A massive evocative painting exhibited at the first Bunten National Exhibition in 1908 by Ito Koun enclosed in a large period wooden box and pblished in the Nitten-shi series volume I. It is performed with pigment on silk, and shows that soft, almost mystical touch typical of late Meiji Rekishi-ga historical imagery. The samurai crouches at the gate, letting fly arrows at his overwhelming opponents...

Japanese Meiji period woodblock print depicting William Howard Taft viewing a sumo match during his 1905 diplomatic mission to Japan. With Taft weighing in at over 300 lbs., this print is likely offering a subtle comparison between Taft and the wrestler. This print is unsigned and undated. 14 3/4"V x 10 3/8"H. Very good color and impression quality. Good overall condition with pigment transference at the upper left corner, some minor soiling, and a few small holes and thinned areas...

Rare Edo period Japanese namazu-e (earthquake fish picture) woodblock print featuring a giant human-like catfish receiving punishment after being found guilty by a judge for causing the Ansei earthquake of 1855. A group of human-like catfish watch as the punishment is being meted out. In Japanese mythology, it was believed that giant catfish living underground caused earthquakes with their thrashing movements...

Golden mist shrouds the aged pines draped with wisteria growing about the crashing falls on this anonymous early Edo period gold screen. A rare scene to find, rigid lines and the lavish use of gold are typical of the first half of the Edo era. The screen features a colorful brocade border with vermilion lacquer frame and has been fully remounted without re-painting. It measures 68-1/2 x 63-1/2 inches (174 x 162 cm) and is in fine condition, showing some old repairs.

Oversized, humorous Japanese limited edition woodblock print by Clifton Karhu (1927-2007) depicting the smiling, cross-eyed artist standing under a torn umbrella in the rain holding a broken shoe. This print illustrates the Zen saying “Hibi kore kojitsu” (Every day is a good day). The print is pencil-signed, titled “Every Day,” dated ’88, and numbered 57/100 in the lower margin. Paper size: 25 1/8”V x 9 1/8”H (image about 23 1/2” x 7 7/8”)...

A fine ivory colored celadon by the first generation Kato Keizan enclosed in the original signed wooden box and containing the original exhibition pamphlet in which the vase is featured from the 1956 Takashimaya Department Store Exhibition marking his 50th year of working with clay. This vase was chosen by the artist for his exhibition pamphlet, making it, at least in the eyes of the artist, one of the more important pieces he had made at that time...

A stunning box covered entirely in mother of pearl upon which is the crescent moon in lead under maki-e gold florals. Inside Rimpa style dear rest in lead and gold maki-e on a ground of red-tinted Nashiji. The box is in excellent condition, likely dating from the mid 19th century. It measures 22 x 24.5 x 5 cm (8-1/2 x 9-1/2 x 2 inches).

Rare Edo period Japanese namazu-e (earthquake fish picture) woodblock print featuring a giant human-like catfish playing a samisen beside an oni (demon) who is seated casually reading a book. In Japanese mythology, it was believed that giant catfish living underground caused earthquakes with their thrashing movements. A series of namazu-e were published anonymously in Japan shortly after the Ansei earthquake hit Edo (now Tokyo) in 1855...

Rare Japanese woodblock print kakemono (vertical diptych) by Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) depicting Onoe Kikugoro V as Nikki Danjo, the archvillain of kabuki roles, transforming himself magically into a rat. The kabuki play “Meibuku Sendai Hagi” (“The Disputed Succession”), deals with an assassination attempt on Tsuruchiyo, a child who had inherited the position as head of a Semdai clan. A stolen scroll containing a list of assassination conspirators is in Nikki Danjo’s mouth...

A pair of Japanese polychrome Imari porcelain bowls with subtly shaped rims. Alternating dragon and floral reserves on a patterned red ground centering three friends of Winter (pine, bamboo, prunus) medallion. The verso with karakusa around a raised foot ring surrounding a broad, unglazed band around a small, glazed center. Good condition. Each about 5 3/4 inches diameter (14.6cm) and about 2 inches high (5.1cm)...

Another pair of Japanese polychrome Imari porcelain bowls with subtly shaped rims. Alternating dragon and floral reserves on a patterned red ground centering three friends of Winter (pine, bamboo, prunus) medallion. The verso with karakusa around a raised foot ring surrounding a broad, unglazed band around a small, glazed center. Good condition. Each about 5 3/4 inches diameter (14.6cm) and about 2 inches high (5.1cm)...

A set of five Japanese polychrome Imari porcelain bowls with subtly shaped rims. Alternating dragon and floral reserves on a patterned red ground centering 'three friends of Winter' (pine, bamboo, prunus) medallion. The verso with karakusa around a raised foot ring surrounding a broad, unglazed band around a small, glazed center...

Hanakago (Ikebana flower basket). Irregular plaiting technique using bamboo and rattan. The artist's signature carved into the bottom appears to be in sousho (grass writing) for Ishikawa Shoun (among the greatest modern Japanese basket makers.) Object 2006.3.48 in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco (the Lloyd Cotsen collection bequest - which we last had the pleasure of viewing in 2008) bears the very same signature in gyousho (traveling) form on a basket using the same plaiting technique wit...

Sino-Japanese War triptych of a naval battle scene at Wei-hai-wei featuring an embattled Chinese ship at the center surrounded by the Japanese fleet. Several final blasts sink the ship and send the Chinese soldiers into the ocean. The black ink signature of the artist is barely visible at the lower right and is possibly Kobayashi Ikuhide (active 1885-1898). The specific date is not filled in on the cartouche, but is 1894-1895. The assembled size is about 27 7/8"H x 14 1/4"V. Each panel meas...

In good keeping with the Koransha tradition, this vase demonstrates the imagination and creativity of the Fukagawa ceramists and is reminiscent of their design books. First thinking it might be a gourd form, it becomes apparent it must be a melon form - more consistent with the suggestion of Spring with the blue and white prunus and cracked ice background to the polychrome mountainous landscape with black pine and secluded retreats in green, yellow, aubergine, orange and gold enamel. The neck su...

A finely brushed image of a pheasant in the blossoming boughs of a cherry tree bearing a circular Rimpa School seal in the lower right. Pigment on paper with bokashi daubing of water on the tree trunk. Shadows dragged through the back appear to intimate bamboo. It is bordered in beige silk with a black lacquered wooden frame. The screen measures 71.5 x 68.5 inches (181 x 174 cm) and is in fine condition, dating from the early 20th century.

Russo-Japanese War triptych illustrating the surprise attack on Russia’s Far Eastern Fleet at Port Arthur that initiated the war. A large torpedo-boat is at the center. Two Russian ships at the upper left have been hit and are sinking. Three Japanese battleships are at the upper right. The title cartouche at the upper right describes the scene in both Japanese and English as “On the night of the 8th of February 1904, our brave fleet of torpedo-boats fired at the Russian squadron at Port ...

Japanese Yokohama woodblock print triptych illustrating the interior of an American steamship by Utagawa Yoshikazu (flourished 1850-1870) published by Maruya Jinpachi in 1861. In this design, the artist utilizes the traditional Japanese convention of “roofless architecture” which allows the contents of the ship to be visible. Inside, westerners are seated at a long table having a dinner party. The assembled size is 14 5/8"V x 29 1/4"H (each panel is about 14 5/8"V x 10"H). Good overall c...

A saintly recluse dozes restfully, his pole dipping to the waves below the rocky outcrop upon which he sits; a fine bronze figure dating to the Meiji period and signed on the reverse. The figure with the rock is 32 x 22 x 30.5 cm (11 x 9 x 12 inches) and is in fine condition.

A beautiful Meiji period basin of light weight metal gilded with genuine gold leaf with each individual petal rising to form the fluted rim. Much worn from handling, the bowl measures 25 cm (10 inches) diameter and is 12 cm (5 inches) tall.

Japanese Limited edition etching with aquatint of a traditional Japanese farmhouse covered in snow titled “Tamba” by Brian Williams (b. 1950). The print is pencil-signed, titled, numbered 170/180, and dated ‘93 along the bottom margin. Paper size: 10 1/4"V x 14"H (image about 5”V x 8 ¼”H). Excellent condition. There are two pieces of archival tape at the top edge verso. Born in Peru, Brian Williams has been living and working in Japan since 1972. A Japanese frame with archival mat ...

Japanese limited edition sosaku hanga woodblock print by Tadashi Nakayama (b. 1927) titled “Rainbow Butterflies” featuring Nakayama’s daughter’s face in profile with butterflies in flight around her. This image is pencil-signed “T. Nakayama,” numbered 34/95, and dated 1983 in the bottom margin. The bottom margin edge also contains the. The red Nakayama seal is verso. A color illustration of this image can be found on plate 205 of “T. Nakayama” published in 1989. According to this...

Historically important Japanese woodblock print triptych depicting the landing of foreigners of the “Five Treaty Nations” in Yokohama by Utagawa Yoshikazu (flourished 1850-1870). The print features soldiers and civilians from America, England, France, Russia, and The Netherlands grouped together with their respective flag and label. Two Chinese compradores, who facilitated trade, are in the foreground and western ships line the harbor in the background. The print is signed “Issen Yoshik...

Heavy pigment forms a spectral scene of a dark stone lantern viewed through the spring laden branches of maples, a dove taking flight in the fore. Anyone who has visited Japan will know the haunting sense these monoliths produce. The painting is performed in thick pigment on applied silver-leaf, signed Taisho (Okada Taisho, b. 1888). The screen is signed in the lower right corner, and measures150 x 151 cm (59 inches by 5 feet). It is in fine condition, with only minor abrasions from handling...

Japanese Meiji period Yokohama woodblock print depicting Okiyo, the daughter of a gardener in Mukojima, meeting with a foreigner who desired her to be his concubine. This print is illustration no. 661 from the newspaper series “Yubin Hochi Shimbun” (Postal News) by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) published by Kinshôdô (Kumagai) the 4th month of 1875. 14 1/2"V x 9 3/4"H. Excellent color and very good overall condition with margins evident. The print has been stored away from sunlight and...

19th century Japanese Yokohama woodblock print depicting the famous Italian painter and printmaker Titian showing a bust portrait to a patron. This image is from a series of anonymous educational prints published in the early Meiji period that related to important Westerners. The print is unsigned and undated. 13 1/2"V x 9 7/8"H. Very good overall condition with margins evident. The print is not backed and has been stored away from sunlight. As the picture of the back shows, this image is ...

Rare Japanese Meiji period woodblock print triptych of the Tokyo-Ueno/Yamashita Train and Ueno Station from the series “Famous Places in Tokyo” by Utagawa Kunitoshi (flourished 1847-1899) dated 1st month of Meiji 22 (1889). The triptych is bound in the original folder and has not been exposed to sunlight. "Enlightenment" prints of the 1880's - 1890's promoted modernization and illustrated the westernization of Japan. The Japanese built their first railroad in 1872. It became a symbol of ...

An unusual 17th to early 18th century Screen featuring a koto harp and candle stand behind a screen under blossoming prunus, a spry group of pine in front and rushing water beyond. Incredible veining in the gold. Like much of Japanese art, the viewer is asked to interpret the scene as they see fit. Perhaps the remnants of a night of poetry and music under the plum blossoms. Perhaps the lonely Michizane playing to the moon, alone in exile with thoughts longing for Kyoto. All performed with h...

This Imari covered bowl, though matching our listings 1065543, 1065548 and 1065550 for form and decoration, is a little larger in size. In excellent condition, it is just out of a diplomatic estate. The bowl is about 4 7/8" (12.38cm) diameter and 2 5/8" (6.67cm) high. The cover is about 4 1/2" (11.43cm) diameter.

Pair of Imari covered bowls. Condition for both is very good (one with minute enamel loss inside the bowl and one the other with an almost imperceptible minute craze inside the foot.) Part of a group just out of a diplomatic estate. With slight variation, the bowls are between approximately 4 1/4" (10.8cm) to 4 3/8" (11.1cm) diameter and 2 5/16" (5.9cm) height. The covers are about 4" (10.2cm) diameter. Matches our listings 1065548 and 1065543 for form, size and decoration and matches 1065552 fo...

Three Imari covered bowls. Each bowl with a tight hairline from the rim - one of these issuing from a small chip (see enlarged views.) One cover with craze lines inside the foot - one line showing through the other side. Part of a group just out of a diplomatic estate. The bowls are between approximately 4 1/4" (10.8cm) to 4 3/8" (11.1cm) diameter and 2 5/16" (5.9cm) height. The covers are about 4" (10.2cm) diameter. Matches our listings 1065543 and 1065550 for form, size and decoration and matc...

A set of five Imari covered bowls. Condition for all is excellent. Part of a group just out of a diplomatic estate. Japanese porcelain sets traditionaly came in groups of five. Four was considered bad luck and larger sets were generally odd numbers. With slight variation, the bowls are between approximately 4 1/4" (10.8cm) to 4 3/8" (11.1cm) diameter and 2 5/16" (5.9cm) height. The covers are about 4" (10.2cm) diameter. Matches our listings 1065548 and 1065550 for form, size and decoration and m...

A stunning Suzuri bako covered in gold lacquer and minutely detailed with scenes of the 53 stations of the Tokaido. Mountains and ocean views, famous temples and castles are all populated by travelers in various shades and degrees of gold. It is decorated inside entirely with fronds over gold nashiji. A superb work of art that would have taken months or perhaps even years to complete. The box measures 33 x 25 x 14 cm (13 x 10 x 6 inches) and is in overall fine condition. There is a small rep...

A long bamboo incense case with dark wood lid carved exquisitely with blossoming lotus and calligraphy. The deteriorating leaves rise from the bottom, blossoms spreading their petals to the sun. Above three lines of calligraphy descend to meet like the squirreling rays of late summer light. The piece is 20-1/2 inches (51.5 cm) long and in perfect condition, enclosed in a cloth sack and kiri-wood box. It is signed (Japanese reading) Fusui(lotus water)Sanjin Koku (carved by Fusui, man of the m...

Bright colors decorate this life-like set of Porcelain Okimono in the style of Chinese fruit by Suwa Sozan (no box). This set dates to 1931 and is published in the book Suwa Sozan Sakuhin Shu (1971), p. 85. A bursting pomegranate, Persimmon, Bunch of Grapes and Buddhas Hand, with a fifth piece, a fig, missing from the set. Please note there are a few chips in the edges of the leaves of the fruit (circled in the photos). Each piece is roughly life-size the Buddhas hand is 15 cm (6 inches) long...

Three fine 20th century Japanese lacquer trays. Each with boats and pine decoration in gold tones upon a dark brown ground. The trays gradually bowed and of square shape but with slightly curved sides and raised on four, shaped feet. 11 1/16" x 11 1/8" (about 28cm square). Reasonably good condition with some light abrading easily enough cared for by a specialist.

Together with another, 19th century tray (bottom portion of a box now missing its cover) with beautiful cranes decoration. 11 3/...