Amazing boro which used to be noragi (work wear). It is made of many fragments of vegetable indigo dye and hand^spun cotton cloth. It is from cold areas such as Tohoku or Japan Sea Side where cotton could not be cultivated and cotton cloth for kimono was expensive so that people bought fragments which were brought from warm areas such as Shikoku , Kandsai or Chubu districts. The second half of the 19th century. Measurement: Approx. 160cm x 150cm

We are proud to offer you a really rare antique piece of art and one of a kind: wonderful Echizen Chawan from the Momoyama Era (安土桃山時代 Azuchi Momoyama jidai; 1573–1603) without any crack, damage or repair.

There is no similar item on the antique market.

Echizen ware (called Echizen yaki in Japanese) is a type of pottery produced in the town of Echizen, Fukui prefecture...

Frog on a water lily and a lotus root at the base. The whole is in bronze with a dark brown patina.

In the Japanese bestiary, the frog has a special place, carrying positive values. Both the frog and the toad, called kaeru, come back every year, no matter how far away they are from 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...

Inrô with four lacquer compartments representing eagles: eight on one side, seven on the other, one on the upper side called ten; sometimes posed on a rocky promontory in takamaki-e and kirigane lacquer, sometimes in flight near the sea. Bamboo branches. Bottom in fundame and hiramaki-e lacquer. Interior in nashi-ji lacquer. The eagle motif is relatively rare in Japanese iconography. Most of its representations are found on older lacquerware. Ojime in red lacquer...

Golden patinated bronze representing a lying crane with its baby bird on its back.

The Japanese crane is also known as tanshozuru (丹頂鶴) which mean “red crowned crane”. It is known to be standing for longevity since the tale told this animal to be 100 years old...

Inrô with five compartments with lake landscape decoration in continuity on both sides, in gold lacquer hira maki-e, taka maki-e, kirigane and brown lacquer on a fundame gold background. The interior is in nashi-ji lacquer.

Wooden netsuke representing Daikoku, carrying in his right hand his wooden mallet and in his left hand his bag.

Daikoku, deity of wealth and trade, is part of the Seven Gods of Happiness...

Over the years we have taken a special interest in Raku-ware and especially in works produced by the Tamamizu kiln, such as the 300+ year old ceremonial tea bowl seen here. The first in this line of potters was Yahē (1662 - 1722), an illegitimate son of Kichizaemon Ichinyu (1615 - 1768) who studied under his father and then left to open his own kiln in the village of Tamamizu (known today as Ide-cho)...

Revered Chinese scholar and tea master, Lù Yǔ is known as the “Sage of Tea” and is credited with advancing the practice of tea through the writing of his life’s work,The Classic of Tea. Here we see a masterful rendition of this historic figure done by one of the most iconic Kyoto painters—and founder of the Maruyama school—Maruyama Ōkyo...

Peacock in cast bronze and partially gilded shakudo in 2 shades of gold. Japanese work in the style of Miyao around 1900. No signature. Hardwood and boxwood plinth.Good condition, no welding and original patina. Very slight wear, insignificant for a century-old object. The body of the peacock is raven wing black which suggests that it is in shakudo which represented a significant additional cost, the shakudo alloy being obtained by adding gold to copper. Total height about 16cm.

An antique Japanese single section Sendai Tansu made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hikute style handles. The lock plates feature an incised flying crane and a pine tree, both representing longevity and good luck. The corners on the drawer fronts have the raised turnip (Kabu) design and the handle back plates have incised Chrysanthemums...

An antique Japanese Kotansu made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Made in a rare design to look like a miniature Kimono tansu. All original iron hardware including the Warabite style handles. Complete with front drawer corners. Straight dovetail joinery with hardened wooden nail construction. An unusual and unique personal storage chest.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 25 1/4" Wide by 14 1/4" High by 13 1/8" Deep.

11th generation Raku Kichizaemon Keinyu (1817-1902) White Raku Sake Bottle Tokkuri.

The mark of the potter is stamped at the bottom. Keinyu used this mark after his retirement.
The red clay was used which was glazed and fired. It is a rare work that depicts the standing cranes of parents and child. He often used crane decoration in his later years such as Fukurokuju tea bowl exhibited in Kyoto in autumn 2020. (Autumn Special Exhibition...

Meticulously crafted from carefully woven strips of bamboo, this traditional “chabako” would typically contain all of the basic utensils for conducting tea ceremony. As the same name is commonly used to describe wood boxes used to store and transport tea leaves, the piece below could also be described as a “chakago” to avoid confusion—though the former descriptor is much more commonly used...

A fragment of cotton cloth with tsutsugaki turtle and crane design which is an auspicious motif. The cloth is hand-spun cotton and natural dye. It is probably a fragment of nobori (banner). It has calligraphy in one of the hems, but not readable. In good condition. The first half of the 19th century. 32cm x 74.5cm

Antique Japanese lady's kimono made with grey-green chirimen silk and white silk jacquard with orange and green embroidery of bamboo and plum blossoms with cranes. Details in wrapped gold thread and use of tiny shibori technique in the leaves and flowers. The front hem of the kimono is decorated with a delicate design of plum blossom in resist and white silk embroidery. The kimono interior is lined with red silk.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 60" high x 48" wide

An antique Hon Kotansu (personal book storage chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Two hinged Biraki doors open to a split level shelf where books and other personal belongings were stored. Two side by side drawers below gave additional storage space for organizing. Straight dovetail joinery with hardened wood nails were used in its construction.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 25" Wide by 19 3/4" High by 12 1/2" Deep

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Original bronze hardware. Two sliding doors open to a storage space with one shelf. Five drawers provide additional storage and organizing areas. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. It would make a perfect nightstand or side chest for any room decor.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 23 7/8" Wide by 20 1/8" High by 13 18" Deep

At various times over the long history of tea practice in Japan, Korean-ware has come into high fashion and ships full of the finest ceramics from the neighboring country were brought to its shores. Such pieces have long been favored by learned cha-jin (tea people); and, older pieces such as this are quite prized today as relatively few from this era have survived in such good condition.

With skillfully applied antique gold repairs, this exceptional tea bowl dates from the early ha...

One of the most prominent potters of the Meiji period and one of only five to ever be appointed as Imperial Court Artist, the name Tozan is synonymous with fine porcelains including: Kyo-style tea and sake-wares, pieces for the western export market, distinctively home-grown Japanese motifs, and expertly crafted Chinese-style pieces such as the one seen here.

Apprenticed to Kameya Kyokutei, Tozan (1846-1920) took it upon himself to visit many kilns and to gain technique and advice ...

Classic Shino yaki matcha chawan (tea bowl) for Tea Ceremony made during Meiji Period in late 19 century.
The seal of the potter is stamped on the bottom.
The fine crackle look with natural kiln vivid cracks gives the bowl an authentic wabi sabi feel .
Overall it is lovely example of an old, professionally crafted Shino tea bowl.

Shino ware pottery is produced in today's Gifu prefecture since 16th century and it is distinguished by thick white glazes, red marks and the...

An antique Japanese Katana Small Chest and Stand made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron with cat bronze hardware and Urushi lacquer finish. Upper area holds 4 Katana and lower section has a locking bar with key that secures 4 small drawers where polishing tools and Katana parts were kept. Note: Katana is for example and display purposes only.

Age: Late Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 18 3/8" Wide by 14 3/4" High by 11 1/4" Deep

An antique Japanese Kansai Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hikute style handles. Two sliding doors behind which the merchant stored business books and records. 9 drawers of varying sizes for business storage and organizing. Through mortise and tenon joinery and side ribs for added strength and support.

Age: Meiji period ( 1880-1890)

Dimensions: 35 7/8" Wide by 37 1/2" Hi...

An antique Japanese tansu chest with Biraki hinged doors made entirely of Paulownia wood. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles. The doors secure two large drawers where kimonos were stored. Constructed using Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails. It would make a functional dresser in today's contemporary home or a side table that would be perfect under a window.

Age: Meiji period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 38 1/2" Wide by 20 1/2" High by 17 ...

An antique Japanese small tansu chest called Kotansu made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hikute handles. 5 drawers of varying sizes and a hinged door that hides 2 additional drawers where valuables were kept hidden for security. Constructed using Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails. It makes a perfect night stand or side table in today's contemporary home.

Age: Meiji period (1880-1890)

Dimens...

Antique Japanese carved wooden ranma (decorative transom). Beautifully carved with blossoming lotus flowers on a background of swirling water. The lotus flowers range in different stages of blossoming, a Buddhist symbol for the different stages of enlightenment. Carved of keyaki (zelkova Japanese elm) wood and framed in brown and gold lacquered wood.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 8 1/2" high x 46 1/2" wide

Japanese seto ware ceramic chawan (tea cup). Made of dark brown stoneware with round body and small round foot. Appealing greenish glaze with drips. Artist's mark on the bottom. With tomobako.

Age: Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 2 7/8" high x 5 1/4" wide

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. Its effigy is present on door hammers or gongs placed at the entrance of some houses and hotels. The toad also has the power to attract...

Bronze sculpture of a giraffe beetle (Prosopocoilus girafa). The top of the abdomen is raised, revealing a perfume burner. The lucanus, in Japanese kuwagata mushi, is highly valued for its playfulness and aesthetic value.
Insects (mushi) have a very important place in Japanese culture. Insect hunting is a popular pastime, especially among children. Using nets and cages, they catch cicadas, beetles and other insects to observe them. Mushi can indeed be seen as familiar animals, playing a ro...

Bronze okimono with brown patina of a mouse lying down. The coat, the tail and the legs are chiselled. The details of the head are particularly detailed, such as the moustache hairs and the long eyelashes.
In Japan, the term nezumi refers to both the mouse and the rat. They are regarded as the messenger of Daikokuten, the deity of trade and wealth. In the Chinese zodiac, taken over by Shintoism in Japan, the rat (or mouse) is the first of the twelve animals, a place that, according to the ...

Exceptional wagumi Japanese style free flowing bamboo flower basket, Taisho Period c. 1920. Masterful weves using big strips of susudake bamboo aged in old Japanese farmhouses from the irori smoke. Height 36cm; width 32cm.

An antique Japanese Tansu chest called Kotansu made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze and iron hardware including the Warabite handles. Locks feature a Chrysanthemum motif and the door handles display stylized clouds. Two sliding doors open to a spacious storage area and five drawers used for additional storage and organizing. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 23 7/8" Wid...

Kohai, a halo made of metal (copper). Very little bit of gold plate is left. 19th century. L:38.5cm, W:13cm

An antique Japanese Cha Tansu (Tea Chest) made of Suginoki (Cryptomeria) wood and hand lacquered with hand applied Mother of Pearl inlay. The central theme is longevity as the landscape design captures the Pine tree throughout the chest. Foliated accents highlight the front outline and sides. Four sliding doors at the top, 2 sliding doors to the bottom left, a pair of wood hinged doors to the bottom right, and two small drawers along the bottom.

Age: Meiji period (1900-1910)

Dime...

An antique Japanese chest called Kotansu (for personal storage) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware with straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nail construction. Two sliding doors open to a spacious compartment separated by a center shelf. 5 drawers for additional storage and organizing.

Age: 1910-1920 (Late Meiji-Taisho Period)

Dimensions: 23 3/4" Wide by 18 7/8" High by 11 7/8" Deep

Antique Japanese wood carving of a pair of fu-dogs (shishi) near a waterfall. Playfully, they chase each other over the flowing stream. Clouds billow over head. Carved of keyaki (zelkova - Japanese elm) wood with details in black and red pigment.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 9" high x 28 1/2" long

An antique Japanese tansu chest known as a Kotansu (for personal storage) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Original bronze hardware. Six drawers of various sizes for organization and storage. Two sliding doors with a shelf behind. Constructed using hardened wood nails. It would make a practical side table or a nightstand.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 23 3/4" Wide by 19 1/4" High by 11 5/8" Deep

An antique Japanese Kotansu (small personal storage chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware. Two sliding doors open to a spacious storage area with a split level shelf. 5 drawers provide additional storage and organization. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails. Makes a great side table or functional nightstand.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 24" Wide by 21 1/2" High by 13" Deep

Two Saga-men, Okame and Hyottoko which were sold in front of temples in Saga region in Kyoto since late Edo period (the first half of the 19th century). They were sold as charms against bad luck and evil but interrupted in early 20th century and revived in 1950s. Both are made in late 19th to early 20th century. Many layers of wastepaper are pasted on the plaster model and colored. Hyottoko-men is not finished. Okame mask has some paint came off. Okame: L:20cm, W:13.5cm Hyottoko: L:18cm, W:14...

Very Rare Goryeo Dynasty (12th/13th century) Korean Celadon Inlaid Crane Stoneware Oil Bottle

Provenance: Japanese private collection

Size
Diameter 7.5cm
Height 4.5cm
Weight 110g

Condition
There is excess of scree around the bottom occurred when firing.
Please see the pictures for reference.

This is a sashiko socks made of white cotton that was made and used from the Edo period to the Meiji period. It is in good condition, but there are some stains. There is no damage. Length: 21.5 cm Height: 13 cm

This large plate was fired with no glaze at the first, and the second fired pictured traditional pattern with blue glaze and the third colored picture depicted 2 Chinese men of literary taste and children playing at the garden, and the last painted with gold. The seal mark ”大明成化年製”was used at the middle Edo period, Very gorgeous piece. One more piece with the same pattern we have. Size: 41.0cm(D) 4.8cm(H)

This is a Japanese vintage textile made of indigo dye cotton corduroy Tattered socks with repair. All original condition.Size: length 22cm

An antique Hon Kotansu (personal book storage chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Two hinged Biraki doors open to a split level shelf where books and other personal belongings were stored. Two side by side drawers below gave additional storage space for organizing. Straight dovetail joinery with hardened wood nails were used in its construction.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 25 1/2" Wide by 19 3/4" High by 12 1/2" Deep

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware. A pair of sliding doors cover a spacious compartment with a split level shelf with 6 drawers of varying sizes that was used to organize storage. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails.

It would make a great nightstand or side table for any room decor.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 23 3/4" Wide y 23 3...

This deep plate was fired with no glaze at the first, and the second fired pictured traditional pattern with blue glaze and the third colored picture depicted peachs and flowers, and the last painted with gold. Very sophisticated piece. Size: 28.8cm(D) 5.0cm(H)

Very rare large hexagonal plate. Turtles and cranes as the symbol of longevity in Japan are depicted with color and gold, it's very gorgeous. Size: 42.2cm(D) 4.0cm(H)

This plate was made in Arita porcelain area at middle Edo period. Arabesque with flowers at the center, 3 chinese phenixes, 6 dragons are pictured around with fine brush strokes and octopus arabesque with blue glaze. The seal mark"大明成化年製" is commonly seen at the middle Edo age. Size: 34.2cm (D) 5.0cm (H)

Antique Japanese Kyo ware Chawan (Tea Bowl) with poetry made during Edo period (1603-1868).

Hand modeled, covered with yellow glaze except foot ring, with written poetry which is hardly seen due to the age.
The bowl is full of tea stain inside as a result of extensive use in the past which creates unique wabi sabi feel.

Kyo/Kiyomizu Ware has several centuries of history with over 300 kilns located around Kyoto, Japan.
The history of Kiyomizu pottery goes back to the...

An antique Japanese Isho Tansu in 3 stacking sections made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original bronze hardware. Top section features 2 sliding doors, a hinged door, and three drawers where fashion accessories were stored. The center section has two hinged doors that open to three full drawers while the bottom section features three more drawers for additional storage. Each section can be used separately in different rooms of a house. Constructed with hardened ...

An antique Kansai Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles. Two sets of sliding doors hide spacious areas where the merchant kept his business books and records. Four drawers were used to keep valuables and merchant tools and accessories. Behind the bottom sliding doors to the right are three drawers where hidden valuables were stored. A secret false floor on the drawer to t...

An antique Japanese Mikuni Isho Tansu (Kimono chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hirute style handles. 5 drawers allow for spacious clothes storage with a hinged security door hiding 2 small drawers where valuables were kept. Constructed using through mortise and tenon joinery and hardened wood nails. Side ribs add strength, support and a visual design element to the piece.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

An antique Japanese small Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova), Hinoki (Cypress) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. Original bronze and hand forged iron hardware. 6 Drawers for spacious storage and 2 sliding doors behind which a large compartment where merchant books and records were stored. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails. It would make the perfect bedside nightstand or functional side table in any home decor.

Late Meiji/Taisho (1910-...

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia)wood. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles. Lock plates which symbolize the full moon and decorative corners to each of the drawer fronts. Side carrying handles. Hardened wooden nail construction. Consisting of 5 drawers for organizing and spacious storage.

Age: Meiji Era (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 23 1/4" Wide by 23 3/4" High by 12" Deep

A rare Arita export dish decorated in Kakiemon style with a pair of Hoo birds, (Fenghuang or Pheonixes) amongst rocks and flowers, Peonies and Chrysanthemums. The rim decorated with a Bird and vine pattern arabesque. Identical dishes exist painted in this pattern but enamelled in the classic Kakiemon palette. The “Bird bird and vine” pattern appears on “Kakiemon” export teapots of the same period. The curious blobs arranged in groups of three, represent Stars, Hoshi. The reverse is pl...

Late Edo Period (1603-1868) Iga Tetsuki Kashiki (手付 菓子器) dish with ash glazing.

It looks like the dish was produced with inborn kiln crack and generously repaired with kintsugi soon after that and it creates a truly unique appearance.
Kashiki is a dish for sweets used for Japanese tea ceremony.


Natural ash glazed Iga Pottery is traditionally produced in former Iga Province, the birthplace of ninja, in central Japan dating back to 7th century and it general...

From a large collection of Edo period Nabeshima and Hirado-ware, this intricately crafted vase features two serpentine dragons intertwined across the face of the round porcelain vessel. In addition to the carved dragons, the body displays a painted third dragon, much fiercer than the two in relief. Overall in very good condition, there appear to be fine repairs made to the horns of one dragon.

Hirado wares—alternately known as Mikawachi wares in some contexts—are known throughou...

Antique Japanese small ko tansu (personal chest) made of kiri (paulownia) wood with lovely grain. On the left, a compartment is opened by a pair of sliding doors. To the right are two small drawers one over the other. Below this are two full-width drawers. Elegant and understated bronze hardware.

Age: Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 22" high x 23 1/2" wide x 13" deep

Antique Japanese small ko tansu (personal chest) made of kiri (paulownia) wood with unusual and beautiful persimmon wood edging on the front. Two medium drawers are placed side by side across the top. A compartment opened by two sliding panels is on the left with three small drawers in a vertical row on the right. The bottom drawer is full width. Hardware includes warabite shaped drawer pulls and round lock plates.

Age: Late Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 18 1/2" hig...

Antique Japanese small ko tansu (personal chest) made of kiri (paulownia) wood with lovely straight grain. The upper portion has a compartment opened by a pair of sliding doors on the left. To the right of this are two small drawers. The lower portion of the chest has two medium sized drawers and one full-width drawer on the bottom. Nice bronze hardware including simple warabite shaped drawer pulls.

Age: Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 19" high x 23 3/4" w...

Round ivory kôgô box with shibayama technique, inlaid with gold and pewter or silver lacquer. Lake decoration in two cartouches on the side and the top of the kôgô, surrounded by rinceaux.

It could be the representation of views of Ômi, around Lake Biwa (present Shiga prefecture). The temple on the rocky mountain is probably the Ishiyama-dera, built around 762 A.D. in Ôtsu. It is part of the Kansai Kannon pilgrimage circuit. It is said that Murasaki Shikibu started to write Th...