An interesting blue and white imari bowl depicting Daruma the first patriarch of Zen Buddhism. Dating to the Meiji period (1868-1912) this bowl is entirely hand painted and signed "Shuzan". Very fine brushwork on Daruma's expression with his earring painted in red glaze. The reverse of the bowl features stylized scrolls and tamas (sacred Buddhist balls). Dimensions: 7 1/4" x 3". An interesting addition to any collection of Zen Buddhist art.
A superb antique Japanese ivory manju style netsuke dating to the late Edo period. The piece is signed by an artist called "Itokusai". The front features daruma complete with earring and hairy chest looking out of his cave window. The reverse features a hossu or fly whisk, signature and another window. A manju netsuke such as this would have been attached to a tobacco or other pouch and tucked into an obi. The ivory has yellowed and aged gracefully over the years. A must for the collec ...click for details
Oiran were high-ranking courtesans of the feudal period who wore tall lacquered footwear or Koma-geta (or mitsu-ashi - three legs). Unlike geisha and maiko, who only entertained by conversation, singing and dancing, oiran and tayuu were the highest rank in the hierarchy of prostitution in the pleasure quarters. Whereas geisha and maiko wear tabi socks, the oiran and tayuu preferred not to do so (even in winter!) and their toes can be seen poking out under many layers of kimono while wearing thes ...click for details
An antique Japanese samurai chochin kabuto dating from the mid to late Edo period (1780-1850). Ingenious design allows helmet to be folded down to minimize space during travel. Constructed from four concentric sections and a three lame shikoro. The 'swivel bar' is kept in place by a securing pin that rotates to lock bar in place. The helmet is iron throughout finished in black lacquer with blue silk odoshi lacing. The helmet hand-stitched liner and chin cords / shin obi-no-o are origina ...click for details
A beautiful Japanese Buddhist meditation bell and striker daing to the mid twentieth century. Serene sound produced when struck. The bell itself is hand-hammered brass / copper alloy. Both bell and base carry a family crest or kamon. The cushion is made of sumptious altar fabric. The striker is wood covered with leather. An essential item for zen meditation. Dimensions: 12" x 10 1/2".
A superb Japanese Buddhist temple bell dating to the early twentieth century. The bell comes from an old Buddhist temple in Kyoto prefecture. The Bronze exhibits an excellent patina throughout. Intricate surface design includes two striking places in the shape of the Buddhist Eight Fold Wheel of Life. There are various lines and four sets of sixteen nipples; sixty-four in all, the number having a religious significance. The top of the bell is decorated with two conjoined dragon's heads with ...click for details
An excellent Japanese Buddhist temple bell dating to the late Edo period (1800-1868) or earlier. The bell comes from an old Buddhist temple in Okayama prefecture. The Bronze exhibits an excellent patina throughout. Intricate surface design includes two striking places in the shape of the Buddhist Eight Fold Wheel of Life. There are various lines and forty eight nipples, the number having a religious significance. The top of the bell is decorated with two conjoined dragon's heads with a fier ...click for details
A very fine Japanese cast-iron lantern in the kyoto style and dating to the mid 20th C. Elegant lines combined with a subtle balance of pierced work makes this a lantern for the discerning eye. The lantern is hexagonal but rests on three feet. The door and latch are in full working order. The roof overhangs to give generous eave space. Dimensions: 11" x 10 1/2". An elegant lantern or hanging use in a porch or in a traditional garden.
A nice Japanese traditional shape cast-iron hanging lantern dating to the 1930's. With a sloping roof shape reminiscent of a pagoda roof complete with tile design. The ball at the top is pierced in a beautiful rustic way. Over the years the door has fused shut. The grid latticework pattern is repeated on each of the six sides. Dimensions; 11" x 10 1/4". An excellent addition to any Japanese garden design.
A beautiful antique Japanese cast-iron garden lantern dating to the early 20th C. Exquisite detail includes a bird (cast in iron) perched near the edge. The pierced sides feature bamboo, pine and plum blossom designs. There is no side door and illumination is placed via a section of the floor that is lifted out and replaced. A really beautiful lantern to grace any Japanese garden design. Can be hung or placed on the ground. Dimensions: 9" high x 10" wide.
