Catalog (262)

Signed on the reverse with a chiseled signature by the artist: Keiten (Takahashi Keiten, born 1920). Showa era, circa 1960 – 1970. Born in 1920 in Yamagata Prefecture, Takahashi Keiten first studied metal casting under Nagano Tetsushi in 1950. His work was first accepted into the government-sponsored 7th Nitten exhibition in 1951. In 1963, he won the encouragement prize at the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition) and from 1972 served as a judge for the exhibition. He has presented his work to both the Showa Emperor and the Heisei Emperor on the occasions of their visits to Yamagata. In 1996, Takahashi Keiten was designated Juyo Mukei Bunkazai or Important Intangible Cultural Asset (commonly known as a Living National Treasure). 7" high by 4" in diameter. 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).

Eye-catching gold gilt Meiji Period C.1900 sake shop sign. Kanji characters read `Kiwami no Kotobuki` sake or Ultimate Happiness sake. The carving is in the shape of a sake keg. Excellent condition with minor lacquer wear. Old iron clamps were added in the back. See pictures. Size is 15" tall and 13" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

A one of a kind huge bronze lotus temple basin with a dragon wrapped around the base and coming over the top as a water fountain. The base has bronze shishi in relief. C.1880. Stands over 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide. We had the fountain installed. Comes in two pieces; the base and the basin. Excellent condition with a minor dent in the tail of the dragon. Video available for serious enquiries.

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.

Very wabi-sabi old Meiji period bronze well bucket. Great conditon. Hand forged bronze nails to attach the ring bar. Lovely patina. 11" tall by 7" wide. Ask for shipping quote. (pair available)

Fabulous Kyoto ceramic Taisho Period C.1930 sencha tea set. Signed. Delicate flowers adorn the cups and tea pot. Great conditon. Ask for shipping quote.

Exceptional and rare thick earthenware ceramic ebisu and daikoku masks that have slots on the top of their heads for money. Holes on the back to hang but piggy banks would have to be broken to get out the money. Great expressions and beautifully made folk art. 11" high by 10" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Important pair of Taisho Period c. 1921 bronze zen buddhist temple lamps with lacquered wood stands. Inscribed on lamps is date and village of temple. Stands are older from Meiji Period C.1890. Inscribed are parishiners names. Great condition. Stands 31" x 18"; lamps 25" x 11". Ask for shipping quote.

Fabulous Taisho Period bronze buddhist temple water bowl in the shape of a lotus. Great patina from years of use. Two handles and tripod feet. Excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote. 15" wide by 12" high.

Lovely late Meiji Period C.1890 Imari hand painted ceramic vase. One side has phoenix and ikebana flowers, the other side a hawk and more flowers painted in great detail. Colors from natural pigment glazes. Great patina. Top lid has amythical shishi lion. Perfect condition. 32" tall by 13" diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Exceedingly rare late Meiji Period C.1900 gold and black lacquered wood buddha stand with lotus leaves and buddhist clouds in carved relief. Negoro lacquer rim in back half with some wear, but otherwise in perfect nick. 20" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Very regal late Meji Period C.1910 bronze buddhist temple altar lantern on a black and gold lacquered wood stand with copper metal fittings. Great condition. Total height 16" by 5" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Exceptional root handle bamboo flower basket from the Taisho Period C.1920 in Japan. Executed to perfection the warp and weft weaves have created an elegant presentation. In great condition. Not signed. Ask for shipping quote. 13" high and 7" wide.

Very unusual shaped zelkova (keyaki) hearth hook used to hold the pot over the hearth fire in an old minka farmhouse. Great condition. See photos. 20" high by 11" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Lovely `Shishu` hand embroidery 4 panel screen of cranes. Fine, intricate work. Black lacquered frame. Comes in origianl cedar box. Fantastic Showa period C. 1935. Perfect size for over a couch, flat on the wall. 42" tall by 70". Ask for shipping quote.

Very unusual and interesting bronze lantern with tripod cicada wings as legs. panels have auspicious bamboo and pines. Top has maple leafs. Great condition. C. 1940. Ask for shipping quote. 29" tall by 13" wide.

Exceedingly rare and unusual bronze temple lantern. Late Meiji Period c.1910. Very large and wonderful configuration with round glass windows on each of the 6 sides. Doors open where an oil wick was placed in the old days. can be fitted for electric light. This japanese lantern exudes atmosphere. 26" tall and 19" inches wide. superb condition.