An elegant ceramic obidome (obi clasp) with silver mount (guaranteed) formed as a leaf, glazed in mottled tones of red and blue, with a hand woven silk cord dyed in the same colors; all contained in original box from Matsumasa, Kyoto. Taisho/early Showa period.

The actual colors are gentle; red in blue/purple tint with a soft blue color. What did not show in the photos are the exact matching colors of the ceramic leaf and silk cord...

In its original box, this beautiful red bronzed flower vase has ducks and ume plums in wonderful relief. Has the signed original box made out of kiri. c.1930. (9" x 9") (23cm x 23cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $95.

A very rare 5 panel bride’s noren. The bottom of the curtain has a lovely delicate aqua wash. Traditionally the bride would hang this curtain in the doorway for about 2 weeks after she was married to announce that she was a member of the new family and that she has taken her husband’s family crest. There are a few minor age spots in the cream/off white area, but otherwise the curtain is in excellent condition...

These geta (shoes) were worn by a girl or young Japanese woman. Build up from several layers of materials, the felted soles have slits to allow access for the changing of thongs should they become soiled or worn. Small pieces of leather nailed are the heels. The upper fabric liner is made from two pieces of contrasting fabric sewn together and show a small amount of dirt and an almost imperceivable foot imprint about the toe area...

Japanese uchikake (traditional wedding gown in kimono shape), embroidered flying cranes, thick red satin, new condition. 53" (sleeve to sleeve) x 73" (6'1") long

Japanese uchikake (wedding gown in kimono shape) in red and gold, thick Shioze silk, very new condition. 52" (sleeve to sleeve) x 75" long

This 1930’s ivory carpenter is 9 ¼” high, 3 ¼” wide and 3 ¼” thick. It depicts a smiling carpenter carrying a wood bucket and cloth bag on his right arm and holding a saw in his left hand. His tool boxes are set in front of him. The artist’s signature “Gyokushi” is on the bottom. It is a well carved piece in great condition.

This is an a beautiful Uchikake (Japanese wedding gown) covered with embroideries on satin. The workmanship shown in this gown is truely amazing. It is in new condition.

The pair of loving birds are Oshi-dori (Mandarin ducks) which are popular subjects relating to weddings. The theme of this gown is probably from Chapter 5, "Lavender" (Waka Murasaki) in "The Tale of Genji". When Genji was traveling the countryside for the first time, he saw a beautiful young girl crying...

The bouquet of flowers for this stunning silk fukusa was made using yuzen resist dying, free-hand embroidery, and gold surihaku, with gold and silver foil couching applied to create the bow. On the reverse side is a large mons (family crest). Three of the four original silk tassels are still intact. As a decorative item, this fukusa would make a fabulous wall hanging or framed artwork. In excellent condition, we estimate this fukusa to be mid Showa. It measures 26” wide x 29” high...

This is a fabulous woven silk fukusa designed with Japanese tastes in mind. It is woven in silk with the addition of gold lacquered silk threads. Each of the four corners has four turtle tassels. The reverse side is red with a gold paulownia mon also woven with god threads. This is a very striking piece and makes a superb interior design statement. In excellent condition, it measures 24.5” square. We date this to mid-Showa.

Japanese silk fukusa with yuzen technique and sumi-e hand painting. The shimmering effect of the water was achieved by the delicate use of silver surihaku. Red embroidery on the crane’s head and some white embroidery on tail feathers highlight those features. On the reverse is red rinzu silk with a large peony motif. All four original tassels are still intact. There is a break in the boarder thread in the upper left corner (see last photo) but could be repaired...

A fabulous dark royal blue Nagoya obi with painting of men crossing a bridge. Screen printed with some hand painting, the figures are drawn in a modern art deco style. Early Showa. The obi measures 38” to the fold and 12” wide. The main scene measures 10” high x 12” wide. The smaller scene on the folded area measures 13” x 6” and is repeated on the back side. There are some minor age spots on one of these scenes, other wise obi is in very good condition...

Japanese baby's first formal kimono (miyagi), hawk on a pine tree hand painted in sumi-e (black ink) on silk, 32 1/2" W x 41" L.

This type of kimono is used during a newborn's first visit to the shrine. The ritual takes place about one month after his birth...

A mirror pair of 7.25" vases, enameled in deep red enamel over metal bodies incised in a pattern of birds in a bamboo grove. They are marked "Made in Japan" on their silvered bases. Top rims are copper colored, the counter-enamel is deep red. The pair has no chips, hairlines or repairs.

Silver wired flowers decorate this 3.75" signed Ando Jubei white cloisonne kogo. The interior is silvered, the rims copper colored.

Condition: Good, there are two hairlines beneath the bottom rim on opposite sides, one of which is illustrated in the fifth photograph.

The mark of Ando Jubei is stamped on the bottom gilded rim of this 6.5" tall 20th century cloisonne vase. A cluster of silver wired grapes and leaves decorate the deep green ground.

Condition: Good, with only scuffing to the bottom rim, and a small indention to the upper. Also, there is a slight scratch below the grape cluster and another above the left wire tendril, too faint to photograph. The various white spots are merely light reflection.

Japanese 20th century flower design plique a jour cloisonne vase with chrome rim. The vase measures 5 1/8" in height and is 3 1/2" in diameter.

Ohno Bakufu
Rice Reaping
Date: ca. 1950.
Size: Oban. 15 x 10.5 inches
Publisher: Kyoto Hanga-In
Carver: Matsuda. Printer: Ichimura
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Top margin has thin tape mark.