Mask of the traditional Noh theater representing the character of Obeshimi. Wood, with polychrome painting meant to enhance the features of the face. Japan, end of 19th century. Height: 20.2 cm. A few chips onthe painting, obvious signs of great age, otherwise good condition. NOTE: Obeshimi is used for Noh plays featuring "tengu", mythical demons that defy Buddhist law.

A startling find! A Horned Demon mask dating from the Nanboku-cho to earlier Muromachi eras (14th to 15th centuries) carved from a single block of wood and enclosed in an ancient kiri-wood box. The visage would have once sported a lower jaw, likely suspended by chord, which is no longer extant. It is 21 x 15 x 9 cm (8-1/4 x 6 x 3-13/4 inches) and is in overall fine condition, exuding a great sense of age.
Oni Masks: Oni are a type of horned demon or ogre in Japanese folklore...

Wooden sculpture of a hare with coral eyes. In Japanese, the hare and the rabbit are designated by a single word: usagi. The hare has 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. Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912) Height: 7.28 in. (18.5 cm) - width: 6.5 in. (16.5 cm) - depth: 13.58 in. (34.5 cm)

Ema, a wooden pictorial offering on which writing one's wishes. This one is rare one with miniature iron swords which belong to Fudo Myoo (Cetaka). It has writings, "Fudo Myoo", " Ohshu, Sukagawa Nakamachi". It is the place in Fukushima prefecture in Tohoku district. In good condition. The first half of the 19th century. L:47cm, W:28cm

Noh theater mask, with a vivid fierce expression, representing the character of Otobide. Wood, painted in gold, silver, black and red to enhance the mask features. Japan, 19th century. Height: 21.2 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Old accidents and restorations, otherwise good condition.

Noh theater mask, representing the character of Shintai, a youthful deity, with a rather soft expression. The mask is signed (see pictures). Painted wood, with metal eyes. Japan, Edo period early 19th century. Height: 21 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Slight abrasion on the painting in some areas, otherwise very good condition.

Wooden toad with long legs. In the Japanese bestiary, the toad has a special place, carrying positive values. Both the toad and the frog, called kaeru (蛙) return every year and regardless of the distance to the pond where they were born. The word kaeru is a synonym for "coming home". It is the protective animal for travelers and the symbol of hospitality...

An antique Japanese temple carving of a flying dragon protecting a sacred Hoju while flying through the tumultuous clouds. Hand carved from one solid piece of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. Beautiful three dimensional high relief detail.

Age: Edo Period, circa pre 1850s)

Dimensions: 53 1/4" Wide by 26 1/4" High by 5 1/2" Deep

A rare antique Japanese temple carving of a mythical sea turtle swimming among the rough ocean waves. Hand carved from one solid piece of Kuwanoki (Mulberry) wood, its three dimensional deep relief was carved on both sides. With large wisps of sea algae trailing on the back of its shell, the Kame (turtle) is a Japanese symbol of longevity signifying 10,000 years of long life. Fine detail and craftsmanship are evident especially in the claws, the scales and its head...

Antique Japanese jizai-kagi in the form of swirling clouds. In a Japanese home, water in a kettle or pot is heated over an irori (sunken hearth). The jizai hook hangs from a strong ceiling beam. From this, a long device is suspended with a hook on the end that can be adjusted up or down by moving the jizai-kagi. Often these are carved in the form of a fish. This unusual jizai-kagi is carved of kayaki (zelkova elm) wood with a dark patina from hearth smoke...

Antique Japanese wood carving of a pair of celestial maidens. From the group of heavenly beings known as Tennin in Japan, these beautiful female figures, Tennyo, or Apsaras, are similar counter parts to the western angel. These crowned women, floating in intricately carved swirling clouds, represent heavenly attendants of the Buddhist realm...

Antique Japanese jizai-kagi in the form of a whale. In a Japanese home, water in a kettle or pot is heated over an irori (sunken hearth). The jizai hook hangs from a strong ceiling beam. From this, a long device is suspended with a hook on the end that can be adjusted up or down by moving the jizai-kagi. Often these are carved in the form of a fish. This unusual jizai-kagi is carved of kayaki (zelkova elm) wood with traces of black lacquer and patina from hearth smoke...

This is a strong, first edition, first state woodblock print,1849-1850, with clear lines and strong colors.The visible part of the image itself measures 9-1/2" X 14". Examples can be found in the British Museum as well as the Tokyo Museum. Not examined outside the frame, so I cannot state whether the print has been trimmed, or the extent of any foxing, damage, etc. It does not appear to have been glued down inside the frame, but I can't be sure...

Bust portrait of an unidentified actor in the role of a half-naked samurai from a series titled "Mirror of Good and Evil Spirits" by Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900), published by Tsunoi in 4/1868. Paper size: 14" x 9 3/8". The print is a fine impression with very fresh color. The wood grain is plainly evident in the background and there are mica highlights. The left margin is trimmed...

Deluxe edition Japanese Meiji period woodblock print by Torii Kiyotada VII, also known as Tadakiyo, (1875-1941) depicting the kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX portraying Fudo Myoo from the series "The Eighteen Great Kabuki Plays" published by Hasegawa in 1896. The series title extends across the top of the image. The artist's Tadakiyo signature and red jar seal are at the lower left. The upper right holds the Ichikawa family mimasu (three nested squares) crest with the name of the actor Ichik...

An antique pair of architectural corbels of mythological elephant baku’s are commonly placed under the eaves of Japanese Buddhist temple and Shinto Shrines to ward off evil spirits. The baku devour dreams and nightmares and protector against evil. The baku cannot be summoned without caution, however as ancient legions say that if the baku is not satisfied after consuming the nightmares, he may devour ones hopes and dreams. The open mouth is to scare off demons and the closed mouth baku shelter...

An antique Japanese cane made from bamboo with a carved image of an Oni fishing. Oni are a kind of yōkai, ogre, or troll in Japanese folklore. They are typically portrayed as hulking figures with one or more horns growing out of their heads. They are conceived of as red, blue or green-colored wearing loincloths of tiger pelt and carrying iron kanabō clubs. The cane is signed.

Date:

Dimensions: 36" tall X 1"

Japanese antique carved wood relief of cranes. Beautifully carved and in excellent condition.

Date: Meiji age c1900

Dimensions: 17" long X 5.5 " wide

A rare, large architectural Buddhist temple carving of a Dragon (Ryu), with reverse glass painted eye. The high relief carvings show the dragon's body coiled behind clouds of smoke and waves. Its serpentine body reveals his 3 appendages with classic three claw anatomy. The relief is solid keyaki "zelkova serrata" wood with the original red patina. The dragon which symbolizes the heavenly realm has control of rain, fire, and earth. Dragons are the powerful embodiment of yin and yang and are se...

Early edition Japanese Edo period woodblock print titled “Snowfall at Shimasaku in Iki Province." The image is No. 68 from the series “Views of Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces” by Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) dated 1856. Signed within a red cartouche at the left. The title and subtitle cartouches are at the upper right. The seal of the publisher Koshimuraya Heisuke is at the lower right. This is one of Hiroshige's most sought-after snow scenes with a bokashi cloud in the sky...

Antique Japanese ranma, or transom, carved with two rabbits jumping over waves.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

50" L x 20.25" H

Antique Japanese hardwood ranma (transom), ornately carved with a descending plum tree (ume) branch, bearing flowers in bloom.

Size: 73.5" L x 1" D x 20.75" H

Japanese mingei hinoki water wheel. Complete 11 spokes with paddles used as a functional water wheel. Iron piston protrudes from the central hub for rotational function.

19th Century

Size: 47 1/2" x 6"

Japanese woodblock print of two beautiful ladies at the ocean, with a basket full of shells they've collected. With calligraphy in right margin.

Size: 7.25" W x 9.5" H (artwork only)

Antique Japanese pair of beautifully carved wooden temple fu dogs, with red and gilt pigment remains, each on its own carved pedestal. Fantastic detail in each. One has its mouth open while the other's is closed, representing life and death.

Edo period (1603-1868)

Size: 17.5" L x 10.5" W x 24" H (19"H w/o pedestal)

Japanese framed woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) of an Oban Tate-E size and format (common sizing / vertically printed), from the series Gujusan Tsugi Meisho Zue. Signature and seal in bottom left with calligraphy seals. Imagery of far off boats heading into shore.

Size: (entire frame) 16.75" L x 20.75" H (artwork only) 9.5" L x 15" H

Japanese framed woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) of an Oban Tate-E size and format (common sizing / vertically printed), from the series Gujusan Tsugi Meisho Zue. Signature and seal in bottom left with calligraphy seals. Bright coloration in blue tones.

Size: (entire frame) 16.75" L x 20.75" H (artwork only) 9.5" L x 15" H

An Unusual framed Five Plate series of woodblock prints creating a large image (called a pentaptych). Original piece by one of the most famous Ukiyo-e woodblock artists, Utagawa Kunisada / Toyokuni III (1786-1865), with depiction of a large scene of men paddling boats with geishas and courtesans across a wide body of water to a far-off island. Calligraphy seals and signatures appear consistently throughout the image. Mounted in a large glass frame.

Edo Period (circa 1800's)

Natural Japanese burl wood stand with dramatic, long gnarling root legs and wide, flat base. Hardwood with beautiful grain.

Size: 15" L x 11" W x 6" H

Japanese antique burl hardwood usubata container for ikebana flower arrangements. Two tiered and with two circular openings. Beautifully natural curving form.
Early Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)
Size: 19" high.

Antique Japanese pair of wooden temple guardian fu dogs, wonderfully carved with charming expression. Gilt accented eyes and reddened mouths, one with a horn on its head. Edo period 17th / 18th Century. Original condition with hand-carved details. Size: 14" H x 7" W x 13" D

Small mask of the Kyogen Theater, with a strong expression. Lacquered wood. Eyes made of glass painted inside. Japan, 19th century. Height: 16,5 cm. Several small chips, otherwise very good condition.

A large bamboo 'vase', inset with carved ivory and mother of pearl, depicting two Samurai warriors. This item was made in Japan, for export, during the late 19th or early 20th Century. For many additional pictures please view #1217 in our Liverpool shop website at 69aliverpool.co.uk Condition: there are old age cracks to the bamboo and the base and some pieces of inlay are missing 66.5cm (26.2 inches) high. Please note - purchasers from outside the European Union will require a CITES...

Antique Japanese book of 34 various woodblock prints. Each page vividly depicts a story, with bright color and exciting subjects. The outside is covered in brick red fabric with flowers. Size: 13.5" x 9" x .75"

Antique Japanese book of 24 delightful woodblock prints, all with beautiful ladies in kimonos in various court scenes. The book can be read front or backwards and is covered by woven blue fabric with orange flowers. Most likely a gallery collection from the meiji period. Size : 9.5" x 7" x 1"

Antique Japanese large carved wooden tray, natural form and curled edges reminiscent of a lotus leaf, beautifully sculptured, late Meiji/early Taisho Period. Size: 24 1/2" wide x 15 1/2" wide x 1" deep.