Japanese round-form bronze kagami (mirror) decorated in high relief with a finely detailed motif of cranes among pines. The perforated knob in the center, which holds a tassel, is in the form of a tortoise. There is an inscription at one side (see enlargement 6). 19th century (probably Edo period). 4 3/4" diameter with a 3/4" high rim. Excellent condition. For centuries, mirrors were customarily given to temples and shrines as offerings to deities. According to Merrily Baird in " ...click for details
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
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
Oban diptych by Taiso Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) depicting Kusunoki Masashige (1294-1336), the epitome of the loyal samurai warrior, bidding farewell to his son Masatsura as he prepares to die in battle fighting for the Emperor. His son holds a scroll on strategy he has given him as a gift. This image is from the series "A New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures." The artist's signature and Taiso seal are at the lower right. The lower left margin contains the date of "Meiji 22 ...click for details
Japanese Taisho period upright honbako, or book case, designed for the storage of books and documents. A single drop-fit front door conceals 10 stacking interior open shelves. Sumi ink calligraphy on the front and sides include the family name, Matsuda, and the date of Taisho 5 (1916). 29”H x 10 ½”W 10 ¾”D. Very good overall condition with some wear to one back corner (see enlargement 9). Also called sho-dansu, chests for storing bound literary material rose in popularity concurrent with th ...click for details
Japanese Meiji Period “kuchi-e” (magazine frontispiece) woodblock print by Tomioka Eisen (1864-1905) titled "Insurance Girl" dating circa 1900. The print depicts the filial daughter Asako who runs into a burning house in order that her mother could collect on an insurance policy. Measures 8 3/4"V x 11"H. “Kuchi-e” woodblock printed illustrations were folded and inserted into the front of literary magazines and popular novels. Excellent impression with mica and lacquer highlig ...click for details
Japanese Meiji Period “kuchi-e” (magazine frontispiece) woodblock print by Tomioka Eisen (1864-1905) dating circa 1900. The print depicts a courtesan apparition staring down at a skull. Measures 14 3/8"V x 9 3/8"H. “Kuchi-e” woodblock printed illustrations were folded and inserted into the front of literary magazines and popular novels. Excellent impression with silver and lacquer highlights. Very good color and overall condition. The print is not backed. There are typical fold marks. ...click for details
