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.

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...

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...

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"