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...

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...

This is very fine small English demitasse cup made by Hammersley and Co. especially for Ovington's, New York, c 1887-1912, having slightly flared scalloped rim cup and foot, ornate scrolled gilt handle, gold wash inside, cobalt with turquoise jeweling on delicate gilt floral pattern; measures 2 1/2 in H, Excellent condition.

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...

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...

A scalloped top coffee cup made by the Richard Chaffers factory in Liverpool. It has a version of the Scarlet Japan pattern with panels of prunus and chrysanthemums separated by orange bands with gilding and reserved with mons. The interior also has three mons in red. The handle is of simple loop form. The cup is 2 1/2 inches tall, and 2 1/8 inches in diameter. The condition is about as close to mint as you can get, with no chips, cracks, scratches, or restoration...

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...

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...

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...

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...

An uncommon heavy baluster wine glass with a strong presence and stance. The flared bell bowl has a trapped air tear in the bottom, while the stem has an extremely large ball knop with a large tear. Conical foot with rough, snapped pontil. Height is 6 1/2 inches, with a bowl diameter of 3 inches and a foot diameter of 3 inches (not trimmed).

The overall condition is excellent, but there is a small, professionally filled chip on the foot rim, which is shown in the last picture before the filli...

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...

This is an ornate American sterling silver baby food pusher made by Whiting Manufacturing Company in the "HYPERION" Pattern, circa 1888; the inside base of the front handle marked with the maker's mark and STERLING. the outside of the pusher having beautiful repousse, back of pusher monogrammed in Italics JPM; Measurements-handle 3 3/4 inches long, the blade measures 1 5/8 inches across. Condition- Excellent

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.

A Dr. Wall period Worcester rice spoon with the Maltese Cross pattern. Applied flower to handle. Crescent mark. Excellent condition except for a minuscule nick on the rim, as shown in the fourth picture. 5 1/4 inches in length.

A rare Bow chocolate cup of slightly flared form with the painted Koto Player pattern. Interior painted with Oriental motifs. Excellent condition, with one tiny footrim chip, no cracks, or restoration. There is an in-the-making glaze disturbance on one side. Painter's number 2 on the bottom. 4 inches tall, 2 3/4 inches in diameter.

A beautiful Chaffers coffee can decorated with Chinese figures. Grooved loop handle. 2 1/2 inches tall, 2 3/8 inch diameter.

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. Very small rim flaw, otherwi...

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.

Portrait of Kawarazaki Gonjuro as a wandering monk (Komuso) issued ca. 1860

Signed Kunisada Ga, good impression, color skip on grey robe, thumbnail size paper loss mended on upper right corner.

Oban tate-e: 10 x 14 ½ in.

Portrait of a courtesan with her young attendant, issued 1830s

Signed Gofukutei Sadatora on lower left, fair impression and color, some thinning and wear, small nicks to edges reinforced, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 8 7/8 x 13 in.

Three figures with bonsai and other vendors, issued 1855

Signed Toyokuni (III) on lower left, good impression and color, lower margin trimmed into publisher’s seal, some wear and light soiling, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 9 ¾ x 14 ¼ in.

Portrait of a Kabuki actor, no. 7 from the series “Juni ka getsu hana awase” issued 1880

Signed Toyohara Kunichika in upper right and titled in cartouche in upper left, dated Meiji (1880), good impression and very strong color, very light soiling on upper margin, slight creasing to upper right corner, very light soiling on upper corners on verso, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 10 x 14 5/8 in.

Portrait of a Kabuki actor, no. 6 from the series “Juni ka getsu hana awase” issued 1880

Signed Toyohara Kunichika and titled in cartouche in upper left, dated Meiji (1880), very good impression and color, very light soiling near bottom, upper corners lightly creased, very minor wear, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 10 x 14 ½ in.

Scene from a Noh play, issued ca. 1920

Signed Kogyo with red artist’s seal, fan shaped publisher’s seal, very good impression and color, small areas of faint soiling.

Oban yoko-e: 10 x 14 ¾ in.

Scene from a Noh play, issued ca. 1920

Signed Kogyo with artist’s seal, fan-shaped publisher’s seal, very good impression, color and condition, remnants of attachment paper on back of four corners.

Oban yoko-e: 10 x 14 ½ in.

Diptych—two chuban prints originally joined in an album depicting a scene from the Osaka Kabuki stage, issued ca. 1865

Yoshitaki was one of the best known designers of Osaka actor prints from the 1860s to 1880s.

Both signed Yoshitaki Ga in red cartouches, very good impression, color and overall condition, old album backing paper intact.

Each print size: 9 ¾ x 7 in.

Album leaf illustrating “antique” textile designs for Tang Dynasty China and later, printed ca. 1900

The characters beside each design describe the motif and type of fabric.

Very good impression and color, vertical center crease, minor wear, remnants of old backing.

Overall Size: 9 ¾ x 14 in.

Scene for “Tokyo Daily Newspaper” with “Tokyo Nichi-Nichi Shinbun” inscribed in the banner at top, issued ca. 1890

Yoshiiku was noted for his prints included in the popular illustrated newspapers at the time.

Signed Ikkeisai Yoshiiku on lower left with artist’s seal ca. 1890, very good impression and strong color, vertical center crease, various areas of moderate soiling, slight backing tape residue on upper left corner, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 9 ¼ x 14 in.

Kunisada (1786-1864) collaborating with Hiroshige (1797-1858)

From the series: “Kannon Reigen Ki” (Account of the miracles of Kannon) issued 1859.The larger image by Kunisada depicts a miracle performed by Kannon. The upper image by Hiroshige is a temple scene.

Signed Kunisada and Hiroshige on respective images, aratame seal and publisher’s seal on left margin, very good impression and color, very light wear and minor thinning at edges, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 9 7/8 x 14...

Shini-e (memorial portrait) of three individuals, including their names and dates of death, issued ca. 1860.

Very good impression and color, light soiling and wear, small loss to upper-right corner, upper corners reinforced, two very small holes in right side, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 9 ½ x 13 ½ in.

Two young women caring for silkworm cocoons

Signed Kunitoshi Ga in a red cartouche with date: 1881 and publisher’s information in yellow cartouche, good impression, excellent color, very light soiling, upper corners thin with remnants of paper attachments, not backed, margins trimmed right and bottom.

Oban tate-e: 9 ½ x 14 in.