ANCIENT- EYES



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All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Sculpture : Pre 1800 item #326723 (stock #Jap-1001)
Ancient -Eyes
$695.00

This Japanese Carved Wooden Mask measures 10 inches tall by 7 3/4 inches wide (ear to ear) by 4 inches in depth. It is also about 1 1/2 inches in thickness at center narrowing down to about 3/4 inch thick at edges.

It is carved from a tightly grained wood similar to those found in 19th century Japanese furniture.

It has a nice patina and retains traces of original pale maroon color in some areas.

It is in excellent condition and has wonderful parallel grooves over entire interior: most likely carving marks, but very finely detailed. They do not show up well in photos.

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1900 item #82653 (stock #TR0112)
Ancient -Eyes
$1295.00

This Japanese Satsuma Vase is unmarked, 15 inches tall and about 9 inches in diameter.

It dates to the Meiji Period (1868-1912) and has Kwannon and Lohans with an elephant pictured upon it.

It is in excellent condition with some light rubbing on the high relief gilded areas exposing an outstanding crackle beneath.

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1900 item #566281
Ancient -Eyes
$2495.00

This Japanese ceramic figure of Kannon measures 17 inches tall and about 6 inches in diameter at its widest point.

It has four incised marks on it's base, two Kutani marks and two potters mark (see closeup photo).

It dates to the Meiji Period in Japan. Kwannon is also known as Kannon or Kwan Yin and Guanyin in China.

It is in outstanding condition with no flaws, cracks, chips or losses.

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Metalwork : Pre 1920 item #893016
Ancient -Eyes
$8000.00

This Japanese painted bronze figure of Daikoku measures approximately 13.5 inches tall by 6 inches wide by 5 inches in depth.

It is a substantial bronze figure, weighing around 13+ pounds or about 6 kilos.

It is signed or marked on both the figure and the separate base of rice bales (see two of the enlargement pictures).

It dates from the late Meiji to Taisho Period (circa 1890-1912).

It is in excellent condition with most of it's original colored and patinated surfaces intact. An exception to this is the loss of a small triangular shaped piece which was apparently once attached at the figure's midsection (see photo enlargement of loss). This most likely was originally a separate attachment (see the drill hole?) in the shape of a small pouch (or treasure sack) which Daikoku traditionally carried.

Since the 17th century, Daikoku has been known as the Japanese god of wealth, the household and of farmers, although in earlier centuries he was considered a fierce protector deity (Mahakala).

In Japan, artwork of this deity usually shows him wearing a hood and standing on two bales of rice, carrying a sack of treasure and holding a magic mallet. Daikoku is often clad in robes, with a smile on his face.

In some traditions, Daikoku is also considered to be a provider of food, and images of him can still be found in monastery kitchens and in the kitchens of private homes. He is recognized by his wide face, smile, and a flat black hat.

He is often portrayed holding a golden mallet (called a Uchide Nokozuchi), also known as a magic money mallet, and is seen positioned on bales of rice, occasionally with mice nearby (mice signifying plentiful food).

Originally a Hindu deity called Mahakala, he was introduced to Japan in the ninth century, and merged with the Shinto deity of good harvests, Oo-kuninushi-no-Mikoto (or Okuninushi-no-Kami, translated as "Prince Plenty"). The lucky mallet in his right hand is called the uchide nokozuchi. This mallet is said to have magical properties that can produce anything desired when struck. Some stories say that coins fall out when he shakes his mallet. Others say that believers are granted their heart's desire by tapping a symbolic mallet on the ground three times and making a wish.

The symbol of the precious Buddhist Jewel, sometimes found on Daikoku's mallet or belt, represents the themes of wealth and unfolding possibility. It is said to give its holder the ability to see all things (like a crystal ball).

The precious jewel is one of the seven symbols of royal power in Buddhism. Daikokyu, himself is considered to be one of the seven household gods of Japan.