Bag made of one kind of hemp, probably imported one, such as jute or sisal, which is used for coins. It has many mending patches. Late 19th to early 20th century. W:38.5cm, L:70cm

Inro with 4 squares decorated with Toba riding his mule, on the reverse a rooster under a bamboo. Toba, the rooster and the bamboo are inlaid with mother-of-pearl and lacquered with gold powder on a background of red lacquer in slight relief. The mule is inlaid with pewter. This style of inlay is from Ogawa Haritsu (Ritsuo) who was active in Japan at the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th...

A skeleton sits among the dried grasses, alone and forgotten, perhaps reflecting on his life in this earie painting by Buddhist priest Higuchi Ryuon dated Meiji 6 (1873). Ink on paper, it is 41.5 x 179.5 cm (16-1/4 x 70-1/2 inches) and is in fine condition; completely remounted in a border of two subtle shades of black with colorful piping and features black lacquered rollers with mother of pearl flakes. It comes in a kiri-wood box...

A set of three spouted nesting bowls decorated in the traditional Mugiwara pattern of alternating stripes of russet red, pale blue and orange emanating like rays from the center. The larger bowl is 9.5 cm (just under 4 inches) diameter, 5.5 cm (2 inches) tall. The smallest is roughly 7.5 diameter, 4.5 cm tall and all 3 are in excellent condition, enclosed in an old kiri-wood box.
This traditional pattern is called ``Mugiwarade'' because its vertical stripes resemble ears of wheat...

A set of 8 small dishes dating from the later 19th century known as Mame-zara (bean plates) covered in cream colored crackled glaze decorated in the traditional Mugiwarade pattern of alternating stripes of russet red, pale blue and orange emanating like rays from the center. Each plate is roughly 8.5 diameter and all are in excellent condition, enclosed in a modern, black-lacquered wooden box...

A Dojin licking Dango-treats dances in erratic dashes of soft wet lines and swift dark strokes of flying white on this vertical presentation by Edo period eccentric Doi Goga. Ink on paper it is 43 x 184.5 cm (17 x 72-1/2 inches) and has been completely remounted in dark silk with bone rollers. The creature clutches the raku-in stamp in his upper hand, the other stamps seem to follow his feet like footsteps. It comes enclosed in an age darkened wooden box...

SOOTY BUDDHA WITH HALF FACE

Wood. Late Edo period, 19th century, Japan. Aesthetically well‐proportioned. H 19 x 5 x 5 cm (7.48 x 1.96 x 1.96in)...

Boxwood netsuke depicting a Karashishi with his mouth wide open, accompanied by a perforated ball, protected with his front paws, a symbol indicating a male shishi, representative of the Yang principle and male energy. Signed Minkoku. Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.5 x 2.7 cm. Conservation status: Excellent condition

Ivory netsuke depicting a large open lotus flower with a frog and a crab looking at each other. The patina is light on the front and more yellowish underneath. Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 2.4 x 4.5 x 3.9 cm. Conservation status: Excellent condition

Boxwood shunga netsuke with skillfully carved natural himotoshi depicting two mushrooms. A touch of genius is found in the depiction of the smallest mushroom, which is placed upside down above the larger one's head. From this small cavity emerges a delicate caterpillar carved from blond horn. Engraved signature Masatomo 正友. Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 2.4 x 4.2 x 3.6 cm. State of conservation: Excellent condition - There are natural openings in the wood.

Six-panel byobu 屏風 screen painted on silk with floral motifs with numerous chrysanthemums. The ocher silk provides a warm backdrop for the delicate floral motifs that adorn the screen. The chrysanthemums, with their elegant shapes and shades of white, yellow and pink, are painted with precision, creating a visual effect that captures the essence of nature's beauty...

Tapestry, silk embroidery, depicting four tigers along the banks of a watercourse surrounded by rich vegetation. The four tigers are depicted in various poses and attitudes. The watercourse is represented with delicate embroidery that suggests the movement of the water...

Byobu 屏風, folding screen, with six wooden panels covered with hand-painted paper with gold leaf and fine silk applications. The main scene shows a pair of black carts with vases and a selection of flowers, such as wisteria, iris, peony and chrysanthemum, with distinct colors in various shades. Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 118 x 364 x 2 cm. State of conservation: Excellent condition - There is slight wear compatible with time.

Boro noragi (work wear) made of many cotton fragments, which are hand spun and vegetable indigo dye. It is from Shonai region in Yamagata prefecture in Tohoku district and called Shonai-sashiko. Late 19th to early 20th century. W:89cm, L:81cm

A ghost rises from the darkness pulling on her hair, a wry grin as she looks sideways at the viewer on this antique painting by Moriwaki Unkei. Ink on paper completely cleaned and remounted in vine patterned blue silk with dark wood rollers. There are old age stains on the paper, which appear much stronger in the photos than in life. It is 40 x 200 cm (15-3/4 x 78-3/4 inches) and in excellent condition...

Long verses fall like rain upon the sinister figure of an Oni (type of devil) dressed in the habit of a priest who glares as he walks through the village, banging out a warning to all evil-doers. Around his neck hangs a bell which he clangs loudly with the hammer held high in one hand. The stern figure carries in the other hand a booklet titled Hogacho...

Brocade lined signed Japanese lidded basket circa 1910-1920 by Suzuki Gengensai (1891-1950). In beautiful condition (the silk brocade lining has deteriorated). Signed on the underside. Works by this artist are in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the San Francisco Asian Art Museum. Please ask for additional photos.

Jizai okimono of an articulated bronze praying mantis.

The praying mantis (in Japanese, kamakiri) is considered an auspicious symbol.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912)
Height: 3.15 in / 8.5 cm – width: 3.94 in / 10.5 cm – depth: 4.72 in / 12.5 cm