This handsome Japanese boxwood netsuke in the shape of a skull bears the engraved two-character signature of “Ishikawa.” We believe it dates to the Meiji period (1868-1912). The carving is wonderfully detailed, depicting each individual tooth and the bone structure of the skull. This particular skull shape represents the Japanese Buddhist symbol of Yama, god of the dead.

CONDITION is excellent with appealing soft patina...

This unusual cluster of Japanese hand bells, called “suzu” bells, was actually once used by an actor portraying a Sambaso dancer. Late Edo/early Meiji period (mid-1800’s). There is a wooden handle, an engraved brass hand plate and fittings, and thirteen brass bells on three rungs -- two bells on the top rung, four in the middle and seven on the bottom.

Sambaso is an auspicious ritual dance of ancient origin which was intended to appease the gods and bring good fortune...

Featuring expert craftsmanship and classic Japanese styling, this miniature wooden shrine is skillfully handcrafted of cedar or cypress and contains many of the detailed architectural elements found on larger Shinto shrines in Japan. It dates to the mid-20th century...

Handcrafted of cedar or cypress wood, this vintage Japanese kamidana miniature shrine has architectural features found on larger Shinto shrines and is dated “Showa 2 nen” (1927) on the back. The central double doors open to provide access to an interior sanctuary where “ofuda” shrine charms and other appropriate religious items may be placed behind the hanging silk curtain. There are fragile minutely latticed windows on either side of the doors...

This diminutive hand-carved Japanese statue of Jizo, a bosatsu (Buddhist saint), dates to Meiji/Taisho period (1890-1920). This is a classic example of the distinctive style of stone Jizo which originated from Sadogashima, an island in the Japan Sea off the coast of Niigata Prefecture long famous for its production of small-scale stone sculptures of Jizo...

This anonymous late 19th century hand-colored photograph is signed in plate “133 Yashamon Nikko.” This is also known as the “Yashamon Gate, Taiyuin Shrine, Nikko.” The Yashamon Gate enshrines four female devils. The color of each body expresses the East, the West, the South and the North.

CONDITION is good with some foxing and a small tear on right margin. Photograph is mounted on cardboard. DIMENSIONS: Image measures 7 7/8” (20 cm) high x 10” (25.4 cm wide...

These tall slender Japanese Imari sometsuke (blue and white porcelain) vases were made in a classic high shouldered form known as “sakaki-tate.” Meiji period (1868-1912). Both vases have an overall underglaze cobalt blue design of tako-karakusa (octopus vine)...

This Japanese sculpture depicts the seated Jizo, a bosatsu (Buddhist saint) and dates to the Meiji/Taisho period, early 20th century. Carved from solid stone (either granite or natural volcanic rock) in the image of a Buddhist monk with a shaven head, he sits in a lotus position with hands clasped in earnest prayer...

This diminutive hand-carved Edo period Japanese sculpture of Jizo, a bosatsu (Buddhist saint), dates to the mid-19th century. This is a fine example of the distinctive style of stone Jizo which originated from Sadogashima, an island in the Japan Sea off the coast of Niigata Prefecture long famous for its production of small-scale stone sculptures of Jizo...

This hand-carved Japanese statue depicts a standing Jizo, a bosatsu (Buddhist saint), wearing a Kesa robe. It dates to the early 20th century. Carved from solid stone (either granite or natural volcanic rock) in the image of a Buddhist monk with a shaven head, he stands with hands clasped in earnest prayer. His patient, gentle face is very tranquil, and his simply rendered facial expression reflects a deep inner peace and serenity...

This polychromed clay figure seated on a brightly-colored pedestal in a lacquered chair represents the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi (774-835). Early 20th century. The figure wears traditional brown and saffron colored Buddhist robes. He holds a Buddhist rosary in his left hand and a vajra (mace with four prongs symbolizing a thunderbolt) in his right hand. He sits on a black lacquered wood chair decorated in gold and the typical red, white, green and blue along the edges of the pedestal...

This fine repousse silver and copper portable shrine box in mihrab form with a central deity figure set behind glass in the prayer niche is encased in its original brocade cover. Tibet, early 19th century. The front of the ornamental box is richly decorated with auspicious symbols of the Buddhist faith and the monster mask of Kirtimukha in high relief repousse silver work. The plain copper backing is removable to accommodate the items that the owner chose to place inside, which in this case is a...

This portable charm box, in the shape of a shrine which holds the image of a deity or Buddhist amulet, is made of copper and decorated with beautiful repoussé work. Tibet, 19th century. The front of the ornamental box is decorated with the eight auspicious symbols identified in the Buddhist faith and the monster mask of Kirtimukha. The plain copper backing is removable to accommodate the items that the owner chooses to place inside, and there are two copper loops on each side to hold a belt or ...

This large and important gilt wood figure of Amida Nyorai, the guide to Western Paradise, dates to the mid-Edo period, 18th century. The figure is standing on a tiered gilt lotus base with his left foot slightly forward. His right hand is raised and the left hand lowered in the gesture known as “raigo-in” (welcoming to paradise), with both palms turned outward, the thumb and index finger on each hand forming a circle. The figure is clad in a gold leaf robe which is softly folded and draped o...

Wonderful folk art study of a carved wooden figure of Daruma in repose, signed “Shisei” with an extensive inscription on the base. Meiji period, late 19th century. Daruma’s expressive face with piercing eyes is beautifully rendered in great depth and detail. The figure is clad in a carved hooded robe which is softly draped over both shoulders, exposing a bare chest and stomach. The carving technique is one wherein closely cut hatch marks create a texture and fluidity in the way Daruma’s ...