Unusual 19th century Japanese woodblock print by Kunisada II (1823-1880) titled "The Cat Monster of Okabe" depicting the creature emerging through netting. An enormous claw extends behind the netting at the lower left (see enlargement). Published by Tsutaya Kichizo the 12th month of 1852. The artist's signature is at the lower right within a red cartouche bordered in yellow snow and surrounded by the publisher's seal, censor's seals, and date seal. There are embossed hi ...click for details
Chinese Tang Dynasty (618-906) Changsha ware pale yellow glazed ewer decorated with light brown-splashed glaze over relief molded leaf-form foliage designs on opposing sides beneath each of two loops. 9 1/4"H. This particular shape first appeared in China in the 8th century and was used for hot water. Very good overall condition. A few small glaze losses to one handle and a few small, fairly unnoticeable repairs to the body. See color illustration #10 in "A Handbook of Chinese Cer ...click for details
Ming Dynasty (1368-1643) Chinese blue and white porcelain baluster form vase with wide trumpet mouth decorated with a blue prunus motif. 9 1/2"H. Excellent condition. The irregular edge of the base is the typical result of the removal of the vase from the kiln. It is not a condition problem.
Chinese silk embroidered "cloud collar" decorated with flowers, scrolling foliage and bats embroidered in polychrome silk on a coral silk ground. Significant use of the "forbidden stitch." Cloud collars were detachable. They presumably could be worn with different sets of clothes. The five lobed panels are embroidered in bats, so ornately rendered using the "forbidden stitch" that they appear to be butterflies. Called the "forbidden stitch," or "b ...click for details
Rare first state impression of "Nihonbashi (Station 1) Morning Veil" from Ando Hiroshige's ((1797-1858) first series "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido" published by Hoeido circa 1833-1834. The print depicts a daimyo and his attendants crossing the Nihon Bridge in the early morning hours. This is not a later edition or reproduction. It is a guaranteed original woodblock print by Hiroshige. Standard horizontal oban print measuring 9 3/4"V x 14 5/8"H (im ...click for details
Rare first state impression of "Totsuka (Station 6) Motomachi Detour" from Ando Hiroshige's ((1797-1858) first series "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido" published by Hoeido circa 1833-1834. The print depicts travelers stopping to rest at a tea house along the sea coast route between Kyoto and Edo. This is not a later edition or reproduction. It is a guaranteed original woodblock print by Hiroshige. Standard horizontal oban print measuring 9 3/8"V x 14 3/8& ...click for details
"The Tamaya Restaurant," subtitled "The Back Gate of Kameido Shrine" from the series "Collection of Famous Restaurants of Edo" by Ando Hiroshige (1797-1858). Circa 1840. The print depicts beauties standing in a snow-covered courtyard under umbrellas. Three small dogs circle in the snow at the lower left. The colors are exceptionally fresh and vibrant. This is not a later edition or reproduction. It is a guaranteed original woodblock print by Hiroshige. Stand ...click for details
A snow-capped Mt. Fuji viewed through clouds from Nihonbashi (Japan Bridge) from the series "Famous Views of Edo" by Ando Hiroshige (1797-1858) published by Sanoki circa 1840. The print depicts a lively scene with workers carrying merchandise by foot across the bridge in Edo (now Tokyo). Boats are docked before warehouses in the background. The colors are exceptionally fresh and vibrant. This is not a later edition or reproduction. It is a guaranteed original woodblock print by H ...click for details
Rare 19th century Chinese blanc-de-chine porcelain figure in the form of a fisherman standing in bare feet on rockery over foaming ocean waves. A basket, supported by a rope, hangs around his shoulders. The tail of a recently caught fish flops out of the basket. Square impressed seal to the back. 13"H. Finely executed restorations to the rope and hat are not visible to the eye. Exceptionally fine detailing.
Fine quality square Japanese lacquered wood serving tray illustrating a Noh theater performance of the "lion dance" executed in gold lacquer against a black ground. An aristocrat is seated in an outdoor setting with pine sprigs in the foreground observing a performer with long flowing deep coral-red hair dancing with a fan. The back is entirely covered in "nashiji" lacquer. Dates from the early 20th century to possibly late 19th. Stored in a wood presentation box. The la ...click for details
