This is a rare and special Buddhist Daruma that we found in a private collection. Daruma is the revered Buddhist icon that brought dharma, the Buddhist teachings from China and India to Japan. He was so determined to reach enlightenment that he decided to sit till his legs fell off. Actually, legend has it that he fell asleep sitting so he cut his eyelids off to stay awake and they fell to the ground whereby green tea seedlings sprouted. Fired in a Hagi kiln with beautiful white glaze and fabulous features. The eyebrows alone make this piece a must. Absolutely a museum piece. c.1880. (16" x 8") (41cm x 20cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $140.

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.

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.

Splendid huge thick bronze zen buddhist temple water bowl, c. 1900. Would make a superb vase for a ikebana flower arrangement in an entrance. The blue/green bronze is thick Meiji Period bronze and the handles are simple but elegant. Undulating ripples on the base add to its wabi sabi appeal. H: about 33cm; diameter : about 50cm. Ask for shipping quote.

Exceptional Edo Period C.1860 black lacquered wood stand with lotus petals and buddhist clouds carved around the entire circumference. The carving is outdone only by the superb lacquer work. The 'dai' or stand come in two halves. Wonderful stand for an object or buddha. Great condition. H: 16" x Diam: 3'. Ask for shipping quote.

Exceptionaly large buddhist temple bronze bell with a sound equally as large and beautiful. Diameter is 43cm and height is 31cm. Sits on a silk cushion and comes with red lacquered wood striker. THe foundry mark is on the bell. Showa Period C. 1935. Ask for shipping quote.

Wonderful and rare wood carving of Kobo Daishi, the buddhist monk who went to China to bring back to Japan the teachings of Buddha. Late Meiji Period c. 1900 with glass eyes and glass 'juzu' prayer beads. In one hand he holds the vajra and the other, prayer beads. Sitting on an abbot's chair, black lacquered with copper metal fittings. The left hand has been reattached and one of the chair's metal fittings is slightly loose. Ask for shipping quote. H:58cm x 64cm

The most sensational antique Japanese bronze tea ceremony 'suiban' flower vessel we have seen here at Kodo Arts. Meiji Period c.1890 thick red bronze with especially spectacular bronze work on the corners. Legs are knarled roots and intertwined knot motif decorates all four corners in raised relief. Sides have swirling clouds and exquisite swallows also in raised relief. Perfect condition. c.1890. (15½" x 11" x 6") (39cm x 28cm x 15cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $180.

Unusual antique Japanese ceramic flower vase with hexigonal rim and Buddhist clouds in silver painted on as an overglaze. Rich hues and siver clouds give this vase a wonderful texture. Some age on the clouds but very intact. Exceptional piece. c.1915. (12½" x 11cm) (diameter 32cm x 28cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $130.

Signed on the bottom of the jizo bosatsu (bodhisattva) is the date in Japanese - Tenwa 1 which is 1681. This bodhisattva of compassion is the Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva. His vow is to save all sentient beings. Often seen in priestly garb with tonsured head and holding the 'Hoju' or buddhist jewel of wisdom. The bottom of the stand he sits on is intricately carved with buddhist clouds and lotus flowers. We don't believe it is the original stand but it is a perfect match. Hands in fantastic condition. (1681). (12" x 7") (30cm x 18cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $100.

Exceedingly rare Meiji Period c.1885 zen buddhist temple altar stands used for offerings. Japanese cypress wood carved and lacquered with layers of gold lacquer. The japanese characters on one side of each stand read: "Mitanisan Myohodoju" meaning belongs to Mitanisan Myohodo Temple and on the other "Seshu Tomachi - Saitotatsuji" the donator is Mr. Saitotatsuji of the town of Tomachi. Excellent condition except for a small break in the carving of one of the leg ornaments. See pictures. H: about 42cm; W: about 28cm. Ask for shipping quote.

Wonderful Shinto Shrine votive painting c. 1850 depicting the famed Genji samurai general Minamoto Yoshitsune fighting his rival Minamoto Yoshinaka at the Battle of Awazu in c.1184 in the Tale of the Genji. The pigments are all natural dyes taken from plants. The wood is cypress. The frame is new and made of maplewood. Ask for shipping quote. (H:30" x W:36")

Intricate Meiji Period C.1910 wood carving transom that came from a large 'butsudan' zen buddhist altar. Covered in gold gilt, two dakini goddesses adorn each end floating on intricate buddhist clouds. In the middle is a dragon carving, the protector of the buddhist teachings in the celestial realm. Very good condition and comes in original paulownia wood box. Length" 41" x W: 10" x H: 4". Shipping from California warehouse. 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.

Rare zen buddhist butsudan altar or spirit house of this size. Usually much bigger. The outside is in black lacquer with copper metal fittings and the inside has a double set of doors with hand carved ornamental flowers in gilt gold. Excellent shape and condition.c. 1900. Request shipping quote. (H:22"; W:15")