SOOTY GOD

Image of 'Hotei' (God with a potbelly who is one of the Seven Gods of Good Luck) enshrined for long years in a kamidana (household Shinto altar), Edo period (1603-1868), Japan. Made of wood but turn to be more solid like a stone due to such mature and aesthetic fumigation as is. approx...

Japanese Buddhist reliquary made of gilt bronze and crystal in a miniature lotus lantern or stupa form. The sarira, or human pearls, are delicately displayed in the central portion of the reliquary through a crystal cylinder. Two types of sarira are divided between two levels, with three smaller yellowish churira on top (originating from the liver) and two larger, whitish sharira (originating from the head) on the lower shelf...

Late 19th century wooden netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Ko-Omote - for information on this character representing young women see NETSUKE MASKS by Bushell, p. 103. Excellent crisp detailing, wonderful slight smile, beautiful warm patina. Height 2 1/2 inches.

Late 19th century wooden netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Shakumi - for information on this character representing women who are demented or hysterical with grief see NETSUKE MASKS by Bushell, p. 106. Excellent crisp detailing, wonderful pensive expression, beautiful warm patina. Height 2 7/16 inches.

An antique Japanese large 2 section Todana Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods that comes from the Tohoku region of Japan. Hand carved beaded wood work to the front and frame with through mortise and tenon Japanese joinery in its construction. Floating wood panels within the frames of the doors and sections used to prevent cracks from forming...

Antique Japanese 2-section mizuya tansu (chest on chest for kitchen storage) from the Kyoto area. Made with hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood frame and sugi (cryptomeria) wood interior. The top section has two compartments; the upper most with four sliding panels of beautiful burl wood; below this is a compartment for food storage with sliders made of pierced carved hinoki wood and wire mesh for ventilation...

Charming Japanese Seated Bronze Maiden on original well-carved wooden base. Young maiden is dressed in peasant clothing and is holding a teacup.

Size: Overall 16" H x 13"W x 17"L Actual 14.5:H bronze figure

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Lovely maiden of bronze holding basket of sea life including octopus and walking with sandals, signed with rectangular cartouche reading 誠谷作, Seiya saku. That would point to Genryūsai Seiya (源龍斎誠谷). Realistic Tokyo School bronze dating from the Meiji Period (1868-1912). With natural burl wood base.

Size: 19"H x 8" D, stand 3.5"H x 21" D

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in ball shape with elegantly pierced lace patterns and concentric circles around its equator. Wonderful design, very clear carving, metal liner to the central hole. Height 11/16 inches.

Good size 19th century glass ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in slightly flattened ball form. Black glass body with very rich white inclusions, and yellow in red spots, very pleasant patina. Height 3/4 inches.

19th century jade ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in simple ball shape. Beautiful off-white true nephrite jade, pleasant patina. Height 1/2 inches.

Keyaki (zelkova) wooden pulley, used to scoop water out of a well. Wooden wheel with forged iron block. The inside of the wheel groove (where the rope would run through), lined with a thin sheet of copper...

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...

Antique Japanese Kimono Bo Tansu from the Iwayado area of Northern Japan. Constructed of quarter sawn Toneriko (Tamo Ash) wood with striking grain and a translucent lacquer finish. The frame is made of Sugi (Cryptomeria) wood with an opaque wiped lacquer finish. Hardware is hand made all of iron and includes Warabite shaped drawer pulls with unusual raised Pine and Peach back plates...

Height: 7.3 cm (2.9 in)
Width: 4.4 cm (1.7 in)

18th century Japanese netsuke of a grazing horse; natural material; fine old patina; good condition

Edo Period Japanese woodblock print by Kunisada, also known as Toyokuni III (1786-1864), depicting actors portraying the Heian period samurai Abe no Muneto and a beauty in a scene from kabuki theater. This is one of a number of double half-length portraits of actors designed by Kunisada in 1852. Published by Iseya Kanekichi. Signed at the left "Toyokuni ga" in a red cartouche with yellow snow...

Late Meiji - early Taisho (1910s) unusual small Japanese keyaki (zelkova serrata - Japanese elm) wood box, its top inlaid with a metal fitting depicting a seated boy wearing flower decorated robe and having a look of melancholy on his face. I believe it represents Kikujido - the Chrysanthemum Boy - the Emperor’s favorite page, who was condemned to exile. The Emperor taught Kikujido a phrase by the Buddha to thank him for his loyalty...

Antique Japanese Satsuma pottery group of three fu-dogs wrestling. Each of the three seems to be attacking another in this playful scene. A medium sized fu-dog lays with it's back on the ground, fending off the largest of the group who, in turn, has a smaller fu-dog biting his ear. The overall modeling gives off a feeling of whimsical turmoil and one can almost hear the playful snarls as they bite at each other's ears and toes...

Antique Japanese 2-section shodana, display cabinet for heirlooms and works of art. It's rare, mostly open configuration gives a floating appearance to it's multi tiered shelves and compartments...

Unusual Japanese antique standing pendulum clock with reverse painted landscape scene on glass, with carved pair of dragons and wishing ball on rounded top frame casement. With double-ended winding key for chimes and movement.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Size: 17.25"H 11"W 5"D

Japanese Bone flying Sprarrow Ojime, 5/8" high, 5/8" wide, with black eyes, mouth wide open, two(2) large holes on the top is the wide open mouth, and the bottom hole to push through cord for tightening to the Netsuke. The condition is good.

Japanese Brown Cafe au Lait color Lacquer nut shape Ojime, 11/16" high, 11/16" wide, 1/2" deep, hollow inside with large holes on the top and the bottom to tightening to connect to Netsuke. The condition is good.

Japanese Pink Glass Ojime Bead, 11/16" diameter, cord go through the large holes on the top and the bottom, to tightening for the Netsuke. There are some indentation on the surface and the open grains on the surface of the glass.

Japanese green Glass Ojime, 3/4" diameter, large holes on tops and the bottom where cord go through to tightening for Netsuke. There are some indentations on the glass surface.

Japanese Red Lacquer Double Face Ojime, Ca. 1920, 3/4" high, 5/8" wide, 1/2" deep, one side normal pleasant face, the other side is angry yelling face with mouth open, the condition is good.

Japanese Metal Tsuba shape Ojime, Ca. 1900 Meiji, 7/16" high, 7/16" wide, decorated with the raised gilded Birds on the Plum Flowering Trees on the both sides of the two(2) shades of Bronze color of shape of the Tsuba, one side is darker than the other. Cord go through the holes on the top and the bottom and connect with Netsuke.

Two(2) Japanese Bronze Fukurokuju, Ca. 1900 Meiji, one of the Seven Lucky God, representing "Longevity" and "Wisdom", 3/4" high, 5/8" wide, typical details of holding precious object with both hands in front with very long head, the condition is good.

Antique Japanese Buddhist Pilgrim's coat. Buddhist monks associated with the teachings of Kukai (or Kobo Daishi) would embark on a pilgrimage to visit the 88 temples on the island of Shikoku. Upon arriving to each temple, the monk would bathe before giving offerings and reciting prayers as well as receive a stamp distinctive to each temple. Normally a monk would carry around a special stamp book however it is not unusual to stamp the monk's coat as seen here. Made of asa (hemp).

Age: Me...

Antique Japanese studio ware porcelain vase, carved all over with a raised design of a dragon in swirling clouds over churning waves. The clouds are covered with a glaze that gradates from a deep blue at the top to a light blue where they meet the waves. Both the dragon and the waves are kept white with a very pale light pink glaze on the dragon's flames. A band of repeating lingzhi pattern in blue underglaze encircles the rim and foot of the vase. A four character signature on the bottom h...

19th century netsuke carved as a theatrical mask of Bishamon - one of the 7 Gods of Good Fortune. He is a God of riches, an equivalent of Vaishravana, and thus is the protector of the Northern direction. Wonderful face with a touch of madness, made in saishiki technique - the wood is covered with gesso, which in turn is painted in bright colors, some of them in low relief layers. Very well carved and painted, obvious losses to paint, wonderful feel of age. Height 1 9/16 inches.

Late Meiji (1890s - 1910s) lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Oto (Okame) smiling widely and mockingly sticking out her tongue. Wonderful crisp detailing, beautifully painted, nice warm patina. Signed SANYU on the back. Height 1 13/16 inches.

Early 19th century decent size wooden netsuke representing a theatrical mask of horned demon Hannya. Wonderful crisp detailing, eyes are inlaid with brass giving them an eery intensity, beautiful lustrous patina from wear. Height 2 3/8 inches.

19th century boxwood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Buaku type. Wonderful quality detailed carving, lighter wood (probably ichii - Japanese yew wood), excellent staining and patina. The signature on the back bar appears to read GENRYO followed by kakihan (carved monogram) of the artist. Height 1 1/4 inches.

19th century netsuke representing theatrical mask of Shojo. Shojo are mythical creatures living near the sea, and are particularly fond of sake. Made in saishiki technique - the wood is covered with gesso, which in turn is painted in bright colors. Some obvious losses to paint from wear. Great modeling, wonderful depiction of its face and hair. Inscribed or signed on the back bar, but impossible to read because of paint losses . Height 1 1/2 inches.

19th century wooden netsuke of a theatrical mask, traces of painted mustache identifies the character as Chujo. Made in saishiki technique - the wood is covered with gesso, which in turn is painted in bright colors. A lot of wear to the surface, but still has good presence. Height 1 9/16 inches.

19th century netsuke carved as a theatrical mask of a SHOJO - mythical creatures living near the sea who are particularly fond of sake. Wonderful quality carving on ichii (Japanese yew wood) with clever use of wood texture to add to the charm of the piece, that being typical for the Hida school of netsuke carvers. Very nice tranquil face, beautiful staining and patina, old losses by its left eyebrow and on the right upper side on the back as can be seen on photos. Signed SUKENOBU on the back bar...

Small silver vase with flared and hemmed neck. A finely chiseled snake is wrapped around the neck and an enameled chrysanthemum. The lower body is enamelled in polychromy by silver wire partitions. Under a round base there is a signature in a golden cartouche of Mitsu Shige. Period: Meiji. Height: 10cm (4")

Antique Japanese mokugyo, fish bell, carved of keyaki (zelkova, elm) wood with traces of red and white lacquer. This wooden temple bell was used by Buddhist priest during religious ceremonies and chants. Laid on it's side on a pillow, the bell was struck to a rhythm to match the cadence of the chant. The carving on the bell is of two fish embracing a pearl, a symbol of unity. The fish themselves symbolize wakefulness, in this case to remind the chanters to focus on the sutra.

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...

Antique Japanese stoneware kame (wide mouthed bowl) from Shigaraki kiln. Made using the local sandy clay from the bed of Lake Biwa, Shigaraki ware is identified by the embedded granules of feldspar. Mineral and ash glaze is dribbled and spattered over the surface leaving long, uneven drips. Depending on how the vessel is positioned during the firing process, if it falls over or if it is leaning on another piece, fragments of nearby pottery can stick, adding a story about it's journey insi...

Late Meiji (1890s to 1912) Japanese boxwood seal, most probably used in a temple to stamp pilgrimage papers. The impression of the seal is shown on the first photo (image is flipped left to right to present the image as it will actually print on paper). Excellent quality crisp carving of 2 rows of differently sized characters, caked old red seal paste on the bottom. Metal stud on the side indicates the position of the top of the imprint. Beautiful patina on the surface of wood. Height 2 3/16 inc...

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. Original wiped lacquer technique finish and hand made iron hardware. The lock knobs feature a Plum Blossom design and the design of the handles is a straight Gumbai. Sliding side by side doors open to a spacious area where once merchant books and records were stored.

A rare feature of this chest are the hidden compartments under the four bottom side by side drawers. Under the center tw...

Antique Japanese carved boxwood jizai-okimono of a dragon. Literally meaning "decorative object, moves at will", this jizai-okimono is made up of many separately carved moving pieces. There are differing theories about why these articulated creatures came to be made, the most accepted being that the armorers who normally created suits started crafting jizai-okimono as a way to show off their skills to daimyos in hopes of being chosen next time their armor needed to be replaced. During the Me...

Antique Japanese figure of seated Quan yin, made of carved cinnabar lacquer. She is seated on a lotus throne and holds a scroll in her hands. Her robes are carved all over with floral and Buddhist motifs. Her facial expression is serene, befitting her role as goddess of compassion.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 6 1/4" high x 3 1/2" wide x 3 1/4" deep

A large Japanese wood okimono of a shishi with its puppy on a wooden base. Silk, enamel and glass eyes. Edo period 18th century Sizes: 37 x 50 x 30 cm Condition report: Good condition

A shell incense box (kogo) painted in relief pure gold with waka writing inside with probably poetic or romantic references. Very similar to shells for the game of kaiawase, but larger in size. Edo period 19th century Sizes: 5 x 10 x 8 cm Condition report: Good condition – with tomobako

19th century Japanese kozuka (sword knife) handle depicting a lobster and some fishing implements including a straw raincoat and a woven ring. Clever design of the terminus as a curled lobster, superb crisp work - see the fine differentiated textures of the crustacean’s body, ring and long strands of the coat. Signed on the back MITSUYOSHI (alternative reading is KOKO) followed by kakihan (carved monogram) of the artist Gilding, finely textured ground called nanako, which means “fish-eggs”...

Late Meiji (1890s - 1910s) Japanese hammered copper incense burner - tripod with wide body, flaring mouth and 3 short feet. Wonderful object made by hammering a chunk of copper, raising it and giving it shape - no casting is involved. Fantastic clean gently curving organic form with beautifully hammered surface and superb reddish patina, very pleasant to the touch. Signed JUZAN on the bottom, beautiful object for scholar’s desk. Height 2 1/4 inches, diameter 3 7/8 inches at the widest.

A Japanese woven bamboo reed ikebana basket. Of small size and fine work. Having handled a good number of ikebana baskets over time, this one strikes us as quite sophisticated. Of baluster form, meticulously consistent woven pattern, defined foot and rim, sparse and well balanced decorative intertwined bamboo shoots across the face, and confidently woven handles. Excellent condition. Height, 8 inches.

19th century Japanese ceramic miniature seal netsuke modeled as shishi - Buddhist lion - sitting on a square base, its head turned to its right. The impression of the seal is shown on the first photo (image is flipped left to right to present the image as it will actually print on paper). Nice modeling, dark olive glaze thinning on raised spots adding the depth to design. Nice patina, left front paw forms an opening for hanging, traces of red seal paste around the base, overall in great conditio...

19th century Japanese ceramic miniature seal netsuke modeled as shishi - Buddhist lion - sitting on a rectangular base, its head turned to its left. The impression of the seal is shown on the first photo (image is flipped left to right to present the image as it will actually print on paper). Nice modeling, brown glaze thinning on raised spots adding the depth to design. Nice patina, right front paw forms an opening for hanging, traces of red seal paste around the base, overall in great conditio...

Meiji (1868-1912) Japanese Wood Lacquer Mother of Pearl Inlay Shibayama Hand Warmer

It is 8 inches (20.3 cm) tall with handle up and 5.5 inches (14 cm) tall with handle down by 9.2 inches (23.3 cm) wide. It is 2.4 Lb.

It has hairline cracks at the cover and peeling at the inner corner of the cover, and a crack at the corner and trace of glue (as seen in the photos).

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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.

Hanging scroll. A dragon shoots upwards through the clouds. Its head clearly visible, pointing straight up, the tail faintly disappearing in the darkness of the sky. Black ink on silk. Very skillful use of many shades of black and gray. Signed and dated in the lower left: Bunka year of the dog (1814), Fuyu and artist’s red seal Rintai.
Japan

Image: H 52.5 x W 20 in. Mounting: H 81.5 x W 25 in. (lower roller 27.25 in. wide)

Mounting in excellent condition, painting too.

Antique Japanese pair of paintings depicting two dragons in a dense mist. Gold flashes light up the clouds. Symbolizing the ultimate yang, or masculine energy, the dragon is the controller of both winds and water. Painted in sumi and gold ink on silk and signed by the artist. Both panels are loose (unmounted). Dates from 1834 or later by painter Kanō Seisen'in Osanobu (1796-1846) Some biographical information here: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/BIOG4764 Here he's...

Large porcelain charger decorated in underglaze blue with a map of Japan, as drawn in the Edo period. The map (Gyoji type) shows the main islands of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, divided into the 63 provinces. The names of the provinces are written in kanji. Here and there a name of a city (i.e. Edo) is added.
The main islands of Japan are surrounded by several islands (names written partly or entirely in katakana) and real and imaginary countries, such as Choseon, the Ryukyus, the country o...

Very rare cast bronze sculpture of the Chinese monk Xuanzang with a pile of Buddhist scriptures rolled up and stacked in the pack on his back and a lotus leaf over his head from which dangles an incense burner, as he returns to China from India.
In his hands he was holding a scroll and a fly whisk that are now missing. Figure stands on an irregularly shaped base. Japan, mid Edo period, 18th century.
Height incl. base ca. 5.25 inches (13.3 cm).
Hands slightly damaged.

Genjo ...

19th century Japanese ceramic chawan (tea bowl) for tea ceremony with light cream glaze and underglaze blue decoration of a moon rising over a Buddhist mountain temple. Inscribed in underglaze black with 3 characters which translate as ISHIYAMA-DERA (“Stone Mountain Temple”) - a Shingon temple in Otsu (Shiga Prefecture) and the thirteenth stop of the Kansai Kannon Pilgrimage. Superb free painting with strong Zen feeling, wonderful potting of shiro Raku (white Raku) body. Stamped by the foot ...

19th century Japanese ceramic chawan (tea bowl) for tea ceremony with crackled orange / cream glaze and underglaze blue decoration of torii gates among pines and birds in flight. Superb free painting, Raku pottery produced in the Kyoto region. Beautiful potting with spiral line on the bottom of the bowl showing the way potter finished turning the piece. Stamped with potter’s seal on the lower body. Well-used, in great condition, 3 old Japanese gold lacquer repairs on the rim testifying to the ...

1900-1920s (late Meiji - early Taisho) Japanese ceramic tea ceremony kashiki (dish for holding sweets served along with the tea) modeled in modified lozenge shape. Shino ware with stoneware body and thick glaze with a texture of small holes originated in the 16th century in Mino Province (present-day Gifu Prefecture) and has been popular ever since. Wonderful free potting, elegant grey nezumi (“mouse”) glaze with underglaze iron painting of a long leaf and tendrils with smaller leaves, beau...