Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese (171)

Spectacular Meiji Period maru obi c.1900. Woven on both sides with a jacquard loom, the blue/green dyes make this a superb example of a Kyoto style obi. The motifs are fans with pine, plum, bamboo, chrysanthemum and cranes; all auspicious symbols of happiness and good fortune. Excellent condition. Can be made into table runners or hangings. Total length: 394cm woven on both sides. W:31 1/2cm. Ask for shipping quote.

We usually don't buy kimonos but this is a spectacular example of the highest level of yuzen kimono art. Late Meiji Period C.1900 yuzen hand painted chirimen silk girl's kimono. Chirimen silk being the top class of silk used for kimonos. All natural dyes bringing the chysanthemum and peony flowers to life, the wisteria and butterflies woven into a museum masterpiece of textile art. Excellent condition. Height: 45" x Width:41". Shipping included.

Elegant, fine celadon porcelain flower vase dated Meiji Period 33 (c.1900). The delicate mouth and wings have buddhist cloud motif, and the legs have a juxtaposition of fading colors. In the original paulownia box, the kanji characters read: Sieji Kabin Ikko (celadon porcelain flower vase); Meiji 33 Nen Hachi Gatsu Ganjitsu Ko (Purchased on aug. 1, 1900); Hori-shi Yogu(commissioned by Mr. Hori). Ask for shipping quote. H:19cm; W:12cm

Important Edo Period C.1850 scroll painting of Kannon holding `Yatagarasu` the divine crow and messenger to the gods. Symbolizes the sun and like the sacred phoenix resides in the celestial realm. A mark of rebirth and rejuvenation. Yatagarasu as a crow-god is a symbol specifically of guidance. This great crow was sent from heaven as a guide for Emperor Jimmu on his initial journey from the region which would become Kumano to what would become Yamato, (Yoshino and then Kashihara). It is generally accepted that Yatagarasu is an incarnation of Taketsunimi no mikoto. Crow has 3 legs. Scroll painting has been framed. Ask for shipping quote. 32" tall and 15" wide.

Extremely rare and hard to find Edo Period c.1860 byobu screen in good condition and featuring tigers frolicing in bamboo. One of a pair most likely as the other six panel screen had the hanko. This screen has been repaired a long time ago and we challenge you to find the repairs. All and all, a museum piece that fits handsomely over a couch.

Beautiful antique Japanese knarled root made of cherry wood. Used in the tea ceremony for bamboo basket or vase ikebana display. Late Meiji Period c.1895 with rich patina and fabulous asymetrical flow. Excellent condition with very tiny minor original wood splits on surface but these nicely add rather than detract. c.1895. (20" x 18" x 15") (50cm x 46cm x 38cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $200.

Just superb Edo Period zen buddhist travelling altar or zushi. The rounded contoured roof and the outstanding metal work on the door and hinges indicate a high level samurai or retainer. Thick black lacquer and fine gilt on the inside. The roof dates the piece to late edo period c. 1860. The altar on the inside has 2 pillars and a cross beam with painted buddhist symbols. Request shippng quote. (H:12"; W:8")

Fantastic set of 6 Oribe dishes for sweets from the Edo Period, C.1880. Trademark geometric designs and iron markings with famed Oribe olive colors. Each plate 5" x 4". Ask for shipping quote.

The epitomy of wabi-sabi is on display with this Edo Period Ca.1860 wood Kannon Bodhisattva carved out of cypress. In its original box, the lovely patina and equanimous, buddhist compassionate expression is a treasure. 38cm tall x 13cm wide x 8cm deep. Ask for shipping quote. great condition.

Museum piece. Inscripted on the bell are two dates: Kiei 4 (ca. 1851) and Meiji 28 (Ca. 1895) along with donor names. We are not sure why there are two dates. Also written,it is from Gyoshin-ji Temple in Omi no Kuni which is the Edo Period Ca. (1614-1868) name for present day Shiga Prefecture next to Kyoto. Also written is "prayers for peace donor group founded by Kuzan Gyoin, a monk. Excellent condition and sound. 21" tall x 12" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Fabulous cypress wood dragon carving from a zen temple. Well preserved. Stands upright. Excellent condition. When the carp swims up a waterfall and makes it over the top it becomes a dragon and resides in the celestial realm protecting the buddha`s teachings. 34" long bu 11" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Exceptional lacquered traveling altar with a bodhisattva riding an elephant inside. The carving is finely detailed and unbelievable. Late Meiji Period C.1900. Copper metal fittings on zushi. Excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote. Height:9" by 4" (when closed).

Wonderful antique Japanese red bronze tea ceremony flower vase with cricket playfully leaping over tufts of grasses in raised relief. Signed 'Masanori Saku' made by Masanori on the original box along with the kanji 'Ho' or cricket and the characters, 'Ju Do Cha Bin ' tea ceremony vase. perfect condition. Meiji Period, c.1885. (8½" x 9")(22cm x 23cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $100.

Exceptional carving of Kannon Bosastu or Bodhisattva the goddess of compassion and mercy. She holds a lotus in her left hand symbolizing purity and ability to rise from the mud to transform into a beautiful flower. She stands on a stand of lotus pedals with large lotus leaves. To the side are buddhist clouds. Painted in the Edo Period c. 1860, some of the colors have worn away and the right foot is chipped off. Hinoki wood. Comes in paulownia wood box. Ask for shipping quote. H:19cm x W:28cm

Wonderful antique Japanese tea ceremony tray to serve sweets. Meiji Period c.1890 made of persimmons wood with rich patina and undulating edges. Inscripted on the tray in flowing japanese characters are the kanji reading 'sei ogi-zo' meaning realized sage and the maker's signature which we can't read. Excellent condition. c.1890. (15" x 7") (38cm x 18cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $35.

Uniquely figured diamond shaped bronze 'suiban' flower vessel for ikebana flower arrangement. Lovely Meiji Period c.1885 bronze featuring hexagonal diaper pattern representing tortoise shells and long life. Ever since the Nara Period, stylized tortoise shells have been a popular diaper design in Japanese art. Very rare design for a suiban flower vessel; most are rectangular. Excellent condition. c.1885. (18" x 13") (45cm x 32cm).

Museum piece Edo Period Ca. 1860-1880 tea leaf storage jar 'tsubo' from Shigaraki, the famed pottery center outside of Kyoto. Natural wood fired glazes and straw cap. Excellent condition. Quite large. 25" tall and 13" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Lovely almost art deco Edo Period ceramic bowl from a Kiln in Kyoto. Signed and known as Kiyomizu yaki from the famous pottery area of Kiyomizu in Kyoto. Comes in the original paulownia wood box. Antique fixes on lip in gold leaf. Beautiful condition. H:5" x diameter: 7". Ask for shipping quote.