Late Edo Period (1850 - 1868) Japanese signed Noh theater Mask of Okame, the Goddess of Mirth, a very popular image in Japanese culture. A beautiful example of the type
of mask done by a master carver, using Cypress wood (Hinoki) and many layers
of Gofun, crushed oyster shell lacquer. A very charming and well rendered image. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Pair of 19th Century Japanese lacquer miniature composition masks representing living ("Iki"
living figures) expressive faces, with ivory teeth, glass eyes and human
hair. They have an arresting presence and are a great study of portraiture,
representing fine Japanese craftsmanship. 5 inches (12.5cm) x 4.25 inches (11cm) wide (each). From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Late Meiji Period (circa 1900) Japanese Signed Okimono Sculpture of a pair of Mandarin Ducks, symbols of life long faithfulness and one of Japan's most beautiful birds. Original artist signed box is included.
Beautifully carved of Poloma wood, one of the finest woods used in Japanese
sculpture, and gorgeously painted with vivid colors. They can be exhibited in an endless variety of
positions and make a wonderful object of art. 3.5 x 8 inches, 9 x 20 cm...
Late Edo Period (1850 - 1868) Bronze Incense Burner Sculpture of a Duck, Japanese symbol of faithfulness and light. An exquisite expression of Japanese bronze craftsmanship of the finest quality. It exhibits a rich dark patina. A Japanese bronze classic. An important acquisition for a bronze collector. 13.75 inches, (35cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
16th Century Japanese Momoyama Period Wood Sculpture of Nyoirin Kannon, widely worshiped by those who hoped to gain riches and fulfill requests, seated on a lotus
flower on rocks. Nyoirin's pose was appealing to devotees: his relaxed pose is inviting and the hand raised against his leaning head, which signifies a meditative state, adds a human touch. The bodhisattva's pose, in fact, indicates that he is resting in his personal paradise on Mt...
Rare Japanese Heian Period, 12th Century Wood Sculpture of Kannon, the Goddess of Compassion and Mercy. Even though it is not in a complete
state, it has a wonderful, peaceful presence that is really a delight to bask in. It has a magnetic face with a serene expression. Japanese sculpture of this age is hard to find.
A fabulous work of art and a rare, magnificent sculpture. 16 inches, 40.5 cm...
This is a Crow parfleche made of raw hide, used as storage containers. c. 1890-1900, 25.25" x 11.5"
Cheyenne beaded bag with tin cone suspensions. c. 1880,
5.75" x 2.375".
c. 1920, 11.25" tall by 3.5" wide. Wood loss on one foot, one foot has been reattached, cracking to the cottonwood on the casemask and rear of the doll; otherwise in very good condition considering the age. Some paint loss.
Relics of the Nile is very pleased to present this superb rare ancient Egyptian necklace composed of New Kingdom faience tubular beads (read below for information regarding how the beads were made). The beads are multi-colored and are brilliant in every way, displaying colors of red, white, very bright blue, green, rust, and more! The thick blue and green faience was extremely popular during this period. The length of the necklace measures a very nice 17" in length...
Ca. 1700s or earlier
Hollow cast in coppery-bronze. Two similar images depict Buddha in “Earth touching” mudra. Both are heavy castings, having an even, dark brown patina and hollow interiors with old brown patina and light traces of verdigris. The backs of both pedestals are cast with a lopp just below the seated Buddha and these were used to secure these two smaller images to a larger altarpiece...
Ca. 1400s
Well potted with thick, even celadon glaze overall except for the unglazed base and foot. The glaze is of a deep green tone and crackled all over covering the interior of the neck as well. Three floral form appliques decorate the shoulder just below three concentric rings leading up to the neck. A few minor earth stains remain from burial. Overall very good condition.
Diameter: 2 5/8 in., Height: 3 ½ in.
A Very Rare Imperial/Incised Celadon Glazed Cup-stand:
Korea, Koryo Dynasty, 12th Century
This is a very high quality and imperial celadon glazed cup-stand,
the domed corner incised with lotus petals within a raised ring,
enclosed pendent leaves the broad reverted rim divided into eight foliages,
evenly applied overall with a fine celadon glaze with 5 spur marks on the bottom.
It is in excellent condition without any damages. Measures 6 1/4” x 1 5/8”h
Old silk kesa, an outer garment worn by Japanese Buddhist priests. Kesas were originally made from old scraps of material donated to the temples. The scraps became finer and quite luxious with time. People who gave to Buddhist institutions were often keen to give very expensive items, so some fabulous kesas were created from wonderful silk brocades. This could also mean that the wealthier temples ended up collecting better fabrics or were able to send out for expensive custom made kesas...
Spectacular Early Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Lion Mask used on the head of a float for the Gion
Festival. This huge mask is an arresting image to behold. This fabulous
carving is heavily lacquered in red, black and gold. The head can be raised to
show his open mouth, creating a very impressive and imposing presence to behold. 38 inches (96.5 cm)w x 25 inches (63.5 cm)h x 24 inches (61 cm)d...
17th Century Early Edo Period Spectacular Japanese Temple Sculpture of Baku, a mythical beast loosely representing an Elephant with a combination of other animals, creating an
original form. The Baku is the "Dream Catcher" of ancient Japanese Shinto mythology. It is inserted in the
ceiling to watch over the temple. This Baku is a masterpiece sculpture of
magnificent presence. It will surely be the focal point in any environment...
Museum Quality Early 18th Century Edo Period (circa 1700) Gilded Japanese Sculpture of Amida Nyorai Buddha. Seated cross-legged in the lotus posture, hands joined in the mudra of contemplation, eyes all but closed in meditation, we are gazing upon the sculptor's vision of Amida enthroned in paradise. The elaborately carved lotus upon which he sits is itself a symbol of the attributes of the Amida Buddha: gentleness, openness, and purity...
Meiji Period (circa 1890) Japanese Hago-ita (Battledore or Badminton) Paddle in its original display case. It is very rare to find one from this time period, especially with its original case. A deluxe example that is enhanced with three dimensional objects. We
have never seen such a wonderful and elaborate Hago-ita. 26 inches 66 cm) tall with case. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Late Edo Period (1850-1868) Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day Doll) wearing an Eboshi, a court hat and robes with
crests. He is seated in a court position and has a handsomely caved face. His silk fiber hairs are
tied in a top knot. This is a well executed example. 11 inches (28cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Very Old Edo Period (circa 1720) Extremely Rare Set of Three Female Musicians for Hina Matsuri (Girls Day Festival) Almost all musician dolls were male, making this group highly unusual, especially from the 18th century...
Early Meiji Period (circa 1870) Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day Doll) of Emperor Ojin, Japan's first historically verified emperor. He has been deified as Hachiman Daimyojin, regarded as the guardian of warriors. This boys day figure is gorgeous in every way. The brocades are so sumptuous and the face is magnificent. He is wearing a Kabuto (court hat) and holding a long battle baton complete with a sword. The figure is 14 inches (35.5 cm) tall, and the overall height is 24.5 inches (62cm). From...
Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day Doll) depicting the Legendary Toyotomi Hideyoshi, seated in court
position wearing dramatic brocades and gold lacquered armor, a gembun fan in
his right hand and wearing a classic winged cap. His face is finely carved with a
regal expression. This Ningyô is Meiji craftsmanship at its best. 14.5 inches, 37 cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Extremely Rare 18th Century Edo Period (circa 1780) Musha Ningyô (Japanese Boys Day Figures)
representing the famed brave warrior, Kato Kiyomasa (1562-1611), who accompanied Hideyoshi on his
campaign against Korea. He is gloriously represented here, along with his attendant holding a banner of a Buddhist prayer, in this
spectacular Ningyô. Kato is wearing sumptuous brocades, a black velvet trim robe with gold
trim and is holding a spear with a sword at his side. He is seated on a military ...
Edo Period (circa 1820) Japanese Daki Ningyô (Hugging Doll) standing at the unusual height of 27.5 inches (70 cm), making him a very rare and striking figure. It is most uncommon to see this type of Ningyô outside of Japan, for they are highly prized by the Japanese. A widely held theory has it that these dolls were commissioned by patrons of Geisha as presentation gifts. This one is outstanding in every way. It has a wonderfully expressive face and conveys a very happy spirit. He wears a spec...
Extremely Rare 18th Century Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day) Dolls, Samurai Set. Ningyô this early almost never appear for sale, much less with all of its original accessories, as we have here with this very fine, scarce, museum quality pair. We are very proud to offer this set. They have finely carved faces, and are lacquered with many coats of Gofun (Oyster Shell). They are adorned with sumptuous silk brocades and silk armor, indicative of mid Edo Period Ningyô artists. This set is a treasu...
Meiji Period (circa 1900) Japanese Satsuma Vase. A very beautiful example of Satsuma
ware, featuring a spectacular eagle on a pine tree, both Japanese symbols of dignity, in thick gold and color
enamels on a cream field. A classically shaped vase with a rich image. 10 inches, 25.5 cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Rare, Early Japanese Satsuma Censer. A fine example of Satsuma ware with beautiful complex underglazes of gold, red, blue, green and white, and featuring auspicious
Crane and Floral motifs, creating a beautiful design on a gorgeous shape with
stunning handles and cast silver top of raised flowers. A great find for the
Satsuma collector. Late 18th Century Edo Period. 3 inches (7.5cm)h, 4 inches (10cm)w. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolita...
Important Japanese Arita Charger with complex glazes, featuring a performance of Okina by a Noh actor set into an extraordinary design. Okina was traditionally performed for a royal audience. This piece was most likely made for royalty or aristocracy. There are many interesting motifs and intricate patterns in this wonderful work of art. Different from Noh and Kyogen, Okina is a performing art patterned after an ancient ritualistic ceremony. It is related to a folk ritual in which an ancient god...
Japanese Kamakurabori Lacquered Box by Kasen, with a design of Peony and Shishi, Buddha's Guardian Protector. Gorgeous rich red lacquer intricately carved in high relief. A superb example that is rare for its size, quality, and superior technique. Meiji Period, circa 1890. 13 inches x (33cm) long x 11 inches (28cm) wide x 6 inches (15cm) deep. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
A unique early Japanese Ikebana Basket with a rich camel
colored bamboo entwined with Wisteria vines with a single, beautifully twisted and gnarled Wisteria
branch. Highly sought after by the discriminating basket collectors. Edo Period, circa 1850. 14 inches (35.5cm) tall x 12.5 inches (31.5cm) wide. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Pair of Important 18th Century Edo Period Cricket Cages of museum quality, made for upper
class or royalty. They are exceptional in every way. The Bamboo bars and
Mother of Pearl inlay are of the finest Japanese craftsmanship, as are the Wisteria
wood cases and red lacquered feet. Work like this is extremely rare and highly
treasured in Japan. This is a unique opportunity to own an extraordinary work of Japanese art. 9 inches (23cm) tall x 8.25 inches (21cm) wide x 5.75 inches (14.5cm) deep....
Beautiful Japanese Bonbori lanterns for hina dolls. Hand painted on silk and it is indeed one of a kind. The bonboris are placed on each side of the Emperor and Empress hina dolls during the Hina Matsuri Festival, Girl's Day, in March.
We have not seen this type of lantern until now. The silk is lifted here and there and detached from the frames with some deterioration (probably a reaction to the glue or metal). The amazing thing is how the original colors maintained without fading...
Bamboo Vests were used as undershirts under silk garments. They served the duel purpose of allowing some air circulation and protected the silk garments from body oils. These vest were fragile and they have become very rare and hard to find. They were made with small pieces of bamboo which are literally strung together to form a garment. This bamboo vest is a particularly nice one. It was constructed of very small bamboo pieces, the edges of the garment are bound with a thin band of linen fab...
A Very Fine Bronze Mirror:
Korea, Koryo dynasty, 12th-14th century
The design is a fine cast in high relief on the obverse of this Mirror depicts
a ship sailing on a stormy sea.
A large dragon arises from the upper left and right with clouds of spray cap the surging
waves. At the top, above the ship’s banner, are four character inscriptions in archaic
seal style script: Huang Pi Chang Chon (clear, vast, luminous heaven) with a good silver-greenish and dark brown patina on the face an...
A Very Fine Imperial Court Traditional Dancer Scroll Painting by Gyokuto:
Japan,19th Century,
The artist is not identified, but his work is so impressively done in this painting with ink, water colors and gold. This painting was executed with such detail of this portrayal of a traditional imperial court dancer wearing a brilliant colored court costume dress. This type of dress is typically worn with various heavy hair ornaments and her hat is painted with gold very intricately. She is pose...
A Very Rare Pair of White Glazed Two Ear Wine Cups:
Korea, Choson Dynasty, 15th Century
This pair of wine cups is an extremely rare and unusual shape of two ear handle attached white glazed stir-up wine cups, the deep and wide cup set on a high ring foot and molded with two flat
and tangle formed with carved notched comb handles with one hole on each side.
It is covered overall with a creamy white crackled clear glaze with salmon-pink
blushes on the interior and exterior. The first one ha...
Late 1800s
White glass made to imitate jade, good condition.
Diameter: 3 3/8 in. ext., 2 5/8 in. int.
Late 1800s
Rose-pink glass in good condition.
Diameter: 3 ½ in. ext., 2 ¾ in. int.
Ca. mid 1800s
Painted in thick blue enamels surrounding an overall floral pattern in pale green and turquoise. A cartouche with a design of a bird among flowers is painted in famille rose pallet on the two large sides. A hanging tassel design is on the two narrow sides. The lid rests on top of the mouth and is painted with a single open flower. The base is unglazed. There are two glaze chips on the shoulder and a crack to the interior collar of the lid. Otherwise good condition.
Widt...
Early to mid 1800s
Painted in famille verte enamels, one side showing a woman in a scholar’s studio, and the other side showing a child and a seated woman. On the long narrow sides are scenes of a woman gazing out a window into a garden. The scenes are bordered on the sides by a diamond lozenge pattern as if it were the brocade framing a hanging scroll. The smaller narrow sides have a pierced double coin design surrounded by flowering branches. One side has six small, round spurs on whic...
Late 1800s
Glazed on the biscuit with green, yellow and brown enamels. On the base are three unglazed spots on which the piece was fired. Stopper in the form of bat, handle in form of stem and spout in the form of blossom. Very good condition with only minor construction flaws glazed over in the firing.
Width: 3 in.; Height: 2 7/8 in.
Ming Dynasty, 1400/1500s
Set of six glazed miniatures made for an altar to be interred in the tomb of an upper-class person. Made in the shape of nuts, vegetables, a boar’s head, ingots and long rolls to provide symbolic sustenance in the afterlife. A few minor chips and some soil from burial, otherwise good condition.
Size: Length, Height
Logs: 2 ½ in., 2 ¼ in.
Boar’s head: 2 ½ in., 2 in.
Walnuts: 1 ¾ in., 2 3/8 in.
Vegetables: 1 7/8 in., 2 ¼ in.
Ingot...
Dated: 1906
Painted in thick overglaze enamels with a scene of fish with human bodies brandishing sticks at a large turtle-like creature. The base in inscribed in gold enamel with a date, a four-character seal and the English name, Thomas Bigelow written in katakana script. The date reads: Meiji 39 (1906), fourth month, tenth day. It is unusual to find specifically dated porcelains and particularly with an individual western name inscribed. This item might have been part of a set ordered b...
Ca. early 1800s
In the style of Okuda Eisen, possibly made in Kyoto at one of the Kiyomizu Kilns. One of a set of five or ten used for individual servings of sweets or other items in a tea ceremony context. Made from porcelain with thick overglaze green enamel and rapidly painted floral designs in red enamel. This style was popular in Kyoto in the late 1700s and 1800s, and was revived again in the 1900s. The amateur potter, Eisen, is credited with promoting this late Ming, Chinese-style in...
Dated: 1918
Heavy, pure silver box with gold, silver, and copper inlaid bronze plaque inset in lid. The bronze plaque depicts a scene of dragonflies amidst autumn grasses. The grass is both incised and raised. The seeds are all inlaid gold. The dragonflies are raised above the surface with silver wings and copper bodies and the smallest dragonfly is inlaid with silver and copper. The sides of the box are incised with floral medallions and the base is raised on four solid silver feet. The i...
Choson period, late 1800s
Body and rim are densely inlaid with silver in various geometric patterns. There are medallions on two sides with silver-inlaid scenes of a pair of deer and a pair of cranes, both being symbols of longevity. On the adjacent sides are movable pendant handles with fretwork inlay. The interior and base have a blackish oxidation and areas of minor rust. Condition is very good. The silver is all intact. Some lopsidedness is characteristic of this type of work and is a ...
Choson period, 1700s
Raised on low feet incorporated into the shape of the four flat sides. The top and sides are bordered by a single blue line. On each side, framed within four corners is a quickly painted floral motif. On the top is a more detailed plant and floral design. Though generally in good condition, there is evidence of use. The glaze on top is considerably worn. There are a few minor glaze chips. Fine white sand from the firing remains on the feet and a grain of sand adheres t...
Koryo Dynasty, 1100s
Painted in underglaze iron with a stylized design, possibly of a duck. Covered entirely with a grayish-green celadon glaze, barely wiped from the footring. Minor sand adhesion to the foot. No chips or cracks.
Diameter: 2 1/8 in.; Height: 1 ¼ in.
Choson period, 1400s
A stamped design of repeating flower heads laid out in concentric bands covers the interior. The exterior sides have a similar band between incised lines. The depressions are filled with white slip which is then wiped clean off the surfaced, leaving the white clay in the impressed design. A clear glaze covers the design and most of the body. The footring, base, and a portion of the lower body are unglazed. There are two small chips on the footring probably from firing ...
Choson period, 1400s
Rare and large deep bowl with an everted rim set on a fairly tall and slightly tapering foot. On the interior, the deep well descends to a shallow circular depression about 2 ½ in. in diameter. The entire bowl is covered with a clear glaze of bluish-grey cast except for a portion of the footring. A short, uneven portion in the rim is due to a potting flaw that was repaired by the potter before firing as was also a small gouge to the lower foot. Fine white granules re...
Choson period, ca. early 1800s
Painted on two sides with a floral spray in underglaze cobalt blue, highlighted with copper red. Likely over-fired causing the lower body to sag on one side. The clear, bluish tinged glaze was applied thickly and ran during the firing causing the blurring of the design on one side and an almost disappearance of the design on the other side. The glaze is evenly crackled with a pale brown staining from time and use. There is an old crack on the shoulder with as...
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.
The costume of hina dolls were all copied from the ...
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. The base is applied with th...
POTTERY OIL LAMP
HOLY LAND – ROMAN “HERODIAN DYNASTY”
SECOND TEMPLE PERIOD
37 BC – 70 AD
Time of Jesus and King Herod the Great
Measurements:
Length: 8.5 cm
Width: 6 cm
Condition: Intact with nice earthy patina
Found in Bethlehem south of Jerusalem, Holy Land
A lamp such as this might have lit homes during the time of Jesus. A metaphor of joy and prosperity, for hope, for life itself, lamps have illuminated the path of civilizatio...
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.
