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. It has intricate pierced carved details of phoenixes and curling flower vines. A rectangular compartment in the center portion has a hinged door that is decorated with blue lacquer and bone shibayama inlay of a bird in tall grasses stalking a bee...

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...

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...

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.