Hanging scroll. A circle on a black background, divided into ten sections around a white central circle that holds the character ‘shin’, meaning heart or soul. The ten sections represent the ten realms that are the ten possibilities of rebirth. On top the four realms of enlightened beings: Buddhas, Boshisattvas, arhats and pratyeka Buddhas. Underneath, the six realms (rokudo): Heavenly beings, humans, Bellicose demons (Ashura), animals, hungry ghosts and hell...

Iron kozuka inlaid with a bronze or brass lobster.Details in silver. Simple but powerful good work. It reminds me of the Onin style tsuba. This kozuka seems to me very old 18 ° or before. Its simple appearance while being of good quality, its solidity makes me think that it was not made during the peaceful and sumptuous Edo period but before during the agitated war period of Muromachi. Dilmensions about 100x15 mm

Antique Japanese musha-ningyo samurai doll of the old warrior, Takenouchi no Sukune and the baby Ōjin. Takenouchi was the vassal of the Empress warrior, Jingū-kōgō.
The wife of the 14th sovereign, Chuai, Jingū ruled as empress-regent after her husband was killed in battle in 200 A.D. Considered the 15th Japanese imperial ruler, she lead an invasion of "the promise" land (believed to be the Korean Peninsula)...

HORNED TRAINEE MONK

Details unknown, but I think he must be a very great old man, since it has remained for long years until today as a wood carving statue. Edo period, 19th century. approx...

19th century netsuke of 2 biwa (loquat) fruits on a stem. Elegant design in Japanese taste, superb quality realistic carving down to the last detail - see the rendition of bark on branches and perfectly etched terminals of the fruits. Beautiful wear and patina, himotoshi formed by natural openings in the carving. Signed MASATSUGU in oval reserve on the stem - the artist is listed on p. 740 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 1.21 inches.

A Kannon Bosatsu wooden statue from the early Meiji Period (19th century) with rests of its original paint.

It is a unique peace of buddhist art, as it bears on its back a writing with black ink from a Samurai. The charakters mean Saikoku Sanjusansho (The Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage), made by 'Yasukuni Joza' in the status of Bushi (Samurai) in Bungo area, Oita Prefecture.

There are no similar pieces to find. It is really matchless and singular...

19th century lacquered wood netsuke of standing Jurojin (one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, that of longevity and wisdom) with a length of cloth in his hands supporting two scrolls. The netsuke is essentially a wish for long life and learning. Excellently carved, superb detailing, extraordinary quality lacquering. Wonderful face with a slight smile, finely done cloud patterns on his robe. Beautiful patina, in superb condition. Height 2 inches.

Antique Japanese Hirado ware porcelain puppy dog wearing a ribbon around its neck. Carefully hand sculpted in a realistic manner. It has an amusing expression on its face full of detailed character. Early Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Size: 4" H x 5" L x 3.5" W

Kane gong or bell of a very simple, cylindrical or dish shape, without any sort of decoration. Two loops for cords to hang the gong on a wooden rack. Yellow bronze (sentoku).
Inscription incised in the rim on the back/inside. It mentions the dedication of this gong at the Zenshoji temple in Meiji 40 (1907).

Diam. 12.5 in.; H ca. 3.5 inches.

There are several temples in Japan with that name...

A large Japanese tokurri, emulating Korean Buncheon ware, with inlaid slip decoration; Edo period. The decoration is divided into multiple bands of repeating designs, which have been incised into the clay body. A white slip was applied, and the body wiped clean; leaving the slip infilling the incisions...

This was made in Amagi area in the Meiji era. This cotton was spun by hand. This Shibori was dyed with an indigo plant of nature. It is a swallow and a rainy image.In the small ring of Mame-ire Shibori, size delicately changes for handwork. And the vertical stripe has little rolling. It is a good point and fun of the handwork. F3.White cloth of the lining has thin stain and several places of eyelets. F1F2. However, they are hardly seen from the surface...

Lavender and aquamarine coat the surface of this vase from the Kairakuen Kilns of the Ki branch of the Tokugawa family dating from the 19th century. The circular window between floral scrolls is made in the shape of the archaic character Kotobuki. The vase is 18 cm (7 inches) tall and in excellent condition, and bears the Kairakuen seal impressed into the base...

The metal head of the rattle – called shakujo – with some simply engraved decoration on the central shaft indicating lotus petals. The central ring has the shape of an inverted heart, from which six rings loop, three on each side.
The six rings symbolize the Six Realms of Existence where Jizō is active and the Six Perfections that lead to nirvana: generosity, morality, patience, vigor, concentration, and wisdom.
Mounted on a short wooden pole, covered with red lacquer...

A large Japanese antique oribe ware ceramic teapot with thick dripping blue green glaze, ridged edges, two handles, large finial on lid, bare areas on sides painted with flowers. 20th Century Size: 16" H, 17" W

Arita hard porcelain dish. The decoration is painted with stylized flowers in underglaze cobalt blue and enamelled with medallions. The edge is coated with a thick chocolate brown enamel, typical. Japanese work from the end of the 17th century or the beginning of the 18th. It is a rare artistic model. Below a mark drawn in blue and traces of pernettes. Good condition. Some enamel skids. Diameter 195mm.

Very small portable shrine, zushi. The figure of Amida Nyorai is standing on a lotus base with intricately carved curled lotus petals. His slender body covered in a finely, gold ornamented garment, his left hand pointing down in mudra, his now missing right hand would be held up in mudra, as well.

Soft wood stained dark brown, with gold painted decoration and some red.
The insides of the doors decorated in reddish brown with meandering flowers over gold foil on black lacquer.

...

Pair of Antique Japanese Bronze candle stick holders. Elegant ribbed candle sticks with carved bamboo stem. Well made and sturdy. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Dimensions: 26" High X 10" wide (base)

Box and its tray in black lacquered wood decorated with bindweed in gold and silver powdered lacquer. Details of gold squares. Black interior. Nice finish. No signature. Japanese work from the end of the 19th century or the beginning of the 20th century, Meiji or Showa period. Good condition except for some wear on the corners visible in the photos. No catering.

Antique Japanese Buddhist bell with a wooden handle and brass fittings and hardware. The handle is decoratedbrass decorations. The top of the handle has an octagonal fitting and the handle is also octagonally shaped. Hexagonal pieces of metal with incised design of a six-point star adorn the upper part of the handle. The lower part of the handle has leaf like fittings. The bell is simple with rings of varying widths. It was obtained in Katmandu in the 1960s thought to be made in the early ...

A magnificent Karatsu Katakuchi Chawan (Karatsu tea bowl with a pouring spout), fired around 1850 during the Edo Period (1603-1868).

It is no exaggeration to say that this tea bowl needs to be described as a true museum quality piece of art.

Especially such old Karatsu bowls are rarely available in the version of a Katakuchi bowl. Essentially, it's a bowl with a spout. But not just any bowl: its details are specially designed for the preparation of Matcha. It allows you to...

Early 19th century netsuke depicting one of the Suikoden heroes standing wearing only a cloth skirt and carrying a large log on his back. Chinese book called Shui-Hu-Chuan (Suikoden in Japanese, The Water Margin in English) was very popular in the capital Edo. It contained numerous tales of an outlaw named Sung-Chiang and his 108 followers. Wonderful arrogant face, nice staining and etching, old age lines, beautiful wear and patina. Very well balanced, stands on its own on flat surface. Height 2...

Height: 3 cm (1.2 in)
Length: 4 cm (1.7 in)

Fine marine material netsuke of a grazing horse; fine hair work; inlaid horn eyes; some age lines present; good condition

Early 19th century boxwood netsuke of yamabushi - wandering warrior priest recognizable by tokin (skull cap) on his head - sitting inside a huge shell made into a trumpet, and blowing into yet another trumpet shell. Usually for this subject the person in the shell is considered to be Benkei. Horagai - (trumpet shell - Charonia Tritonis) were often fitted with a mouthpiece on the thin end, and used as war trumpets. Strong early carving, wonderful severe face, bronze mouthpiece and stud inlays on ...

19th century Japanese Ko-Kutani bowl with painted mountain landscape. Fuku mark.

Very unusual 19th century netsuke in a shape of an old cherry trunk with a newly blooming branch. Extraordinary elegant design in Japanese taste, mother of pearl inlaid flowers with use of lacquer at their bases, excellent patina. Length 3.9 inches (99 mm).

Width: 15.3 cm (6.1 in)
Height: 5.5 cm (2.2 in)

Fine Japanese Satsuma scalloped bowl; depicts Geisha sitting and conversing in a central cartouche; all surrounded by the finest gilt and polychrome chrysanthemums and detailed diaper work; the reverse decorated in florals; signed Fuzan

Width: 6.1 cm (2.4 in)
Height: 3.8 cm (1.4 in)

Fine miniature footed lidded Satsuma pot; top decorated with an outdoor family group behind a canopy; very fine gilt diaper borders and legs; continual foliage decoration to the sides; internal depictions of family groups; signed Kaizan; excellent condition

Length: 7.6 cm (3 in)
Depth: 6.2 cm (2.4 in)
Height: 1.7 cm (0.6 in)

` Exquisite carved Japanese okimono of a lotus leaf with flowers, an insect and fine detail throughout; the base is also very detailed; natural material; very good condition

Height: 5.8 cm (2.3 in) Width: 2.7 cm (1.1 in) Depth: 2 cm (0.7 in)
Quality Japanese carved netsuke of a young woman holding a garland of flowers over her head; finely detailed, natural material; textured and stained throughout; signed to the base; good condition

Japanese carved wooden netsuke of seated karako. Weight: 12g Size: 1.25 x 1.25 x 1.5"

Mid Meiji black lacquer gold maki-e borders document box. Features three raised gold designs with very fine details and Japanese characters. The has a gold sprinkled nashiji interior. In excellent condition, it measures: Length 10-1/8" x Width 3-3/4" x Height 2-1/8". Circa 1890. More photos available upon request.

This is tsutsugaki textile from the Edo period. A design of lions and peonies in the midst of silent falling snow. It's not flashy, but it looks like a fusuma painting from the Edo period. Both the indigo dye and the cotton are from the Edo period, and they have a very nice texture. There is one slight repair mark on the upper left corner. There are some light stains, but overall the item is in very good condition.Size:Length:170cm (66.9inch)inch / Width:150cm(59inch)

This is the Katazome cotton festival costume used in Edo during the Edo period. It is dyed with natural indigo. Cotton is hand-spun and thick. It has a few repair marks, but it doesn't stand out. The condition is good and there are no stains. Size: Length 142cm / 55.9inch Cuff to cuff, across the back: 122cm / 48inch Box.c

A hand painted cloth banner decorated with imagery by various artists including the Nanga School literati artists Tanomura Chokunyu (1814-1907) and Nakanishi Koseki (1807-1884) as well as Tanaka Koha of the Kagetsuan School of Sencha and Confucian scholar Goto Shoin (1797-1864) and Hirose Kyokuso (1807-1863) who were two of the most important followers of Rai Sanyo. The date Konoe-saru (year of the monkey in metal) is visible in both the central leaf and the lower left gourd image. Judging then...

Japanese antique natural indigo dye hand-spun Thick hemp long Roll katazome. is no damage and it is in very good condition. Size: Length:964cm / 379.52inches Width: 34cm / 13.3inches

Very unusual Ca. 1930 iron lantern in the shape of a Shinto Shrine Drum with the 'mitsu tomoe' (three commas) which symbolized Raijin the god of thunder and lightning. Often this symbol is on the end of temple roof tiles as protection against thunder and lightning. Great condition. 9" in diameter and 9" tall. Ask for shipping quote.

Eishi print, please contact for details

Beautiful Edo Period (1603-1868) Iga Tea bowl

Natural ash glazed Iga Pottery is traditionally produced in former Iga Province, the birthplace of ninja, in central Japan dating back to 7th century and it generally reflects wabi-sabi aesthetics with its unique rustic appearance.

Size
8cm high;
13cm width;

Condition
There are with few cracks. Please see the photos for reference.
Supplied with old box which says Iga Chawan

A Japanese studio porcelain okimono of Daruma (the legendary Chinese Buddhist monk Bodhidharma), dating to the first half of the 20th C. The long robe with thick celadon glaze, the face with fierce expression, the ears with movable earrings. Base with sealmark. Condition: fine, one ear with firing crack. Dimension: 22.8 cm high, weight: 1.2 kg.

Japanese Kanzashi hairpin, maki-e on hand carved wood. A dadaiko (large drum used for court music) and maku (outdoor fence made out of cloth) under the maple trees. They are pictorial subjects from chapter 7 of The Tale Of Genji, Momiji no Ga (An Autumn Excursion). There is a famous scene frequently illustrated from this chapter; Genji, a young and handsome grandson of the emperor, danced 'Sei Kai Ha", Waves of the Blue Ocean, with a maple branch on his crown, which made all the jaws of court ...

A traveling wooden shrine “zushi” or "Nenjibutsu" with enclosing a finely curved wooden sculpture of shichimen Daimyojin (Heavenly Lady from Mount Shichimen). The wooden case is decorated with red lacquer and metalwork. Some loss of lacquerer and pigments are visible, otherwise it is in good condition.

H 2 7/8” x W 1 7/8” x D 1 3/8 (H 7.0cm x W 4.5cm x D 3.2cm)

A large Fukagawa porcelain 9 1/2 inch diameter centerpiece serving bowl. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt. Fuji mark inside the foot ring. This bowl, together with two other sizes of bowls we are offering separately in the same pattern, formed the traditional Japanese graduated bowl set. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer f...

Matched pair of Satsuma vases with cobalt ground, each depicting two large panels with Japanese women and children in a landscape with a lakeside village and mountains in the background, flowering trees on outcroppings, gilding highlights over clothing of women and children, both signed with Shimazu crest and Kinkozan mark. Measure 12" high, 7" wide at shoulder, and 4 3/8" at base. Well painted and detailed vignettes of lovely women and children in an idyllic landscape, the images very similar...

19th century netsuke of a Buddhist priest and famous 14th century poet Ikkyu seated next to a human skull and pointing at it as a reminder that all living things must ultimately die. Uncommon subject, wonderful smiling face, great depiction of the scull, nicely detailed (see the short Buddhist rosary around his right hand), beautiful wear and patina. Height 1 7/16 inches.

An antique Japanese Daruma wooden mold used for making paper mâché dolls. Retired from duty and lacquered to preserve its years of production and service. The worn lacquer is a testament to its display and use that extended beyond its useful life and paid tribute to the former artisans that supported the craft. The original removable base was made with a concave divot to allow ease of rotation of the mold when in use. Knife cuts and natural cracks from wear show how the mold was used.

18th century decent size wooden netsuke of standing sennin Chochu enveloped in his robe and holding his most important attribute - a hossu (fly whisk) - across his shoulder. Rare subject, wonderfully captured facial expression, beautiful flowing lines of the robe, superb sense of volume. Well balanced - stands on its own on a flat surface. Very cleverly done himotoshi (through the right sleeve to his back), superb patina. Excellent netsuke. Height 3 3/4 inches (96 mm).

An antique Japanese Kotansu chest for personal storage use made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia). All bronze hardware with 6 drawers and a pair of sliding doors hiding a storage area with a split level shelf. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery with hardened wooden nails. Perfect as a side chest or desktop organizer.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho Period (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 23 3/4" Wide by 19 3/8" High by 11 3/4" Deep

A sublime antique Japanese tsuba centered on the theme of the ocean. The tsuba contains motifs of abalone shell, basket weave pattern, and waves peeking through the patterned holes near the area where the blade would have been fitted. Tsuba is done in iron with mixed metal accents to highlight the abalone shell and rope. Age: 19th century, Edo period. Size: Diameter: 3.25"

Antique Japanese small ko tansu (personal chest) made of kiri (paulownia) wood. Thick kiri wood frames five drawers: three large drawers on the top and two smaller drawers side by side on the bottom. Hardware is made of bronze and includes simple warabite shaped drawer pulls and side handles.

Age: Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 25 1/4" high x 23 3/4" wide x 13 3/4" deep

Late 18th - early 19th century staghorn netsuke of Shoki (Demon Queller) with a sword in one hand, the other one raised to hold his head with a terrified oni crouching on top of it, a sword scabbard on his back. Very strong early carving, wonderful intensely staring expression as he looks up towards his hat. Beautiful mellow patina, large deep himotoshi typical for the period, usual staghorn porous areas in the material. His feet are and old and well done replacement, well balanced, stands on it...

19th century boxwood netsuke of Okame holding a setsubun bean box in one hand and throwing beans with the other. Setsubun is performed during the New Year by throwing beans around the house to exorcise the evil spirits. Excellent carving with wonderful face and beautifully incised textile pattern of pine saplings, expert staining, beautiful mellow patina. Signed HIROTSUGU on the back - the artist is listed on p. 469 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. ...

Japanese red lacquer on wood and brocaded Silk Obi Fabric top Folding Stand, 17 1/2" high, 18" wide, 14 1/2" deep-maximum(when opened), and 24" high, 14 1/2" deep(when closed), later part of Meiji period early 1900's, silk fabric has no open seam, all one(1) piece of silk Obi fabric, woven for this stand when it was made. The eight(8) metal caps have impressed design. There are some dull lacquer area from the usage but no damage.

Height: 9.1 cm (3.7 in)
Width: 4 cm (1.5 in)

Fine Satsuma vase by Hododa; one main panel of Lohan surrounded by many other figural panels; the polychrome work and diaper borders are of very high quality; this could be a collaboration with another artist; signed on the base with two dragons

19th century netsuke of a head of a nio - (also called Kongōrikishi) - a wrathful and muscular guardians of the Buddha standing at the entrance of a Buddhist temple. Nio are dharmapala manifestations of the bodhisattva Vajrapani, the oldest and most powerful of the Mahayana Buddhist pantheon. This particular image represents Naraen Kongo, his mouth is closed representing the vocalization of the sound “N” - the last letter of the Sanskrit alphabet. Excellent carving of his ferocious face, be...

A charming, characteristic neko tora tiger in the moon night. Painted with ink and light pigments on paper. Signed Ganku and sealed. It is attributed to Gan ku.

Ganku (1749–1839), was a leading Japanese painter of Kyoto and founder of the Kishi school of painting. He is famous for his paintings of tigers. Ganku was born in Kanazawa as Kishi Saeki, studied painting styles including those of Chinese painter Shen Nanpin (沈南蘋) and the Maruyama-Shijō school, and arrived in Kyoto aroun...

Width: 9 cm (3.6 in)
Height: 2.7 cm (1.1 in)

High quality Satsuma lidded pot by Ryozan; raised gilt and enamel millefleur decoration covering all upper surfaces; signed; excellent condition

Antique Japanese idoguruma (well pulley) made of Oribe ware ceramic. Glazed with traditional Oribe brown floral motifs and green drips on a buff color ground. The pulley wheel is attached to it's original keyaki (elm) wood frame. Wonderful age and patina.

Age: Edo Period (early 1800's)

Dimensions: 11 3/4" wide diameter x 30 1/4" total length

Antique Japanese scroll with a small painting of a building, possibly a shrine or a palace with gate high in the mountains and surrounded by trees. Painted in ink and light colors on silk. Calligraphy and signature and with tomobako. The seals are hard to make out but lowest two read 白山, White Mountain, Hakusan, Hakuzan artist's name.

Dimensions: Total size: 41 1/4" high x 12 1/2" wide (14 1/4" wide with rollers). Size of art: 7 3/4" high x 6 1/2" wide

A beautiful set of 6 Antique JAPANESE SIGNED Wooden Stack Boxes that fit perfectly into one another! They show the exquisite natural lines of the wood and were finished with transparent lacquer varnish. Nice color of the wood, like mahagony. Overall in good condition, with very minor inconsequential small marks of age/use. Size: A total of 6 boxes, the largest: length 15" x depth 12 1/2" x height 5". The smallest box measures: length 10" x depth 7" x height 3 3/4"

Width: 21.3 cm (8.7 in)
Height: 3.8 cm (1.5 in)

Fine Japanese Satsuma dish by Fuzan; decorated with the finest of gilt and polychromed millefiori work; edged by a gilded Greek hatched border; good condition