Oversized geta (shoes), blue and white hand painted porcelain with bird and flowers, probably from the Arita kiln. This very rare pair of geta were used in Japanese washrooms, most assuredly reserved for honored guests and definitely in a home of a wealthy family. Some blemishes in both shoes but no effect in their overall condition. Meiji period, each measures 9" long x 6" wide x 2 1/4" high (5" to top).
Tool with working wood gears, possibly used as a textile thread winder. The contraption consists of a winder, small and big gears operated by a wooden crank handle. The device stands on a piece of wood with another piece protruding on the side holding it all down. Made from kayak wood. The gears work fabulously and even if it one can't discern the function, it is an amazing piece of sculpture. Excellent finish and patina brought out by expert cleaning and waxing. Meiji period, 19th century. ...click for details
Offering tray stand or "Kalat", used by families to carry offerings of food to the monastery. Red lacquered wood, the bowl of the tray sits on turned rods and is supported by a rounded, tiered stand. The rim is uneven and although some of the red lacquer has rubbed off showing the black lacquer underneath, this is a handmade piece so some anomalies are expected, which actually do add to the character of the piece. No missing or broken pieces, condition is very good. Burmese, Late 19th- ...click for details
Pair of large sized lion's head masks worn by performers during the shishi-mai or lion dance seen at shrine festivals and at New Year's. The lion dance casts charms against evil spirits and diseases while receiving offerings. Due to the size of these masks they would have been made for a mask shop. Wood lacquered, red and black with gold eyes and teeth. Articulated ears and tongue; the mouth opens and closes. Skillfully carved and rendered. In beautiful shape and condition. Taisho period ...click for details
Magnificent stone sculpture of a rabbit with a beatific expression that is totally charming.Terribly solid and heavy but will definitely give presence to any venue it graces. Wonderful condition. Meiji period. Measures 15" long x 8" wide x 8 1/2" high.
Round pair of kiri wood hibachi with detachable copper inserts, inlaid lacquer and mother-of-pearl leaf design. Hibachis were used for heating and were an integral part of every household in old Japan. They come in wood, porcelain, metal and lacquer, simple and elaborate. This pair is one of the most desirable types: a container for coals. Even with some losses in the lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay the overall condition is excellent. A bit of cleaning and wax brought out the richness of the o ...click for details
Pair of handpainted porcelain hibachis by the prestigious Imari kiln. Multicolored predominantly red and green with floral design. Distinctive green background band with dominant red background on the body. Hibachis were vessels used to generate heat by putting coals in them in Japanese households. Highly decorated ones were reserved for guests and highly valued by the owners. They have evolved into desirable objects for modern households to hold plants and flowers. Beautiful condition, no crack ...click for details
Pair of handpainted porcelain hibachis by the prestigious Imari kiln. Multicolored with frolicking rabbits, flowers and trees. Very charming and beautifully rendered. Hibachis were used for heating; they contained coals and were situated next to a person in a room for warmth. With an elaborate design and image this pair were most probably used for honored guests and owned by an affluent individual or family. Imari is very popular in Japan and one of the kilns that is very well known in the Weste ...click for details
Porcelain hibachi produced by the prestigious Imari kiln. Multicolored, hand painted in greens/reds/blues depicting flowers and sceneries rendered in vignettes. Porcelain hibachis were used for heating. They contained coals and depending on their sizes were for an individual or for an area to generate heat for the room. A decorated hibachi like this one denotes the owner to be an affluent individual. With the advent of electricity hibachis became moot. They have,however acquired new use and garn ...click for details
Two piece bamboo Kimono trays. Top and bottom have the same mat plaiting pattern with a combination of twill plaiting creating a beautiful effect. Sides have a combination of smoked madake in twill plaiting and a piece of split bamboo bound in intervals with a thin bamboo band strengthening the rim as well as contributing to the overall look of the trays. Kimono trays are used in the traditional Japanese home or in a guest house for ladies to temporarily place their kimonos while they are in the ...click for details
