Oni mask in dark brown patina lacquered wood with finely sculpted details. The expression of the mask, although funny, is imbued with a slight fear, creating a balance between the comical and the disturbing. The painted glass eyes add a magnetic depth. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 7 cm. State of conservation: Very good

A beautiful set of three hanging scroll painting depicted bird and flower in Autumn and Spring, and one of the seven lucky gods "Fukurokujyu", who bestows good fortune, wealth, and longevity. Signed and sealed. The signature reads tosa no kami(official court rank) Tosa no kami (a governor of Tosa Province)) fujiwara mitsusada.

Fujiwara Mitsusada (1738-1806) also known as Tosa Mitsusada was born as the second son of Tosa Mitsuyoshi. In 1754 he was retained as a court painter...

Exceptional wabi sabi paulownia wood ikebana tea ceremony flower vase with copper inset and bronze hand made chains. Ca. 1930. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote. 14" long x 4 1/2" wide x 3 1/2 " deep. Hangs from 3 chains. Ask for shipping quote.

Tall and slender vase of heishi-shape made of fine, light brown stoneware, covered in a multi color purple flambé glaze. Over this in mostly white enamel a scene is painted of a large, partially deconstructed/built up skeleton, tied to sticks, and a host of small skeletons dancing and running around it between small clouds of gold dots.

The shoulder of the vase decorated in blue, white and greenish enamels and gold with leaf-like shapes, meandering lines and dots.

Unsigned...

19th century or earlier Japanese sword set of fuchi (bordering piece between the sword guard and the handle) and kashira (metal pommel at the end of the hilt of a sword) with bronze body and multimetal decoration of pine groves and a crane in flight on the background of Mount Fuji with snow capped summit and wispy clouds. Excellent sharp quality work, gold and silver inlays, in great condition. Kashira length 1.37 inches, fuchi length 1.5 inches.

19th century or earlier Japanese sword set of fuchi (bordering piece between the sword guard and the handle) and kashira (metal pommel at the end of the hilt of a sword) with design of geese in flight over fishing boats with woven roofs and oars moored among reeds in the marshes. Excellent set in Japanese taste with wonderfully captured mood of autumnal melancholy. Very well made, some wear to gilding. Kashira length 1.41 inches, fuchi length 1.48 inches.

19th century or earlier Japanese sword set of fuchi (bordering piece between the sword guard and the handle) and kashira (metal pommel at the end of the hilt of a sword) with design of flowering prunus branches issuing from an old tree stump. Silver inlays and gilding (wear), finely textured ground called nanako, which means “fish-eggs” as it resembles fine rows of caviar. Kashira length 1.32 inches, fuchi length 1.5 inches.

19th century or earlier Japanese sword kashira (metal pommel at the end of the hilt of a sword) with gilded decoration of samurai crests of paulownia leaves. Well made, finely textured ground called nanako, which means “fish-eggs” as it resembles fine rows of caviar, wear as can be seen on photos. Length 1.32 inches.

19th century Japanese Satsuma belt buckle decorated with blooming chrysanthemums by a picnic cloth. Wonderful quality painting, generous use of gold enamel, in excellent condition. Metal backs are stamped with hallmarks in a form of torii (a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine). Size assembled 2.92 x 2 inches.

19th century netsuke of Benkei as yamabushi (a wandering priest) emerging out of a huge horagai (a war trumpet made out of a shell) and blowing into a smaller one, and holding a shakujo (Buddhist priest rattle) in his hand. The tokin (scull cap) on his head is the sign of the yamabushi, and horagai - (a trumpet shell - Charonia Tritonis) were often fitted with a mouthpiece on the thin end, and used as war trumpets...

19th century netsuke of 2 biwa (loquat) fruits on a stem. Elegant design in Japanese taste, superb quality realistic carving down to the last detail - see the rendition of bark on branches and perfectly etched terminals of the fruits. Beautiful wear and patina, himotoshi formed by natural openings in the carving. Signed MASATSUGU in oval reserve on the stem - the artist is listed on p. 740 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 1.21 inches.

19th century good size boxwood netsuke of a bamboo shoot with a hollow section in the lower half with anabori (cavern carving) of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove assembled around a Go board. There are 7 faces inside, impossible to photograph, but can be seen with a flashlight. Beautiful carving, superb patina, extremely pleasant feel of age. Signed YOSHIKIYO SAKU (made by Yoshikiyo) on the bottom - the artist is listed on p...

Early 19th century netsuke of a foreigner with a fierce face sitting next to a large hollowed ball with circular openings in it. The subject may be a play on the concept of sūnyata - "emptiness", “vacuity" or “nothingness”, and the "tenne" ribbon around the body may suggest a Celestial figure. Excellent face, superb depiction of limbs and clothes, eyes are inlaid with black horn, beautiful wear and patina...

19th century boxwood netsuke of a standing blind masseur leaning on his staff and with both of his feet on one geta (clog sandal) while he is pulling out a large rock lodged in the base of his other geta. Rather unusual subject, the character easily recognizable by a habitual bump on his head and oversized blind eye inlaid with horn. Perfectly captured mood of the scene, great detailing of his face and clothing, rich warm patina with beautiful staining, in excellent condition...

19th century netsuke of a terrified oni protecting himself with a huge old straw hat from being pelleted by beans during a setsubun ceremony. Setsubun is performed during the New Year by throwing beans around the house to exorcise the oni. Excellent carving of its muscular limbs, wonderful distressed face, great depiction of woven hat texture and beans striking it, beautiful warm patina. Signed KOMIN in oval reserve on the back - the artist is listed on p...

Antique Japanese extra large bronze vase. Dramatic baluster form with foliate rim, fluted neck and chimera handles. Archaic motifs around the neck and shoulders. The body of the vase is decorated with highly raised scenes of birds including songbirds and a peacock. The flared foot of the vase has a dragon and crashing waves.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 32 3/4" high x 13" wide

Antique Japanese bronze Buddhist temple lantern. The finial is a flaming jewel and the corners of the roof are hung with bells. A dragon is coiled around the lower portion of the lantern stand. Many areas are decorated with colorful cloisonné clouds, flowers and cranes. Electrified.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 25 1/2" high x 13" wide

Antique Japanese bronze vase with Chinese archaic motifs. The shape is a traditional ancient Chinese form with flared rim and incised scrolling archaic designs. Fudog handles. Dark patina with areas of deep red. On a carved wooden stand.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 13 1/8" high x 9 1/2" wide