Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Shiitake Mushroom motif; Japan, early 20th C. L.5.25"(15cm) x W.3"(7.5cm) x H.1"(2.25cm.) Condition Note: Bottom piece only, no cover piece. The wrinkled cap of the mushroom symbolizes old age and long like. It was used for celebratory occasions that called for such symbolism. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world. Well-known examples in Asia come from Japan, China, Korea, and Indonesia...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold) with image of Jou (old man from the Noh play "Takasago.") Early 20th C, Japan. L.7.75"(9.5cm) x W.3.375"(8.5cm) x H..75'(2cm). Bottom portion of mold only. The image of Jou, the old man raking leaves and the companion of Uba, is from the ancient Noh play "Takasago." Alone or accompanied by Uba, Jou is a symbol of a long married life and fidelity. Such sweets could have been used for marriages and New Years...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Berry motif; Japan, early 20th C. 6-piece sweet mold. L.13"(33cm) x W.1.75"(3.5cm) x H.0.375"(1cm.) Condition Note: Bottom piece of mold only. No top cover. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world. Well-known examples in Asia come from Japan, China, Korea, and Indonesia. In Europe; countries such as Germany, Holland, and England have a rich history of cake mold production...

Ohara Koson
Scops owl and tree sparrow on a branch, another tree sparrow in flight below
Size: Dai-oban. Approximately 16.5 x 10.25 inches.
Date: Early 20th century.
Publisher: Nishinomiya Yosaku.
Reference: #K20.7, page 187 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Amy Reigle Newland)
Condition: Tonal differences from framing apparent along the top and bottom.
This powerful owl is very rarely seen.

Japanese Noh performance mask of Ko-omote the youthful beauty, made of carved wood with painted features. Size: 8 1/4" high x 5 1/4" wide.

Japanese vintage woodblock print by artist Yoshio Kanamori (1922-present) titled 'Lake Mountain'. Numbered and inscribed in pencil, signed with red cartouche. Size: 19.25" height, 13.25" width

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Sakura (Cherry Blossom) motif; Japan, early 20th C. Paddle-type mold to make 2 pieces sweets. L.14.25"(36cm) x W.3.5"(8.75cm) x H. 0.75"(2cm.) The cherry blossom is a well-known symbol of spring, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life in Japanese culture. Most likely, these molds were used for sweets in the spring season. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world...

Kawase Hasui
Woman walking in snow with dog
Date: Early postwar.
Image size. Approximately 5.75 x 3.75 inches.
The woodblock print is tipped at the top to an original early postwar Christmas card.
Condition: Print is excellent. Card is slightly worn.

Ohara Koson
Sailing boat near sandy coast
Date: 1900s-1910s.
Size: Chuban. Approximately 10.5 x 8.25 inches.
Reference: K44.21 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Condition: Excellent. The original "Made in Japan" stamp on the verso shows through a bit in the sky.
A very rarely seen seascape and Fuji view.

Ohara Shoson (Koson)
Little egret on the bough of a willow tree
Size: Chuban. Image size is approximately 9.75 x 6.75 inches.
Date: ca. 1930s.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Illustrated as S14.7 on page 207 of "Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland)."
Tipped at top edge to original cardstock.
Condition: Excellent.

Japanese framed woodblock print by sōsaku hanga artist Haku Maki (1924-2000). This print is titled "Hantou - 75", number 32 in its series and signed with a red cartouche. Depicted is a glossy, embossed vase with silver embossed flower buds. Size: (entire frame)14" height, 11.25" width (artwork only) 9" height, 6.25" width

Kawase Hasui (1883-1957)
Arifuku Hot Springs, Iwami, 1924
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Bears the Watanabe "A seal," indicating a first edition.
Condition: Very good with faint matte line near image edge.

Original shin-hanga woodblock print titled "Sacred Grove" by artist Tōshi Yoshida (1911-1995). It is a nature scene showing a red temple with golden doors and roof, partially obscured by trees. The forest floor is mossy and only a small bit of the sky peeks through the treetops. The print is framed behind glass with a large wooden border. The photo shows reflection on the glass but the print is perfect. Size: (entire frame) 16" height, 12" width (print only) 9" height, 6.5" width

Japanese woodblock print by Benji Asada, oban tate-e, ¡°The Pagoda of Ninnaji Temple,¡± published by Uchida, ca.1960. Good impression, slightly toned and burned.

Paul Jacoulet
L'Attente, Celebes Menado
Size: Dai-oban.
Date: September 15, 1947.
Edition: 175/350.
Carver: Maeda, Printer: Fujii.
Condition: Excellent.
"The pink background is sprinkled with bits of silver leaf… The curl of smoke from the lady's cigarette is gauffrage." - Richard Miles, The Prints of Paul Jacoulet.

Japanese large print entitled "Fruit" by the artist Reika Iwami. She was born in 1927, graduated from the Tokyo Bunka Gakuin Art College. She studied the art of doll-carving and worked under the national treasure, Hori Ryūjo before becoming a print artist in 1954. This print exemplifies her use of large abstract shapes and a muted pallet. In this print, Iwami has used mica and an embossing technique. Signed in graphite, dated 1959...

Kawase Hasui
Late Autumn at Lake Yamanaka
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.5 inches.
Date: 1947
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Bears the Watanabe 6 mm seal, consistent with a lifetime strike and first edition.
Condition: Excellent. Light tone at margin.
A breathtaking view of Mount Fuji with sunlit foreground in a rarely seen Hasui design.

Kawase Hasui
Hida Kamagatake
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10.5 inches.
Date: 1933. This is a lifetime edition published between 1946 and 1957.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Bears the red 6mm seal.
Condition: Very good. The tonal difference at the lower right corner appears to be an impression flaw, rather than a matte line.
A rarely seen Hasui image.