Edo Period Musha-ningyo of Minister Takenouchi no Sukune and Attendant. Superb large-scale Edo period example (circa 1800) of Musha-ningyo warrior dolls for the Boy's Day display. Takenouchi is depicted kneeling and holding the baby Ojin in his arms. He has an unusually animated and well-rendered face, with fine gofun lacquer and painted features. Both figures have rich silk brocades in near mint condition. Height: 15 inches, 38 cm.

Finely carved wooden figure of Gyochu Kishimojin, the hands folded together in prayer, standing on an upside down lotus leaf, positioned on a rocky base. Plain wood, carved in a slightly facetted way that gives texture to his garment and skin. The base and the lotus gilded over lacquer. Inscribed on back: Kishibojin, opening of the eyes, Nichiren. Inscribed in black ink on bottom of lotus leaf: Hirono Naomasa. Japan, Edo period, 18th century.
Height without base 7 ¼ in. (18.3 cm)...

From our Japanese Collection, a fine and large mid-to-late 18th century blue and white porcelain dish, circa 1740-1780, painted in the Chinese style depicting a home with people on an embankment, a treed outcrop in the distance with geese flying overhead, and some unidentified structures in the foreground. The entire scene is surrounded by a border of characters, and all executed in a greyish blue on dense grey porcelain paste, typical of 18th century Japanese Arita ware...

A rare oval und convex shaped Japanese iron sword guard with two amaryu in gold nunome. Condition: good. Dimensions: 6,9 cm high x 6,1 cm wide.

Cast bronze vase. Very elegant unusual shape. Decorated with a dragon in high relief. Probably Japanese rather chinese and very old Edo period, 18th century or before. The metal has an excellent patina of a beautiful brown color. Below a mark with Chinese characters. 205mm x 185mm. Slightly dented, barely visible. Original patina, not cleaned.

Hard porcelain dish, painted in cobalt blue under glassure. Decor typical of the second half of the 18th century. Japanese work, Arita kilns. Below are drawn 6 Chinese characters, apocryphal mark of Emperor Ming Tchenghoa. The shibata collection of the Porcelain Museum in Arita hosts a dish with a similar decoration. Good condition. Diameter: 215mm

A Japanese porcelain steep-sided dish depicting a traditional zashiki room or perhaps a temple interior. The plants seen through the windows are banana and cycad, both common in warmer climates as experienced in Kyushu or Okinawa. Arita 1730 - 1750. Two plates with similar central designs are found in ‘The Story of Imari’, Goro Shimura. ‘The Story of Imari, The Symbols and Mysteries of Antique Japanese Porcelain’, Ten Speed Press, Toronto. 2008. Items 61, 62...

Late 18th Century Gonin-Bayashi, Five Japanese Musicians displayed on a Hina stand. This set was made as an addition to those Ningyo already displayed on a tiered stand. They imitate a Noh orchestra. This set has very finely carved faces, covered with burnished Gofun. Because of their size and age, these are highly desired by collectors. Average height of figures is 4 inches (10 cm).

Netsuke - Nice model of the Shichifukujin Takarabune (The famous boat loaded with treasures of the 7 gods of happiness) in carved boxwood. Nice carving details of the whole composition. The 7 deities are all identifiable, the boat itself is ornate, the waves and a small Minogame turtle sculpted on the base. The cartridge signature has disappeared over time. Very nice natural patina. Height: 3.5cm. Japan Edo (1603-1868) 19th century.

Netsuke - A finely carved ivory netsuke of a cluster of various shells, some of them with an inner life reminiscent of the famous clam’s dream story. The himotoshi underneath is formed by one of the trumpet shells. Beautiful and glossy patina. LENGTH 4.4 cm. beautiful patina. Provenance: German private collection.

18th Century Japanese Wood Carving of a Mythological Guardian Shishi and Peony. This carving is reminiscent of a carving at Nikko Shrine. It is unusual to find one with much of its paint still intact. Wonderfully carved and painted by a master. A fantastic addition for a collector. 31 inches (79 cm) long x 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) high. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Height: 8.6 cm (3.6 in)
Width: 2.8 cm (1.1 in)

Old wooden netsuke of a Sennin with a toad on his shoulder; excellent patina with deep himatoshi; good condition

18th century kokutan (ebony) netsuke of a shishi (Buddhist lion) crouching by rockery. Strong early carving, nicely captured playful attitude of the beast, unusual raised umbrella-like bushy tail. Large deep himotoshi, great patina with characteristic ebony sheen. Length 1 7/16 inches.

A Late 18th Century Japanese suit of armor. This suit is an example of blue laced HON KOZANE NIMAI-DO GUSOKU. Seated height of 79" to tip of feather, 18" wide at the chest an 13" deep. Comes with storage box which is also used as seat.

Japanese Kura samurai saddle in red lacquer, with black and gilt lacquer. The maewa (front arched plate) and shizuwa (rear arched plate) are adorned with a copper inlay flying crane. The red lacquer area surrounding the crane is hand-carved with scrolling vines of flowers and shippo pattern in gilt lacquer. The maewa and shizuwa are connected by two igi (contoured side bands)...

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...

An exempliary Japanese 18th century Edo Period Myochin school iron somen (full facial armor). Constructed in three sections producing a very expressive fearsome face. The stylized curled eyebrows, bulging eyes, forehead wrinkles repouse in high relief.
The bulbous noise and upper lip is riveted on. The mouth section has two large rings on the cheeks and is hinged to the upper face portion. The chin has two cord pegs. The sides have iron coverings to protect he ears...

A rare Arita nagazara, long dish, of pod shape, a symbol of fertility and fecundity, decorated entirely in underglaze blue with a border pattern of entwined Pine, Matsu, and Wisteria vine, Fuji, with Plum flower, ume-hana. The central reserve decorated with a pair of Dragons amongst lightning and clouds. The reverse decorated with further Dragons and precious objects cash, scrolls and flaming pearls. The foot of the dish decorated with a band of leiwen...

A very rare antique Japanese Choba Biraki Safe Tansu (merchant safety chest with hinged doors) made of old growth Keyaki (Zelkova) and Kiri (Paulownia) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the main drawer lock plate of Pine trees with matching corners of monkeys reaching for peaches, the hexagonal hinged door lock representing the owner's family crest and Furui (old) Kakute handles. Hinged doors open to 7 drawers of varying sizes...

18th century netsuke of an emaciated Gama sennin wearing old monk’s robe with his ribs visible sitting on rockery as his constant companion - a toad - affectionately puts its paws on the man’s knees. Somehow netsuke manages to convey the relationship between two characters...

A decorative pair of Imari Beaker Vases made for export to the West brightly enamelled with traditional Japanese motifs. The main part of the vase is painted with a Crane symbolising longevity with the three friends of Winter, the shochikubai, the Pine, Bamboo and the Japanese Apricot (Prunus tree). Whilst the upper part of the vase is decorated with a two part frieze, the first a Garden room with tied Curtain, and the second part a stream, ruisuimon, and Maple leaves, momiji, an allusion to a...

18th Century Japanese Wood Tall Netsuke: Gama Sennin

18th Century, excellently hand-carved Boxwood Netsuke depicting a standing Gama, wearing the typical mugwort cape with wide sleeves, and a rope tied at his waist, holding a staff with his right hand, and carrying a three-legged toad (that possesses magical powers) on top of his left shoulder. Very interesting himotoshi that starts in the back of the Sennin and exits on the left side of his body (see photo #8). Very rich, dark, lustrou...

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. Superbly carved to the last detail (see his fingers, claws and feathers of the bird), fantastic face with well captured crazy look, beautifull...

18th century netsuke of a reclining shishi with its head turned to the right, its mouth wide open as it bites its rear paw (probably tries to take out something stuck between its pads). Unusual posture, very strong early piece, eyes inlaid with dark horn, a loose ball in its mouth, superb oversized powerful paws, excellent hairwork (see its bushy tail and mane), beautiful slightly convex (not flat) bottom. Wonderful wear consistent with age, warm patina turning deeper color on the bottom where i...

Early 19th C. Japanese Iwami School Netsuke: Sennin This is a finely hand-carved netsuke in Ebony wood of a standing Sennin striking his beard with his right hand. Netsuke was carved by an unknown artist from the Iwami Province sometime during the Early 19th century. The carving exhibits the carving characteristics of another netsuke in this store (Photo #8), with similar robe and natural himotoshi (under the left wide sleeve of the Sennin's robe). Netsuke is unsigned. It measures...

Length: 2.9 cm (1.2 in)
Height: 4 cm (1.7 in)
Depth: 1.9 cm (0.8 in)

Fine early Japanese carved netsuke of a man riding on a Shi Shi dog; excellent old patina on natural material; some expected wear; good condition

An exceptional antique Japanese bowwood carved netsuke - the Yama Inu - a dog resting his paw on his masters scull. Protecting him in even past the point of death. Superstition related to the okuri(yama) inu are extremely old, and are found in all parts of Japan.
The meaning of the dog also speaks about patience, reliability, and obedience. It focuses on protection, guardianship, and service. The dog spirit animal is a noble animal. It's selfless, and never asks for praise or expects an...

Netsuke – Good size model of a toad with a rather strong expression, crouched down, about to jump, its legs folded under its belly. His eyes are encrusted with brown horn. Nice natural patina of the wood. Japan Edo (1603-1868) 18th century.

18th Century Japanese Edo Period pair of Kyoho-Bina Ningyo, an exceedingly rare early 18th century. An exceptional example of this early style. The finest quality in all aspects, featuring rich silk matching brocades in an elegant floral pattern with auspicious treasures on multilayered robes creating a classical form. All accessories and stands are original, very rare for such an early piece. Fine faces of gofun (oyster shell lacquer) aged to a burnished tone, with painted details. They have a...

Japanese late 18th century white IMARI figure of a gentleman. Formed by hand and made of white porcelain with a clear glaze. The gentleman is dressed in formal kimono and is carrying a fan. Done with wonderful expression and in very nice detail. The piece has some natural flaws in the clay and glaze, such as stress cracks and glazing flaws. The figure stands 17 1/2" tall, is 6 1/2" wide and is 5" deep.

A very unusual “klapmuts” form bowl decorated with three near identical panels composed of a scene of Chinese boys, karako, in the quise of it would appear of monks. The main figure wearing a Buddhist crown is flanked by acolytes with Chinese Fans, presumably preaching to the remaining boys, who don’t seem to be paying a great deal of attention. One boy in particular diametrically opposite the figure bearing the Buddhist crown contemplates a large wine jar. Various sprigs of flowers, ...

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).

Antique Japanese small lacquer tebako (accessory box). Rectangular form with rounded edges and decorated with Chrysanthemums on the lid. The whole box is covered inside and out with a dense gold nishiji background. The rim of both the lid and the body of the box are edged in bronze.

Edo Period (18th century)

Dimensions: 2 1/8" high x 3 5/8" long x 3 1/8" wide

18th century netsuke of a reclining sarumawashi - traveling monkey showman - obliviously smiling in his sleep while his pet steals from a basket behind the back of its trainer. Unusually substantial and heavy, excellent carving capturing facial expressions of both characters. Classic design, differently sized deep himotoshi in accordance with the habit of the time, netsuke of triangular section characteristic for the period, old age lines. Superb wear, beautiful warm patina turning yellow on the...

18th century netsuke of a kneeling boy wearing checkered jacket and a theatrical mask of a demon with his hands by his ears intent on listening. Strong early piece with wonderful wear and fantastic honey colored patina on the back where netsuke was touching the silk of kimono. Great vicious mask, wonderful textile pattern (worn in the middle of the back). Old loss to the tips of his fingers on the right hand. Himotoshi (cord openings) going through the back down to the hollowed bottom, which is ...

Irregularly shaped cylindrical chaire. Tea caddy used in the tea ceremony during the colder months. Dark brown or black glaze with one thick splash of yellow and green glaze. Footring. Raku style. Japan, 17th/18th century.

H 3¾ inches

Firing crack at lip, several old gold lacquer repairs at lip and foot and bottom, all in all fine condition

This probably was a drinking cup (mukozuke) originally and was converted into a tea caddy at some point.

Provenance: Private collection of c...