An antique Fubako, letter box, of a rarely seen design with a black ground having a flowing gold sprinkled pattern featuring wheel and wind/water designs in relief. There is also a lovely sprinkled design to the interior. The exterior bottom, which is covered when the box is closed, has the wheel designs and is very bright showing very little if any wear. Still retaining its original silk tasseled roping, this box is in superb condition...

Japanese bamboo brush pot on three feet carved in sunken relief with the head of Zen patriarch Daruma, also known as Bodhidharma, holding a fly-whisk. Fly-whisks were carried by Buddhist priests to wave away flies which, according to Buddhist tenets, they could not kill. The fly-whisk is also a symbol of leadership. Early 20th century. 6 1/2" high x 4 7/8” diameter. Very good overall condition with typical wear from use. There are some small separations in the bamboo...

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles and Sakata lock plates. 5 drawers provide generous storage and organization. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 22 1/2" Wide by 23" High by 11 3/8" Deep

An antique Japanese Katana Sword box made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware. Front hinged door secures a long drawer that held a Katana for safe keeping. Of particular interest is the door stop on the lock plate featuring a stylized Fundo weight. This would suggest that the previous owner was in the profession responsible for coin exchange, weights and measures...

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the stylized Gumbai handles and full moon lock plates. 6 drawers of varying sizes allow for generous storage. Sliding doors open to a split level compartment where merchant business books and records were kept. Hinged security door to the lower right hides two additional small drawers where store valuables were kept...

Netsuké in wood by Kokeï A rabbit with its small forming netsuké carved in cherry wood by Kokei. There is no the two hole, the himotoshi is naturally formed by a leg. Unlike most netsuké bearing Kokei's signature which are fakes or plagiarisms, this one is from the artist, indeed the quality is excellent. Everything is good, the volumes, the precision of the carving, the expression of the animals and the feeling of life. The signature is under a back tab. Japan early 19th century...

Very unusual Late Meiji Period C.1900 cypress wood 'Kannon' bodhisattva. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.

Inrō with four boxes in black and gold lacquer, representing characters and a pavilion in a snowy landscape.

Small boxes formed of compartments that fit one on top of the other, inrō (印 籠) are traditional Japanese clothing items. Since the kimono had no pockets, everyday objects were carried in small boxes (sagemono) hung on the belt (obi)...

Inrô in gilded lacquer according to the takamaki-e, hiramaki-e and kirigane techniques, with five squares of a mountain lake landscape.

On the first side, there is a samurai on horseback, who is drinking from the stream. A servant accompanies him, his sword in hand. Next to the pine tree are the things they would have left behind...

This is a Japanese antique rare Cherry-colored plant dyeing hemp roll fabric of meiji era.It's a very beautiful and charming color. There are no stains. There are 3 small holes, but overall they are in very good condition.Size::length:10m 17cm / Width:34cm

It is japanese antique indigo dye ramie choma Stripes kimono of the original of the meiji era. It is in very good condition with no stains or damage. The fabric is durable and can be worn. Size:Length:140cm (55.1inch) / Cuff to cuff, across the back: 128cm ( 50.3inch)

A rare antique Japanese merchant chest (Choba Tansu). All original hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute style handles and the full moon lock plates. Entire exterior of the tansu is Keyaki (Zelkova) with drawer backs made of Kiri (Paulownia) woods. 16 total drawers for merchant storage of valuables. Each side has two sets of handles, one for long distance carrying and one for room placement...

An antique Japanese Sakata Funa Tansu (ship captain's safe) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Kiri (Paulownia) woods. Large security door lifts out to reveal two large drawers where ship valuables were stored and kept safe from pirates and thieves. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Mokko style handles and the Pine and Bamboo incised lock plate.

Antique small Hirado ware figure of a rabbit. Made of porcelain and glazed white with great detail especially to fur...

Antique small Hirado ware figure of a boar. Made of porcelain and glazed white with great detail and charming expression. Hirado ware was first developed in the village of Mikawachi located in the area of Kyushu which was, along with neighboring islands, controlled by the Hirado daimyo. Initially Hirado ware was made exclusively for the daimyo's use. Later, Hirado ware found it's way west through Japan's trade with the Dutch East Indian Company.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)
...

Antique small Hirado ware figure of a tiger. Made of porcelain and glazed white with great detail especially in the fur. Hirado ware was first developed in the village of Mikawachi located in the area of Kyushu which was, along with neighboring islands, controlled by the Hirado daimyo. Initially Hirado ware was made exclusively for the daimyo's use. Later, Hirado ware found it's way west through Japan's trade with the Dutch East Indian Company.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Inro – An old and very fine model of japanese gold urushi lacquer with a gold background names « poudre de thé » as a Fundame lacquer technique. Representing a very elegant decor of deers playing, with a technique of Harigaki silver and brown lacquer. Japan Edo (1603-1868) 17th century.

A large and very attractive vase by Taizan, delicately painted in coloured enamels and gilding with two continuous fields of decoration, the neck with irises above a cloud band of floral trellis pattern, a swathe of scrolling foliage between formal borders. The base signed Dai Nihon Taizan sei and impressed Taizan.

Approximately 30.7 cm high. This vase appears to have had a charmed life, the enamels, and especially the gilding, are in an exceptional condition.

Please stud...

This little chap is looking remarkably relaxed considering he has lost the tips of his fingers on one hand. And the tip of an ear also. Still, he is quite a rarity and makes a fine desk companion.

Approximately 6.5 cm high.7.5 cm maximum width.

Please study the photographs.

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Customers resident in China must make arrangements to pay by International Bank Transfer in GBP, fees paid.

Pleas...

A set of five Japanese porcelain bowls of tapering square form, the corners with shallow concave chamfers, decorated with alternating panels of flowers and Ho-0 birds.

Each base has a ‘Fuki Choshun’ four-character mark in underglaze blue.

Two similar bowls are illustrated in the Catalogue of the Shibata Collection, #2673 and #2674. Dated to 1690~1730.

Approximately 9.5 cm square at the mouth and 6.8 cm high. One with a little very light age related non-stained crazing on...

A Japanese porcelain koi dragon resting on the enameled base to simulate bronze with an open mouth and a sphere on the tongue. Entirely in glazed white porcelain with gold decorations on the fins, tail and long whiskers. Legend has it that a Koi carp leaping from the depths of the river attracted the attention of local demons, who stepped up the waterfall out of mischief. After a hundred years of jumping, a Koi finally reached the top of the waterfall. The gods recognized the Koi for its p...

The dish is shaped in the form of a folded paper letter. Unusually it is decorated with a stenciled design of what appears to be a formal pattern of lightning behind an arrangement of stylised flowers. The back is simply decorated with pine needles.

Two dishes of very similar shape are illustrated in the Catalogue of the Shibata Collection, items 2604 and 2635, dated to 1690 ~ 1730.

Approximately 14cm wide. In fine condition. This dish has a fine scratch in the porcelain, benea...

Rectangular Japanese lidded box with superbly crafted gold nashiji maki-e lacquer having wonderful raised gold birds. The designs on the top continue onto all 4 sides and the attention to details are really amazing. Dates Late Edo to Early Meiji. Condition is excellent as this came from a private collection. Measures: 3" long, 2.5" wide, 2" high

An antique Japanese 3 section Isho Tansu made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Upper section has two sliding doors behind which is a 1/2 split level shelf with 3 side by side drawers below. Center and bottom sections each have 2 large drawers for abundant clothes storage. All original bronze and iron hardware with an acquired original patina.

Age: Late Meiji/Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 35 3/4" Wide by 55 3/4" High by 15 3/8" Deep

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware. Opposing hinged doors with the right side securing 2 drawers and the left side hiding 2 removable trays and a drawer. The balance of the chest has 9 drawers of varying sizes to storage and organization. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

The Kotansu was an all purpose chest used to keep important documents, valuables, writing ...

Antique Japanese pair of koro (censers) made of bronze. The round, facetted body of each koro stands on 3 small legs in the shape of leaves. The lids are similar to fans with the openings between the ribs made in an open fashion to allow for the escape of incense smoke. Each with a deep black patination.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 5" high x 4" wide each

1920's Japanese Silver Imperial Presentation Bonbonniere Box Signed "GIOKU-YA KIN-ZO"

It is 0.96 inch (2.45 cm) tall by 2.48 inches (6.3 cm) wide. It is 112.7 gram.

It is tarnished and has surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

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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 amount you originally paid. A...

A mirror made of copper with wood stand which is one of "Sanshu-no-Jingi", the Three Imperial Regalia. In ancient time, all natural objects and phenomena were worshipped in Shinto, but three items such as mirror, jewel and sword are objects to be worshipped later. A mirror is often put in the shrine pavilion these days. This mirror is rather small, so it might have been put in a house shrine. In excellent condition with molded auspicious design with a crane, a turtle, pine trees and bamboos. Kan...

A rare example of a Japanese bamen, samurai horse mask. Hand carved of wood to resemble the face of a dragon, this bamen was worn to express the power and prestige of the horse's owner. Custom fabricated antiqued bronze finish, ready to be enjoyed.

Age: Mid to late Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 11 1/2" high (14" high on metal stand) x 6" wide x 7" deep

Japanese tall woven bamboo ikebana basket by the artist, Torii Hounsai. Elegant and unusual, this basket incorporates an orderly pattern at it's narrow base which becomes more wild toward the top, ending with a subtle asymmetry while maintaining it's sense of balance. Signed on the bottom 峯雲斎 Hо̄unsai. The artist's full name is Torii Hounsai (鳥居峯雲斎). Hounsai was active in Aichi Prefecture during the late Taisho/early Showa era 1920-1930. He owned a studio which he passed...

Antique Japanese small kodansu (jewelry box) made of silver and incised with fans decorated with waves, birds and flowers. Two hinged doors open to reveal 3 small drawers, lacquered black and lined with green velvet.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 4 3/4" high x 4" wide x 5 1/4" deep

Mid Meiji black lacquer gold maki-e borders document box. Features three raised gold designs with very fine details and Japanese characters. The has a gold sprinkled nashiji interior. In excellent condition, it measures: Length 10-1/8" x Width 3-3/4" x Height 2-1/8". Circa 1890. More photos available upon request.

Superb bronze scholar holding a caligrapgy brush and an undulating scroll with the character `Kotobuki` (congratulations) in faded silver. The folds of the robe and face and brush are of the highest bronze craftsmanship. Signed on the bottom "Shuro" one of the leading craftsman of the late Taisho Period C.1920. Roughlt 7" tll by 5" wide. Table included. Excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote.

A Very rare example of an antique Japanese Kuruma Tansu (wheeled chest) made of Keyaki burl (Zelkova), Kuri burl (Chestnut) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original iron hardware and translucent Urushi lacquer finish. Sliding doors hides a large storage space with a small drawer tucked away. Below are three side by side drawers for additional storage. Side slats provided strength and durability to the chest during moves while providing a Japanese visual design element. Constructed using th...

Antique Japanese Tansu Chest Nambu Kimono Chestnut Meiji An antique Japanese Kimono Tansu (chest of drawers) from the Nambu region made of Kuri (Chestnut) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand made iron fittings including the three dimensional style lock plates and top drawer handle backplates of which Nambu is known for having created. The handles are of the Warabite style and the lock plates feature floral designs. The security door at the bottom right features good ...

Edo Period (19c) Yusai Awazu Brown Glaze Chawan formerly in the collection of Nishimura Toshimichi.
The mark Awazu is stamped at the bottom.

Yusai Awazu (1770-1848) was a government official in Inaba Province, an old province of Japan in the area that is today the eastern part of Tottori Prefecture, in the late Edo period.

He was from the house that served as Toneri (servants for imperial house and aristocrats) for generations, and was a disciple of Suehiro Unge in Hig...