Antique Japanese hirado ware white vase with base. The vase is a beautiful white color. The simple shape is accented with dragon shaped handles on either side. The work is done by the kiln of Kanzan Denshichi (1821-1890). Kanzan was trained in Koto ware in Shiga by the order of Ii Naosuke. Later in 1871 Kanzan establishes an imperial kiln producing table ware for the Imperial Household. Signatures on the bottom reads: Dai Nippon Kanzan Sei, (trans: Produced by Kanzan of Dai Nipppon)...

Japanese antique burl hand warmer, typically used in the tea ceremony where each participant would have their own charcoal heater. Nowadays, this container (hibachi) can be used to store all manner of small items and makes a delightful table top accessory.

Dates Edo Period 19th century
Size H 6 1/2" x W 13" x D 10"

19th century miniature Hirado porcelain sculpture / brushrest in a shape of a karako (Chinese boy) lying on his stomach with his head and feet raised. Excellent crisp modeling with incised details - see his superb face with inquisitive look, well defined collar and knot on the back. Excellent underglaze blue (see the perfect swirls of his hair knots), brown and black. Beautiful glaze with numerous tiny bubbles giving it depth, unglazed bottom, in excellent condition, very pleasant to the touch...

Japanese Imari Porcelain Hibachi, 9" high, 10 1/4" diameter-outside maximum measurement, later part of 1800's, with repeated vertical indented grooves on entire body with four(4) separate cartouche filled with floral decoration, underglaze blue and overglaze dark orange or reddish color decoration, highlighted in gold. The condition is good, no damage or restoration.

This very well carved and colored Japanese polychrome ivory carving of a Chinese style lady is a mid or late 19th century product. It depicts a lady who wears a simple but elegant elaborate silk robe. She holds a peony blossom in her left hand and a fan in her right hand. It is 8 ½” high and 2” wide from the round base. It has very nice patina. Aside from two slight crack lines on her face and upper left arm, it is in very good condition...

This is a great example Meiji Era satsuma. It is probably my favorite piece from Shizan. The colors are rich and the detail is fantastic. It stands 4 3/4 inches tall. This Ewer is in nearly perfect condition.

Edo Period, Late 1700s / early 1800s

This lacquer box of square form has three slightly raised gold lacquer family crest designs on the lid. The well-polished black lacquer covers the interior and exterior of the box which is of a finely constructed wood core. The lid has a slight lip extending from the lower edge. The crest designs are very well painted and incorporate a very fine raised gold stippling in areas...

19th century Japanese ceramic chawan (tea bowl) for tea ceremony with light cream glaze and underglaze blue decoration of a moon rising over a Buddhist mountain temple. Inscribed in underglaze black with 3 characters which translate as ISHIYAMA-DERA (“Stone Mountain Temple”) - a Shingon temple in Otsu (Shiga Prefecture) and the thirteenth stop of the Kansai Kannon Pilgrimage. Superb free painting with strong Zen feeling, wonderful potting of shiro Raku (white Raku) body...

19th century wooden netsuke of a sitting boy wearing a shishi mask that is too big for him and hitting a drum in front of him with a striker. These mask are usually used in shishimai dance, and the face of the boy can be seen inside the mask (see Enlargement 2, difficult to photograph). Nice dense shitan wood (Southeast Asian rosewood), beautifully carved, eyes of the mask are inlaid with copper. Superb wear and patina, large and deep himotoshi...

Japanese Edo period round-form bronze kagami (mirror) decorated in high relief with a finely detailed motif of crane and its young among pines. The perforated boss in the center, which holds a tassel, is in the form of a minogame (tortoise). There is an inscription at one side (see enlargement 6). We are unsure of the precise dating, but confirm it dates no later than Edo period (pre-1868). 4 3/4" diameter with a 3/4" high rim. Very good overall condition with typical wear for its age...

19th century wooden netsuke of Shoki (Demon Queller) seated on a table with one foot dangling and a sword on a table behind his back, while a terrified oni (little mischievous demon) is hiding under the table looking for a way to escape. Wonderful quality carving - see their great faces, hair and clothing. Nice wear consistent with age, fantastic warm patina. Cursively signed TOKUSAI on the bottom - the artist is listed on p...

There is no visible image of god in Japan's oldest religion, “Shinto”. People look for the image of gods in their daily surroundings and found the divine spirits to dwell in pine trees. For this reason, pine trees are considered sacred and many wonderful artworks of pine trees were created. Cranes are said to live one thousand years. They are considered auspicious as their distinctive high pitched voices can reach to the heaven. Pine trees and cranes symbolize longevity and a harmonious...

19th century miniature Hirado porcelain sculpture of a reclining karako (Chinese boy) leaning on his right elbow. Could have been used as a brushrest. Excellent crisp modeling with incised details - see his superb dreamy face, well defined hand and clothing details. Beautiful glaze with numerous tiny bubbles giving it depth, unglazed bottom, in excellent condition (no chips, cracks or repairs), very pleasant to the touch. Typical Hirado underglaze blue (see the perfect swirls of his hair knots) ...

19th Century Japanese Imperial Gosu Satsuma Hexagon Vase with Dragon & Shishi Signed and Marked

The vase is 10.6 inches (27 cm) tall, and 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) wide.

It has rubbing of gold, minor stains, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of the amoun...

19th century kagamibuta (mirror lid) netsuke with Shibayama inlay depicting Daikoku’s mallet surrounded by 9 tama (Precious Gems). The bowl is dark rosewood, the top is boxwood with carved loop on the back for the cord, materials used for inlay are black horn, silver, jadeite, pink coral and 3 different kinds of mother of pearl. The inlay is in perfect shape, no losses or repairs. Plain back, two parts fit nicely, beautiful mellow patina. Top diameter 11/16 inches, bowl diameter 1 9/16 inches....

A pair of hirobuta or trays used to place kimonos in, made from Cherry bark and paulownia. The style of using cherry bark to produce various objects is a distinct style seen in the Akita- Kaunodate region, where they are famous for the art. One piece contains a motif of deer and autumn grasses, while the other is a woman preparing silk fabric while staring at the moon. The motifs are done in cherry bark and mother of pearl.

19th century

Dimensions: (Deer motif tray): 3.25"...

Japanese Shibayama inlaid oval shape Pin or Brooch, Ca. 1890-1900, Meiji period, 2" wide, 1" high, 1/4" deep, inlaid with Mother of Pearl large Flowers and Butterfly and Coral flower Buds in Persimmon Wood backing. Mother of pearl flowers and coral buds shows low and high depth of the beautiful carving, Butterfly is waiting beside them. The quality and Beauty of the Shibayama work is well known. There is aged dark small line in upper left side about 1/8" long is stained over the age between s...

19th century netsuke carved as a group of four seals - two of simpler shapes, one in a shape of a natural lotus flower stem (the stem serving as himotoshi), and one with shishi finial. Elegant design in Japanese taste, bottoms are carved with raised and sunken characters in seall script and stained to resemble real seals - one of them could be a signature of the carver. Possibly made for a silk merchant - the seals resemble actual chops used for stamping silks. Great compact netsuke carved with ...

Pair of zelkova elm temple 'Baku' bad dream devourers. 22cm long by 12cm tall and 7cm deep. Extremely well carved and very good condition. Ca. 1890 late Meiji Period. Ask for shipping quote.

19th Century Japanese Mother of Pearl Inlay Lacquer Tray with Rooster & Nanban Style Flowers

It is 2.1 inches (5.4 cm) tall by 16.65 inches (42.5 cm) long by 11.25 inches (28.7 cm) wide. It is 1.8 Lb.

It has hairline cracks, small chips at the back, missing mother of pearls, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason,...

Rather unusual 19th century Asakusa school staghorn netsuke of a fly with spread wings on a folded leaf of a lotus plant with stem, root and 2 tiny bulbs by the bottom. For some reason flies are not common in netsuke. Superb design and excellent quality carving - see the elegant shape of the folded leaf with its veins and delicately incised wing patterns of the insect. Extraordinary warm patina, beautiful darker porous areas and patches of antler outer texture adding charm to the piece. Length 5...

19th century kagamibuta (mirror lid) netsuke with metal top depicting Kyoyu - one of 7 Sages of the Bamboo Grove - seated among rocks by a waterfall and cleaning his right ear thus washing off the indecency of the suggestion for him to become an Emperor. Sometimes he is shown with his friend Sofu leading his ox away from the river several miles downstream from the waterfall, so it will not drink water tainted by indecency of the proposal. Wonderful crisp metalwork with inlays and gilding, pleas...

Enamel on copper, ca. late 1800s.

Although this item could have been used as a sauce pot, it was probably intended for replenishing water for grinding ink on a calligrapher’s ink stone The interior and base are both enameled.

Good condition, no dents or losses however there is some characteristic pitting to the enamel.

Height: 3 ¾ in.

Japanese carved staged antler netsuke, exhibiting a carving of somewhat double gourd form with hollow interior, late 19th century period, length of 2 1/8 inches, in very good condition.

This early 19th century painted pressed horn netsuke is 2” high, 1 1/5” wide and ¾” thick. It depicts a big headed smiling man. He is wearing a kimono and sandals and is carrying a mask of Otafuku on his back. It is in excellent condition.

19th century Asakusa school staghorn netsuke in a ryusa shape with openwork carving of a water dragon among lotus leaves, flowers and buds. Superb design and excellent quality sharp carving, extraordinary warm patina, darker porous areas as is usual with staghorn. Diameter 1 5/8 inches.

Japanese inro with a large standing bull, frontally positioned with head lowered and looking ahead at the viewer. From the ring in his nose is a rope leading off to the side. The reverse image is a scene, entirely in gold lacquer, of rolling hills and pine saplings in the foreground. The inro opens to reveal a compartment lacquered red on the inside with a small removable inset tray.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 2 3/8" high x 3" wide

Unusual 19th century Japanese small page turner / book mark carved in low relief with two landscape scenes in scholarly taste: the front with a scholar’s hut dramatically perched on high vertical rocks above pine trees, the back with pines on rocks with a view of two sailing junks on the sea. Beautiful design perfectly imitating scroll format - what you see are really two unrolled scroll paintings, superb quality quiet carving, pleasant wear and patina. Signed KASHI (alternative reading is Han...

A Shachihoko is a sea monster in Japanese folklore with the head of a dragon and the body of a carp. According to the tale, Shachihoko lives in the cold northern ocean. Its broad fin and tails always point up toward heaven, and its dorsal fins have numerous sharp spikes. It can swallow a massive amount of water and hold it in its belly, as well as summon clouds and control the rain. Shachihoko are often constructed in a male and female pair at each end of the roof ridge as protector spirits of t...

A good, Japanese iroe imari dish of square form with garden landscape decoration in red, green, yellow, aubergine, black and gold enamel and underglaze blue. The center panel decorated with pines, plantains and maples among rockery and below stylized clouds. The rockery employing "master of the rocks" technique of consecutive contour lines - the stylized clouds echoing the technique. Good condition. 7 to 7 1/8 inches square. About 8 1/4 inches from corner to corner. 19th century. (Five like this...

A Japanese porcelain blue and white decorated flower pot, setting on three legs, and with a drainage hole. The pot is from Arita or Imari and was made during the Meiji Period. The pot measures about 9 3/4" high x 12 1/4" in diameter, and is in excellent condition. There are water and dirt stains that can be removed. The asking price includes shipping within the USA.

Unusual 19th century netsuke in bean shape carved on the inside with a scene of a shishi family (2 adults and a cub) frolicking among flowering peony bushes. Rare use of anabori (cavern) carving technique, perfect sculpting with deep undercutting. Beautiful faces and flower petals, great patina. Signed NAGAMITSU SAKU (made by Nagamitsu) in oval reserve on the bottom - for information on the artist see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 813. Wonderful ...

19th century small underglaze blue and white Japanese Arita porcelain sweetmeat dish used during tea ceremony, in lozenge shape with decoration of 2 boys among bushes on the inside, and scrolling vines on the outside. Very nice potting with indented corners, wonderful thick glaze with minute bubbles, beautiful dark spots in the paste consistent with age. Very good quality freehand painting, overall in excellent condition. Length 4 1/8 inches.

Rare Antique Japanese Negoro red lacquer tiered stand. Five arched cabriole legs below the hand carved apron, the feet ending at a floral step base. Overall condition is very good and consistent with age.

Edo Period (circa mid 1800's)

Dimensions: 12" w x 14 3/4" h

19th century Japanese bronze mae-kanagu (tobacco pouch clasp fitting) depicting a barrel maker working on a large barrel. Wonderful design with dynamic posture, superb crisp detailing, comes with original backing. Signed RYUMIN on a gilded strip hanging off a nearby tree. For information on this pupil of Tenmin see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 895. Length 1 11/16 inches

Simple wooden shishi (or lion) dance mask with movable ears and jaw. The ears and eyebrows are stained black. Behind the ears a row of small holes have been made, used for attaching the garment (the body of the lion). Mingei.
All light wood, wooden joints (ears on sticks for manipulation by hand).
Japan, 19th century.

H 6.5; D 9.5 inches.

Nice patina, minor traces of usage: small chip at one of ears, short and unimportant crack in skull. All in all very good condition.

This is one of a pair of wooden (not papermache) chinoiserie footed plates made for export. The central medallion Japanese scene is classic and the rim has ornate panels of individual woman in various poises. Each side has handle shaped and painted as an ivy leaf.

On the black lacquered back is the rement of a very old label. Plate is 10.75 inches at the widest point. Sourced from an old estate in the US, Chinoiserie of this detail and quality are rare, probably Edo Period between 1840-185...

Antique Japanese makie lacquer suzuri bako (writing box) and matching large stationary box signed with bold signatures on the bottom reading: 光琳　青々Kо̄rin Seisei, an artist name used by Ogata Kōrin (1658 – 1716).
Both boxes have domed lids and are decorated entirely in gold lacquer with highly raised designs of flowers and silver pine branches. The flowers are further embellished with inlaid shell. Inside the boxes are motifs of swirling water.
The larger box was u...

19th century miniature Hirado porcelain sculpture of a reclining karako (Chinese boy) leaning on his right elbow and holding a fan in his left hand. Excellent crisp modeling with incised details - see his superb dreamy face, well defined hand and clothing details. Unusual feature - the unglazed flat bottom is well incised with the continuation of the design. Beautiful glaze with numerous tiny bubbles giving it depth, in excellent condition (no chips, cracks or repairs), very pleasant to the touc...

19th century netsuke of widely smiling Okame enveloped in her robe and holding a large wooden spoon in her hands, with a removable round bottom revealing the shunga part of the netsuke. Excellent carving, especially the face with its wide smile, wonderful flow of her robe. The dots on her forehead are inlaid with brown horn. Great pattern to the flow of her robe, expert staining, beautiful patina. Wonderful sculpture - all that a good netsuke should be. Signed MASAHIRO in rectangular raised rese...

Japanese Meiji period Imari porcelain charger decorated in underglaze blue and overglaze polychrome enamels and gilt highlights with four panels holding bamboo, calligraphy, flying birds, and a variety of blossoming flowers all set against a blue background with gold accented leaves. Three sections of blue waves separated by flying birds encircle the back rim. Circa 1900. 16 3/4" diameter x 2 1/2" high. Very good overall condition. There is typical minor rubbing and wear to the gilt and over...

Height: 3.8 cm (1.5 in)
Length: 5.6 cm (2.2 in)
Depth: 2.7 cm (1.1 in)

Japanese marine material netsuke of a goose with a millet spray; double inlaid eyes; signed; circa Edo Period; good condition

Japanese tetsubin cast iron kettle

Description & Size: 20.32 x 18.41 x 15.87 cm (8" x 7.25" x 6.25") height & wide with & without spout & handle; Weight: 1332 gram (46.98 oz)

Age: Meiji Period c1900'

Production: Hand wrought & crafted; Material: Carbon Iron & Bronze

This is a rare Japanese tetsubin iron kettle / teapot with something to celebrate with the art of tea tradition. The tetsubin has a nice well proportion shape with an archaic facial d...

Antique Japanese small lacquer tebako (accessory box) with image of a crane standing on the bank of a lake or stream. Looking up at the crane from the swirling water, is an ancient turtle. A pine tree and fruit tree grow on the hillside behind the crane. Fine gold maki-e lacquer with dense gold nishiji on a black lacquer ground. The interior of the box is entirely covered in gold nishiji. The rim of both the bottom and lid of the box is edged in silver.

Meiji Period (1868-1912) ...

Japanese Metal Tsuba shape Ojime, Ca. 1900 Meiji, 7/16" high, 7/16" wide, decorated with the raised gilded Birds on the Plum Flowering Trees on the both sides of the two(2) shades of Bronze color of shape of the Tsuba, one side is darker than the other. Cord go through the holes on the top and the bottom and connect with Netsuke.

Antique Japanese netsuke in the form of a fudog. Carved of boxwood, the fudog leans on a ball. With eyes wide and mouth open, his mane flows down his back. He curls his body around the ball, gripping it in three paws while balancing on his back leg. Age and use have added an appealing smooth quality of the netsuke.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 1 3/8" high x 1 1/4" wide x 1 1/2" long

Perfectly shaped Shino Chawan with beautifully crackled Shino glaze and with the image of 3 Noh mai dancers.

It is extremely rare to find an antique tea bowl with a Noh mai dance motif.

This Chawan was made at the end of the 19th century. The signature of the artist is inscribed close to the foot ring.

Noh mai means „traditional movement“ and came from China to western Japan It was heavily influenced by the elegance and sophistication of the manners often a...

19th century netsuke of a rooster on a drum. The subject symbolizes peace: according to a Chinese story, a drum was kept at the palace gate to alert soldiers in case of emergency, but during the reign of Emperor Yao the peace was maintained for so long, that the drum fell into disuse and became the favorite roost for local fowl. Excellent quality carving - see the rich depiction of differentiated feathers of its body and tail, eyes are inlaid with black horn. Beautiful light staining, pleasant w...

Meiji (1868-1912) Japanese Silvered Ground Satsuma Earthenware Vase with Geisha and Samurai by Kinkozan

It is 7 inches (17.78 cm) tall by 4 inches (10.1 cm) wide. It is 0.7 Lb.

It has tarnished silver and has rubbing of paint and gold, a hairline crack, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100%...

Antique Japanese kogo box (for incense). Round in form and made of lacquered wood. Decorated with a scene of a garden gate and a wild thicket of grasses, vines and flowers under a full moon. The gate and flora are made with maki-e lacquer and shell inlay while the full moon is made of silver. The interior and bottom of the box is covered with gold nishiji on a black lacquer ground.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 3" wide x 1 5/8" high

A small antique Japanese Lacquer box with a scene of river, pampas and clouds. The interior has dense nashiji lacquer (fine gold flecks). Used to store incense.

Date: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 4"long X 2.5" wide X 1" tall

A Japanese Imari dish or plate with scalloped edges, circa 1880. Dish measures 8 3/4" in diameter and 1 1/4" high. Condition: The condition is excellent with some ware to gold on rim and colored enamels. The dish has a "great Ming" mark on the bottom. Free shipping within the USA.

Antique Japanese large lacquer document box decorated with a design of climbing clematis vines in full bloom. Gold maki-e lacquer with details in gold nishji lacquer on some of the leaves. All on a black lacquer ground. The sides of both the lid and body of the box are carved with a recessed area where reddish orange lacquer has been applied over a loose material, creating a woven texture. Hardware rings on the sides.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)
Dimensions: 8" high x 9 1/4" wi...

19th century netsuke depicting a group of three turtles - one large, and two smaller ones climbing on its back. Superb quality work, stained dark brown with natural color showing on the carapace of one of them, beautiful patina. Serious classic netsuke in excellent condition. Length 1.34 inches.

A beautiful 2 Stage lacquered container covered in black lacquer decorated with flowering vines. The domed lid opens to reveal a circular tray removable to open a deep container. It is 8.5 cm (3-1/4 inches) diameter, 11 cm (4-1/4 inches) tall and in excellent condition.

19th century Japanese bronze / brass tobacco pipe with flattened body inscribed with a lengthy poem on one side and 4 characters on the other. Smoking end has characteristic small bowl - Japanese used finely shredded tobacco and usually made just 2-3 puffs. Four characters seem to read AKA KOKORO HO KUNI, which possibly can be translated as “Red heart rewards the land”, Wonderful quality delicate engraving, very pleasant patina conveying the age of the object, top of the body by the bowl sho...

Japanese Edo period (1615~1868) a sage standing on the ground covered by bamboo leaves. It is signed by Kawahara and dated 1824. The base has been repaired. It is in good condition. H: 11 ¼ inches, W: 7 inches, D: 3 ½ inches

Japanese bronze mirror. Edo period. Superb deep casting. 12.6 diam. 1.5 high Excellent condition. Long inscription on right hand side.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Bato. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina. some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.15 inches.

Japanese set of 2 Yari spears, signed Yamato Fujiwara Sensada. Hand forged steel, done in the same many and technique as samurai swords.

Early yari are believed to have been derived from Chinese spears, these hoko yari are thought to be from the Nara period (710-794), and while they were present in early Japan's history, the term yari appeared for the first time in written sources in 1334 but this type of spear did not become popular until the late 15th century.
During the ...