Large Japanese bronze “kagami” (mirror) with handle decorated on one side with seven auspicious symbols surrounding two impressed characters at the center which read "good fortune and longevity." There is an inscription on one side (see enlargement 3). The reverse side has a reflective surface. Long-handled kagami were often given as wedding gifts. 9 1/2" diameter x 13 1/2” long. Estimated to date from the Meiji period (19th century). Very good overall condition with a nice ...click for details
Square form Chinese Qing dynasty shou shan stone (soapstone) seal, intricately and deeply carved on the top with what appear to be two badgers, symbolic of conjugal joy, surrounding a gourd, which represents ceaseless generations of descendants. The stone is beautifully colored with gray at the base, tan in the mid-section, and reddish-brown in the carving at the top. Dates from the late 19th to early 20th century. Measures about 2” x 2” x 2.” From an old Tucson, Arizona estate.
7 1/4” tall Chinese Qing dynasty soapstone (shou shan stone) scholar’s seal nicely carved with a Buddhist lion dog and her two cubs above a rectangular plinth. Two rows of incised calligraphy decorate the front of the plinth. Seals of this type are typically used for paintings. According to Terese Tse Bartholomew in "Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art," large and small lions together typically mean “may you and your descendants achieve high rank.” 19th century. Very good overall condi ...click for details
7” tall pair of Chinese Qing dynasty soapstone (shou shan stone) scholar’s seals carved with Buddhist lion dogs nursing their cubs above a rectangular plinth. The plinth of each is very finely carved in low relief with a stylized floral motif. The stone is cream colored with a beautiful pattern of red inclusions. Seals of this type are typically used for paintings. According to Terese Tse Bartholomew in "Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art," large and small lions together typically mean ...click for details
5" high Chinese jade green colored stone rectangular form scholar's seal. The base measures 1 5/8" square. This piece is from an old Tucson, Arizona estate and was purchased between the 1950's and 1980's. It is estimated to date from the late 19th to early 20th century. The seal is quite heavy and is in good overall condition with one 5/8" long narrow chip to one corner at the base. This is visible at the bottom right corner of enlargement 2.
Six Chinese Qing dynasty miniature bronze scholar's seals with Buddhist lion dog finials together with one rectangular form seal with a circular handle (see enlargements 10 and 11). The lion dog seals each measure about 1" high. The rectangular seal is 1 1/8" long. Very good overall condition with nice patina. 19th century or earlier. From an old Tucson, Arizona estate.
Japanese Satsuma foliate form deep dish densely decorated in polychrome enamels and gilt with Rakans in a landscape setting. Two dragons executed in relief and with moriage highlights encircle the inner edge, with heads and tails ending at two gilt Satsuma family crests. The base is marked in gold with Satsuma and the studio mark. 8 3/8” diameter. Meiji period (circa 1900). This is a very heavily potted plate in very good overall condition. There is a large chip with an original lacquer re ...click for details
Japanese Satsuma cup and saucer decorated in overglaze enamels with gilt and moriage highlights with a landscape scene featuring old sages and a Buddhist Rakan being encircled by a dragon. A gilt Satsuma family crest is on the saucer. The base of each piece bears a gold on red mark reading “Dai Nihon (Great Japan) Satsuma made.” Saucer: 4 1/4” diameter; cup: 2 1/4” diameter x 2 5/8” high. Meiji period (early 20th century). Very good overall condition with no chips or cracks. Minor wear to ...click for details
Japanese tabako-ire (tobacco pouch) decorated with an embroidered dragon chasing a flaming pearl. The dragon's body extends around the front and back of the pouch. The fierce head with open jaw is located on the front above the silver alloy dragon-form kanemono (clasp). An ivory accent adorns one of the two interior compartments. A circular ivory and repousse metal dragon kagamibuta netsuke is attached by 10 strands of metal chains secured by a dragon decorated squared silver guard. The ...click for details
Oban diptych by Taiso Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) titled “The Story of the Strong Woman Takashima Oiko of Omi Province” from the series "A New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures." The print depicts Takashima Oiko leading Saeki Urinaga home in an effort to strengthen him for a wrestling match. The artist's signature and Taiso seal are at the lower left. The lower left margin contains the date of "Meiji 22" (1889). The title cartouche is at the upper right. Published by Tsu ...click for details
