19th century wooden netsuke of a theatrical mask of O-Beshimi skillfully carved in characteristic ittobori (one cut) style typical for the Hida school. Pupils are inlaid in brass, golden paing highlights, excellent rendition of facial expression, wonderful mellow patina. Signed RYOSEI (alternative reading is Ryusho) on the back. Height 2 inches.

19th century netsuke carved out of kurumi (natural walnut shell) with a reserve on the front showing a face of a tengu hatching from an egg. Tengu are mythological: creatures half men, half birds, they are usually depicted as goblins and are considered to be first-class fighters. Nice carving, black and red highlights. Fantastic deep warm brown patina, signed NIKO by himotoshi - this rare artist who seems to have specialized in using walnuts is listed in NETSUKE by Neil Davey (p...

18th century netsuke of a sennin (Chinese sage) wearing a monk’s robe and a leaf cape and skirt, looking to his left and supporting a double gourd on his shoulders. Netsuke represents Chokwaro sennin who could summon the magic horse out of his gourd to be transported wherever he wanted...

18th century netsuke of a reclining monkey, its front paws and upper body resting on a large chestnut. Very strong early piece, great thoughtful face, excellent incised and etched hair, wonderful detailing of its fingers and toes. Netsuke of characteristic 18th century triangular section, warm yellow patina (darker on the bottom where netsuke was touching the silk of kimono), large and deep himotoshi in accordance with the habit of the time. Length 1 15/16 inches.

19th century netsuke of a bamboo shoot containing a hollow section with anabori (cavern carving) of the Seven Sages of the bamboo grove looking at an open scroll. (see the detail on the first photo), The inside is almost impossible to photograph, but all the sages are there, need a flashlight even to see them. Very clever joke on the usual depiction of the sages being placed among bamboo stalks, not inside them...

Early 19th century boxwood netsuke of a man with a horn on his head, bent under the weight of a richly dressed woman on his back. The subject of the netsuke is Ikkaku Sennin (single horn Sage) carrying princess Sendarama on his back - according to Japanese legend, he grew angry with the Rain Dragons and sealed them away in a cave, causing a drought. Beautiful Indian princess was sent to tempt him and when he could not hold on to his chastity vow, he lost his magical powers, and the rain returned...

19th century wooden netsuke of a slightly inebriated dancer with a fan in his hand. Wood is lacquered in Negoro style - red (or golden brown) lacquer over black, so as it wears the black starts showing. Beautifully carved drunken facial expression, really nice feel of age to the piece, very pleasantly worn. Height 2 inches.

18th century netsuke of a dog with its front paws on a large ball, all on a flat base. Strong early piece, wonderful face, beautiful wear and patina, a lot of compressed dust in crevices, of characteristic 18th century triangular section, old age lines. Height 1 7/16 inches.

Asa (hemp) noren (shop curtain) with "Mitsui" which is a logo of a noted general trading company and was a successful kimono textile dealer in Edo period. Both warp and weft are hand-plied and all hand-sewn. In good condition and has some wear on the selvedge from heavy use and washing. Late 19th early 20th century. W:144cm, L:132cm

A fine bronze brush pot decorated with the Rakan Handaka Sonja holding the begging bowl in gilt takazogan, in a combination of high relief and incised landscape with banana leaves and flowers. Gilt top rim. Incised signature on the Kyoto Kumagai zo (made by Kumagai). H. 9,5 x D 6,5 cm. Meiji period (1868-1912) . Very good condition.

18th century netsuke of a reclining sarumawashi - traveling monkey showman - obliviously smiling in his sleep while his pet steals from a basket behind the back of its trainer. Unusually substantial and heavy, excellent carving capturing facial expressions of both characters. Classic design, differently sized deep himotoshi in accordance with the habit of the time, netsuke of triangular section characteristic for the period, old age lines...

19th century boxwood netsuke of a baby boy crawling on his hands and knees, wearing a bib tied on his back. Excellent rendition of body and limbs showing baby fat, great face, hair knots are inlaid with dark horn. Very beautiful warm brown staining, pleasant patina, overall in excellent condition. Length 1 13/16 inches.

Early 19th century wooden netsuke of seated Hotei with karako (Chinese boy) standing next to him. Hotei is one of the 7 Gods of Good Luck and incarnation of Maitreya - the Buddha of the future, and is liked by children. Great smiling face, excellent depiction of the flow of their robes, nice patina, large and deep himotoshi in accordance with the habit of the time...

19th century wooden netsuke depicting standing Hotei (one of the 7 Gods of Good Luck, also considered to be the incarnation of Maitreya - the Buddha of the future) with a peach in one hand, and the other hand resting on his voluminous belly. Nice quality carving - see his face with a slight smile and beautiful flow of his long robe. Wonderful wear and patina, very pleasant feel of age. Signed SHIGEKAZU on the back - the artist is listed on p...

19th century 2-toned ichii (yew wood) netsuke of Hotei (one of the 7 Gods of Good Fortune, who is considered to be an incarnation of Maitreya - the Buddha of the future) carrying his bag on the back suspended by a stick across his shoulder. Very good quality carving - see facial expression with a wide smile and wonderful flow of his robe...

Antique Japanese Art Deco bronze and silver figure of a parrot sitting on a holly branch. Elegant simplified lines and form with swooping tail and copper color eyes. In two sections. Signed by the artist, Tanshо̄ Inoue. He was famous for his Art Deco bronze work during the Taisho Period and a member of Tokyo Chukinkai (Tokyo Cast Bronze Craftman's Association)...

18th century netsuke of a wild boar sleeping on a bed of leaves. Classic early piece, excellent carving of the body bulk resting on a heap of elongated leaves with a maple leaf in front of it, old age lines. Very pleasant wear to the surface from more than 200 years of handling, beautiful yellow patina (especially on the bottom from wear against the silk of kimono), of characteristic 18th century triangular section...

Late 18th to early 19th century netsuke of a boy seated on a huge bag and holding a double gourd in his hands. Strong early carving with very good detailing - see the flying sleeve, different textile patterns on an old patched bag and euphoric expression on the boy’s face. Old age lines, beautiful wear and patina turning deep yellow. Signed YOSHINAGA in oval reserve on the bottom - for information on this brilliant artist see p...

18th century netsuke of a cat resting on a large abalone shell. It is uncommon to see cats in netsuke. Finely carved, great expression on its face, beautiful flow to the bumps on abalone, superb wear to the surface, warm yellow patina (darker on the bottom where netsuke was touching the silk of kimono). Differently sized himotoshi typical for 18th century netsuke, with larger one being able to accommodate a knot. Old age lines, overall in great condition. Excellent early piece. Length 1 7/8 inch...

19th century boxwood netsuke of a puppy reclining inside a winnowing basket. Wonderful depiction of its chunky body and mouth open in delight, eyes are double inlaid with light and dark horn, fur is incised and etched with ink, beautiful patina. Signed NOBUMASA on the bottom - for information on the artist see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 835. Length 1 3/8 inches.

19th century netsuke of Edo omiyage (gifts from Tokyo) including a straw bundle with clam shells, a pouch inscribed Kaminari Okoshi and containing sweetened puffed rice cookies from Asakusa, a necklace of so-called donguri (acorn) sweets, a toy whistle, a small shallow box, the back of the netsuke with a round box inscribed Omori Karashizuke Yamamoto (mustard marinated pickles from Yamamoto of Omori). Extremely well carved with minute details - see the delicate texture of a thin bamboo branch wi...

19th century netsuke in kagamibuta (mirror lid) form. The top is solid silver with medium relief coiled dragon with fiercely open mouth and flames issuing from its body. Superb quality metalwork - see its face, claws and crisply incised differentiated scales, touches of differently colored enamels. Warm patina, beautiful bowl with stable old age line, swinging metal loop at the back for the cord. Very powerful piece. Diameter 1 13/16 inches.

An antique Japanese Kanban signboard of a Sake (rice wine) brewery maker. Hand carved out of a hardwood and finished in a gold gilt with black lacquer in the back. 2 stylized opposing birds and an arrow hitting a bullseye target decorate this sign that was made to depict a celebratory sake cask.

Age: Meiji Era (1900-1910)

Dimensions: 24" Wide by 25" High by 4 1/4" Deep

An antique Japanese Kotansu chest for personal storage use made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia). All bronze hardware with 6 drawers and a pair of sliding doors hiding a storage area with a split level shelf. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery with hardened wooden nails. Perfect as a side chest or desktop organizer.

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

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

Rich patina Late Taisho Period C.1920 bronze garden lantern. In the Yukimi snow lantern style. Each panel has an auspicious Japanese symbol: pine, plum, bamaboo and grasses. Great condition. 25" tall by 16" diameter. Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.

1900's Japanese Mixed Metal Damascene Compact Box By Arthur & Bond Yokohama

It is 2.7 inches (6.8 cm) long by 3.7 inches (9.5 cm) wide. It is 259 gram.

It has tarnished metal, minor rubbing of gold, missing a pen 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 amount you originally ...

19th century boxwood netsuke of seated Gama sennin (Chinese sage) with his usual companion - three-legged magic frog - climbing onto his head. Beautiful carving with wonderful expressive face and beautiful flow of the robe with nice cloud patterns, differently sized himotoshi, very well carved leaf cape and skirt. Wonderful wear, excellent patina. Height 1 5/8 inches.

Late 18th to early 19th century bronze suigaraake (ashtray) netsuke in a modified hexagonal drum shape, its outside cast with a sinuous water dragon chasing a Precious Gem. Very well designed piece, good detailing, functional netsuke shape. Nice old piece with very pleasant patina on metal. Maximum width 1 5/8 inches.

An antique Japanese Ikebana bamboo basket designed as a baluster shaped vase. Large bamboo slats interwoven with other delineated free form smaller slats. The mouth opening has some decorative bamboo rope matching the all rope footed base. Three slats at the base forms a star shape while the body is strong with a wide sweeping design.

Age: Meiji Era (1890-1910)

Dimensions: 14" Wide by 14" Deep by 18 1/2" High

Width: 12.4 cm (4.9 in)
Height: 4.9 cm (1.9 in)

Quality Japanese Satsuma bowl featuring Samurai having a discussion in a rural setting; floral decoration to the exterior; finely gilded throughout; marked Senzan; excellent condition

Rare and exceptional tanto of the Koto period with a polishing perfectly revealing the metallurgical qualities of the blade accompanied by a completely extraordinary lacquer and inlays sheath. The blade is in hira zukuri with a forge (hada) itame, a quenching in suguha. The tip (boshi) is chu maru. On the nakago in ubu keitai there are 2 mekugi ana. Length of the nagasa blade 28.8 cm. The scabbard (koshirae) in dark brown lacquer and ro-iro black lacquer for the decoration of gourds and folia...

Well defined bronze elephant koro incense burner, C.1920. 18cm tall by 15cm wide. Very good condition.

Small bronze sculpture of a seated rhinoceros.

Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Height : 4.3 in (11 cm) - Width : 2.7 in (7 cm)

Ivory netsuke representing a bag.

Netsuke constitute the major part of Japanese ivory of great quality. Since the Japanese costume (kimono) had no pockets, the objects were passed under the belt and the netsuke, held by a cord, was used to hold them.

At the end of the Edo period, Japan started to adopt western ideas. Japan entered a phase of commodification. The movement of people and goods was facilitated by improved land and sea transportation. Education spread among...

Banko polychrome enamelled terracotta teapot, representing on each side masks from the Japanese folklore. Handle in wickerwork.

On the spout, Hyottoko, a comical and childlike character. He is recognizable by the shape of his elongated mouth with two red dots (he blows fire with a bamboo pipe), his white scarf with blue dots around his face and his eyes of different sizes. During local festivals like in Miyazaki, he appears in traditional dengaku dances and plays the role of a clown...

Born the second son of Ryônyû, the 10th Raku Kichizaemon Tannyû took over the family kiln in 1811 at the age of 16 and served until his retirement and subsequent handing on of the title of Kichizaemon to his son-in-law Keinyû some 34 years later. Retaining many of the unique stylistic innovations of his father including his clay trimming technique, Tannyû went on to establish several new family kilns and to produce wares for both 10th and 11th Tokugawa Lords. The piece seen here is a classi...

A small porcelain teapot with molded chrysanthemum blossom decoration and arch-shaped handle. Thick greyish clay with craquelé. Condition: few tiny rim frits near the spout end, no repairs. Dimension: 12.4 cm high x 12.8 cm long.

KIHARA CHAWAN

Japanese semi-porcelain bowl with such calm iron-glazed picture as the transitional ware between Karatsu and Shoki-Imari ware, Kiwara kiln in Nagasaki area, Edo period (1603-1868), approx. D 12 x H 6.9cm (4.72 x 2.71in). Some restorations and a crack but no leak.


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Two erotic shunga drawings in black ink and mineral colors on thin paper.
On the right hand painting a double-sided dildo, to pleasure two women at the same time. The left half is made of tortoise shell (yellow with black patches), the right half is probably indicating buffalo horn.
The left-hand painting shows how to use the dildo properly.

Unsigned.

Japan, 19th century.

Each drawing 9.75 x 9.75 inches. Both drawing fully mounted onto a thicker sheet of paper.

...

A Japanese pure silver vase depicting bamboo trunks with leaves, pine branches and plum tree in bloom with Japanese nightingale perched on a branch with open beak and posture in the act of singing. Engraved signature on the side, and high title junjin mark under the base. Meiji period late 19th century Sizes: 24 x 13 x 13 cm. Condition report: Very good condition

Uma-gake (horse cover) made of hand-spun cotton and has hand-drawn tsutsugaki design whose motifs are hyotan (gourd), tassel and kanji letters. Letters can be either the place or horse's name. This colorful one was used for a festival or a ceremony. It has red cotton lining. In excellent condition. 19th century. 31.5cm x 2m36cm The last image is one hint how uma-gake was used from the woodblock print, ukiyo-e by Katsushika Hokusai (1760～1849).

Han-juban (short under kimono) made of hand-spun cotton and katazome (stencil-resist-dye) and shibori (tie-dye) pattern which are vegetable indigo dye. Shibori is made in Yokote in Akita prefecture. Late 19th to early 20th century. 56cm x 59cm

Daruma, the patriarch of Japanese Zen standing upright wrapped in long flowing monastic robes. Tokyo School technique. Meiji period 19th century Sizes: 31 x 12 x 11 cm. Condition report: Good condition – wooden opening under the base

A Japanese silvered bronze jewelry box with engraved chrysanthemums supported by two oni. Meiji period late 19th century Sizes: 7 x 13 x 6 cm. Condition report: Good condition

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware and wiped Urushi lacquer finish. A top full width drawer with two sets of sliding doors. The upper set has a spacious area where the merchant stored his business books and records. The lower set has two small drawers behind the doors and another area for more storage. Perfect for a side chest or a large nightstand.

Age: Edo Period (1800-18...

Antique Japanese large wood carving of a fish jumping up a waterfall. Symbolizing strength, perseverance and aspiration, the large koi moves against the raging water which crashes below in a torrent of waves. Above the falls, a calm mist swirls. On either side of the water, tufts of grass grow out of the rocks. Carved of a single enormous piece of keyaki (zelkova Japanese elm) wood and with traces of blue and green pigment. Finely carved with extraordinary movement and depth.

A...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print kakemono (vertical diptych) by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) depicting a full figure Heian beauty, Lady Shizuka-gozen, dressed in shirabyoshi (court dancer) costume appearing under a rolled screen, preparing to dance before Yoritomo. Published by Izumiya Ichibei circa 1840. Signed Kochoro Kuniyoshi ga. The publisher's seal is at the bottom of the image. The assembled size is about 28” x 9 3/4" (top sheet: 13 7/8" x 9 3/4"; bottom sheet: x 14 1/4" x 9 3/4....

Height: 3.8 cm (1.7 in)
Length: 3.2 cm (1.3 in)
Depth: 2.5 cm (1 in)

Quality wooden netsuke of peasant sharpening his adz on a grindstone; finely carved throughout with a wonderful patina; signed Tomokazu

An antique Japanese small Choba Tansu chest made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Original bronze hardware. Sliding doors where merchant stored business records and books 4 drawers below where valuables money and writing supplies were kept. Straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nail construction. Merchant store name written at the base that ha worn over time.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 22 3/4" Wide by 22 1/2" High by 12" Deep

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (Merchant Chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute style handles and the decorative front drawer corners. Double side by side drawers above with sliding doors and three drawers below made this a functional chest for a merchant to store his business books and records as well as store valuables. Double through mortise and tenon joinery construction with supporting side and rare back h...

A Japanese large wood and lacquer head of Fudō-Myō-ō. Fudō Myō-ō is the central deity in all Myō-ō groupings, and in artwork is positioned in the center. Fudō converts anger into salvation; has furious, glaring face, as Fudō seeks to frighten people into accepting the teachings of Dainichi Buddha; Fudō’s aureole is typically the flames of fire, which according to Buddhist lore, represent the purification of the mind by the burning away of all material desires. Myō-ō is the J...

19th century lacquer ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in medium relief with various auspicious objects - a drum, a magic collar and a sword in fur scabbard. Material for the piece is created by layering differently colored lacquer, so the sides of incisions show those differently colored layers. Wonderful work, beautiful design, metal liner to the central hole. Height 3/4 inches.

19th century bronze ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in ball shape with relief decoration of several peony flowers. Wonderful work, traces of gilding, nice feel of age, pleasant patina. Height 9/16 inches.

Antique Japanese oribe ware chawan (tea cup). Buff color stoneware with reddish brown translucent glaze. Two areas of thick white crackle glaze with black brushwork motifs give this cup it's traditional oribe appearance. Satisfying weight and shape. Lovely drips and depth. With tomobako.

Age: Taisho Period (early 20th century)

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

An antique Japanese chest called Tohoku Kasane Tansu made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute style handles. Good luck symbols on the handle backplates showing the Sho Chiku Bai motif (longevity, tenacity and beauty). Four large drawers for spacious kimono storage and a hinged door behind which are two small drawers where valuables were hidden away.

Age: Early Meiji period (1870-1880)

Dimensions: 38 1/4" Wide by 40 1/8" High...

An antique Japanese display chest known as a Cha Tansu made entirely of Kirinoki. Used in Japan as an all purpose cabinet used to store tea serving accessories for guests as well as serving as a display chest where seasonal or special occasion accents can be shown for all to enjoy. Original bronze hardware. Two large sliding doors hide a large spacious storage area and 5 drawers are used for organizing and additional space. Beautiful curved top corners with dovetail joinery work. Constructe...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print kakemono (vertical diptych) of a full figure samurai walking in an elegant kimono by Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865) published by Sanoya Kihei between 1844-1845. Signed Kochoro Kunisada at the lower right corner with the publisher's seal and Tanaka censor seal beside it. The assembled size is about 28 1/2” x 9 9/16" (top sheet: 14 1/8" x 9 1/2"; bottom sheet: x 14 9/16" x 9 9/16." Very good clean overall condition. The panels are not attached, the print is ...

Okimono in bronze of a frog.
Seal of the founder or of his factory on its belly, not identified.

The frog (kaeru) is associated with luck and wealth. Kaeru means both "frog" and "coming home" in Japanese. This extension of meaning is due to the ability of the frog to return each year to the pond of its birth. A gong in the shape of a frog can thus sometimes be used as a door hammer or to protect a house.

Japan - Meiji Era (1868-1912)
Height: 0.9 in. ...

Okimono in bronze of a frog.
Seal of the founder or of his factory on its belly, not identified.

The frog (kaeru) is associated with luck and wealth. Kaeru means both "frog" and "coming home" in Japanese. This extension of meaning is due to the ability of the frog to return each year to the pond of its birth. A gong in the shape of a frog can thus sometimes be used as a door hammer or to protect a house.

Japan - Meiji Era (1868-1912)
Height: 1.4 in. ...

Hitotsusage tabacco pouch with a netsuke. Unlike the tabako-ire, there is no kiseru case.

Netsuke of kagamibuta type, made of two parts: a silver plate with peonies decoration and an ivory bowl.
Leather snuffbox (pouch) with menuki (metallic decoration) of a silver dragon. On the pouch, painted decoration of a Hôô phoenix surrounded by flowers. The phoenix and the dragon represent the imperial couple.

Japan - Edo period (1603-1863), 19th century
Net...