museums, and rarely come up for sale...

Fine and rare early example of a Jomon Period Dogu Clay Figure, the earliest known Japanese figures. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, and then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look...

Tumulus Period (AD 250-552) Clay Haniwa (Haniwa means “circle of clay”) forms were installed in the tumuli (burial mounds) that were built throughout Japan from the Third to the Sixth centuries. The Haniwa formed part of the rites used in sending off the dead. Today, these Haniwa, made in the shape of buildings and possessions which do not exist now, and also in the form of animals and even people, show us what things were like in those times...

Fine and rare early example of a Jomon Period Dogu Clay Figure, the earliest known Japanese figures. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, and then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look...

Rare Japanese Female Haniwa Sculpture, Kofun Period, 4th century AD. This female clay figure was set in the ground at the site of a burial mound for the wealthy and Imperial class. She is a fine and graceful piece exhibiting great feminine charm. Mounted on a wood platform. This clay female figure would have stood with others in a protective circle around the tomb-mound of a powerful ruler. Her hair is swept up into an elaborate coiffure, and she wears a fashionable dress of the Kofun Period...

Extremely rare Japanese Haniwa clay bust of a young wealthy woman with a charming expression and wearing a stylish hair style, large hoop ear jewelry and a neck piece. 3rd Century, Kofun Period. She represents the most prosperous of Japanese society in the Kofun Period. A similar example, a National Treasure, belongs to the Tokyo National Museum and is published in Haniwa by Fumio Miki, published by Weatherhill. Well preserved on a presentation display pedestal...

Pair of Carved Wooden Koma Inu Temple Dog Figures, each seated in the traditional posture. These are a very rare find from the early Heain Period, and could be even earlier, possibly Nara Period. The wood is aged to a beautiful patina. There are not many works of art of the period that come up for sale...

15th Century Japanese Gilt Wood Amida Nyorai Buddha. His hands are held in the vitarka mudra, the gesture of discussion and transmission of Buddhist teaching. Amida is captured here in his welcoming descent from Heaven to greet the soul of a faithful devotee at death. Images of his descent to earth illustrate the nineteenth of forty-eight vows made by Amida in a previous life, in which he promises to appear at the moment of death to all beings who devoutly desire rebirth in his paradise...

Rare Kamakura Period Sculpture of a of a Nio Guardian King exhibiting power and fierceness. According to Japanese tradition, they traveled with the historical Buddha to protect him. Within the generally pacifist traditions of Buddhism, stories of Niō guardians like Kongōrikishi justified the use of physical force to protect cherished values and beliefs against evil. It is rare to find such an early example. Carved wood and lacquer with some imperfection and losses, as with most works ...

A sublime and very rare 10th-12th century Heian Period Japanese Jizō Bosatsu wood sculpture. 8 inches (20cm) high x 6 (15cm) inches wide.

Very Rare Early Edo Period (early 17th Century) Japanese Lion Mask for the Gion Festival. It would have been part of a two man costume, one man holding the mask and the other at the back covered by fabric to perform the traditional Lion Dance. To find this mask from such an early period is really quite an important find for the serious mingei collector. 12 inches (30.5 cm)h x 10.5 inches (27 cm)w x 11 inches (28 cm)d. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at t...

Wonderful large Japanese carved wooden figure of Diakuku, one of the Lucky Gods, he stands on two bales of rice and he holds a large sack on his back, lacquered wood, sweet expression, lacquered wood, this piece is 17th century. Size: 36" high x 21" wide x 19" deep.

Wooden figure of a lion, companion to Fugen bosatsu. On his back he carries a lotus base, on which Fugen used to sit (figure missing). The lion stands on high and slightly stiff legs, each foot positioned on a small lotus base.
The figure has been carved out of several blocks of wood that were subsequently assembled into the final figure. This technique is called yosegi saiku and was widely used for complex sculptures like these. The tail is stuck into the back, remaining loose. The lotus ...

Edo period, 1600s / early 1700s

The seated Buddha image has traces of gilding darkened from years of candle and incense smoke. The mandorla is thin metal repousse. There are chips, wear and losses to the lacquered wooden case.

Height: 9 ¼ in.

17th Century Japanese Standing Buddha. A rare and fine example from the early Edo Period. Carved of Poloma wood with a rich dark patina. Complete with Stand and Mandala. It has a spiritual presence and a beautiful face to contemplate. 15 inches, 38 cm tall. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Fine Edo Period Sho Bosatsu Kannon in Rare Excellent Condition, gilded wood sculpture seated on a lotus and holding a lotus in the left hand. The Bodhisattva of Compassion has never been more beautifully rendered. Height: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Width: 14 inches (35.5 cm).

1700s or earlier

Classic Japanese Mingei folk art figure probably from a Buddhist altar or rural roadside Shinto shrine. The forearms are missing. It is darkened from incense and candle smoke. Acquired in Japan in the early 1970s.

Height: 7 ¾ in.

Next to the Kabuto (Helmet), one of the most expressive parts of the Samurai's Armor is the Face Mask. This Middle Edo Period metal "armor for the face" is known by many names: mengu, menpo, mempo, men yoroi, katchu men. Menpo means "face and cheek" and is generally used for masks with nose pieces. This menpo is covered with a high quality gold lacquer. The inside is a negoro-like finish of red lacquer. Sporting a fantastic horse hair mustache. Obviously constructed by a highly skilled craft...

1600s or earlier

This figure has old losses to both forearms. The features are worn and it is blackened overall from incense and candle smoke, but it has a pleasant, soft patina. A metal nimbus was originally attached to the back with a small strip of metal that still remains. Acquired in Kyoto in the early 1970s.

Height: 6 in.

Japanese Carved Wood Seated Figure of an Ascetic (fasting Buddha). This early Edo Period 17th Century piece is a magnificent work of sculpture with dry lacquer surface and some color with gold lacquer on the stand. He presents a haunting spiritual aura and has the desired sheen for carvings of this age. We are proud to offer this important museum quality masterpiece. 9.5h x 7w x 5d inches, 24h x 18w x 13d cm.

The mother of all daruma wood carvings. On the back of this Edo Period c.1700 masterpiece is engraved 'Genroku 13' (c.1700) ,'Saigenshin Tsukuri' carved by Saigenshin, a famous zen monk of the time. Also 'Kyosagaju' meaning he was from a temple in the Saga District of Western Kyoto. The Carving is a magnificent flow of lines and expression. Definitely a museum quality piece. A few minor areas where the lacquer has worn away but in astonishingly great shape. $2400. (w:30cm x h:43cm). Shipping/i...

17th Century Japanese paloma wood carving of Buddha seated on a lotus leaf. A beautiful piece with a serene presence. It has a wonderful, warm aged patina. 10 inches, 25.5 cm.

Japanese Stone Jizo Bosatsu Sculpture, Edo period before 1800, 17" high, 8" wide, 5 1/2" deep, weather worn and peaceful Statue.

Sculpture of the Bodhisattva Jizo, standing with a jewel in his left hand. His right hand points down to the earth in a welcoming gesture. The sculpture was built according to the yoseki saigu technique of separate blocks. Originally a layer of gesso covered the wood, over which black lacquer. The lacquer and gesso have come off from most of the sculpture, revealing finely written sutras or Buddhist texts in black ink all over the body of the figure.
Mounted on an black base with Velcro

...

Edo period, 1700s / 1800s

A molded clay Buddha image encased in a lacquered wood shrine with a gilded interior. A small bronze ring on top allows attachment to the obi sash of an individual's kimono. There are some losses to the lacquer normal wear from use and handling. Acquired in Japan in the early 1970s.

Height: 3 3/8 in.

This is a clay figure of "Tenjin", the god of learning and a great and important figure in the history of Japanese culture.

It is obviously from the Mid Edo Period and one of the most impressing pieces of art in our collection with its mysterious and spiritual character.

We offer this Tenjin figure with a wooden stand, which was built by a former owner. As you can notice on the photos, it has some scratches and hairline cracks, which do not diminish its antique effect.

1700s / 1800s

The lacquered case opens to reveal a molded earthenware figure of Fudo Myoo, one of the 'five great kings of ligh.” The ceramic figure has an old, restuck break horizontally across the top of the base, otherwise it is in very good condition. The figure sits neatly into a carved recessed part of the interior base of the case. The case is lacquered a brownish black and is in good condition. Acquired in Kyoto in the early 1970s.

Height: 3 ¾ in.

Antique Japanese figure of a Buddhist guardian, possibly Fudo Myoo, the Immovable One, the protector of Buddhism and true Buddhists. His stature, his curls, and his intense eyes are all traditional characteristics of Fudo Myoo. His red coloring is reminiscent of a Nio guardian. He stands on a rocky ground with one hand raised as if shielding his eyes. Carved of wood and painted with mineral pigments and gold. His eyes are painted glass.

Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensi...

CONDITION : Good ( little damages due to an age of more than 200 years, but they do not reduce its beauty )

SIZE : Width 20cm (7.9''), Length 15cm (5,9''), Height 42,42cm (16.7''), Weight 930 g

This is a Buddhist statue of Japanese coloured wood carving. It was made about 200 years ago and it is a real authentic original. It is never imitation. Such very old buddhist statues are very rare and valuable. There are some damages caused by using for 200 years, but they surel...

18th Century Japanese Wood Carving of a Mythological Guardian Shishi and Peony. This carving is reminiscent of a carving at Nikko Shrine. It is unusual to find one with much of its paint still intact. Wonderfully carved and painted by a master. A fantastic addition for a collector. 31 inches (79 cm) long x 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) high. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

A Superb, Rare Pristine 18th Century Japanese Noh Theater Mask of Ko-jo, an elegant old man in Noh Drama. This mask is of the highest quality carved to dramatic perfection. Finely lacquered over wood. A magnificent addition for the serious Noh mask collection. 8 inches (20.5 cm) height x 5.5 inches width. Height with beard is 14.5 inches (37 cm). From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Edo Period, early 1700s

This small, double-doored black lacquered shrine contains a carved and gilded sandalwood image of a Bodhisattva sitting on a lotus throne. The gilding is original and is worn from age and use. There are also some losses to the lotus leaves. The two doors are attached by small gilt bronze hinges and a brnze ring is affixed to the top for attachment to a garment belt. Acquired in Kyoto, Japan in 1973.

Height: 4 in., Width: 2 in., Figure height: 3 in.

Japanese Stone Nyoirin Bodhisattva Sculpture, Edo period, before 1800, 21" high, 10 1/2" wide, 6 1/2" deep, one(1) arm on the knee seated position. There are some small nicks on the edges.

Very rare Japanese comic demon Buaku Kyogen mask dating from the early Edo Period, the golden age of Noh Drama. The Buaku mask is a Kyogen version of the Noh Beshimi character. Kyogen were short, humorous skits performed between Noh acts to lighten the mood. The heavily knit brows and wide leering grimace are wonderful characteristics of this mask. It is covered in layered colored gofun (oyster shell lacquer). It is brilliantly carved, accentuating the depth of his eye sockets, and adding a sens...

Japanese Edo Period Wood Carving of a Monkey on a Peach Tree. Originally housed in a Buddhist temple. Carved of poloma wood. Original pigments still exist, which is very unusual for the age. It is a wonderfully carved and captivating work of art. 23 x 9 inches, 58.5 x 23 cm.

Very rare Japanese comic demon Buaku Kyogen mask dating from the Edo Period, the golden age of Noh Drama. The Buaku mask is a Kyogen version of the Noh Beshimi. Kyogen were short, humorous skits performed between Noh acts to lighten the mood. The heavily knit brows and wide leering grimace are wonderful characteristics of this mask. It is covered in layered colored gofun (oyster shell lacquer), with hair painted with thin lines of ink over the top. It is brilliantly carved, accentuating the dep...