With pottery shards from excavated kilns dating back to the 5th Century, Mino-ware is one of the oldest and most revered pottery traditions in all of Japan. Though the piece featured here does not fit neatly into any of the typical categories of Mino pottery such as Kiseto, Setoguro, Oribe, or Shino; the shape and overall feel of this piece unmistakably places it within this pottery tradition...

Kawase Hasui
Uji Bridge (aka Bridge on a Starry Night)
Note: But are the stars fireflies? The Uji Bridge and River are known for fireflies.
Date: 1930s.
Size: Koban. Approximately 7.75 x 5.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Hasui's oval seal at lower left.
Made in Japan stamped on verso.
Reference: Hotei #Hp-24.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Shodo Kawarazaki (1889-1973)
Water Hyacinth (Mizuaoi)
Date: 1950s. Later edition.
Size: Oban. 16.0 x 10.75 inches.
Publisher: Unsodo. Publisher's "Gei" watermark at lower left. Carver and printer seals at left margin.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Osuga Yuichi (b. 1939)
Japanese Bellflower (Kikyo)
Date: ca. 1970s or later.
Size: Oban. 15.875 x 10.75 inches.
Publisher: Unsodo. Publisher's "Gei" watermark at lower left.
Carver: Monju. Printer: Sugimoto
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Upper left margin edge has vertical crease.

Toko Shinoda (1913-2021)
Title: Discovery
Size: Approximately 14.125 x 10.5 inches.
Date: 1980s or earlier.
Edition: 33/35.
Medium: Lithograph with red and black sumi-e brushstrokes.
Condition: Slight toning to former matte edge.

Ohara Koson (?)
Three Birds (Gallinules) (Matsumoto catalog name)
Size: Approximately 14.4 x 9.0 cm. 5.75 x 3.625 inches.
Date: ca. 1910.
Sealed "Yamagishi," which may be the carver Kazue Yamagishi (1891-1984).
Publisher: Matsumoto (no. 420)
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
An early and rarely seen design...

Futonji with two faces which are made of hand-spun cotton. One is katazome with chrysanthemum motif, dyed with bengala (red iron dioxide) and the other is checks dyed with vegetable indigo. Both sides have mending patches, breaks and holes. The first half of the 20th century. 144cm x 146cm

SHUNGA

Hand-drawn comical 'shunga' (pornographic picture) scroll like cartoon, Showa period, 20th century, Japan. Open: approx. L 230cm (90.55in), Close: approx. L 14 x D 3cm (5.51 x 1.18in)...

1930's Japanese Hiroshi Yoshida Kura in Tomonoura Woodblock Print

It is 10.5 inches (26.68 cm) in length by 15.75 inches (40 cm) wide.

It has yellowing at the borders, toning, discoloration, fading, 2 pin size hoes at the top, 3 tapes at the back, and wear (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell...

Cotton futonji with minimal shibori design whose technique is "Nui-shibori (folded and stitched). It is made in Asamai in Akita prefecture where shibori has been practiced since late 18th century and it was most prosperous in the second half of the 19th century, however it declined rapidly because of the machine spinning and chemical dye developed. The local people are trying to preserve the Asamai shibori technique now. In excellent condition. The first half of the 20th century...

A large wood tray in red and black urushi (lacquer ware). Generally in good condition, but minor hairline in the surface and some parts where urushi came off and wear in the back. 20th century. Diameter:40cm, H:4cm

Lovely wood-fired Japanese earthenware tsubo featuring the wonderful natural glazes and feldspar filled clays of Shigaraki, the famed pottery area outside of Kyoto. Ca. 1960. 11" by 10" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Ide Gakusui
Berries
Size: Approximately 5.5 x 3.75 inches.
Date: 1950s-60s.
Gakusui signature and seal lower left.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo
Woodblock print is tipped along the top edge to original 7 x 4.75-inch blank card.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Wood tray mended with metal hinges. It has beautiful annual growth rings and grains. The first half of the 20th century. W:27.5cm, L:40cm, H:4.8cm, Weight:1100gm

Original woodblock print ONE TREE (GOLD) by Joichi Hoshi (1913-1979) printed in 1978. Excellent crisp print in great condition, superb design, metallic gold highlights to the background, listed as plate 390 in JOICHI HOSHI CATALOGUE OF ALL TREE WOODBLOCK PRINTS published by Kato Gallery in 1988. Black “tree” seal of the artist in lower right corner, titled, signed and dated by the artist in pencil (see detail). A bit of foxing along the margins (see Enlargement 6), the image is not affected...

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Sparrows
Publisher: Doi. Issued by Odawara Shoten.
Date: 1940. This edition likely post-2000.
Print size: Koban. 8 x 5.75 inches.
Koitsu catalog no.: Similar to TK-DH-90.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Beautiful Early Showa Period C.1935 ceramic Imari 'jubako' bento food container. Hand painted, very art deco motifs and design. Excellent condition. H:10" by W:6". Ask for shipping quote.

UNREFINED JINGASA SAMURAI HATS 2pc.

Two pieces set of old wooden molds for 'jingasa' (samurai soldier's hat) or the unfinished products itself before lacquered. Either way, could be for the vintage replica, but rare find for sure. Early-mid 20th century, Japan. approx...

1937's Kawase Hasui Unmounted Woodblock Print Zentsuji Temple in Rain

It is 15.35 inches (39 cm) in length by 10.3 inches (26.2 cm) wide. The watanabe seal is 6.58 mm in diameter.

It has discoloration, fading, toning, yellowing, and wears (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell...

Vintage Japanese incense stick container carved out of kurogaki (black persimmon) wood, the body with dense leaf design, and the cover with fine lattice design and an oval reserve containing the the character FUKU (happiness. Excellent sharp work, very pleasant to handle, the cover fits neatly, beautiful patina. Very good object for a scholar’s desk. Length 9.25 inches.

A carved and dark red lacquered oval tea tray with cherry blossom in cinnabar red and yellow-white. Made in Kamakura, the back with a stamped seal mark. Width "17/ 43 cm. Condition: minimal wear.

Japanese Tsugaru / Wakasa lacquer box and six coasters, early 20th century lacquer work with a speckled and metallic surface, an old Honshu speciality. The pattern is rhombic, the lid of the box gold or bronze coloured, the coasters a reddish brown. The back of the coasters is black and slightly structured. Diameter of coasters "3 ¼ / 9.5 cm and of box "5 / 12.5 cm. Condition: small loss of lacquer to the rim of the lid, otherwise fine.

Our favorite style of tetsubin iron tea pot. From the famed Nambu foundtry in northern Japan, this 'arare' or hail style design is very art deco. Stamped with the foundry seal, the tea pot is 9" tall and 8" in diameter. Excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote. Ca. 1950

Takahashi Shotei
Shrine by the River
Date: 1930s. This edition early postwar.
Size: 5.5 x 3.625 inches
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Artist's seal at lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Top margin edge has slight browning.

A wood plate used by a lacquer ware maker. It has layers of red and black urushi. It is used by a craftsperson of Aizu-nuri, from Aizu in Fukushima in Tohoku district. The first half of the 20th century. Diameter:16.4cm, H:4cm

A wood bowl used by a lacquer ware maker. It has layers of red and black urushi. It is used by a craftsperson of Aizu-nuri, from Aizu in Fukushima in Tohoku district. The first half of the 20th century. Diameter:15.8cm, H:6.5cm

Elegant and very unusual shaped Japanese bamboo Flower Basket Ca. 1925. A series of fine butterfly knots line the bamboo on both sides and the handle. The weave is a delicate warp and weft with tiny knots embroidering the edges of the opening. H: 35cm by W: 34cm. excellent condition. No signature.

Sakiori sodenashi (vest) handwoven of strips recycled from old cotton cloth for wefts, and hemp yarn for warps. Sakiori hanten and sodenashi were made mainly in districts along the Japan Sea of the mainland, where they have much snow and cold climate in winter. Piping cloth is indigo dye cotton. In excellent condition. The first half of the 20th century. W:49cm, L:86cm

SETTING

Old Japanese tool for setting a saw, Showa period, early-mid 20th century, 22 x 47 x 5cm (8.66 x 18.50 x 1.96in). The condition is as is as seen.


selected by Jinta




* Please understand that EMS shipping fee is additionally charged, and also confirm our Sales Policy before purchase, since your order will be assumed to have fully acknowledged our Sales Policy under any circumstances...

Winnowing basket called "箕（mi)"which is used by farmers to eliminate or blow out unnecessary stuffs. It is made of bamboo and covered with washi and painted with kakishibu (persimmon tannin). Bamboo mi is made in rather warmer region and bast of trees are made in colder region, however, it is not clear when these ones are made. Generally, in good condition but have some minor breaks or rips. 20th century. W:45cm to 43cm, L:36.5cm to 34cm. Possible to sell one piece for $40.

Japanese shin hanga woodblock print titled “Santa Fe” by Toshi Yoshida (1911-1995) dated 1971. The print is titled and dated in Japanese in the left margin. The artist’s block signature and English title are in the bottom margin. This image was printed posthumously by the Yoshida family from the original blocks. On the back in the lower corner is written in Japanese “later printing by Komatsu Heihachi.” Paper: 14 1/2” x 21 1/2" (image: 11 3/4" x 19 1/2")...

A sashi (obi) made of plain weave silk with katazome design whose motifs are Edo Hikeshi (fireman) such as hanten (jacket) with brigade's marks, matoi (brigade's symbol) etc. Lining is twill weave black silk cloth. In excellent condition. The first half of the 20th century. 31cm x 4m12cm

KATAKANA

45 pieces of vintage Japanese metal letterpress movable type, 'Katakana' (Angular form of Japanese syllabary, primarily used for words of foreign origin). Showa period, 20th century, Japan. One piece: approx. 1.5 x 1.5 x D 2cm (0.59 x 0.59 x 0.78in)


selected by hotoke




* Please understand that EMS shipping fee is additionally charged, and also confirm our Sales Policy before purchase, since your order wi...

Vintage Japanese woven bamboo ikebana basket with four woven “feet” forming a square on the bottom, squat round body and long neck, excellent for use in tea ceremony or flower arrangement. Superb piece made in Karamono (Chinese, more formal than Japanese) style with shape and execution of the weave in regular rows. Finely woven smoked narrow bamboo strips, rich warm patina from smoking process and age, black lacquered bamboo insert. The basket is in excellent shape. Signed HONAN SAKU (made b...

Modern, large roundish bamboo flower basket Hanakago Material: Madake bamboo, rattan, lacquer. It comes with the original lacquered bamboo water receptacle Otoshi. Artist’s inscription to bottom: CHIKUHOUSAI. H 27 x D 29 cm. Perfect condition. **** Okasaki Chikuhousai was born in Beppu in 1933; Kyushu. Studied under his father Chikuhosai I. In 1953, he was selected for the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition. Since 1975, he has exhibited at the Seibu Kogei Exhibition, winning a...

Very rare carving of the Three Wise Monkeys, sanzaru in Japanese, sitting on two logs. The one who hears no evil (kikazaru) and the one who speaks no evil (iwazaru) are sitting together. A little separated from them sits the one that sees no evil (mizaru). Carved in facet-cut (abstracted style) in soft cedar wood (sugi).

Signature in the bottom: Masahide.

Japan, first half of to mid-20th century.

H 3.25 x W 8.75 x D 2.1 in.

Short splinter on the base, otherwise very ...

BECKONING CAT

Lovely vintage pottery 'Maneki-neko' (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maneki-neko). Showa period, early-mid 20th century, Japan. H 11 x 6 x 6cm (4.33 x 2.36 x 2.36in). The condition is as is as seen.


selected by Jinta




* Please understand that EMS shipping fee is additionally charged, and also confirm our Sales Policy before purchase, since your order will be assumed to have fully acknowl...

Ohara Shoson (Koson)
Pheasants and Maple Tree
Size: Approximately 5.25 x 3.25 inches.
Date: ca. 1930s.
Shoson seal at lower right
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Reference: AS.15 in Crows, Cranes, and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

A stand made of a fine piece of heavy, cypress wood emulating a rock. The top with a flat, smooth area on which to place items for contemplation or small ikebana arrangements. H 11 x L 24 cm. Japan or China, most probably from around 1920. Condition: Excellent with a wonderful patina.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with nine yellow petaled flowers with orange stamens, leaves and 24K gold leaf inclusions. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece - see the individual stamens and finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.8 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with four white petaled flowers with multicolored stamens, leaves and fine tiny silver foil inclusions. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece - see the individual stamens and finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.8 inches.

Late Meiji period (1890s 1912) Japanese buffalo horn kushi (hair comb) with overlayed decoration of a fan, a mallet and 2 fan tops, design continuing on both sides. Nicely made, good work in Japanese taste, some insect damage as seen on photos. Length 3.7 inches. Part of East Coast collection of Japanese hair items.

Vintage Japanese lacquer kogai style kanzashi - a hair pin - with lacquer decoration of flowers in a stream. Kogai type kanzashi consists of two sticks featuring a design on each end, which tend to be wider than the centre. Kogai resemble sheathed swords, with one end being removable in order for it to be placed in the hairstyle. Wonderful lacquer work, in very good vintage condition. Length assembled 4 1/4 inches. Part of East Coast Japanese hair items collection.

Vintage Japanese lacquer kogai style kanzashi - a hair pin - with black and gold lacquer decoration. Kogai type kanzashi consists of two sticks featuring a design on each end, which tend to be wider than the centre. Kogai resemble sheathed swords, with one end being removable in order for it to be placed in the hairstyle. Wonderful elegant lacquer work, some chipping to the edge of one stick at the center of the piece. Signed with one character in gold lacquer, appears to read JI. Length assembl...

PHALLIC TALISMAN AND OLD HAND-COPIED SUTRA

Set of wooden charm with Somin Shorai's name (ref. 'Somin Shorai' - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somin_Sh%C5%8Drai) and the sutra with myriads of 'Hail Amitabha Buddha' in Japanese, originally acquired from the dealer from Tohoku region. Early-mid 20th century, Japan. Charm: H 20cm (7.87in), Sutra: 41 x 16.5cm (16.14 x 6.49in). Aged deterioration as is.


selected by titcoRet


...

TAGETA

Old Japanese wooden clogs used in agricultural work at rice fields or in walking through marshy ground, so-called 'Tageta'. Showa period, 20th century. approx. 35 x 18.5 x H 10cm (13.77 x 7.28 x 3.93in). Some repairs at ropes as is. Comes out some waste straw when touch due to aged deterioration.


selected by titcoRet




* Please understand that EMS shipping fee is additionally charged, and also con...

Lilian May Miller (1895-1943)
A Japanese Garden
Date: 1927.
Size: Approximately 5.625 x 3.75 inches.
From the book, Grass Blades from a Cinnamon Garden.
Monogrammed within the image.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Light crease at lower right corner.

Japanese bronze okimono (also can be used as scroll weight) of a resting ram by the metal artist Masahiko Katori (1899-1988), who was recognized in 1977 as a holder of Intangible Cultural Property - the term refers exclusively to human skills possessed by individuals which are indispensable to produce Cultural Properties. The artist graduated from the Department of Casting, Tokyo School of Fine Arts in 1925, submitted a flower vase with strawberries and scrolling arabesque design to the 1925 Par...

Vintage green stained staghorn obidome (sash ornament) carved as a running lizard. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Clever design, good quality carving, nice finish and patina, two metal fittings on the back for an obi cord. Length 2 inches.

Contemporary Japanese glass obidome (sash ornament) with multiple rods depicting various flowers. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Beautiful design, superb quality glasswork, very pleasant finish. Metal fixture with two loops on the back for an obi cord. Diameter 1.07 inches.

Magnificent Ko Iga flower vase made by Zoroku Mashimizu (1861-1936)

Zoroku Masashimizu was born in Kyoto with the childhood name Jutaro.
After his father passed away, he devoted himself to pottery under the guidance of his mother, Chika. In 1882 he succeeded to the name Masashimizu Zoroku. In 1884 he received a medal at the Kyoto Exposition. He also won the first gold prize at the Nanto Expo. In 1917 he moved his kiln to Nishinoyama, Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City.
During t...

Brown silk homongi formal kimono with dots in jacquard and with gold threads interwoven, so that the fabric sparkles when the light hits it. The upper part is undecorated, except for three crests of the Sakagami family on the back.
On the section that is underneath the obi, there are hand-painted crossing strips, decorated in bright colors blue, purple, red, orange, green, yellow, silver and gold sprinkle with geometric, auspicious motifs: Waves, shippo, diamonds, kikko hanabishi (hexagons...

Wooden panel covered with a thick layer of green urushi lacquer decorated with a lake landscape. A pontoon on stilts in light relief brown, ocher and yellow lacquer is surrounded by flowering Irises. The leaves are also in green thick lacquer and the flowers are in mother-of-pearl and eggshell, probably ostrich. The work is particularly neat and very solid. No signature, but certainly an excellent artist. We think, without absolute certainty, that it is a Japanese work probably from the Taisho p...

Japanese glass obidome (sash ornament) with flowers floating on a stream with air bubbles and silver foil flakes. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Nice design, wonderful quality glasswork, very pleasant to hold. Length 0.88 inches.

Vintage Japanese sunburst jasper obidome (sash ornament). Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Nice stone, natural lines in the material, beautiful finish, very pleasant to handle. Brass frame with two fittings on the back for a cord. Length 1.6 inches.

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Mandarin Ducks
Date: 1930s.
Size: Mitsugiri-ban. Approximately 15.75 x 7.5 inches.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten.
Reference: Koitsu catalog no. TK-DH-76.
Carver: Harada. Printer: Yokoi.
This seal combination indicates an early post-war edition.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Back top margin has tape residue.
Note: An usual subject for Koitsu.

Bonhams sale catalog THE BLUETTE H. KIRCHHOFF COLLECTION OF NETSUKE AND SAGEMONO that took place in New York on September 16, 2009. Soft covers, 276 lots described and illustrated in color, excellent reference book, in great condition.

Unusual vintage Japanese wooden obidome (sash ornament) carved as a peony flower with leaves resting on an open fan. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Excellent sharp carving, beautiful painted highlights, very pleasant to handle. Signed on the back with a kakihan (carved monogram) of the artist. Length 3.1 inches.

Vintage Japanese glass obidome (sash ornament) with complex interwoven red, black and white streaks resembling kelp strands.. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Excellent crisp work, very pleasant to hold. Length 0.88 inches.

Vintage Japanese Komai metal obidome (sash ornament) with gold decoration of chrysanthemum flowers. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Nice design, superb quality crisp metalwork, two fittings for a cord on the back. Length 2.08 inches.