Early Meiji Era Soba Choko with landscape design painted in underglaze cobalt blue on porcelain. Average height of 6cm and average diameter of 7 cm. Though widely attributed to Arita kilns; by the late Edo and Early Meiji Periods, porcelain soba choko were also being made in Seto, as well as at kilns further north in Tohoku. This set of 5 features a typical land/seascape scene of a hut and the sea with a boat and birds flying overhead. All cups are in good condition featuring the same pattern.

Porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue Soba Choko, featuring a lovely land/seascape scene of mountains, willow tree, a hut, and the sea with boat sails and birds flying overhead. Average height 6cm, average diameter 7cm. Although soba choko are generally attributed to Arita kilns, by the late Edo-Early Meiji Period, they were also being made in Seto, as well as at kilns further north in Tohoku. These 5 cups all feature the same pattern and are all in good condition.

Seto ware kneading bowl, or "konebachi" used in most Japanese households of the period. Characteristic warm yellow seto glaze with seiji (green) ladle drips to add accent to the rim. Height 15cm x Dia. 26.5cm. Minor glaze cracking inside the bowl.

Sake flask from Tamba kilns in Hyogo Prefecture, early-mid Meiji Era. Characteristic reddish-brown glaze with black ladle drips around the neck. H. 24cm, Dia. 13cm.

Imari ware soba choko from the mid-Edo Period (1600-1868). Porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue painting of "houzuki" (Chinese lantern plant), a very unusual and delightful pattern among soba choko.H.5.5cm, Dia.8cm.

Imari ware bowls for serving small amounts of food were known as "kurowanka." These bowls feature a "sansui" land & sea scape scene in underglaze cobalt blue on a porcelain body. Each piece is in god condition with individual measurements of H.4cm X Dia.15cm.

Meiji Era futon-ji; indigo dyed cotton with tsutsugaki (free-hand drawn resist) image of the Three Friends of Winter: Pine, Bamboo, and Plum. L.150cm(59") x W.128cm(50"). Such bedding covers were given as part of a bride's dowry, commissioned with auspicious images or a family crest by the bride's family...

Indigo dyed (aizome) cotton "yutan", or covering cloth, stencil dyed with family crest of pine boughs flanking a "koto bashira", the bridge of a koto musical instrument. L.150cm (59") x W.129cm (50"). Such textiles were commissioned for use as bridal dowry pieces and covered the items taken to the new bride's home. The family crest may have been that of the bride's or groom's family, or possibly a combination of the two, depending on the rank or status of the families...

Sakiori, or "rag weave", was a necessity of many common people in old Japan, especially those of the NE Japan (Tohoku region) which was known for its harsh climate and living conditions. This item is a late Meiji piece from the region showing wonderful color combination, and sporting a few repair patches from its long life. L.144cm(56.5") x W.34cm(13.5").

Onigawara, Roof Tile End Caps, of fired clay with motifs of Daikoku's Hammer and Tama, the Buddhist Jewel of Wisdom. H. 37cm(14.5") x W.56cm(22"0 x D.11cm(4.5"). Excellent condition from Meiji Era. The region of Ogi in west-central Japan was a well-known center of roof tile prodcution, and continues this trade today.

Jizo is of one of the most beloved of Buddhist Boddhisatvas in Japan as a guardian of children and travellers. Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture was once ringed with Jizo statues, and the granite there made it a center of religious sculpture production and sales. This Jizo hails from Sado and holds a lotus leaf in his right hand and a "tama" or Buddhist ball of wisdom in his left. His face is well worn from the elements and time. H.24cm(10") x W.17cm(6.75").

Jizo is one of the most beloved Buddhist Boddhisatva in Japan as a guardian of children and travellers. Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture was once ringed with Jizo statues, and its granite quarries made it a center of religious statue production and sales. This Jizo holds his hands in front of his chest in prayer, or in the traditional Indian greeting of "namaste." His face is well worn from the elements and time, but a faint smile seems to grace his lips. H.25cm(10") x W.13cm(5").

Wooden saddle, "kura" made of wood and iron fittings. Meiji Era (1868-1912,) but the top board is a later addition. This flat board makes it ideal for display items, especially for flowers. H. 44cm(17.25") x W.68cm(26.75") x D. 32cm(12.5").

Large Itomaki, spool, for weaving. Wood with 6 arms. Late Meiji Era (1868-1912.) H.39cm(15.5") x Square Base of 37cm(14.5"). Good condition, has been cleaned and oiled.

Waraji (straw sandal) Gata (mold). This mold was used to make the straw sandals worn by farmers. It is of solid carved wood. L. 50cm(19.75") x H.9cm(3.5") x W.9cm(3.5"). Acquired in Yamagata Prefecture in NE Japan (Tohoku), this piece exhibits the wonderful folk qualities of the region. Hung vertically, the "shelf" portion of the mold can hold a small flower vase, creating a lovely "wabi" arrangement for the tokonoma.

Japanese samurai dolls, Yoroi and Kabuto (armor and helmet), swords, nobori and carps banner are all a part of the display used for the Boy's Day in Japan. The quality set like this will give a wonderful, rich flavor as a decoration to your home all year around. There is no Maruhei label label on the box but we are pretty sure that this was made by the Maruhei in Kyoto. The similar set that we had seen had the Maruhei label that indicates the set was made in early Taisho period (1912-1926)...

This early 20th century Chinese export lacquer cinnabar bowl is 3 ½” high and 6 ¾” in diameter. It depicts two dragons flying through the clouds chasing a flaming globe. There is an honorable Qian Long mark on the bottom. Aside from some cracks inside the bowl due to age, it is in great condition.

This Qing dynasty Tong Zhi period (1862~1874) gold and blue square bowl is 3” high and 6 ½” wide. It has a turquoise interior and gold floral design over blue background exterior. It has a red Tong Zhi mark on the bottom. Aside from some worn gold trim, it is in great condition.