19th century Japanese Satsuma belt buckle decorated with blooming chrysanthemums by a picnic cloth. Wonderful quality painting, generous use of gold enamel, in excellent condition. Metal backs are stamped with hallmarks in a form of torii (a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine). Size assembled 2.92 x 2 inches.

19th century netsuke of Benkei as yamabushi (a wandering priest) emerging out of a huge horagai (a war trumpet made out of a shell) and blowing into a smaller one, and holding a shakujo (Buddhist priest rattle) in his hand. The tokin (scull cap) on his head is the sign of the yamabushi, and horagai - (a trumpet shell - Charonia Tritonis) were often fitted with a mouthpiece on the thin end, and used as war trumpets...

19th century netsuke of 2 biwa (loquat) fruits on a stem. Elegant design in Japanese taste, superb quality realistic carving down to the last detail - see the rendition of bark on branches and perfectly etched terminals of the fruits. Beautiful wear and patina, himotoshi formed by natural openings in the carving. Signed MASATSUGU in oval reserve on the stem - the artist is listed on p. 740 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 1.21 inches.

19th century good size boxwood netsuke of a bamboo shoot with a hollow section in the lower half with anabori (cavern carving) of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove assembled around a Go board. There are 7 faces inside, impossible to photograph, but can be seen with a flashlight. Beautiful carving, superb patina, extremely pleasant feel of age. Signed YOSHIKIYO SAKU (made by Yoshikiyo) on the bottom - the artist is listed on p...

Early 19th century netsuke of a foreigner with a fierce face sitting next to a large hollowed ball with circular openings in it. The subject may be a play on the concept of sūnyata - "emptiness", “vacuity" or “nothingness”, and the "tenne" ribbon around the body may suggest a Celestial figure. Excellent face, superb depiction of limbs and clothes, eyes are inlaid with black horn, beautiful wear and patina...

19th century boxwood netsuke of a standing blind masseur leaning on his staff and with both of his feet on one geta (clog sandal) while he is pulling out a large rock lodged in the base of his other geta. Rather unusual subject, the character easily recognizable by a habitual bump on his head and oversized blind eye inlaid with horn. Perfectly captured mood of the scene, great detailing of his face and clothing, rich warm patina with beautiful staining, in excellent condition...

19th century netsuke of a terrified oni protecting himself with a huge old straw hat from being pelleted by beans during a setsubun ceremony. Setsubun is performed during the New Year by throwing beans around the house to exorcise the oni. Excellent carving of its muscular limbs, wonderful distressed face, great depiction of woven hat texture and beans striking it, beautiful warm patina. Signed KOMIN in oval reserve on the back - the artist is listed on p...

Antique Japanese extra large bronze vase. Dramatic baluster form with foliate rim, fluted neck and chimera handles. Archaic motifs around the neck and shoulders. The body of the vase is decorated with highly raised scenes of birds including songbirds and a peacock. The flared foot of the vase has a dragon and crashing waves.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 32 3/4" high x 13" wide

Antique Japanese bronze Buddhist temple lantern. The finial is a flaming jewel and the corners of the roof are hung with bells. A dragon is coiled around the lower portion of the lantern stand. Many areas are decorated with colorful cloisonné clouds, flowers and cranes. Electrified.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 25 1/2" high x 13" wide

Antique Japanese bronze vase with Chinese archaic motifs. The shape is a traditional ancient Chinese form with flared rim and incised scrolling archaic designs. Fudog handles. Dark patina with areas of deep red. On a carved wooden stand.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 13 1/8" high x 9 1/2" wide

Antique Japanese bronze vase with raised design of irises. Round body and long neck with flared mouth. Dark patina.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 12 7/8" high x 4 1/2" wide

19th century boxwood netsuke depicting seated Zen Buddhism Patriarch Daruma wearing characteristic cape and leaning with his back on a huge octopus tentacle, his head tilted slightly to one side, with hand to ear, and a look on his face that suggests he is hearing something unusual...

19th century boxwood netsuke of a boy playing with a puppy holding a length of rope, with the other end of it in the mouth of the puppy. Very good carving, great face, nice hairwork on the puppy and detailing of the clothes, wonderful wear and patina. Himotoshi (cord opening) goes through the back down to the bottom of the netsuke. Signed NAOKAZU on the bottom - for information on the artist see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 821...

19th century netsuke carved out of kurumi (natural walnut shell) with two panels depicting, respectively, 4 and 3 scholars around a low table heating up wine and food by the rocks under pine branches and moon among wispy clouds. Full moon and chrysanthemum design surrounding one himotoshi suggest otsukimi - a moon viewing party - traditionally held in September. Fabulous clever crisp carving, well captured quiet mood of the scenes, precisely carved diaper ground...

Large rinpa school painting depicted Deer. Painted with ink and pigments on a fan. Sealed...

A 19th Century embroidered tabako-ire with a dragon amidst water, the kanamono of silvered metal in shape of a dragon, and the kagamibuta with a dragon in silvered metal and an imitation ivory bowl.

A 19th Century embroidered tabako-ire with a flower pattern. The kagamibuta is carved with a figure.

This iron plaque is in a very good condition. Size: Approximately 2 inch (50mm)