Maeda Toshinaga was a Japanese daimyo, who was the second head of the Kasa Domain. He was the eldest son of Maeda Toshiie and married one of Oda Nobunaga's daughters, Ei-Hime. He supported Tokugawa Ieyasu and, after receiving his brother Toshimasa's lands (Noto, 215,000 Koku), controlled a total of 1,250,000 Koku, an amount exceeded only by the Shogunate. Toshinaga built and resided in the Kanazawa Castle. He had no children and adopted his brother Toshitsune as his heir...

An antique Japanese 2 section Gifu Choba (Merchant ) Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Quarter Sawn Hinoki (Cypress) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware and a beautiful age acquired patina. Unique and rare visual striations in the frame intentionally produced by the quarter sawn cut of the wood. Upper section has a pair of sliding doors behind which is a spacious storage area with two side by side drawers below...

Dark brown natural wood suzuribako (writing set) with polychrome takamaki-e lacquer decoration of toys, with a rabbit on its cushion and a horse head to ride with its cover.

Interior in negoro-nuri lacquer. This is an ancient technique, developed in the Kamakura period (1185-1333) at the Negoro temple in the ancient province of Kii (now Wakayama prefecture). It is characterized by its vermilion color, made from cinnabar and showing natural brush marks...

Height approximately 7.7 cm. More pictures are available. In good condition.

18th century consecrated Japanese dragon (Ryu) temple carving. Its serpentine body reveals his 3 appendages with classic three claw anatomy. The high relief carving engulfs the dragon in flames. The rendering of the dragon's face exudes power and compassion.
The dragon carving was part of the architectural decoration of a Buddhist temple. It has been sanctified with sutras, located in the dragon's eye during the "Eye Opening Ceremony" (Kaigen-Kuyo)...

Exceptional Japanese incense cabinet kodansu in wood covered with a profusion of mother-of-pearl flowers and bone leaves, engraved and inlaid with the shibayama technique. Bottom in nashi-ji lacquer.
Handles, finishes and feet in silver...

Antique Japanese 2-section kaidan tansu, or step/stair chest of drawers. Made of solid Keyaki (elm) hardwood, the bold woodgrain is well-complimented by the original deep red lacquer finish and heavy iron hardware. With original set of keys.
Exhibited at the Prestigious SF Fall Art and Antique show, 2017.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 55" L x 26 1/8" D x 80" H

Japanese small choba tansu, constructed of Kiri (paulownia) and Sugi (cypress) natural finish wood. With hand-forged iron hardware and plates. The choba has hirute handles, with foliate edge motif lock plates, small pair of sliding middle doors with slats, and a corner bottom safe box with two small drawers inside.

Late Edo / Early Meiji Period (circa 1850's)

Dimensions: 23 3/4" x 14" x 24" H

A massive Japanese solid Keyaki (elm) hardwood Kannon Biraki merchant's chest. Decorated with hand-forged iron plating, the motifs seen throughout the piece's hardware include the image of Ebisu, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Fortune, proudly holding up a freshly caught fish, a large Mokko (melon) shaped lock on the front pair of doors, with flowers and pine trees adorning the drawer below in the form of its lock and handle plates...

Up for sale is a pair of antique Chinese silk rank badges, woven with a peacock on each badge, together with bats, Buddhist auspicious objects, seawaves, and sun disc. They are meant to be wore on the front and back of a Mandarin official's surcoat. Measurements : 10-1/4" x 11" each Overall, it is in very good condition, See pictures for details. Please ask if you have questions

Unusual Japanese 2-panel calligraphy screen with highly stylized brushstrokes, bordered with silver leaf and silk. The left character reads "Gi" (or Righteousness); On the right reads "Dao" (the path or way). The inscriptions appear to mean "Righteousness must always be pursued".

Signature of a monk or a priest in his late 70s named Kakuan, appearing to date Spring 1851 with a description of the studio in which the painting was made...

Rare large Japanese locking bar tansu made of solid gorgeous quartered sawn Keyaki (elm) hardwood. Finished in its original translucent lacquer finish with a black lacquer frame and dark red lacquer front, top, and sides...

Ghandara grey schist frieze of the birth of the Buddha with five figures.

Provenance: Spinks and Son, London 1960s
Handley Collection
4th century 8" H x 10" W x 1 3/4" D

Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th century Han Chinese woman's silk robe embroidered with peonies, orchids & chrysanthemums, peaches, "Buddha's Hand", butterflies, etc, smooth mid-night blue silk ground, together with matching sleeves bands; Collar and border trims are embroidered with flowers; inside backed with light blue lining. The robe is in excellent condition, lots of bright embroideries, clean, no fray or wear, shoulder lines have no wear or split. Measurements : Top collar to bottom he...

During the Qing Dynasty, Chinese court gentlemen and ladies used elaborate hair styles. To assist in these construction of the "hairdo's", they used a wire form was covered with a mesh fabric. This particular "cap" was used to cover a bun of hair on the center of the head. The silver flat "hairpin" was used to hold the cap in place by pushing it through one side hole, between the hair bun and the scalp and through the other side hole. The inside of the cape clearly shows its age and use.

A collection of twelve samurai arrows, or yajiri, mounted on a custom built museum display stand.

Dimensions: 8 3/4" x 3" x 16" H (overall)

During the Meiji period there were only five potters ever to be awarded the prestigious designation of Imperial Court Artist: Ito Tozan, Seifu Yohei III, Miyagawa Kozan, Itaya Hazan, and the artist whose work is featured here, Suwa Sozan. Several years prior to receiving this designation, Sozan spent a period of time in Korea where he undertook the formidable task of excavating and restoring ancient Korean kilns in an attempt to replicate traditional techniques used in centuries past...

The black silk is couched in gold-wrapped thread with a five-clawed dragon pursuing a 'flaming pearl' amidst blue clouds and waves. Size: 10 inches (25cm) in diameter.