Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Wood (117)

The Japanese Norimono Palanquin is completely covered in a rich chestnut woven bamboo. The roof has a slight curve and a section of the roof can lift up for entry. The sedan is trimmed in black lacquered wood in a double lined grid pattern contrasting with the woven material. The three outer window openings provide shade covering of reeded sudaris with black wool borders and copper mounts. The sudari is held erect with copper L-shaped hooks...

Japanese antique water pump used by a brigade of firemen to put out fires. From the writing, the pump was used in December, Meiji 7 (1874). Other writing states "Edo", most likely referring that the fire company was operating during the Edo Period and/or in the city of Edo, Japan. A 3 character mark says 雲龍水 unryūsui ("cloud-dragon-water", the name for this type of pump)...

Antique Japanese carved burlwood round container decorated with blooming hibiscus flowers and a canary perched on a branch. The carvings are finely incisised details with relief ridges defining leaf veins, stamen, and petal edges. A central round medallion decorates the bttom of the inner chamber. The carvings on the lid of the box match up with the base. It measures 7" in diameter, 5.75" tall. Late Meiji, 1868-1912, or early Taisho period, 1912-1926.

Lovely antique Japanese large rectangular tray with a scene of a woman gazing at the moon (inlaid mother of pearl), she is sitting near a small stream with flowers and grasses, misty clouds above, the tray is made of kiri wood and the decoration is made of beautiful cherry wood bark, outer sides are also covered in cherry bark, Taisho Period. Size: 24 3/4" long x 15 1/4" wide x 3 1/2" deep.

Large shrine board (known as an ema) of Bishamonten chasing after a demon. Polychrome pigments, gold, and sumi ink on wood.Dated Second year of Enki, year of the wooden bull (kinotoushi):1745, November (Shimotsuki). Board was donated by Omiya Souhachiro, who was living in the Kudara-cho district of Osaka City (near the vicinity of Shinsaibashi area). The board was painted by Hanai Bunsen Tsunemine (active early 18th century)...

Japanese natural burl brush pot, hand-carved with various whimsical creatures coming to life from the natural burl form. Original finish with red lacquer base. Provenance: From a private Japanese collection.

Size: 9" L x 6" W x 4" H

Japanese Edo Period Peddlar's Box, gyoshobako, kiri wood throughout with mixed metal for original hardware of brass and iron on locks, side carrying rings, double safe compartments, with the lower inside containing a removable safe box with 3 drawers, worn condition with original finish, 11"W 19"D 26"H.

An antique Japanese large Taiko drum made of lacquered hardwood and leather with hand forged iron nails and holding rings. It would make a great side table adding an optional round glass top. When struck, it carries a thunderous sound that would reverberate in any room.

Age: Late Meiji/Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 30" Diameter by 28 1/2" Long

Antique Japanese hardwood tray. Hand carved Chinese zitan wood into the shape of a banana leaf. The underside is finely carved with a gnarled bamboo branch.

Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

Dimensions: 22" L, 8.5" W, 1" H

Antique Japanese painting of a Goju-no-to, five storied pagoda of the typical Japanese Buddhist temple. The pagoda is decorated using Kanji with a repeated sutra and other passages. Horin, the nine rings atop the pagoda are each a symbol. It measures 21.25" by 10.13". Some signs of age. Painted in sumi ink on paper. Meiji period 1868-1912.

Antique Japanese woodblock print by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. This print from his famous Suikoden Series depicts one of "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden". Based on the Chinese semi-historical novel, the Suikoken prints depict the adventures of the 108 rebels who sought refuge in the area of Liangshan Marsh. These rebel heroes, also brigands and bandits, were compelled to protect the poor and downtrodden...

Antique Japanese woodblock print by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. This print from his famous Suikoden Series depicts one of "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden". Based on the Chinese semi-historical novel, the Suikoken prints depict the adventures of the 108 rebels who sought refuge in the area of Liangshan Marsh. These rebel heroes, also brigands and bandits, were compelled to protect the poor and downtrodden...

Japanese scroll mounting of a Hokusai Woodblock with a peasant wood gatherer on bridge over stream, in the back ground are ducks on a pond. Censor seals 1790-1842. Size of Scroll: 51 1/2" high x 10" wide Size of Art: 19 3/4" high x 9" wide

Antique Japanese woodblock print by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. This print from his famous Suikoden Series depicts one of "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden". Based on the Chinese semi-historical novel, the Suikoken prints depict the adventures of the 108 rebels who sought refuge in the area of Liangshan Marsh. These rebel heroes, also brigands and bandits, were compelled to protect the poor and downtrodden...

An antique Japanese Taiko drum and stand made of Keyaki (Zelkova), leather and hand forged iron hardware. The leather on both sides is decorated with the Mitsudomoe (Tomoe) symbol represented in Shinto shrines dedicated to Hachiman, the God of war and archery. The image displays natural wear from years of practicing and performances...

Antique Japanese woodblock print in the Surimono subcategory of woodblocks, meaning they were produced in very small numbers for private circles and thus are much rarer to come across. Depicted is a court woman in elaborate dress, who appears to be sewing or tying the fabric in her hands, and a small window of text behind her...

An antique Japanese Kanban signboard of a Sake (rice wine) brewery maker. Hand carved out of a hardwood and finished in a gold gilt with black lacquer in the back. 2 stylized opposing birds and an arrow hitting a bullseye target decorate this sign that was made to depict a celebratory sake cask.

Age: Meiji Era (1900-1910)

Dimensions: 24" Wide by 25" High by 4 1/4" Deep

Antique Japanese wooden temple carving of a Baku, a mythological creature very similar to an elephant. Baku is known as the dream eater. Children in Japan will sometimes attempt to summon the Baku in the middle of the night to devour their nightmares and motifs of him are commonly found in bedrooms. All hand-carved with incredible attention to detail. Mounted on a high quality custom iron stand. Edo age (1615- 1868)

Size: 19" L x 6.5" W x 10" H (15" total height on stand)

Japanese woodblock print by Paul Jacoulet. Beautifully done and sought after in this market. Great condition, framed behind glass. Circa late 1940's Dimensions: 20 1/2" High X 16 1/2" Wide

Antique Japanese framed woodblock print of the Sumida River, with waterfowl and boats, in a circular panel over a red background with clouds and overhead text. This print is of the Surimono subgenre, meaning they were produced in very small numbers for private circles and thus are much rarer to come across. Professionally framed. Signature of artist Hayashi Tei, 19th century Edo Period (1615-1912). Size: (entire frame) 16.5" H x 15.75" W (artwork only) 8.5" H x 7.5" W

Japanese Sushi Restaurant Plaque carved of hinoki wood with carved and lacquered characters, details of swirling carved clouds, middle with carved characters lacquered in gold, The bold lettering in the middle says: 鮨 木戸由 Sushi Kidoyosh, one at the far right, for example, it says: 堺静 Sakashizu That's the name of a wholesaler at the famous Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, so they're likely suppliers or patrons of some kind...

Antique woodblock print triptych by Toyohara Kunichika entitled "Kabuki Drama of Mount Bandai Eruption with Magic Lantern Slides", dated September 1888. In this scene, the Kabuki actor Onoe Kikugoro V hangs on to the breaking pieces of a house as the ground shifts and lightening cracks. Two months prior to this famous performance, the volcano Mt. Bandai erupted causing massive destruction and loss of life in Fukushima Prefecture. The play was originally set at Mt...

Antique Japanese wooden horse saddle frame, lacquered and inlaid with shells in chrysanthemum motif with Soroban (abacus beads) mon, bronze hardware, Edo Period (late 18th/ early 19th century). Size: 17 1/2" high x 21" wide x 26" deep.

Woodblock print done by the artist Okiie Hashimoto. Charming image of a young woman sitting among a field of lily flowers. Done in muted colors, beautiful condition. Dimensions: 27'' Wide X 21 3/4'' High, framed

Antique Japanese mask used in Kyogen or Kagura theater. The mask is invoking the spirit of a joyous spirit or god and often used in plays such as sambaso, a play which is often performed during New Years. Age: Meiji Period. Size: Height: 7" Width: 3.5" Length: 5"

Antique Japanese ranma, or transom, carved with two rabbits jumping over waves.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

50" L x 20.25" H

Unusual antique Japanese natural root burl hardwood stand with very interesting and complex gnarling growths. Very dense hardwood with dark lacquer finish. Would make a stunning stand.

Edo Period circa 1800's

Size: 9.5" H, 21" L, 20" W

Antique Japanese surimono woodblock print by Hokkei (1780-1850) entitled "The Chomonju - Snake and Melons". A snake entwined with a tray of melons. The poem above speaks of how the snake will become a dragon which will make clouds of white cherry blossoms in the mountains. Snakes and dragons are closely associated with water. The poems alludes to a wish for rain and the blossoming of Spring.

Dimensions: Unframed: 21.2 cm x 17.7 cm. Framed: 15 1/4" x 15 1/4"

Japanese wooden shop sign. Well-carved with large lettering and small chop signatures in corners. Very heavy in weight. The entire sign has been hand carved down, exposing the kanji lettering. Natural design. Edo Period (circa 1800's) Size: 18" H x 76" L x 1.5" D

Japanese antique wood block print of the sumo wrestler, Unryū Kyūkichi (Unryū Hisakichi) with beard and wearing a keshō-mawashi (ceremonial apron-style belt). Unryū Kyūkichi was in the makuuchi league since 1852. Name used from 1850-1865. He retired in 1865. Signed by Kōchōrō Toyokuni ga and date seal between 1851-1853. Framed print.

Age: Edo Period

Dimensions: Framed 19" high x 14 1/2" wide. Image: 13 1/2" high x 9 1/8" wide

An antique Japanese transom (Ranma) made of Hinoki (Cypress) wood. Hand carved image of a crouching tiger moving with stealth and grace in a bamboo forest. Pronounced wood grain adds depth and movement to the image.

In Japan, the Ranma was placed above the Fusuma doors to provide air circulation in both rooms that it shared. The tiger represents power and good luck with the bamboo representing strength and tenacity.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1926)

Dimensions: 71 1/2" wide ...

Antique Japanese woodblock print, framed oban diptych entitled "The Story of the Strong Woman Takashima Oiko of Omi Provence" from the series "A New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures" by Taiso Yoshitoshi (1839-1892). In the scene, the strong-woman, Takashima Oiko leads Saeki Urinaga, the sumo wrestler home in order to strengthen him for an up coming match. Printer: Tsunajima Kamekichi.

Age: 1889

Dimensions: diptych print: 14" high x 19" wide. Framed: 21" high x 2...

Japanese antique wood block print of the sumo wrestler, Tsuneyama Gorojin wearing keshō-mawashi (ceremonial apron-style belt). Gorojin was in the Makuuchi league since 1843. Name used from 1842-1856. He retired in 1859. Print by Kuniyoshi Utagawa and dated 1852 (year of the Rat) or 1853 (year of the Ox). Framed print.

Age: Edo Period

Dimensions: 20" high x 15" wide (framed). Image: 14 1/4" high x 9 3/8" wide

Antique Japanese wood carving of Hotei, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of fortune, with beautiful remnants of old lacquer.

18th century, Edo period (1603-1868)

Size: 5.5" W x 8.5" H

A delightful Japanese wood tray in the shape of a lotus leaf. Chiseled Katabori with raised veins and stem and stippled leaf rolled back on sides. The back of the tray is as detailed as the top with an intricate pattern of veins and curved stem. The tray is used in the tea ceremony.

Date: Meiji Period circa 1890

Dimensions:12" X 9" X 1"

Antique Japanese woodblock triptych print of a large samurai battle scene by the artist, Yoshitora Utagawa. Active during the late 19th century, Yoshitora Utagawa was best known for his dynamic battle scenes as well as prints of samurai, firemen, kabuki actors, beautiful women and foreigners. He was born in Edo but the exact year of his birth and death are unknown. He studied with the great print artist, Kuniyoshi Utagawa but later left his school and changed his name to Mosai. This sam...

Japanese woodblock print by Yoshitoshi, from "100 Aspects of the Moon" series.

An antique money box or zenibako made out of keyaki wood. The front panel detaches and back side of the board may have been used to test the brush before writing notes and documents. The bottom side of the box contains an inscription possibly the location of where the box was placed. Interestingly, on the front of the box next to the lock is a traditional logo carved on the panel. The logo is often used by merchants and often seen on door curtains to storehouses in the Edo Period. Age: 19th cent...

Unusual Edo period safe box, 1800-1850. Original hardware and finish. Kiri leaf design on hardware with mon character, original hand forged hardware. Number 18 on front of box. Box made to be carried there is an inset handle on the back of the box. It measures 20" long by 6.25" wide by 8" tall.

Japanese Sadao Watanabe (1913 - 1996) print of the Three Saints. Attractive red background highlighting the three saints with birds sitting atop a terrace. Print # 10/70 in 1971. Print on Paper 1971 Dimensions: 27 1/2" High X 23 1/2" Wide

Antique Japanese jizai-kagi in the form of a catfish. In a Japanese home, water in a kettle or pot is heated over an irori (sunken hearth). The jizai hook hangs from a strong ceiling beam. From this, a long device is suspended with a hook on the end that can be adjusted up or down by moving the jizai-kagi. This unusual jizai-kagi is carved of kayaki (zelkova elm) wood and has patination from hearth smoke. A portion of it's original iron chain is still attached.

Age: Edo Period (1...

Japanese antique Jizai or "J" hook, made for hanging a large kettle by rope from rafters over fire pit, made of keyaki (elm) wood, wonderfully rough hewn and sculptural, carved with eight sides, great patina from smoke and use, Meiji Period (1868-1912). Size: 30 1/4" high x 15" wide x 4" think (10" wide including small cross beam at top).

Antique Japanese woodblock print of Ishiyakushi in Tokaido, Japan. Side has authentic artist censer seal by Hiroshige (1997-1858), and publisher's mark. Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese: 歌川 広重), also Andō Hiroshige (Japanese: 安藤 広重; 1797 – 12 October 1858) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, considered the last great master of that tradition. Size: 13.5" H, 9.5" W

An antique, Japanese boxwood lacquer comb with two kanzashi hair pins decorated with niello silver & mokoume-gane etched cat on gilt. The fine toothed comb is hand carved with floral motifs and a man walking over a bridge. The reverse side shows a house surrounded by mountains. Wooden combs in Japan were once believed to have shamanic qualities. Women would brush their black hair thinking that the combs would gather each strand’s spiritual energy. In later years, they were used to create elabo...

A carved wooden advertisement with two metal pieces to hang the board. The advertisement is for a cold medicine named, Phenyl which is the chemical name for cold medicines even still today. The advertisement states on one side that this medicine effectively reduces fevers and on the other the name of pharmaceutical store that makes the medicine, which is Yamada Kaiseido. On the top is the logo for the medicine with the words trademark. Age: Meiji Period Size: Height: 29.75" Length: 11.5" Width: ...

An antique Japanese corbel apprentice sample of a Shishi made and hand carved from one solid block of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. Beautiful art sculpture that resonates the Japanese and Buddhist spirit. It would also make a wonderful plinth.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 9 3/4" Wide by 13 1/2" High by 8 3/4" Deep

Antique Japanese framed abstract print, signed Takeshi Hara (1942-present) in pencil, number 36/60, titled "Strokes 74-1". Hara was born in Nagoya, Japan in 1942 and graduated the Oil Painting Dept. of Tokyo National University of Fine Arts in 1967. He later went on to become a professor in the Dept. of Painting at Tokyo Zokei University until he retired in 2008. He describes his works as deeply rooted in traditional Japanese culture and imagery; For example, his prominent "Strokes" series draws...

Antique Japanese root wood hibachi. Natural form with lovely burl and curling rim. The bottom has Japanese sumi ink writing, most likely a dedication.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 5 1/4" high x 10 3/4" long x 8" wide

Woodblock print by Japanese ukiyo-e artist Utagawe Hiroshige (1797-1858). The streets are bustling with activity as we see a gentleman who wears a top hat being pulled along in a handcart, a woman in a kimono shading herself with a parasol, and other characters. There are sakura trees blossoming around a flagpole, a communal well, and a beautiful view of the sun rising beyond Mt. Fuji in the distance. Size: (print only) 6" height, 8.5" length (with frame) 9.25" height, 11.75" length

Antique Japanese woodblock print by the famous woodblock artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), best known for his print titled 'The Giant Wave off Kanagawa'. This print depicts a small boy riding the back of an ox. Certified original by publisher T. Sakai est. 1874. Size: 7" height, 5" width

Meiji period, 1868-1912, medicine konban made of wood, incised characters painted with gold. #1 Eye Medicine - Seikisui (Japan's first eye medicine developed by Kishida Ginko, Rakuzendo from a formula learned in America by Prof. Hepburn) Tokyo, Ginza, Seal reading The Kishida. #2 Superb Effectiveness Hotan. Three cartouches on back. Two gold and red cartouches on front. It measures 27.5" tall, 9.5" wide, 1.2" deep. Overall excellent condition.

Antique Japanese melon shaped hibachi, wilt gilt lacquer designs of chrysanthemums, peonies, and butterflies, gilt nashiji flakes and inlay adding depth to the nature scenes, interior with old patina. Meiji age (1868-1912)

Size: 16" L x 9.5" H

Japanese antique water pump, with iron hardware and inscription carved below the handle. Meiji age (1868-1912) Size: 38.5" length, 4" width

Antique Japanese craftsman's block. Made of keyaki (elm) wood and carved with two fan-shaped handles. Thought the term dai usually refers to plane blocks, this block also functioned as an important tool or surface for a serious artisan. It is unusual in that it is carved with a rectangular opening on the underside, a customization possibly to help hold it in place while in use.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 8" high x 7" wide x 10 3/4" long

Japanese hibachi, or brazier, made of an attractive wood exterior and inlaid with flowers and overlaid with gold macho-e lacquer. Remnants of ash on the interior add to its charm. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912). Original finish and condition. Size: 9.5" H x 14" W

Antique Japanese woodblock print of Court Ladies Sewing Western Clothing. This print is originally from a triptych by Yoshu (Hashimoto) Chickanobu, 1838-1912. A lady in waiting to the empress, demonstrates western style techniques for sewing and cutting cloth. The woman wears a fitted French style mantelet. During the Meiji period, noble ladies were encouraged to wear western wear to demonstrate to foreign visitors that Japan was of equal standing with other nations. It is dated August 23, 1...

Wonderfully carved antique suiban burl wood tray. This all one, solid hardwood piece is in great condition and has a lacquered shiny middle. Outside of tray displays its natural wood with gorgeous gnarls and ridges. Meiji Period (1868-1912) Dimensions: 18" in Length X 12.75" Width at Middle

Antique Japanese woodblock print of a sumo wrestler of the Utagawa Kuniyoshi studio. Kuniyoshi was a pupil of the master Utagawa Toyokuni. He is part of the Ukiyo-e tradition of print making. His works are noteworthy for their use of color and patterns. He developed a style for portraits of kabuki actors and warriors with an emphasis on omens, dreams, apparitions, and extraordinary feats. This print depicts a sumo wrestler wearing a ceremonial kesho-mawashi, heavily embroidered covering that ope...

Unusual natural Antique Japanese burlwood container. Great for storing small items. Original condition and warm finish. Meiji period 1868-1912. It measures 14" wide 10" deep 6" tall.

Antique Japanese framed woodblock print by artist Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900). Print is numbered 18 in the series "Genji 54 Scenes". Artist's signature and seal in corner, titled, with publisher's name and address. Meiji period circa 1884. Size: (entire frame) 21" height, 16.5" width (print only) 14" height, 9" width