Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian (172)

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.

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.

Bato Kannon Ca. 1870 (horse-headed Kannon, also called Mezu Kannon), hayagriiva in Sanskrit, is one shape of Bosatsu (Bodhisattva) worshipped in Buddhism. It is one of the transformations of Kannon Bosatsu (Kannon Bodhisattva) and is also included in Roku Kannon (six deities of mercy). It has fierce expression, which is rare for Kannon. Granite stone, age wear, hands in gassho prayer mudra. Ask for shipping quote.

A pair of Edo Period C.1860 shishi wood lion carvings. Quite playful as one looks back at the other in chase. Excellent detail in the carving and very expressive. Carved out of hinoki cypress. One shishi is missing a claw but otherwise very good condition. See photos. Each 12" long x 5" tall. Ask for shipping quote.

Magnificent, very rare wood Bugaku dance mask depicting the Dragon King, Ryo-o. Mounted on a round frame covered on silver leaf paper. Ca. 1820. The mask has a bristling moustache and beard, 4 teeth and a hanging moveable chin piece. The top has a dragon carved. All was lacquered. A similar mask is on exhibit at the British Museum. Bugaku is a courtly ritual dance which has survived in Japan since the Heian Period, Ca. 794-1185. In the Edo Period it was popular with Samurai and he intellectual middle classes. 20" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

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"

Very rare and unusual wood tiled village shrine from Dema - mura village in Mie Province. Dated the year of the tiger C.1818 the shrine houses gods and happiness. Signed on the back with the date and maker, Fujiwara Shokichi. Cypress wood with a bronze lock on the doors to the inner chamber. Remarkably good condition with minor wear on the back ridge of the roof. See Pictures. Ask for shipping rates.

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.

Museum quality early Edo Period C.1690 buddhist temple dragon carving out of zelkova (keyaki). Just spectacular. 4ft. long and 2 feet tall. Excellent condition with minor age wear. See photos. Ask for shipping quote from California warehouse.

A museum piece. Dated Manji 2 (ca. 1659) April Auspicious Day. Large, heavy bronze shrine lantern with hoju embossed under the top petals. Beautiful diaper patterns on the panels. Originally used as an oil lamp. Very good condition. 15" wide x 22" tall. Ask for shipping quote.