Tumulus Period (AD 250-552) Clay Haniwa (Haniwa means “circle of clay”) forms were installed in the tumuli (burial mounds) that were built throughout Japan from the Third to the Sixth centuries. The Haniwa formed part of the rites used in sending off the dead. Today, these Haniwa, made in the shape of buildings and possessions which do not exist now, and also in the form of animals and even people, show us what things were like in those times...

Height: 18.5 cm (7.3 in)
Width: 11.4 cm (4.5 in)

This unique Satsuma vase is hand potted and shaped to resemble a cloth bag with a tied sash drawing in the neck. The piece is unsigned, but is definitely by a master artist. There a two main panels of figures, one of a group of Lohan gathered around a dragon and the other showing young children studying scrolls. The gilt borders surrounding the panels are very well done...

Length: 9.3 cm (3.8 in)
Width: 5.9 cm (2.4 in)
Depth: 1.8 cm (0.7 in)

Quality Japanese Komai style cigarette box with a built-in vesta case; fine inlaid silver and gold work throughout; minimal wear

Horn netsuke of an reclining ox.

In Japan, the ox (ushi) is the second sign of the zodiac. It is considered usefulness and willingness. Reclining, it is the emblem of Sugawara Michizane (845-903), a great scholar, minister of emperor Daigo (897-930) and statesman of the Heian period. Under the pressure of the Fujiwara family, he was driven into exile to the island of Kyûshû and he rode away upon a bull. Unfairly punished, his memory is rehabilitated after his death...

A rare and exquisite piece by the 12th Kichizaemon (1857-1932) of the Raku lineage, now in its 16th generation. Not only with excellent documentation including a certification and endorsement by famed tea-master Sei-sai and a record from its sale at the Tokyo Art Club in 1938, there are many facets of this work that make it a must-have for serious collectors. The color is quite unique among Raku tea bowls with a distinctive yellow glaze that you rarely find on works such as this...

Unusual 19th century wood and gilded bronze netsuke in manju (rice cake) shape of a crab on a piece of driftwood. Clever design, excellent quality crisp depiction of its legs and claws, beautiful gilding. Nice patina on wood, pleasant to hold. Netsuke diameter 1 5/8 inches.

Of Hon-kozane Ni-mai-do type composed of thin bands with multicolored silk lacing. A 62-plates Akoda-nari suji-kabuto in brown iron, signed Myochin Yoshihiza. A finely chiseled bronze and gilt brass tehen with 5 levels. The golden brass kuwagata dai is carved with a floral decoration. The fukigaeshi are covered with leather and 6 rivets. The mabizashi is also covered with leather and silk strap, riveted and fukurin. The shikoro is imposing with 4 blades...

Japanese Blue and White Ewer with a loop handle. Decorated in the Chinese Transitional style with figures on a terrace. Arita C1670/80. Height 8 1/4" (20.8cm). Condition; some glaze crazing mainly to foot.

Antique Japanese drum with handle. Lacquered black on sides and wooden handle. Decorated with Tachibana mon (Mandarin-orange flower) in red lacquer on one side and black lacquer on the other.

Age: Edo Period (early 19th century)

Dimensions: 15 3/4" long x 8" wide diameter x 2 1/4" deep

An 18th century Japanese Arita porcelain moulded dish, circa 1750 ~ 1780. The dish with a cavetto moulded with foliage and lotus flowers within a barbed rim. The centre sporting a fine underglaze blue ferocious dragon and pearl amongst coloured clouds. Within the foot-rim is an unusual six-character Yongzheng mark. A dish of this design is illustrated in Shibata, “Complete Catalogue of the Shibata Collection” The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, # 3359.

Approximately 21.2cm diameter...

It is Japanese antique Tsutsugaki yogi cotton kimono textile dyed with natural indigo Edo Period (1830-1867). The big Uchiwa (japanese washi fan) and family crest are very impressive. A Cotton is a thick hand-spun item and wonderful hand-spun cotton with a warm feel. There are indigo fading in several places. There are repair marks in several places, but overall the condition is good. It is the largest size among Tsutsugaki textile items...

Late Meiji period (1890s to 1912) Japanese wooden kushi (hair comb) with lacquer decoration of cranes in flight on the background of pine branches. Beautifully made out of dense wood allowing for fine teeth, excellent lacquer work, wonderful piece in Japanese taste, some losses as can be seen on photos. Length 4.06 inches.

This is a collectable Japanese Seto ware mountain tea bowl, excavated and repaired with a gold repair, an aesthetic kintsugi.

The Yamajawan or Yama-Chawan, which means translatet 'Mountain tea bowl', has an ore-like sparkle natural ash glaze. It is for sure a proto-pottery bowl with great reference value.

Seto ware is pottery with the oldest history in Japan...

Antique Japanese gyosho bako, or merchant's box, with iron rings and a smoothed carved indentation on one side so that it may be carried comfortably on a person's back. It has an interesting signature branded on its front door, and its side has the branded mark of a trio of leaves. The front door locks closed, and opens with a kan (ring) pull to an interior with four long drawers. Kanji seal, Edo Age c1800. Size: 19.5" height, 14.25" front to back, 5.75" width

Edo Period (circa 1850) Japanese Noh Mask of Shojo, representing a happy, merry soul. He has a reddish complexion from drinking sake. This mask has a wonderful, happy presence. Beautifully carved to create a compelling expression. Lacquer over Paloma wood. 8.5 x 5 inches, 21.5 x 13 cm. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Japanese woodblock print by shin-hanga artist Kawase Hasui (1883-1957) titled "Rainy Yasuniwa, Nagano Prefecture", Hotei #480. Titled and signed, with 6mm cartouche in bottom right corner. Framed. Size: (entire frame) 15" height, 20.25" width (artwork only) 10" height, 14" width

An early 6" koro decorated in the 10,000 flower design against a pale grey blue ground, well executed and with minimal pitting. It is unfortunately missing a number of small red cloisons edging the upper rim.

An antique Japanese tansu chest called Bodansu (chest with locking bar) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. It originates from the southern island of Kyushu. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles. Six drawers were used for Kimono storage with three drawers being secured by a locking bar with key...

A Japanese tea-bowl and saucer of small “cha-sen” proportions decorated with a pair of Doves, symbols both in Europe and Japan, of marital fidelity, and a pair of small beakers with barbed lotus form rims decorated in a similar palette with reserves containing brocade patterns and a small boat set against a shore, as well as flowering prunus and other plants. The beakers have auspicious four character fukichosun marks to the base. The beakers measure approximately in 7.7cm in diameter and s...

Japanese antique kusuri tansu, chest with many drawers for storing medicinal herbs for an apothecary. Made of kiri (paulownia) wood with sugi (cryptomeria) wood frame. Small hand holds cut in the sides for convenience. Each of the 49 small drawers is labeled with a paper label. Older labeling in ink can be seen on some drawers. The lower portion of the chest has three medium sized drawers. Hardware is made of iron and includes rings pulls, warabite shaped handles on the larger drawers and...

Rare antique Japanese bronze calligraphy ink pourer with long spout and large oval handle. The lid has a mythical 'shishi' lion on top. The ink pourer has four leaves; each with raised swirls and hearts on a geometrical thunderbolt diaper background pattern. Lovely. c.1880. (7" x 5") (18cm x 13cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $55.

This is a beautiful fukusa from the Meiji era. This is a high quality silk fukusa designed by Fukurokuju (one of the Seven Gods of Fortune). Fukurokuju is said to govern happiness, status, wealth (being blessed with money), and longevity. This is a fukusa that can be easily displayed on the wall. Also recommended for antique collections. There are some slight stains. However, it is not noticeable. There is no major damage and it is in very good condition. Size: 55m (21.6 inches) / 52cm (20.4 ...

Imari ware porcelain soba choko (soba noodle dipping cups) from the mid-Edo Period (1600-1868.) H.5.5cm(2.2") Dia.7cm(2.6".) This pair features underglaze cobalt blue pattern with two of the three friends of winter; pine and plum (the other being bamboo,) front and back of each cup. Abbreviated brushstrokes give these cups an aesthetic of simple beauty. Soba choko were initially used for small morsels of food, much like mukozuke or ko-zara are used in today's presentation of Japanese cuisine. No...

A pair of antique Japanese candlesticks dating to the Meiji period 1868-1911. The stands are made of copper and measure about 17 1/2" tall x 5 1/2" in diameter, across the weighted bottoms. The stands have been engraved with an assortment of family mons, both on the bases, and up the sticks. The condition is very good. There are no dents or broken pieces, and a dark patina has developed over the years. The asking price includes shipment within the USA.

A rare carved ivory Netsuke in the form of a Lion or Karashishi, made in Japan in the Edo / Tokugawa period (1600-1868), probably during the 18th Century. Condition: Excellent - age yellowing and cracks - no damages or losses and no restoration. 4cm (1.6inches)long; 3.6cm (1.3inches) high; 2.4cm (0.9inches) deep. Please note - purchasers from outside the European Union will require a CITES Certificate and may also require import documentation within their own country.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing an unusual theatrical mask of KO-BESHIMI used for roles of some harmless demons or gods who exert their powers for good. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina. some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.13 inches.

A Japanese porcelain Arita ware dish with blue decoration of peonies and leafs in a scroll pattern. The dish measures 10 3/4" in diameter x 1 1/2" tall, and is from the 17th Century. Condition: The dish has a scalloped edge and is in excellent condition. Free shipping within the USA.

Meiji period Japanese bronze vases. Silver and copper inlaid design depicting a long-tailed rooster in a plum tree. Signed by ¡°Ichinori¡±. Maker¡¯s seal is on the bottom. They are in good condition. H: 5¡±, W: 2¡±

Very unusual pair of komainu or guardian dogs to a Shinto or Buddhist shrine. The lef one has its mouth open and has drooping ears, the right one keeps its mouth closed and has the ears perked up. Very fine and smooth bronze cast with rich brown patination.
Makers mark chiseled into the bottom of each lion dog. The name consists of a single character that can be read in a variety of ways: Yasushi, but also Hiroshi, Yutaka, Toru or Akira; followed by "saku" or "made by".
Japan, late 1...

New Arrival

Antique Japanese shikishi panel with beautiful calligraphy by famous poet Otagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875). The poem translates into this:
歸鴈
かりの世を 思いつらねて 詠むれば 天のはらはら ちる涙かな

RETURNING GEESE
Watching returning geese as I write, my thoughts,
in this changi...

Netsuke – Nice model representing a fox, in Japanese Kitsune, in carved wood, represented seated, wearing a long coat, disguised as a priest, leaning on a base on which rests an open book. Nice model with a beautiful natural patina. Himotoshi in the back. Dimensions: 4 x 3.7 cm. Japan Edo (1603-1868) late 18th century.

Kesa was originally made from old scraps of material donated to the priests. The scraps became finer and quite luxious in time. People who gave to Buddhist institutions were often keen to give very expensive items, so some fabulous kesas were created from wonderful silk brocades. This also could mean that the wealthier temples end up collecting the better fabrics or are able to send out for the expensive custom made kesas. This kesa is hichi-jo (seven panel) kesa, silk brocade with silver ...

Very unusual antique Japanese matching pair of black lacquer gyosho bako (peddler's boxes). Each has a full height door with eight hand forged brass hinges in stunning original patina. One box opens to a large compartment. The other opens to a series of 5 drawers of different sizes. Each box has a square hole for a carrying pole.
This piece would have been used to carry and store a merchants livelihood. Selling objects or services carried out by the tools store inside. A Thick hard...

Erotic porcelain Tengu sake cup with a well done erotic scene painted on the inside. Last photo has been covered for publication. Tengu are mountain and forest goblins with both Shinto and Buddhist attributes. Their supernatural powers include shape-shifting into human or animal forms, the ability to speak to humans without moving their mouth, the magic of moving instantly

A beautiful Nashiji (sprinkled gold flakes) ground lacquer Natsume, Tea caddy. It has an elaborate cartouche on the lid in gold makie, gold and silver on a chocolate lacquer background depicting a stylised landscape (mountain, hermitage river and boat). 3 cartouche on the sides in lozenge form in heavy, raised lacquer; one with fishing hut among reeds and half moon; one with fish nets and seagulls and the last with seabirds on raised waves. The inside also in sprinkle gold flakes nashiji...

Japanese antique choba tansu (merchant's chest) from the Gifu area. Made with all kuri (chestnut) wood front, hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood on the sides and top. The upper portion of the chest has a full width drawer over a compartment covered by two sliding panels with horizontal slats. The lower portion of the chest has a series of 4 drawers of various sizes on the left and a hinged safe box door on the right hand side. The safe box door opens to reveal 2 small interior drawers. All har...