Choson period, 1800s

The top is decorated with a mountainous landscape with trees and stylized birds in flight. The sides have three calligraphic flourishes. A low footring encircles the glazed base. Sand and kiln grit covers the entire footring with small areas of sand adhering to the base. The pouring spout has been restored and there is a small, shallow chip on the top near the edge above the mountain.

Diameter: 3 ¼ in.; Height: 1 3/8 in.

Acquired in Japan in 1975.

A Fine and Large Bronze Mirror: Korea, Koryo dynasty, 13th -14thcentury This is a rare and large round bronze mirror, cast in the center with a pierced knob encircled by flower petals, well molded with a pair of sinuous dragons, each pursuing a flaming pearl through clouds around the central floret. It is in perfect condition with green and dark brown patina. It measures: 8 7/8 “d.

Old Japanese doll resembling the Kuge (aristocrat) from the Heian period (794-1185), 16 inches tall. This doll was probably one of the zuishin (imperial guard) dolls for the Hina Festival (Girl’s Day in Japan). His long face mostly resembles the Kyoho-bina which is the imperial pair dolls from the mid Edo period (1603-1868). Considering the quality, size and time (late Edo), this doll must have been made for someone special...

Late Choson period, ca. 1900

Deep circular box with shallow, slightly domed lid extensively inlaid with silver overall. The box is decorated with “double happiness characters on two sides with the portion in-between filled with stylized butterflies and foliage with a continuous floral band encircling the lower portion. The top of the lid is inlaid with auspicious symbols surrounded by bands of butterflies and foliage. The side of the lid has a fretwork design...

Ca. 1920

An overall design of plum blossoms and buds on a rich blue background. The base and mouth are rimmed in silver. There is no maker’s mark, but similar works with generally the same pattern were produced by the artist Hayashi Tanigoro in the Taisho period, 1912-1926. Very good condition, having only a very small dent in the edge of the silver rim.

Height: 8 ¼ in.

Ca. late 1800s

Scene of geese on a flowering stream bank. Though unsigned, the design is very well executed in mostly earth-toned enamels. There are some faint stress lines of discoloration in one area under the enamel, otherwise the condition is very good.

Height: 12 in.

Japanese Kesa, buddhist priests' robe, silk brocades, excellent condition. Circa early 1900 to 1940. Dimensions: 46" x 75"

Japanese Kesa, Buddhist priests' robe, "ro" summer silk. 44 1/2" x 77", the color changed evenly to a tannned tone. There are some stains in the front and back, and the handle and the folding lines in the back are soiled.

Japanese Kesa, Buddhist Priests' Robe, soft brocades with silk liner. The liner has some discoloration and is soiled. 46" x 77 1/2"

Ca. late 1800s.

Skillfully painted on the interior with a scene of a mountainous landscape with waterfalls and scholars’ residences, loosely in the manner of the late Ming/early Ching artist, Wang Jian.

The transparent glass is slightly grayish in tone and the vase’s interior has been evenly ground to create a frosted background to the painting. The artist was probably a professional snuff bottle painter.

Interior painting is completely intact...

Two waterfowl in a marsh, issued ca. 1910

Signed Koson with seal, published by Daikokuya ca. 1910, fine impression, color and condition

Overall size: 14 3/8 x 7 1/8 in.

Bird in willow tree, issued ca. 1910

Signed Koson with seal, published by Daikokuya ca. 1910, fine impression, color and condition

Kakuban: 9 3/8 x 10 in.

Ink and mineral pigments on silk

Interior of a fan maker’s shop with craftsmen at work, ca. late 1800s

Unsigned, very good color, good condition, small repair to backing on upper right margin, retaining a portion of its original silver mounting paper probably from being mounted as a framed panel.

Overall size: 13 x 17 ½ in.; image size: 10 ¾ x 16 ½ in.

Portrait of Kabuki actor, Nakamura Utaemon, issued ca. 1830

Signed Gototei Kunisada on lower left, partial loss of signature, Kiwame seal and publisher’s seal (Heikichi) on lower right, moderate impression and good color

Oban tate-e: 9 5/8 x 14 in.

Noh drama performer, dated ca. 1900

Underdrawing for a woodblock print or a study for a painting

Ink on mulberry paper portraying an actor wearing a mask, painting details are noted in Kanji and Katakana characters, description of painting is written in Kanji characters on reverse and showing through on front, backed with old mulberry paper, centerfold, good condition

Shita-e: 10 ½ x 15 in.

Scene of a takara bune treasure ship with corresponding New Year’s related poem, no. 29 from a series illustrating various treasure ship designs, issued ca. 1900

Good impression and color, light mica dust in paper, minor wear, some paper thinning, light soiling on verso

Overall size: 7 x 9 ¾ in.

Various designs for textiles, issued ca. 1900

Good impression and color, very minor soiling, center fold

Album leaf: 9 x 13 ¾ in.

Design of a kite with a takara bune (treasureship) design with a poem, probably designed as a New Year’s greeting, issued ca. early 1900s

Printer’s information on lower left (no. 41), good condition

Shikishiban: 9 ¼ x 9 ¼ in.