18th century netsuke of a standing Dutchman with his mouth open, clutching a long-tailed rooster to his chest with one hand, wearing a hat, long coat, gaiters and shoes. Rare subject - Englebert Kaempfer (doctor with the Dutch East India Company who traveled to Edo in 1691-92) singing for Shogun Tsunayoshi at the annual reception of the foreigners in Edo...

Drawer box (kodansu). The exterior is entirely covered with vegetable fiber basketry surrounding reserves in the shape of fans in silver and gilded copper, chiselled with birds and flowers. The interior is soberly lacquered in black (roiro) and bears powdered Chinese characters...

Cut iron tsuba. Decor of dragons and sacred pearls. Inside the beads, tiny iron balls are mobile. The style is called Namban. This kind of tsuba is little represented without however being rare. But the model presented here is exceptionally of excellent quality. Indeed the blacksmith has cut out his pattern excessively finely like an iron lace. We do not know of a model with such thin wires cut at the extreme limit of the constraints of the metal...

Japanese carved boxwood large Okimono, Mino-Kame turtle. Late 19th Century, Meiji Period. Mino (straw raincoat) Kame (turtle/tortoise) are named as such because Japanese believe the turtle lives such a long time that they grow algae on their on their shells, symbolizing longevity. A magnificent carving made of a single block of fine boxwood, showing amazing details and a beautiful wood grain throughout this masterpiece. 18 x 8.5 x 4 inches, 45.75 x 21.5 x 10 cm.

Antique Japanese ikebana basket. Wild and natural appearance with gnarled wisteria branches making up the frame of the basket including a tall arching handle. The small, neatly woven body of the basket is made of split bamboo and is nestled between the knotted wisteria branches.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 14" high x 15" long x 9" wide

Signed Late 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Noh Mask of the jealous female spirit, Hannya. One of the most famous of Noh Masks, sought after by serious collectors. One of the best examples we have offered. It is finely carved and painted, the expression is fantastic, and all the details and patina are wonderful. 10h x 6w inches, 25.5h x 15.5w cm.

The two-tiered round mochi(round rice cake) called "Kagami-mochi",Ise lobster, bitter orange and green leaves. Painted with ink and pigments on paper. Sealed. The piece has been restored and remounted with beautiful old silk fabric, and futai tassels have been also reused from the old piece. It is inscribed Motonobu on the lid of the storage box.

The subject depicted is an offering made to welcome the New Year's god "Toshigami", and all of the decorations have a meaning...

Antique Japanese boxwood netsuke carving of a well fed plump puppy dog. Hand carved with one of the pups arm slightly raised in a playful manner. Original finish and condition.

Meiji period (1868-1912), 19th Century

Size: 1.75" L x 1" W x 1" H

An antique Japanese single section Kimono Tansu (chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hirute style handles. Front corner reinforcements on all drawer fronts with two side handles on each side for carrying this tansu from room to room. Constructed using thick straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails.

Age: Early Meiji Era (1868-1880)

Dimensions: 36 1/2" Wide by 37 3/8" High by 17 3/4" Deep

A superb bronze casting of a Rooster on a Commonwealth Drum. It is of the finest quality, a master work of the art of Japanese bronze metal art. The Rooster on a drum is a popular image for the New Years Geon Festival. 11 inches, 28 cm tall. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Japanese antique Mishima ware hagi tea bowl with pink and gray glaze and wave pattern...

This is an antique Japanese Ikebana bamboo basket that harkens to the shape of an ancient bronze vessel and it features an exaggerated loop handle. The upper half of the basket was created in an auspicious repeating pine needle weave which would represent longevity. The cross hatched weave bordering along the hip delineates the upper and lower halves with lower half incorporating double layered split bamboo in its weave...

Width: 9 cm (3.6 in)
Height: 4 cm (1.6 in)
Depth: 6.8 cm (2.8 in)
Weight: 300 gm

Japanese Komai box; an iron box inlaid with gold and silver to depict a dragon moving through clouds over Mt Fuji; the sides show various detailed insects; internal gilt decoration shows phoenix and florals; Komai Otojiro dragonfly mark to base; minor wear to lid; good condition

This is a Japanese antique Echigo jyofu Hemp Akita region. It is a Benihana(Safflower dyeing ) Katazome child Kyogen costume from the Edo period.It is a set of kataginu and hakama. Children's Kyogen costumes are very rare. There are a few light stains and a few very small holes. But overall, it's in very good condition. Recommended for your antique collection. Size::Kataginu : width 50cm / length 54.5cm :: Hakama width 61cm: length 77cm

This is a rare example of a Japanese cloisonne teapot done in the Kyoto style. This piece is in amazing condition for it age. The pot measures 6 1/2 inches across and 6 inches tall with the handle up.

Japanese color woodblock on tissue-thin paper. print titled "The Bath"- 1905 in pencil, signed Helen Hyde (1868-1919). Print #127. In the top right margin signed "copyright 1905 by Helen Hyde". With artist's HH monogram at lower left. Depicted: A heartwarming scene of a mother in green kimono robes holding her infant child over a tub of water.

Circa 1905

Dimensions: 11 1/4" x 19 1/2"

An exquisite Japanese gold lacquer Inro of boat scene with five compartments. The inside compartments are covered with dense nashiji lacquer (fine gold flecks). Underneath the bottom compartment is the artist's signature, KAJIKAWA, with red chop. Inro (seal basket) are small decorative containers that hang from the waist. They originate at the end of the 16th century and were worn by men to hold seals and herbal or other medicines...

An antique Japanese tall 2 section Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware with bronze door pulls. Upper section has two sliding doors covering a spacious storage area with a split level shelf with two side by side drawers below. Bottom section has seven outer drawers of varying sizes with 2 pairs of sliding doors. The bottom doors covers 4 interior small drawers and a faux structural wall that hides three secret drawers...

Very rare Raku Kichizaemon IV Ichinyu (1640-1696) black Raku tea bowl.
Comes with an old signed box.

Having become Raku master at the age of 16, Ichinyu was significantly influenced by his father Donyu who died at 58. In general his works are powerful, large in scale but with thin surfaces and bold incisions made with spatula.

In later years he appeared to revert to the style of Chojiro, making compact tea bowls with smaller dimensions and few spatula marks...

This is a rare and large wireless cloisonne vase. It is not signed but because of the Iris flowers and water plants we believe it was made by Gonda. In fact we once had a signed Gonda piece with Koi and almost identical water plants. A beautiful large vase that looks perfect but upon very close inspection, a line deep in the enamel can be seen in bright light. I show it on the last image. This vase 18 1/2 inches tall, heavy and stoutly made.

Antique Japanese Seto ware chawan (tea bowl) with horses. A raised horse gallops on the outside of the cup near a fence...

The painting depicted court musicians playing divine music called Bugaku. Bugaku is a Japanese court music accompanied by dancing. Here one of the players plays shen (a bamboo instrument first produced in China in 7th century) and the other one sounds a massive drum with mitsudomoe crest (three comma-shaped figures in a circle). Bugaku carries a ritualistic implication and is usually played at the start before dance performance begins. Bugaku purifies the stage. Painted with ink and pigments. Si...

Antique Japanese two section 3' mizuya (kitchen tansu) with original dark lacquer frame, gorgeous natural Keyaki (elm) wood burl front panels, large open display area with shelving.

Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

Size: 31" L x 14.5" W x 64" H

Black lacquer box decorated with butterflies and flowers in red, green and yellow lacquer. Detail in powdered gold lacquer and kirikane (small gold square.) Curiously there are only 2 elements in yellow lacquer, a butterfly and a flower. No signature. Good condition, no restoration. Slight wear and tear for a 19th century lacquer. I think that the drawer knobs have been replaced because they are simple and in copper alloy while the other mounts are in white metal which is probably silver. App...

Very pretty and rare boxes of a pair of gold and polychrome lacquered ducks in perfect condition. On a base of taka maki-e lacquer (feather reliefs) and nashiji (gold powder) inside. Period: Meiji (1868-1912). Length 14.5 cm x height 7.5 cm. Wooden box.

19th century netsuke of a swan (cygnet), its shape compact, neck bent back and head resting on its body, looking forward and up. Elegant clever design capturing the essence of the creature. Superbly modeled, eyes inlaid with black horn. Excellent wear and patina, old stable age lines, compressed dust on the surface, extremely pleasant to handle. Formerly in the Raymond Bushell collection, illustrated in NETSUKE FAMILIAR AND UNFAMILIAR, p. 208, number 641. Length 1 1/2 inches.

Japanese gold lacquer inro with five compartments, decorated in low relief landscape scene of lakeside mountains, cottages, pagodas, pine trees, and bridges in gold lacquer and accents of silver. The reverse side shows a tiny man in a boat traversing the waters. The inside compartments are covered with dense nashiji lacquer (fine gold flecks). Underneath the bottom compartment is an artist's signature with red chop. With some losses.

Inro (seal basket) are small decorative container...

This is a clay figure of "Tenjin", the god of learning and a great and important figure in the history of Japanese culture.

It is obviously from the Mid Edo Period and one of the most impressing pieces of art in our collection with its mysterious and spiritual character.

We offer this Tenjin figure with a wooden stand, which was built by a former owner. As you can notice on the photos, it has some scratches and hairline cracks, which do not diminish its antique effect.

Antique Japanese sarugaku performance mask in the form of a monkey. Sarugaku, which literally means "monkey music" was one of the oldest Japanese theatre arts and consisted of many different types of performance including comedy, dancing, mime, singing and various acrobatics. The performers wore masks usually portraying human characters but this one is distinctly primate. The high point for sarugaku was during the Muromachi period when, along with dengaku (ritual shrine dancing), the perfo...

The battle of Dan-no-ura was a major battle of the Genpei war, occurring at Dan-no-ura, in the Shimonoseki Strait off the Southern tip of Honshu in the year 1185. One of the crucial factors that allowed the Minamoto to win the battle was that a Taira general Taguchi Shigeyoshi defected and attacked his Taira Clan from the rear. He also revealed to the Minamoto Clan which ship the 6 year-old Emperor Antoku was on. Their archers turned their attention to the helmsmen and rowers of the emperor's sh...

Antique Japanese 2-panel screen painting of a scene with a songbird on a gnarled, moss-covered rock. A stream runs around the rock. Blue and white irises grow on it's banks. Painted in mineral colors on gold leaf.

Dimensions: 43 3/4" high x 36" wide Meiji Period c1900

Antique Japanese scroll painting of an eagle. Skillfully painted and possibly of the Kanō School. The eagle stands on a rock over crashing waves. Large scale and dramatic with each feather delineated. Painted in ink and light colors on paper.

Age: Edo Period 1603-1867

Dimensions: Total size: 82 1/2" high x 41" wide (44" wide including rollers). Size of art: 54" high x 35" wide

Antique Japanese ikebana (flower arrangement) basket. Hand-woven with thin branches of bamboo, the body is tall and slender with a dramatic fluted foot. The base is has deeply recessed inner edges, with the rounded, wagon-wheel design center in high relief. The mouth of the basket has a slightly flared lip, and the handle is comprised of several twisted bamboo branches. With bamboo insert.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 8" x 22.5" H

An early 19th century Imari charger or shallow bowl measuring 18" x 2.5"

The piece is signed on the bottom and is in excellent condition.

Original hanging scroll of a tiger and a dragon, two of the regal powers. Black ink on silk. On the lower right signature with two seals. The upper reading Gan…. Painter from the Kishi family.
Mat and frame

Painted area: 37 1/8 x 13 1/8.
Frame: 19 ¼ x 48 ¾ inches.

Some creases, one tiny hole, generally in good condition.

Incense burner in lacquer, hexagonal and curved shaped, decorated with hira and takamaki-e in gold and silver lacquer on a nashi-ji background, peonies along the banks of a river and a mount. The lid has a cruciform opening.
A mon is affixed to one side of the diffuser. It is the mon of the family Ōkubo (大久保氏)a family belonging to the Fudai-Daimyo house (the vassals of the Tokugawa family).
The head of the family was created Daimyo by the Tokugawa family in 1684. From 1725...

A charming little okimono of three monkeys posed in the famous style known in Japanese: Sanzaru (Hear no evil, See no evil, Say no evil). Inlaid eyes, amazing detail work on the fur and the face. Signed Shugetsu. Age: Meiji Period. Size: D: 1.6" H: 2.8".

Japanese writing brush in ornate case, case is made of copper with black lacquer and inlaid all over in an ornate pattern with tiny pieces of gold and shell, design of chrysanthemum on hinged ink well cover, 2 sided brush hidden in stem, large shell inlaid cartouch on bottom, beautiful and delicate.

Size: 6 3/4" high x 1 1/4" wide

Late Edo Period Musha Ningyo (Boys' Day Doll) of a Samurai and Attendant. Pairs of ningyo of this very fine quality almost never appear for sale, much less with all the accessories, as we have here. They have finely carved faces, and are lacquered with many coats of gofun (white oyster shell lacquer). They are adorned with sumptuous silk brocades and lacquered armor, indicative of this period of ningyo artistry. Seated Figure: 19h x 14w inches, 48.25h x 35.5 cm; Attendant Height: 15 inches, ...

Museum quality Edo Period C.1860 zen temple mizubachi. Lost wax cast with a great dragon spout in grand detail and spectacular shishi mythical lion ornament on the top of the lid. The diaper motif on the base is in raised relief and equally spectacular. The spigot on the dragon head is permanent so we are assuming that there was a constant water flow. Very slight indentation on one of the hanging jewels but so slight you can only see at the right angle. H:51cm x W: 43cm. Ask for shipping quote.

19th century netsuke of a recumbent goat, its head lowered as it scratches its haunch with one horn. Perfectly captured essence of the creature, wonderful carving of its face and rich fur. Eyes inlaid with amber, himotoshi formed by its hind leg. Very beautiful wear and patina, old stable age lines. Signed RANGYOKU in oval reserve on the bottom - the artist is listed on p. 1148 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Formerly in Edward H. Witte collection,...

Antique Japanese sculpture of a hawk coming to rest on top of a gnarled rock. Wings spread wide, the hawk grips the rock with it's talons. Each feather is intricately carved.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 11 1/4" high x 13" wide x 10" deep

Bronze covered hibachi by Soho Sunosuke. Bronze lid with image of Chinese lions and peonies surrounded with a karakusa or scroll vine pattern openwork border on the side. The body of the hibachi contain metalwork still lives of herons, mandarin ducks, quails, and pheasants. Bottom of the hibachi contains the signature of Soho Sunosuke. Signature reading: Soho. Size: Length" 10.5" Width: 10.5" Height: 8.5"

Antique Choba Tansu (merchant's chest) from the Tohoku area of Northern Japan. Made with Kiri (Paulownia) wood front and Sugi (Cryptomeria) wood frame and interior. There are six exterior drawers, a compartment with sliding panels, and a safe box all with dramatic round lock plates. Iron hardware also includes Warabite shaped drawer pulls, quarter round corner bracing and half round lock plate and hinge on the safe box. Inside the safe box there are two small drawers, one of which has a h...

A Japanese boxwood okimono depicting Okame, a figure from Japanese folklore known for his cheerful smile. The figure of Okame is depicted smiling, in an elegant pose while she holds her clothes in her hands and holds a carved fan in her right hand. The fan, a symbol of sophistication in Japanese culture, adds an element of beauty. Boxwood is a precious and versatile wood. It has the characteristic of giving the work a patina and a precious shine over time, which makes it a material highly ...

Antique Japanese small tansu with 7 drawers. The frame is made of chestnut while the front of the chest is all kiri (paulownia) wood. Sugi (cryptomeria-Japanese cedar) is use for the drawer interiors. The upper portion of the chest has six drawers in two rows. The bottom portion has a single full-width drawer. The hardware is made of iron and consists of half-round lock plates and warabite shaped handles on each drawer.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 24" high x...

Ivory manju netsuke with a scene depicting Kintaro, a traditional Japanese figure, together with a mighty tiger. The details are finely engraved and carved in low relief, giving depth and realism. On the back of the netsuke manju there is a character carved in low relief, depicted on his knees and with an expression of fear or supplication. This netsuke is signed Chounsai 長雲齋 with Hidechika seal. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4.5 x 4.5 x 2.2cm. State ...

A protective deity is carved into this Piece of a pillar from Himeji Castle dating from the Meiji period restoration of the Tenshukaku (main tower). It is branded with the Yaki-in which reads Himeji Jo Ko-zai-in (Brand of the old wood from Himeji Castle). It has long been a method of raising funds in Japan to offer replaced pieces of a historical building to those who donate to the restoration. These pieces are commonly branded with a special seal, called a yaki-in, which is heated and burnt ...

Very rare bronze sculpture of Daiitoku, one of the five Myoo. He is represented with six heads (three large, three small), six legs and six arms that are holding the different attributes, while he is sitting on the back of a reclining long-horned buffalo. Here, Daiitoku holds his main hands clasped together. In the others he holds a staff, chakra, sword and trident. A flaming mandorla has been inserted in the back of the buffalo and is held in place by a metal strip on the back of Daiitoku . Bro...

Very small scroll painting for in the back of a house shrine. Sumie. Daruma standing on a reed stalk crossing the river Yangtse. In the upper part a commentary or a poem. Black ink on silk. Red seal to the left. To the right the typical jar shaped seal in red.
Painted area: 7 5/8 x 3 13/16 in.
Size of whole scroll: 7 x 17 ¾ in.
Back of scroll needs fixing, scroll ends missing, painting slightly yellowed and soiled, crease at the top, some tears in lower area, due to rolling, gene...

Antique Japanese Bizen-yaki Beckoning Cat known as a Maneki Neko, with left paw raised for inviting happiness and welcoming friends and family. Incised signature on back dating to the Second Year of Genbun, 1737, also shop name of Yamaichi. Good condition.

Age: Edo Period, circa early 18th century
Size: 10.5"H 4.75"W 5"D

Among popular Japanese symbolic animals are frogs. There are many species of frogs in Japan as a result of flooding rice fields in Japanese agriculture. These creatures are often used in poetry and art, and are sometimes carried by travelers to make sure they return home safely from their journeys. The word "frog" in Japanese means "return" which is why the frog is considered a Japanese lucky animal and seen as good fortune in things returning.

Japanese boxwood carving of a female f...

Kushibako (comb box) in black lacquer with gold lacquer decoration of arrows and my in the shape of three assembled commas " mitsudomoe " (Okabe; Itakura; Kuki; Hijikata; Arima families)

Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Height : 4,5 in – 11,5 cm Length : 6,3 in – 16 cm Width : 5,1 in - 13 cm

Antique Japanese large indigo Tsutsugaki yogi robe made out of a futon cover, with a paste-resist Kikumon, or Chrysanthemum crest on its back, also called the Imperial Seal of Japan. Tsutsugaki is a technique in which bindings are applied to the cotton threads in any desired pattern and dye is applied over them. The bindings resist the dye, leaving behind patterns in the original color of the threads. The edges of fabric are sewn together using white sashiko stichwork.

Size: 62.5" L...

A large size netsuke depicting Rakan made of boxwood depicted seated in a meditation position, with legs crossed and back straight. His hands firmly hold the hossu, a liturgical object, a symbol of his role as a monk. This netsuke is signed Ryukei 隆桂 on an ivory dowel, as is the tuft of hair. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 7 x 6 x 4cm. State of conservation: Very good

A whimsical boxwood carving of a fisherman with look of shock on his face as an octopus crawls out of his basket and onto his head and shoulders. The extreme care and detail of this piece along with the amusing expressions make it especially wonderful. Signed by "Kogetsu". Meiji age (1868-1912) Provenance: From the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, University of Oregon. Size: 6" height, 3.5" width

Antique Japanese small Satsuma ware tea pot. Decorated with detailed scenes in color and gold. On one side are seven arhats and on the other side are ladies. Minute detailed pattern and flowers. The tea pot is complete with small, square lid. With Satsuma mark on the bottom.

Age: Meiji Period (c.1880)

Dimensions: 3 3/4" high x 4 3/8" long x 2" wide

Antique Japanese bronze vase with Chinese archaic motifs. The shape is a traditional ancient Chinese form with flared rim and incised scrolling archaic designs. Fudog handles. Dark patina with areas of deep red. On a carved wooden stand.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 13 1/8" high x 9 1/2" wide

Silver damask iron box, gold details. Japanese work of the Edo period bearing the coat of arms of the Saka-I clan. I once read that this clan was responsible for security in Edo in the 18th century (to be checked). The essential feature of this box is the finesse of the iron that makes it. The blacksmith managed to hammer a wall as thin as paper. Which is a technical feat requiring a exceptionnal mastery of iron. The inlays are thick, which has ensured excellent preservation during centuries of ...

Antique Japanese screen painting (byobu) in two panels with a view over a garden fence. Tall white chrysanthemum flowers blossom near a stand of small blue Matsumoto asters. In the background is a mist of silver leaf. Painted in mineral pigments, raised gofun and silver leaf on paper.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 48 1/2" high x 39" wide