Rich hand-hammered copper flower vase with a mixed metal silver carp swimming in raised relief. Signed by the acclaimed Hiroshima metal artist 'Ito Sekko' who was born 1884-d.1972. His real name was Ito Takuro but took the artist name Sekko in Hiroshima in the early 30's. Called'Dochu' in Japanese, Dochu copperware is made of a specially alloyed copper sheet, first annealed then made into the form of a utensil. The alloyed copper sheet is placed on an anvil and is skillfully hammered or chiseled. Engraving and small metal fittings are applied to the surface of the utensil, which is then smoked with rice straw to fix the resin. Finally,it is polished with oil and fat so that tsuchime (the hammer patterns) show beautifully. To make tsuchime, it is hammered thou-sands of times; over ten thousand hammerings total are required for each work. This work demands a great deal of patience. Dochu utensils, Whether vases, ornament trays, pots, tea ceremony utensils, cake servers, or whatever they are, change to dark subdued tones from their original copper red, as time goes by. Thus a gracefulness emanates from them. The origin of dochu dates back to when Lord Asano moved to Hiroshima from Kishu Provincei (now Wakayama Prefecture and part of Mie Prefecture). He brought to Hiroshima a copper craftsman, Kiyoshi, who was immersed in his work day and night. The lord dubbed him dochu or Copper-worm. With the lord's protection given to dochu work, the technique developed, but it died out late in the Edo era. In 1902, the technique was again studied and restored by Takuro Ito, and it continues to this day. H:30cm x Diameter: 17cm. Ask for shipping quote.

Great Taisho Period C.1920 'Koi' bronze carp swimming up the waterfall without the waterfall. Great patina. Actually holds water and is an ikebana flower vase for the tea ceremony. The carp represents courage and determination as it swims up the waterfall as depicted in many paintings and art works. Once over the top , it turns into a dragon and resides in the celestial realm protecting the buddha's teachings. Fine work on the scales and fins and fabulous expression. H:30cm W:16cm. Ask for shipping quote.

Extremely unusual shell shaped bronze 'usubata' ikebana flower vase from the late Meiji Period, C.1900. The bronze shell sits on a base of bronze waves creating a lovely art deco masterpiece. 3D and alive, there is wonderful depth and texture. H:27cm x W:39cm. Ask for shipping quote.

Also known as Uzumi or Okame, Otafuku is the name for the female half of a traditional Japanese Kyogen theatre pair She is considered to be the goddess of mirth and is frequently seen in Japanese art. Part of the Kyogen category of masks, this is a character used for the comic interlude in classic Noh plays. This mask carved in the late Meiji Period C.1910 is carved out of cypress and has some wear on the nose and stains but we think it just adds character. Her expression is sublime. H:46cm x W:40cm. Ask for shipping quote.

Very Japanese bronze round garden lantern which can be hung or rests on tripod legs. Inside is an electric light bulb. Previously had been lined with rice paper. (we can line again with rice paper on request)Has nicely designed lattice of vines on the main body and buttresses on the top. Early Showa Period C.1930. Made of Bronze. Lovely patina. H:29cm x diameter: 24cm. Ask for shipping quote.

Mingei folk art piece of Daikoku, one of the seven lucky gods of Japan. Daikoku is the god of abundant rice harvest and wealth. Superbly carved out of japanese cedar this little guy was housed in a home shrine and has accrued the smoke and patina of countless offerings and hearth fires. He sits on two rice bales and is carring a sack of treasures. His face is what captured us. He sits on a piece of old temple beam. Total Height of piece and stand: 20cm x W: 13cm. Ask for shipping quote.

Exquisite Imari vase from the Meiji Period, C.1890. Detailed hand drawn flowers, birds and diaper motifs on porcelain base adorn the gorgeous vase. From top to bottom, just a fabulous piece of art. H: 77cm x Diameter: 43cm. Ask for shipping quote.

Museum piece bronze temple lantern dated Bunsei 13 ( Edo Period C. 1830). Inscription on the base reads: Bunsei 13, Year of the tiger, November, Auspicious Day. Gosho - machi ( Gosho village) Shoei-Ji (Shoei Temple). Shoei Temple is a Jodo -shu temple in Nara established in C.1100. It was rebuilt in C.1577. The lantern is bronze with a chrysanthemum motif and lined with old rice paper. In unbelievably great condition. H: 76cm x diameter: 28cm. Ask for shipping quote.

Almost art deco late Taisho Period C.1920 zelkova (keyaki) wood 'jizaikagi' hearth hook used over the 'irori' to stabilize the cooking pot. The grains of the zelkova are quite beautiful and the patina is also lovely. As an art object very stunning. H:30cm x W:50cm

Beautiful bronze Noh Theater figure 'Okina' by the acclaimed craftsman "Shusei". His signature is on the back. The detailed bronze work is superb and the detachable face mask catches the character of 'Okina' sublimely. Made in the late Taisho Period C.1920. With a light source in front, the shadows will dance. H:32cm x W:27cm. Ask for shipping quote.

Spectacular 'Wagumi' Japanese style 'hanakago' bamboo and wisteria flower basket. The fabulous interwoven juxtaposition of bamboo strips and wisteria creates a stunning masterpiece. The rim is layer on layer of bamboo and the whole is an artistic tour de force. Just lovely. H:49 x W:27

Rare Tokoname sake flask with a textured glaze, the first of this kind we have seen. Tokoname is one of the ancient major kiln areas of japanese pottery located on the Chita Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture. Their pottery tradition dates back 900 years. Spectacular tokkuri. H: 15cm x W:8cm. Excellent condition.Ask for shipping quote