A Japanese cast iron tetsubin or water kettle with an undulating rim. The sides are cast in relief with a temple compound amid pines in a generic landscape, the reverse with sparrows in flight, all above a key-fret band. The kettle has a typical stubby "S" spout, wrought iron overhead swing handle, and is fitted with a bronze lid having "garlic clove" knop...

19th Century Japanese Satsuma Earthenware Vase

It is 8.3 inches (21.1 cm) tall by 5 inches (12.6 cm) wide. It is 1.4 Lb.

It has rubbing gold and paint, repairs at the feet, a small chip at the bottom rim, stains and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

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Antique Japanese suzuki-bako, calligraphy box. Lacquered with a profusion of wildflowers in gold maki-e technique on black lacquer ground. The underside of the lid is beautifully preserved with more wild flowers growing near a swirling stream. This scene is also rendered in maki-e but includes some flashes of red leaves and a silvery moon on a black lacquer ground with clouds of nashiji...

Antique Japanese mounted carving of a group of 6 flying bats. Sculpted with detail and lacquered gold, the group moves together through the air like a small cloud. Mounted and framed in a plexiglass shadow box. Bats are symbols of prosperity and good luck. This carving was most likely part of a larger temple decoration.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: Carving alone: 9" wide. In frame: 12 1/4" wide x 9 1/4" high x 5 1/2" deep.

Cotton cloth with tsutsugaki flower motifs which is hand-spun and vegetable indigo dye. Originally it might have been used as 'yutan' (cover for drawers or a chest) with crests, however this one is used for futon cover as it has cotton dusts in the back. In excellent condition except for a minor beige stain in the white part. The second half of the 19th century. 160cm x 65cm

Tenuki is depicted standing, his head covered by his huge scrotum. It is carved in a wood that seems to me to be cherry. The sculpture is simple and vigorous. The netsuké is ideally compact in shape. The patina of the wood is very old and beautiful. There is a 2 characters signature which I have not translated but can do on request. It is probably a well-known artist. I think beginning of 19°, but maybe before. Height: 55mm Very worn.

An antique Japanese Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles and the full moon lock plates. Handle back plates feature a stylized Shimizu clan family crest. 4 drawers for spacious kimono storage and a hinged door behind which are 2 small drawers where valuable fashion accessories were stored...

19th century netsuke of a baying stag with its head turned back, its upper front teeth bared. Elegant carving with pure clean lines, excellent hairwork, wonderful depiction of volume of the deer body and his antlers, eyes inlaid in black horn, beautiful patina. Himotoshi is formed by its feet. Wonderful sculpture. Height 1 3/4 inches.

18th century netsuke of a dog sitting on a tied bag. Strong early piece with nice patina, of characteristic 18th century triangular section, differently sized himotoshi consistent with age, wear to its muzzle, old age lines. Height 1 7/8 inches.

The arquebuse is technically perfectly detailed, its mechanism works. The barrel of the cannon is made of iron inlaid with bronze silver and gold. The carriage is made of very dense black wood, probably ebony inlaid with mother-of-pearl. A small metal key allows it to be dismantled, leaving the incised signature of the artist to appear under the barrel Kuni-Tomo familly perhaps Sada-Hisa who liked to depict birds and flowers on his tsubas? Edo period 19th century or earlier...

The immortal is powerfully carved in wood, probably cherry. Gama Sennin holds his stick in his hand and his toad on his shoulder. He is unusually tall. The sculpture is powerful, the folds of the dress are elegant and the expression is serene. Although Gama-Sennin is attested male there are rare examples of its female representation. The softness of the features make me think that this would be a woman...

Late 18th to early 19th century Kyoto school netsuke of a puppy wearing a cloth collar, playing with an abalone shell. Strong early piece with amazingly lifelike facial expression and wonderful fur texture worn on protruding parts. Pleasantly chunky, eyes are inlaid with black horn, old stable age lines, wonderful wear and patina turning honey color on the bottom. Deep himotoshi in accordance with the habit of the time. Excellent strong netsuke. Length 2 1/16 inches.

Early 19th century netsuke carved as a Japanese martial arts MEN (kendo helmet) resting on a DŌ (breast protector) surrounded by a pile of seashells. Unique subject, a bit of a zen puzzle waiting for an answer. The helmet with a metal grill (men-gane) is used to protect the face and has a series of hard leather and fabric flaps to protect the throat and sides of the neck and shoulders...

Unusual 19th century netsuke of a cloth Daruma doll with wonderful inquisitive face and a shaped opening on the back with anabori (cavern carving) of a palace with a procession of scholars crossing a bridge and pavilions in the back. The cavern is carved unusually deep, and pavilions in the back are very well defined, almost impossible to photograph properly. Excellent face with horn inlaid convex eyes, beautiful stippling defining the texture of its cloth body, wonderful functional shape...

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.

19th century netsuke of poet Hitomaro wearing his official coat and ritual hat, leaning on a low table thoughtfully contemplating the world as if seeking inspiration for one of his poems. Kakinomoto no Hitomaro was a famous poet and aristocrat of the late Asuka Period (7th/8th centuries), and is considered one of the Thirty Six Poetry Immortals of Japan. Wonderful carving with great intense face, excellent staining, wear and patina. Signed RYOKOSAI on the bottom - the artist is listed on p...

18th century netsuke of an emaciated sennin seated on a base wearing a tattered robe and a leaf cape and holding a staff with a bundle of his possessions tied to its top, and with a dog affectionately leaning onto the man. The subject is Sennin Izenshun (Chinese Wei Shan-Chun), who took good care of a black dog that had come to his hermitage, and one day the dog turned into a dragon and took the sennin to heaven...

Height: 3 cm (1.2 in)
Width: 3.4 cm (1.3 in)
Depth: 2.2 cm (0.8 in)

Japanese wooden netsuke of a seated mask maker; shows a critical expression observing his work; excellent workmanship and form; signed Ryuraku, good condition

Height: 3.3 cm (1.3 cm)
Width: 3.3 cm (1.3 in)
Depth: 1.9 cm (0.7 in)

Japanese wooden netsuke of a seated nobleman holding his fan; excellent workmanship, patina and form; signed Masayuki; good condition

Tall slender vase, slightly narrowed in the waist, with a square shoulder and short wide neck and mouth...

Good size 18th century netsuke of a standing sennin (Chinese sage) in a long robe and a leaf cape, carrying on his shoulder a Chinese boy who plays a short trumpet. The netsuke is probably a joke on the subject of bokudo, which is typically depicted as a boy seated on the back of a buffalo and playing a flute - a theme of a perfect peace of mind, and one of the stages of a journey towards Buddhahood.. Unusual subject, wonderful quality carving of their faces, beautiful flowing lines of the robe...

19th century marine netsuke depicting Ashinaga (long legs) wearing South Sea Islander’s sarong as he sits hugging his absurdly long legs. In Japanese legends he is often accompanied by Tenaga (long arms) whom he puts on his back and goes fishing. Very nice work, beautiful wear to staining, pleasant patina. Signed TOMOYUKI on the bottom - the artist is listed on p. 1167 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 1 3/4 inches.

Early 19th century netsuke of a buffalo on a base, its head turned back. Unusual and wonderful stylization of the creature - see its upturned snout and raised ears and horns. Beautifully carved, excellent staining, superb wear and patina, old age lines. Height 1 5/16 inches

Very unusual 19th century marine netsuke of obihasami type, the upper hook carved as leaves of a vine holding a long pod, and the lower hook as a snail starting to climb up the body of the netsuke. The hooks at the top and bottom of the piece go around the edges of obi - a sash holding a kimono. Extraordinary clever and subtle piece in Japanese taste, amazing rendition of the soft body of the mollusc. Excellent patina, the best netsuke of that type that I ever had. Length 4 inches.

Tall zushi or Buddhist temple shrine, housing the wooden figure of the standing Buddha Amida, Buddha of the Western Paradise. Both his hands in mudra. He is standing on a multi-tiered hexagonal base, decorated with flowers. His eyes inset in glass or crystal, which are hardly visible due to old layers of re-lacquering and soot.

The baldachin decorated with double family crest. The zushi (case) has double hinged doors decorated with family crests in gold lacquer, indicating that the shrine...

Japanese Koransha Fukagawa Imari porcelain platter tray decorated in polychrome glazed pigments and gilt highlights with two birds flying over flowers and bamboo set against an unglazed dark brown matte ground. Two teal colored ribbon form handles are at the sides. Within a double foot rim, the base bears the red Koransha orchid mark of the Company of the Scented Orchid, founded in 1875, set against a white background. Gold gilt rim. Late 19th Century. 15" diameter at the widest point x 1 3...

1900's Japanese Cast Iron Gold & Silver Inlay Tetsubin with Bamboo & Bird

It is 7 inches (17.8 cm) tall measured with handle up and 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) tall measured with handle down by 6 inches (15.2 cm) wide. It is 2.5 Lb. It will hold 900 ml (cc) water.

It has rust, loss of gilding, missing a leaf of the finial, oxidation, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

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19th Century Japanese Kutani Porcelain Covered Jar with Mountain Scene

It is 14.4 inches (36.5 cm) tall by 10 inches (25.4 cm) wide. It is 12.4 Lb.

It has been repaired (glued back) at a section of the lid. It also has manufacture chips, small indent holes at the body, uneven glazes, and skip glazes, rubbing of paint, dark spots, firing cracks at the inside, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

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Four-compartments inrô in black lacquer with a hirameiji background with peonies and butterflies in gilded maki-e. Rocky promontory in takamaki-e and kirigane. Interior in nashi-ji lacquer.

Boxwood netsuke in the shape of a toad on a leaf. Signe with the name of “Masanao from Yamada”. Ojime made of hard stone.

Inrô are small compartmentalized boxes hanging from the belt that are part of sagemono (hanging objects). Indeed th...

Fine iron jizai of a butterfly with articulated wings.

The butterfly (choho) in Japan is perceived as "the soul of the living and the dead", the spirits of the dead taking the form of a butterfly on their journey to the other world. The butterfly spreading its wings is a symbol of femininity. It can also symbolize joy and longevity. This last motif is taken up by the samurai, seeing in its twirling figure a motive of good omen allowing them to reach immortality. The...

These pieces are a part of smoking set tabako-ire. It consists of a kiseruzutsu (pipe case) of a tonkotsu(tobacco pouch) in black lacquered crocodile leather. Both parts are bound by a leather link decorated with a red stone ojime.

The tonkotsu is decorated with a menuki (metallic decoration) gilded and skated copper. The menuki has the form of a sitting cross-legged man, joint hands, hidden by the long and wide sleeves of its coat. His eyes a...

Rectangular and flat lacquer Kobako (small box) representing a furoshiki knot seen from above. Fundame background, furoshiki in takamaki-e with floral pattern, inside the folds of the fabric with black and gold sayagata pattern with togidashi maki-e technique. The saya (or sayagata) pattern is composed of Chinese swastikas. This symbol, linked to Buddhism, represents qualities of intelligence, strength and peace. It is a sign of good o...

This is nishijin-Weave kinran silk Wonderful small bag in Edo period(1800-1868). There is a mirror in Edo period in the inside. There is neither stain nor damage. The state is very good. I recommend it for your collection. size::Width15cm (5.91inch) 　Vertical width 9cm ( 3.54inch)

Antique Japanese stoneware jar from Shigaraki kiln. Beautifully uneven form with high shoulders, tapered body and a narrow foot. Made using the local sandy clay from the bed of Lake Biwa, Shigaraki ware is identified by the embedded granules of feldspar. Mineral glaze is spattered over the surface and areas of dark ash adds depth and a prized natural beauty. Shigaraki is known as one of the 6 great pottery regions of Japan.

Age: Edo Period (c. 17th century)

Dimensions: 17" hi...

Antique Japanese iron tomyodai Shinto votive candle holder in the form of a hoju (precious jewel). 12 circular rings for candles and one at the very top of the jewel's point. Attached to a stand with four feet and a rectangular tray to catch the wax from melting candles. From a Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine.

Age: Meiji Period (circa 1900-1910)

Dimensions: 25 1/2" high x 17 1/2" wide x 8" deep

The falcon is represented resting on a branch. His expression is attentive and we can guess that he is hunting. The artist knew how to infuse him with all the ruthless savagery in his gaze. It is signed by Haru Mitsu. It is finely carved in wood, probably cherry,the pupils inlaid in black horn.I remember having read that this artist liked to exaggerate certain parts of the body of his subjects, here it is clear that the claws, eyes and beak are strongly exaggerated. This is what gives all its st...

19th century netsuke carved as a cluster of eight theatrical masks, those of Okina, Hannya, Hyottoko, Bishamon, Oni, Ikkaku Sennin, Okame and O-Tobide. Excellent faces, very pleasant feel to the surface, compressed dust in crevices. Signed ISSAI on a plaque on the back that serves as himotoshi - for information on this rare artist see p. 517 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Excellent detailed carving, wonderful work by the master carver. Length 1 1/...

19th century kagamibuta (“mirror lid”) netsuke with the top carved in low relief with a seated boy wearing rich robe decorated with brocade pattern and intently looking at koi fish swimming in a large bowl in front of him. Wonderful depiction of robe lines, elegantly incised textile decoration. Wonderfully depicted drops of glaze on the bowl shoulder. Beautiful patina, swinging metal loop at the back for the cord. Diameter 1 9/16 inches.

A Japanese baluster-shaped bronze vase of a rooster turning towards the chick in a chrysanthemum garden. Signed on a rectangular reserve. Meiji period late 19th century Sizes: 15 x 7 x 7 cm Condition report: Good condition

19th century Japanese iron mae-kanagu (tobacco pouch clasp fitting) depicting a scene of a samurai procession performed by six rats in different attitudes. Iron is notoriously difficult to work with. Excellent design, funny topic, superb crisp detailing, gilding to the eyes. Length 2 1/8 inches.

19th century Japanese bronze mae-kanagu (tobacco pouch clasp fitting) depicting a barrel maker working on a large barrel. Wonderful design with dynamic posture, superb crisp detailing, comes with original backing. Signed RYUMIN on a gilded strip hanging off a nearby tree. For information on this pupil of Tenmin see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 895. Length 1 11/16 inches

19th century Japanese bronze mae-kanagu (tobacco pouch clasp fitting) in a form of a running boar. Wonderful dynamic design, great crisp detailing, gilded eye. Comes with original backing with design of a stone on it. Length with backing 1 9/16 inches.

19th century Japanese bronze mae-kanagu (tobacco pouch clasp fitting) in a form of two sumo wrestler dolls and a fan used by the judge in sumo matches and decorated with sun, moon and a constellation. Elegant design, great crisp detailing, gilded and silvered highlights. Length 1 9/16 inches.

19th century Japanese bronze mae-kanagu (tobacco pouch clasp fitting) depicting chidori (plovers) in flight above and among cresting waves. Elegant design, great crisp detailing, differently colored patinas, comes with original backing. Length 1 5/8 inches.

19th century Japanese iron mae-kanagu (tobacco pouch clasp fitting) depicting two toys - a hobby horse and a bird on wheels. Iron is notoriously difficult to work with. Very nice design, wonderful detailing, gold inlays. Length 1 1/2 inches.

19th century Japanese iron mae-kanagu (tobacco pouch clasp fitting) depicting a vase next to a peony flower with water drops on its petal. Nice touch - a ring handle on the vase moves freely. Iron is notoriously difficult to work with. Very nice design, wonderful detailing, gold inlays. Length 1 inch.

19th century Japanese iron mae-kanagu (tobacco pouch clasp fitting) depicting God of Abundance Daikoku resting by a bale of rice, his hammer in his hands. Iron is notoriously difficult to work with. Very nice design, wonderful face with wide smile, superb crisp detailing, gold inlays. Length 1 7/16 inches.

19th century Japanese iron mae-kanagu (tobacco pouch clasp fitting) depicting a sparrow serving sake from a bottle to an old man with a sake cup. The topic represented is Shitakiri Suzume, or the story of a tongue cut sparrow - see H. Joly LEGEND IN JAPANESE ART, p. 496. Iron is notoriously difficult to work with. Excellent design, superb crisp detailing, silver inlays and gilding. Length 1 7/16 inches.

19th century Japanese iron mae-kanagu (tobacco pouch clasp fitting) in a form of a haboki - a feather brush used for swiping ashes during tea ceremony. Iron is notoriously difficult to work with. Excellent design, superb crisp detailing, gilded highlights. Length 1 7/8 inches.

An antique Japanese Cha Tansu made of Momiji (Maple) and Katsura woods. 4 sliding doors along the top hid a storage area where tea service acessories were kept. 2 sliding etched glass doors covered a display area where Japanese seasonal and holiday objects were showcased while the etching hid a small drawer and a storage space that the previous owner wanted to have left hidden. 2 more sliding doors, a hinged door and 2 side by side drawers round out this tansu.

Age: Late Meiji/Taisho (1...

An antique Japanese Chobako (merchant safe-keep box) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood with original hand forged iron hardware. Acquired a beautiful 200+ year old age patina. Hinged door secures 3 drawers behind which lies a secret box located behind the side by side drawers above.

Unusual side footing purposely made to provide air flow under the box. This suggests that the contents of the box was quite heavy (like gold coins) so that it was not moved often allowing the Tatami ma...

This is a Kake-fukusa in this Edo period( 1646-1710)is very excellent in the museum Item class. It is konbuin kake-fukusa of the Kyoto museum and the one of the same class. All embroider it by the hand with silk. The colors are all dyestuff of nature.There is a very thin stain. There is a very little rubbing. However, the state is very excellent. It is made by the technology of workman's highest class in Edo period. It is original of Edo period. Please add to your collection. As ...

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. 2 sliding doors with vertical slats opens to a shelf with 3 small drawers. 3 drawers below the doors for additional storage. All original hand forged iron hardware. Urushi lacquer frame and front outline with natural wood drawers and door panels. Originally used as a storage chest for books and small items. It would make a beautiful side chest in any room decor.

Age: Meiji Era...

19th century netsuke of carved as a group of eels, elongated nuts and chestnuts, three of which contain deeply carved village scenes. Excellent carving with deep undercutting, eyes inlaid with brown horn, wonderful mellow patina. Signed GYOKUHO on the back of the eel that forms natural himotoshi - the artist is very well known for that kind of work and is discussed on p. 424 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Length 1 9/16 inches.

19th century netsuke of carved as a cluster of 3 branches of natural fungus, seal with deer finial and double gourd with stopper and its lower end containing carved village scene. Excellent and elegant work with clever use of anabori (cavern) carving technique, wonderful mellow patina. Signed GYOKUHO on the back - the artist is very well known for that kind of work and is discussed on p. 424 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 1 1/2 inches.

Late 18th - early 19th century netsuke of seated Gama Sennin with his constant companion - 3-legged frog - on his head, and another standing sennin wearing a leaf skirt and leaning on the back of Gama’s toad. Unusual subject, excellent quality carving with great faces and beautifully carved leaf patterns, warm yellow patina. Excellent warm patina, old age lines, great feel of age to the piece. Height 2 3/16 inches.

Unusual 19th century netsuke in bean shape carved on the inside with a scene of a shishi family (2 adults and a cub) frolicking among flowering peony bushes. Rare use of anabori (cavern) carving technique, perfect sculpting with deep undercutting. Beautiful faces and flower petals, great patina. Signed NAGAMITSU SAKU (made by Nagamitsu) in oval reserve on the bottom - for information on the artist see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 813. Wonderful ...

Late 18th - early 19th century netsuke of a standing sennin (Chinese sage) holding an open scroll in his hands. Excellent carving on his smiling face, beautiful flowing lines of his robe, precisely incised and etched textile patterns, deep himotoshi in accordance with the habit of the time. The netsuke is of typical 18th century triangular section, old age lines. Beautiful wear to the piece, warm yellow patina, especially on the back where netsuke was touching the silk of kimono. Height 2 3/8 in...

An antique Japanese single section low Tansu chest made of Hinoki :(Cypress) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hirute style handles. Two sliding doors open to a large storage area.

Dimensions: 35" Wide by 22 1/2" High by 15 1/2" Deep

This is a horse cover in Edo period. The carp climbs the waterfall. This design is hemp and tsutsuigaki. In surrounding light blue cotton, the design of katazomed and the wing is tsutsugaki. The part of the string is cotton and katazome. It spun by the hand, it drew by the hand, and it dyed it. It is a source dispelling technology. There is a thin stain. There is no damage. However, the state is very good. It is a valuable excellent article. This is the one of Iwate Prefecture in the Tohoku regi...