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

Smashing pair of zen temple buddhist cloud carvings form the late Edo Period/early Meiji Period c. 1870. Carved out of cypress wood and with gold gilt. Slight wear due to age on a couple of spots but adds character (see photos). Condition very good. One is 10" tall by 12" wide the other slightly smaller. Ask for shipping quote.

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.

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)

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

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.

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.

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.

First of its kind we have seen with a carving on the table top. A kannon , goddess of mercy is riding a dragon carved into the top and lacquered. Exceptional. Copper metal fittings. Some wear as expected with this age c. 1850. Ask for shipping quote.

Outstanding craftsmanship has produced this fabulous bronze Buddhist Daruma-san. Rich patina and old Meiji Period bronze c.1880 have created a classic piece. Daruma is revered in Japan for bringing Buddhism to Japan and then his undying determination to achieve liberation and realization. c.1880. (15" x 6") (37cm x 16cm).

One of the best examples of Japanese bronzes we have seen in an increasingly sparse market, this beautiful piece is worth a second look. Deep, rich Meiji Period (c.1867-1912) bronze with carp swimming over waves in raised relief on one side; geese frolicing among grasses, also in raised relief on the other side. Handles come out of baku's (bad dream eaters) mouths. Absolutely stunning. c.1890. (10½" x 5½") (27cm x 14cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $90.

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.

Tranquil sitting Nyorai Zen Buddha on a tiered stand. Wood is hinoki or Japanese cypress. Beautifully lacquered with a gold gilt covering. The Buddha has a jeweled forehead and a swirling leaf backdrop. It sits on a lotus stand. The bottom of the stand is swirling Buddhist clouds. c.1885. (11" x 6") (28cm x 15cm). Ask for shipping quote quote.

Turn of the century antique Japanese bronze flower vase. Thick rings create an art deco feeling. Beautiful lines and rich coloration. c.1900. (9" x 5") (23cm x 11cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $80.

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.