Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese (169)

Exceptional Late Edo Period C.1860 zen buddhist traveling altar usually carried by samurai. In a small wooden 'zushi' or wood altar with hinged doors, inside is Fudo-Myo, the immovable king carved out of wood sitting on a carved stand of lotus flowers. He symbolizes compassion with firmness. He holds a sword and he has the power to crush all obstacles and troubles. Ask for shipping quote. H:11cm x W:8cm

Simply elegant bronze crane candlestand on a base with baby crane and turtle, the auspicious symbols of happiness and long life. C. 1910, the bronze is "aka do" a rich red bronze. The coloring is natural and not painted on. Finely detailed feathers and tail point to a the top class of bronzemanship. At the top lotus flowers adorn the candleholder. Ask for shipping quote. H:14" x W:7"

Wonderful Japanese cypress wood carving of Amida Buddha from the Edo Period c. 1860. The halo is delicately carved and remarkably intact. The serene expression of the face is of tranquil bliss. The stand is surrounded by lotus petals. The left hand has some finger damage. Ask for shipping quote. H:14" x W:7".

Sensational Mokubei (lived 1767-1833) scholar figurine in polychrome enamels. Famous as a potter working for the Lord of Kii and later the Lord of Kaga where he opened his own kiln. He used to stick his head far into the kiln during firing to ascertain the temperature of the heat by the sound of the fire. Later because of this he lost his hearing and changed his name to Robei, 'which means deaf. His figurines were highly prized for the sencha tea world. This scholar sits with brush and book. Ask for shipping quote. Excellent condition. H:9" x W: 8"

Sensational 'ichibori' one knife carved block representation of Hotei, one of the seven lucky gods of Japan. He holds a Gumpei in his right hand, the magical standard and in his left hand the Hoju, the sacred wishing gem. Carved in the early 1900's out of keyaki or japanese elm and lacquered and painted with vine swirls. Exellent condition. Ask for shipping quote. H:7" x W: 10"

Early Meiji Period c.1890 red negoro lacquered Shishi mythical lion head used in the festival dances. In pristine condition with horse hair and gold gilt eyes. Fabulous mingei folk art piece. H:18" x W:14". sk for shipping quote.

Pair of rare negoro lacquered, wood Edo Period C.1860 zen buddhist temple altar candlestands. Fabulous buddhist cloud carvings in gold gilt at the base. Wood is Japanese cypress. H:23" x W:12". Great condition. One candlestand has a split at the top. (see picture). Ask for shipping quote.

Late Taisho Period C.1915 buddhist temple bronze altar lanterns with intricate zen cloud patterns and lattice work. The bronze work is immaculate and the cratsmanship without flaw; typical Taisho Period work. The oiled rice paper lining the inside of the main body is gone but the condition of the pieces is excellent. H:23cm x W:13cm. Ask for shipping quote.

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

Rare antique Japanese bronze calligraphy ink pourer with long spout and large oval handle. The lid has a mythical 'shishi' lion on top. The ink pourer has four leaves; each with raised swirls and hearts on a geometrical thunderbolt diaper background pattern. Lovely. c.1880. (7" x 5") (18cm x 13cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $55.

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.

Fantastic Meiji Period c.1885 earthenware storage jar from Shigaraki, one of Japan's pottery and cermics centers In Edo (17th, 18th) and Meiji Period 1868-1912. Wood fired in a 'nobori gama' climbing kiln, the natural ash glazes produce startling textures and patterns. The Shigaraki clays have 'choseki' or white stone which means long life. This tea leaf storage jar has a beautiful green glaze down the entire jar. Ask for a shipping quote. (H:30cm; diam.:23cm)

Elegant bronze sake pourers with superb metal craftmanship and mythical dragons in raised relief. The edge of the pourers and the lid has detailed diaper patterns also in raised relief. Wonderful bronze workmanship. C. 1920 Taisho Period. Excellent condition. Ask shiping quote. (h:6 1/2"; w: 7 1/2" )

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")

The mother of all daruma wood carvings. On the back of this Edo Period c.1700 masterpiece is engraved 'Genroku 13' (c.1700) ,'Saigenshin Tsukuri' carved by Saigenshin, a famous zen monk of the time. Also 'Kyosagaju' meaning he was from a temple in the Saga District of Western Kyoto. The Carving is a magnificent flow of lines and expression. Definitely a museum quality piece. A few minor areas where the lacquer has worn away but in astonishingly great shape. $2400. (w:30cm x h:43cm). Shipping/insurance to usa or western europe $300.

One of the finest examples of Kamakurabori carving techniques we have seen. The chrysanthemum in raised relief on the tray is fabulous and the many layers of lacquer have created a Meiji Period c.1900 masterpiece. Excellent condition. (14" x 9") (36cm x 23cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $55.

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.

This antique Japanese Edo Period c.1840 red bronze utsubata flower vase is actually a Japanese proverb, "Hyotan Kara Koma". Literally, 'a horse from a gourd' meaning "the unexpected can be wonderful". The base of the vase is a wisteria wrapped gourd with an old man climbing on it. It was made so his head can move. On the underside of the top vase is a horse in raised thick bronze. Gourds are regarded as a lucky charm in Japan. Beautiful patina. c.1840. (10" x 11") (26cm x 28cm). Ask for shipping quote.