A lovely genuine full sized Bunraku theater puppet of a mature female character dressed in a blue silk kimono with elagent head dress. The doll is fully mobile, controlled from within by switches on her neck and poles extending from her arms. The hands are flexible as seen in the photos. She stands almost 4 feet (117 cm) tall, and comes complete with a bamboo display stand as pictured. All is in excellent condition, with a few stray hairs in her coiffure...

A loosely brushed image of a Kingfisher perched on dilapidated lotus stalk decorates the crackled gohon pale glaze of this gourd shaped Mizusashi fresh water jar by Takahashi (Ninnami) Dohachi. It features a black lacquered wooden lid. There are cracks in teh lacquer of the looping handle. The signature is consistent with works by Ninnami Dohachi (Dohachi II) from the mid 19th century...

A fabulous bold design of crashing waves wraps about this balluster form by Miyanaga Tozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 26 cm (10 inches) diameter, 28 cm (11 inches) tall and in excellent condition. An unusual design and superb execution by this important artist. Miyanaga Tozan I (1868-1941) is one of the most important names in Kyoto ceramics. He was born in Ishikawa prefecture, and graduated from the (now) Tokyo University of Art...

Edo era Japanese Satsuma/Stoneware plate with head of Samurai warrior holding staff, with elaborate enamel work throughout, a band of raised enamel designs at the edge. Measures 7 1/4" in diameter and 1 1/4" deep on short foot. His helmet is decorated in bands of tan ribbon like forms, all with scrolling gold designs...

Isezaki Mitsuru (1934-2011) Elegant Bizen Pottery Vase Isezaki Mitsuru was born in 1934 in the well-known family of Bizen potters. His younger brother Isezaki Jun (b.1936) is the Living National Treasure since 2004. Mr...

Oversized limited edition Japanese sosaku hanga woodblock print by Jun'ichiro Sekino (1914-1988) depicting a solitary cat on a large tiled roof titled "Lovesick Cat." Pencil-signed and dated 1957 at the lower right margin with the artist's red seal above. Numbered 75/100 at the lower left side of the bottom margin. Paper: 20 1/4" x 12 3/4" (image: 17" x 9 7/8." Printed on fine paper. Very good overall condition with full margins...

Iron laced with tinges of blue decorates the rim, flowing into the bowl of these five abalone shaped dishes from 19th century Takatori in central Kyushu enclosed in a beautiful age darkened kiri-wood box titled Awabi Mukozuke Go Kyaku Takatori Yaki (Five Abalone Shaped Dishes from Takatori). Each is roughly 9.5 x 12.5 cm (4 x 5 inches) and each bears the “Taka” stamp beneath. No post-firing damage...

A collection of six unique antique sake cups from various regions in Japan, each enclosed in an old wooden box.
1. A rice bale shaped Kosobe yaki bowl in thin bluish-white glaze stamped on the base, probably second or third generation (see below).
2. A Soma Yaki small bowl of pinched form with speckled green glaze from Fukushima. Soma Yaki has a four-hundred-year history.
3...

Wild chrysanthemum rise along a brief poem on the cream-colored sides of these Tokkuri by Seifu Yohei enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Seizan Sakabin. They are 15 cm (just under six inches) tall and in excellent condition. There is a pre-firing imperfection in the rim of one of the Tokkuri.
Seifu Yohei I (1803-1861) founded the Seifu dynasty in Kyoto. He was born in powerful Kaga-kuni, modern day Kanazawa prefecture...

Nagakura Kenichi's artwork is imbued with a primal energy and balance executed with a keen understanding of composition. Each piece combines classic Japanese bamboo basketry techniques with a contemporary artist's sensibility...

Two Edo period finely executed Japanese lacquered wood dishes, each decorated with a gold "mon" (family crest), pawlonia, and scrolling foliage set against a brown/black ground. The wood grain is clearly visible. 19th century. Each measures just under 8" diameter. Very good overall condition with only minor flaws. There is a small lacquer drip or imperfection on the back of one. Included with purchase is the original certificate of authenticity dated May 5, 1967 and provided by Z. Izuoka, ...

Rare oversized Japanese woodblock print ascribed to Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865) titled “Mirror of the Physiology of Eating and Drinking” (Inshoku Yojo Kagami), also known as “Rules of Dietary Life,” and believed to date circa 1850. The print depicts a man seated cross-legged drinking a cup of sake with a bowl of fish in front of him. The cross-sectioned torso shows the functions of the internal organs and illustrates the Sino-Japanese concept of digestion. Inscriptions describe the f...

The mastery of expression accomplished by Suwa Sozan I is evident in this pair of porcelain children enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Gosai Doshi Okimono (Five Colored Figure of Children). This piece is published in the definitive book “Suwa Sozan Sakuhin Shu” (1971). In the book the photo title is more specific “Gosai Mimiakatori Karako Okimono” (Five Color Figure of Chinese Children Cleaning Ears) and the work is dated to 1913. The fellow doing the cleaning is absor...

A white pidgeon perches on a discarded or fallen roof tile decorated with calligraphy by Miyanaga Tozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 9 inches (23 cm) tall and in excellent condition. I believe this is likely by the second generation.
Miyanaga Tozan I (1868-1941) is one of the most important names in Kyoto ceramics. He was born in Ishikawa prefecture, and graduated from the (now) Tokyo University of Art. While a government employee, he represented Japan at Arts Expos...

Extra Large Japanese limited edition densely pigmented and textured abstract sosaku hanga woodblock print by Hiroyuki Tajima (1911-1984), aka Kiyoshi Nagai, titled "Half Ruined Wall." Pencil-signed, titled in English and kanji, dated '69, and numbered 32/50 in the bottom margin. Paper: 24 7/8" x nearly 19 1/2" (image: 21 3/8" x 16"). Very good overall condition. There is some wrinkling, soiling, and wear to the large margins of the thick paper. Two thin strips of white linen tape are attach...

Antique Raku Ware Tea Bowl Chawan with Red Glaze used for Japanese Tea Ceremony Meiji period (1868-1912) Raku pottery is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremony since as early as the 16th century. Size Diameter 11cm Height 7cm Total Weight 240g Condition Overall good, no cracks. Minor chip can be seen on the fourth photo near the edge.

A truly magnificent vase of pastel blue floral designs on yellow-green body by Miyanaga Tozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 8 inches (20 cm) tall and in excellent condition. It retains the original wooden base. I believe this is by the second generation.
Miyanaga Tozan I (1868-1941) is one of the most important names in Kyoto ceramics. He was born in Ishikawa prefecture, and graduated from the (now) Tokyo University of Art. While a government employee, he represented...

A fabulous Koro covered in damascened gold by Ibuse Keisuke enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Nunome Zogan Jungin Koro (Damascene Pure Silver Incense Burner). It is 11 cm (4-1/2 inches) tall, 9.5 cm (3-3/4 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
Ibuse Keisuke was born in Tokyo in 1930, and began his studies of metal arts in 1950 under Unno Takeo. By the late fifties he was exhibiting with the Kofukai (where he would later be awarded) as well as the Nitten National A...

Japanese limited-edition copperplate etching and aquatint by Tanaka Ryohei (1933-2019) titled “The Great Ginkgo Tree." Pencil-signed, dated ’04, and numbered 18/100 in the lower margin. Paper size: 19 1/2” x 13” (image: 15 1/2” x 9 1/4”). Never framed. Excellent original condition.

Leaping green fish soar up the sides over tempestuous crackled celadon waves crashing over the matte blue of this exquisite Mizusashi fresh water container by Sawada Sozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It comes with a pottery lid as well as a black lacquered lid (Kaebuta). It is 18 cm (7 inches) tall, 13 cm (5 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
Sawada Sozan (1881-1963) was born in Kyoto and graduated the Tokyo School of Fine Arts. He attended the Arts Department...

Japanese shin hanga woodblock print titled "Lake Yamanaka in Winter" by Tsuchiya Koitsu (1870-1949) dated in the right margin "2nd month of Showa 14" (1939). The black ink signature and red seal of the artist are at the lower right. The seals of the publisher Doi Hangaten, printer Itoh, and carver Ikeda are in the left margin. This seal combination was used between 1948-1950. Paper measures 10 1/4" x 15 5/8" (image: 9 7/16" x 14 1/4"). Very good overall condition. There is a slight amount of ad...

A Carved and Gilded Buddhist Reliquary containing a polished pink stone exhibited at the Shimane Prefectural Musuem Arakawa Kisai exhibition in 1974 enclosed in a custom-made wooden box and retaining the loan papers from the museum as well as the original pamphlet. The wood body has been carved in tempestuous waves, lacquered black and gilded, with a polished pink orb inside a flame shaped finial. It is 7 inches (18 cm) tall and in excellent condition.
Arakawa Kisai (dates disputed, rou...

An exceptional boxed set of sake cups made by Seifu Yohei III lined with silver by Nakagawa Joeki (IX or X) enclosed in the original compartmentalized kiri-wood box signed by both artists. Each cup is unique, silver on blue, gold on red, and green on yellow, each stamped by the artist and displaying the celebratory Plum, Pine and Bamboo (Shochikubai) motif. They are 2-12 inches (6.3 cm) diameter each and in excellent condition.
Seifu Yohei III (1851-1914) was the adopted son of Yohei II...

Japanese scrolled painting on paper by Okutani Ichiyo, also known as Okutani Kazuyo, depicting a leafy vine with petunia flowers under the sliver of a moon. Signed Ichiyo with the red artist's seal below. Elaborate silk brocade scroll mounting with lacquer scroll ends. Early 20th century. Scroll: 75 1/2” x 12 3/4” (painting: 50 1/4” x 11 7/8”). Very good clean overall condition with only minor buckling and soiling evident.

Japanese woodblock print triptych by Kunisada, also known as Toyokuni III, (1786-1864) titled "Snow" from the series "Copied Pictures of an Edo Purple Eastern Capital" published by Sanoya Kihei between 1849-1850. The print illustrates a scene from Chapter 30 of Ryutei Tanehiko's 19th century novel "An Impostor Murasaki and a Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)," which is loosely based on the 11th century novel "The Tale of Genji." Depicted is Mitsuuji, Lady Murasaki, and an attendant holding a brazier....

Limited edition Japanese woodblock print by Clifton Karhu (1927-2007) titled "Winter Driveway." Pencil-signed and titled, dated '78, and numbered 19/100 in the bottom margin. Paper size: 12 1/8" x 11 7/8" (image: 9 7/8" x nearly 10"). The print was never framed and is in very good overall condition. There is possibly some faint discoloration to the paper from age. From a Tucson, Arizona collection.

A rarely encountered large format limited edition Japanese woodblock print titled Constellation No. 38" by Joichi Hoshi (1913-1979). Pencil-signed "Joichi Hoshi" and dated '67 in the lower margin. The artist’s square seal is visible in the image above the signature. Pencil-titled in kanji at the left side of the bottom margin and numbered 2/50. Marked with the edition number 2/80. Paper: 30" x 24 1/4" (image: 28 5/8" x 22 5/8"). The print is sun struck and discolored and there is scattered ...

A classic Gu vase of exquisite white porcelain by Miura Chikusen enclosed in the original signed double-wood box. It is 13-1/4 inches) tall, 19 cm (7-1/2 inches) diameter at the rim and in excellent condition. This type of Sinophile work was very popular throughout the Meiji and Taisho periods, and Sencha steeped tea had a profound impact on Japanese culture at the time. For more on that see the book ‘Tea of the Sages: The Art of Sencha’ by Patricia Graham (1998).
Miura Chikusen I ...

Not quite the Easter Bunny, but perhaps close to an Easter Egg, the design on this vase is both classical and modern, reminiscent of Kenzan and his use of patterns and colors, surmounted by a sometsuke underglaze blue dragon among roiling cobalt clouds. The pot dates from the late 19th to early 20th century, classic Meiji period but for the unusually bright and cheerful rows of yellow, blue and green florals on red. The dragon blends with the clouds, with a single gold line delineating his bod...

Early Showa period Japanese silk woman's formal kimono with embroidered highlights decorated on the bottom of the front with two prominent phoenix birds flying among feathery fans. The clusters of fans and the ends of the long phoenix tails extend around to the back side. The fan motif continues on the front and back of the long sleeves. Five family mon (crests) are at the shoulder area. The lining is mixed red and white silk. Circa 1930s. Measures 48" sleeve tip to sleeve tip and slightly ...

Gold lacquer on wood lidded box, measuring 5 1/2" x 4 1/8" x 2 5/8" high, Meiji or late Edo era in Japan. The decoration is all in gold lacquer, (hiramaki-e or raised lacquer), with varying hues of gold, some in slightly greenish/silver, some more rose gold (birds), most in finely detailed clear gold. The design is delicate and well executed, two small birds, one sitting on a bamboo branch, the other flying overhead. The wood is fairly dark, with visible grain and dark streaks. The design ex...

Japanese Edo to Meiji period bronze mirror (kagami) with handle, decorated in relief with palm leaves and flowers. Inscribed with the Fujiwara Shigeyoshi maker’s mark. Measures 8 1/8” long x 5 3/4" diameter. 19th century. Very good overall condition. There is a tiny nick at the bottom of the handle. From the Sahuarita, Arizona collection of former expatriates to Okinawa in the 1970s. Stand not included.

Sakura blossoms begin to open among the draping branches of a weeping willow soughing in the breeze on this beautiful lacquer box by Inami Kirokusai enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Wajima Nuri Soshun Maki-e Suzuri Bako (Ink Stone Box of Early Spring Design from Wajima). The design is performed over highly polished black, the interior in nashiji with pine saplings in raised design around the ink stone and water dropper. It is 24.5 x 13 x 3 cm (10 x 5 x 1-1/2 inches) and in e...

A halo surrounds the emaciated figure of a Rakan (Arhat or Arahat) seated atop a stone draped in billowing robes clutching a nyoi scepter in his bony left fist. The holy figure is chiseled and polished with extreme care and attention to detail. The detail in the carving is striking, as bamboo is notoriously hard and difficult to work. Setting it apart from most bamboo carving is a complex pattern of extremely fine chiseled texture throughout. It comes enclosed in a wooden box signed Raizan and...

Japanese shin hanga woodblock print titled "Summit of Fujiyama: The Kengamine Summit" by Hiroshi Yoshida (1876-1950) dated Showa 3 (1928). 1st edition impression with "jizure" (self-printed) seal in the upper left margin. The artist's black ink brush signature and red seal are at the lower left. The print is pencil-titled and pencil-signed in the lower margin. Illustrated in "The Complete Woodblock Prints of Yoshida Hiroshi," Abe Publications, color plate #531/. Paper measures 10 3/4" x 16 1/8" ...

An exquisite wooden plate in cinnabar lacquer over black wrapped in a chord bound cloth bag end enclosed in an age blackened kiri-wood box dating from the Edo period. The surface of brilliant red has been worn through with handling revealing the black beneath about the rim and edges. It is 9 inches (23 cm) diameter and in excellent condition. The bottom is a brown tinged black (the brown is a product of oxidation, inherent only with age) upon which are written two characters in red. The box i...

Rivulets of green glaze descend all sides of this sublime storage jar, the bottom raw red Tamba clay dating from the Edo period. About the rim are four “mimi” ears for tying down the wooden bung. The base is slightly concave and burnt to a rock like texture. The vessel is 12 inches (30 cm) tall, 11-1/2 inches (29 cm) diameter and in excellent condition. Tamba is considered as one of Japan’s six famous ancient kilns, along with Seto, Tokoname, Echizen, Shigaraki and Bizen. It is known ...

Japanese Edo to Meiji period ten-sided polygon form Imari porcelain vase decorated in the kakiemon style in polychrome enamel and gilt highlights with a prominent flying phoenix bird on the front and three pawlonia leaf groupings extending around the circumference. Ten alternating geometric and stylized floral bands extend vertically up the sloping neck. An alternating scalloped band is above the foot. 19th century. Stands just over 10” high. Very good overall condition with minor typical...

Japanese shin hanga woodblock print titled "Mt. Fuji From Mizukubo at Evening" by Takahashi Shotei, also known as Hiroaki (1871-1945). Originally published by Watanabe in 1936, this is a post-World War II edition. The artist's black ink signature and red seal are at the lower left. The round 6mm seal of the publisher Watanabe is beside the seal. The paper measures about 10 1/4" x 15 1/4" (image size: 9 1/4" x 14 1/2"). This print is cataloged as #O-17 on the informative website www.shotei.com. V...

A decidedly different version of this theme, a Festive carved wooden Tai (Red Snapper) fish with removable side for sashimi coated inside in gold with bone teeth and inlayed bone eyes. The craftsman ahs gone to great lengths to make this as realistic as possible, from the textures of the skin to the folds in the fins and coloring. Unusually, most dishes in this vein are one sided, however this is equally realistically carved on both sides. It is 47 x 21 x 6 cm (18-1/2 x 8 x 2-1/2 inches and i...

Occupation era original Japanese shin hanga woodblock print titled "Heirin Temple, Nobidome" by Kawase Hasui (1883-1957) dated in the lower left margin Showa 27 (1952). The artist's black ink signature and red seal are at the lower left corner of the image. The 6mm circular seal of the publisher Watanabe (used 1946-1957) is at the lower left margin corner beneath the date. Paper size: nearly 15 3/4" x 10 1/4" (image size: 14 3/8" x 9 1/2"). Very good overall condition with very good color. The...

A very rare work by Suda Seika featuring a long armed monkey climbing over the rim in raw terracotta clay, contrasting brilliantly against the blue splashed white porcelain. It is 17.5 x 20 x 10.5 cm (7 x 8 x 4 inches) and comes enclosed in a period kiri-wood box. The first generation Suda Seika (1862-1927) was born the son of a merchant in Kanazawa, then part of the Kaga fief. He graduated the Ishikawa prefectural Industrial Ceramic Research Center in 1880 specializing in decoration, and m...

Magnificent Japanese Red Raku (Aka-Raku) Tea Bowl made during Edo period. Raku pottery is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremony since as early as the 16th century. Size Width 5.2in (13.2cm) Height 2.1in (5.4cm) Weight 8.82oz + Box 6.00oz (250g + 170g) Condition Overall good considering the age. There is a little dent as shown on the pictures due to making process in kiln and this is not the problem to use. Box is provided

A set of early wood panels, once doors on a votive shrine, painted with guardian shishi lions (Also called Fu-dogs) in polychrome colors, much worn with time. The doors are of clear grained hinoki (Japanese cypress) and have shrunk horizontally over the centuries, evidenced by the ari (wooden support) which is inset into them. On back one can see clearly the silhouette of the original metal-work. Momoyama to early Edo period, they are 37.5 x 47 cm (15 x 18-1/2 inches) each and would be fabulo...

Antique Japanese pottery teabowl with Sakura and Momiji tree Kyo ware made by the 2nd Rokubei Kiyomizu (1790-1860) about 160-170 years ago. The seal of the potter is stamped on the bottom. Original box is provided. Size Dia. 4.8"(12.3cm) x Height 2.5"(6.3cm) Condition Very good condition. No chips, no cracks.

A serene image of the Goddess of Mercy Kannon found in a natural black stone from the Seta River inset into a hand carved hard-wood base and enclosed in a kiri-wood collectors box titled simply Setagawa-ishi (Seta River Stone). 19.5 cm (7-3/4 inches) tall and in excellent condition.

Japanese Meiji period Artia Imari porcelain charger decorated in underglaze cobalt blue and brilliant polychrome enamels and gilt highlights with a central reserve holding a kirin and butterflies on a white background surrounded by three red-ground floral panels set against cobalt blue. Three underglaze blue leaves are spaced around the exterior. A single spur is on the base. Very good overall condition. There are production imperfections (either burst bubbles or kiln grit adhering) at the r...

Japanese Antique Hand-painted Imari Bowl with Colourful Flower Design Meiji Period (1868-1912) Imari ware has been produced in Hizen area of Saga prefecture of Japan since 17th century. Very nice bowl for Japanese art collector. Size Width 5.4in ( 13.7cm ) Length 5.3in ( 13.5cm ) Height 2.6in ( 6.7cm ) Weight 10.93oz ( 310g ) Condition Overall good. No chips, no cracks.

Water Cooling Bowl Yusamashi of Hagi Ware made by Living National Treasure 10th Miwa Kyusetsu (1895-1981) about 50 years ago. Hagi Yaki pottery became popular throughout Japan for tea ceremony during Edo period (1603-1867). Hagi ware has its distinctive nice cracks together with soft texture which is highly prized among tea lovers around the world. Size Width 4.6in ( 11.8cm) Length 3.2in ( 8.2cm) Height 2.0in ( 5cm ) Weight 4.23oz ( 120g ) Condition Used, relatively good There ...

Antique Japanese Pair of Old Hand-painted Kutani Teabowls with Bird and Pine Tree Design Made Before 1940s Size Width / 4.29 inch ( 11cm ) Length / 4.29 inch ( 11cm ) Height / 3.12 inch ( 8cm ) Total Weight / 450 g Condition Good. No cracks, no chips

Vintage Japanese Kutani porcelain vase with a pair of cranes and a pine tree made about 70-80 years ago. The wooden box with no signature is also provided. Height 5.9"(15.0cm) Dia. "(9.5cm) Condition Overall good. No chips, No cracks.

Cranes soar before the red orb of the sun over festive young pines on these five ceramic bowls covered outside in red and black lacquer from the Nagoya studio of Toyoraku (also Horaku) dating from the mid to later 19th century, late Edo to Meiji eras. This set is exceptional! It is enclosed in a fine compartmentalized collectors kiri-wood box titled Owari Toyoraku Yaki Nuri Asahi-Tsuru-Matsu Suimono Chawan Go Kyaku (Five Owari Toyoraku Pottery Lacquered Soup Bowls Decorated with Pines, Cranes ...

A pair of small gold doors depicting Asian Civets (Jakoneko) in a flower strewn garden dating from the early to mid Edo period (17th to 18th century) reminiscent of the famous pair of screens heralding the same image by Kano Yukinobu (Utanosuke, active Muromachi period). The handmade bronze handles are in the shape of hollyhock leaves, intimating connection to the Tokugawa clan, head of the Shogunate. The painted panels are 45 x 28 cm each (17-1/2 x 11 inches), the doors roughly 48.5 x 32 cm (...

Golden bamboo spreads its leaf laden branches about the rim of this aka-e Kinsai bowl by Kyoto potter Takahashi Seizan and decorated by the famous painter Hashimoto Kansetsu enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 6-1/2 inches (17 cm) square and in excellent condition. This is from the personal collection of painter Konoshima Keika (1892-1974). We will be offering more from his household in the near future.
Born into the family of literatus and painter Hashimoto Kaikan in Hyo...

A fabulous large Mingei Tokkuri from the Satsuma region in the shape of an eggplant, glazed in black with crystalline blue about the neck over iron rich glazed clay. Likely from the Hirasa kilns, one of the great Satsuma production centers on the southern Island of Kyushu, 18th to early 19th century. It is 24 cm (10 inches) tall and in overall excellent condition, enclosed in a kiri-wood collectors’ box.
The history of Satsuma ware goes back to the 16th century when Japan fought in the...

Scratches of ink form a precipitous landscape of jagged mountains on the paper surface of this scroll performed by Fujii Tatsukichi enclosed in a wooden box titled: Painted by the elder Tatsu, One Scroll, Mountain, Annotated by Eichi. It is framed in a silk border terminating in black lacquered rollers. It is 13-1/2 x 59 inches (34 x 149 cm) and is in excellent condition.
Kato Eichi (1899-1987) was a potter from Seto who trained under Tatsukichi. Several pieces by him formerly in the col...

Japanese Meiji to Taisho period vase in the form of a gourd tied in a bow at the mid-section with a braided and tassled rope. The signature appears to translate as Tsunemo. 7" high. Weighing 2 lbs. 8 1/2 ounces, the vase is very heavy for its size. Early 20th century. Very good overall condition with a nice patina. From an old Tucson, Arizona estate.

The great Tang Poet Du Fu (712-770) affectionately coddles a goose chick in his left hand, his bamboo staff low and seemingly forgotten as he ponders the beloved creature in his palm. Exquisitely rendered, it is roughly 16 inches (40 cm) tall and signed on back with an engraved signature. Du Fu's poetry has made a profound impact on Japanese literature, especially on the literature from the Muromachi period and on scholars and poets in the Edo period, including Matsuo Basho, the very greatest ...

A spectacular pair of vases by Ito Tozan I decorated with the imperial chrysanthemum in gold between soaring phoenix; symbols of the Japanese imperial family. Both come in the original (tired) silk pouch in a compartmentalized wooden box signed by the artist. Each is roughly 6 inches tall and in excellent condition, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century (later Meiji to Taisho period).
Ito Tozan I (1846-1920) began as a painter in the Maruyama school studying under Koizumi Tog...

The village headman aims his arrows at the moon to dispel the evil brought on by a solar eclipse, the village women in the background standing in prayer. This scene was painted by Higuchi Tomimaro for show at the Seikosha Exhibition held in Osaka in 1938. It is an excellent look into the world of the Ainu, a native culture to Northern Japan now lost to history. He has done a wonderful job conveying the texture of the clothing, and hidden behind the grayish background is textures of floral lif...