A Hard Focus on Japanese Stone
Antique Stones Japan deals only in genuine antique Japanese stone sculpture. Our tight focus, sharpened by nearly two decades' experience in the local market, enables us to offer a comprehensive selection of stones with regard to period, style, and subject. Our discerning gaze, meanwhile, ensures that each of our stones is worthy of even the finest collection.To date, high-quality, collectible Japanese stone sculpture has been conspicuously absent from the international marketplace. Our focused approach therefore implies value-added benefits, both for serious collectors of antique stone sculpture and for those who simply wish to see and better understand the Japanese stone tradition, which remains undocumented in the non-Japanese-language literature.
Beyond-Jizo Encounters in Stone
The Japanese sculptural tradition in stone is more complex and intriguing than most non-Japanese observers have been led to believe. A wide variety of stone types suitable for sculpting are to be found in the Japanese isles. Jizo Bosatsu is not the only deity depicted in stone; he is, rather, merely the most commonly depicted. Although relief sculpting is the overwhelmingly dominant technique employed throughout the history of Japanese stone sculpture, fully modeled figurative sculpting also plays a role in the story. To begin to appreciate Japanese stone sculpture in its startling vastness and rich diversity, one must first peer beyond the familiar wall of commonplace Jizo stones sculpted in shallow relief against flatly overarching mandorlas. The beyond-Jizo view is one that tends to enthrall and inspire. Now, at last, it's a view that can be had simply for the taking.
All photographs appearing on this site were taken under natural lighting conditions. All stones listed on this site are located in Tokyo, Japan. Except in cases where indicated otherwise, shipping and insurance costs are not included in listed prices. International shipping costs from Japan are in most cases more reasonable than one might expect. Please do not hesitate to make enquiries.
Returns are accepted within one week of receipt of item. Shipping and insurance costs are not refundable; return shipping and insurance costs will be borne by the buyer.
Payment can be made via PayPal, electronic bank transfer, or international postal money order.
Japan Antique Dealer's License #304380707499, Tokyo.
Thank you for visiting Antique Stones Japan.
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