Menuki is a kind of metal fitting of the Japanese sword, which was initially put into the hole of the handle. The meaning of menuki varies depending on the design, but they often symbolize strength, power, and courage. Some menuki also have more specific meanings, such as those that depict animals like tigers or dragons...

A kozuka is a handle of a by-knife that is part of a sword mounting. It is kept in a slot on the reverse of a katana scabbard, often with a matching kōgai (hairdressing tool). Kozuka was used as a craft knife rather than a weapon. This kozuka shows two topless figures and a octopus. It made of bronze and copper-gold alloy (shakudo). Size: 3.75 inches (9.5cm)

Gorgeous Awata cereamic 'suiban' or flower vase by 'Tozan, Ca. 1930 with original box. perfect condition. 11" wide and 8" deep x 3" tall. Ask for shipping quote.

Bronze incense burner with brown patina with shibuishi inlays. Composed of an enormous wave or a dragon also in shibuishi emerging from the waves holds the sacred pearl in its claws. The sphere cover grip represents a tengu also holding a sacred pearl in one paw. The base of the wave is decorated with small crabs and octopuses. Period: Meiji (1868-1912). Height: 51 cm.

19th century netsuke of a man with a horn on his head, bent under the weight of a richly dressed woman on his back. The subject of the netsuke is Ikkaku Sennin (single horn Sage), a supernatural being born of a doe. According to a Japanese legend, he grew angry with the Rain Dragons and sealed them away in a cave, causing a drought. Beautiful Indian princess Sendarama was sent to tempt him and when he yielded to her, he lost his magical powers, and the rain returned...

18th century stag antler netsuke of Kan no Koso with a long sword in one hand and a severed head of the slain dragon in the other. Kan no Koso is the Japanese name for Liu Bang, the founder and first emperor (Gaozu) of the Han Dynasty. Very strong early carving, great depiction of of his severe face, graceful flow to the lines of his robe, superb wear and patina...

19th century wooden netsuke of Shoki the Demon Queller getting foot massage from an oni. Rather unusual subject, very nicely carved out of dense sakura wood with beautiful color and patina. Wonderful faces, eyes are inlaid with metal, in great condition. Length 1.36 inches.

Japanese Silver and Gold Helmet Presentation Bonbonniere Box by Miyamoto Shoko

It is 2.95 inches (7.5 cm) tall by 2.95 inches (7.5 cm) wide. It is 92.5 gram.

It is tarnished and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

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1900's Japanese Makuzu Kozan Studio Censer with Dear

It is 4.7 inches (12 cm) tall by 4.4 inches (11.2 cm) wide. It is 0.9 Lb.

It has surface wears (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of the amount you originally paid...

On a fundame lacquer base, the decoration, on one side, black and red, of a rooster, hen and chicks under bamboo with the sea in the background and on the other side a fisherman's hut by the sea in front of the imposing presence of Mount Fuji. The lacquer work is particularly subtle in hira and taka maki-e. The interior of the compartments is nashiji lacquer. The ojime is made of malachite. Signed: Nikkosai. Height: 8.4 cm.

Antique Japanese Butsudan, Buddhist shrine for a home. This butsudan is in two sections. The top section has four folding doors that open to a shrine interior: An multilevel altar with carved details, gold leafed silk and columns. There is a small storage compartment closed by carved sliding panels. The bottom section has two storage drawers...

Antique Japanese tansu with original deep-red lacquer finish. The top portion of the chest has three full-width drawers and locking bar. The lower portion of the chest has two medium sized drawers with a locking bar on the left hand side, a safe box on the right. The safe box door has heavy iron work and opens to reveal 3 small interior drawers. Other iron hardware includes warabite drawer pulls, extensive corner bracing and handles for carrying...

Early 19th century boxwood netsuke of yamabushi - wandering warrior priest recognizable by tokin (skull cap) on his head - sitting inside a huge shell made into a trumpet, and blowing into yet another trumpet shell. Usually for this subject the person in the shell is considered to be Benkei. Horagai - (trumpet shell - Charonia Tritonis) were often fitted with a mouthpiece on the thin end, and used as war trumpets...

19th century ichii (yew wood) netsuke of a resting wild boar, its feet tucked beneath it, head raised. Netsuke is skillfully carved by the master of the Hida school in characteristic ittobori (one cut) style with clever use of wood texture to represent the creature’s fur and add to charm of the piece. For similar examples see Bushell’s NETSUKE FAMILIAR AND UNFAMILIAR, p. 128. Excellent rendition of facial expression, wonderful mellow patina...

Early 19th century boxwood netsuke in a shape of a hexagonal ema plaque with low relief carving of a horse galloping among flowers. In some early Shinto traditions of Japan, horses were seen as carrying messages from the kami (spirits or gods), and were usually used to transmit requests during droughts or famines. Ema (literally “picture-horse’) are small wooden plaques with painted images, they are commonly sold in Shinto shrines, and on which worshippers write prayers or wishes...

19th century netsuke of Hotei wading through a swirling water as he carries a boy in a woven straw high rain hat on his back...

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 ...

19th century lacquered boxwood netsuke of a horagai - a trumpet shell (Charonia Tritonis). These shells in Japan were often fitted with a mouthpiece on the thin end, and used as war trumpets. Beautifully carved netsuke in Japanese taste, muted lacquer colors with some wear exposing the wood underneath, tiny chipped areas along the ridge of the shell, excellent feel of age to the piece. Length 2.42 inches.

Girl's hanten worn at the festival or ceremony with the girl's name "Kimiko" in front. Itis made of hand-spun cotton and cotton lining with katazome (stencil-resist-dye) crane motif. In excellent condition except for two tiny holes in front. Late 19th to early 20th century. W:73cm, L:53cm

Two pairs of fireman's gloves made of cotton and hand-stitched sashiko. Long ones are used but in good condition. Short one look almost new. The second half of the 19th century. Long gloves L:40cm, W:17cm. Short gloves L:24cm, W:14cm

Tosa school painting depicted a pair of crane with turtle. Painted with ink and pigments on silk. Signed and sealed.

Tosa Mitsuzane was a Japanese artist active during late Edo period(1603-1868) in Japan. He was the eldest son of Tosa Mitsusada (1738-1806). After his father’s death, Mitsuzane succeeded his father’s position retained artist by the Tokugawa shogunate. He worked on wall paintings at Edo castle.

The Tosa school is one of the schools of Japanese painting along with t...

Bird and Flower. Painted with ink and pigments on silk. Signed Ohshin and sealed. It is attributed to Maruyama Oshin (1790-1838).

Maruyama Oshin (1790-1838) was a son of Oju, the grand son of Okyo, who was adopted into the main branch of the family in order to devote himself to painting and eventually become the family's next head. He was excelled at various subject of paintings such as bird and flower, figure and landscape.

Maruyama-ha is a school of painting founded in Kyoto duri...

Plum Tree. Painted with ink on paper. Signed and sealed.

The piece has been restored and remounted, so some traces of restoration are present, otherwise it is in excellent condition. It is accompanied by a paulownia wood storage box, which is slightly damaged.

Painting: W8 5/8” x H37 3/8” (W22cm x H95cm)
Scroll: W13 5/8”x H67 3/4” (W34.5cm x H172cm)

Antique Japanese finely woven ikebana basket with tall handle. Tightly woven with very thin strips of split bamboo and intricate knot work. Formal, even shape. Signed by the artist.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 19 3/4" high x 10" wide x 9" deep

Antique Japanese ikebana (flower arranging) basket made of split bamboo. Bold pattern with root wood handle wrapped in strips of bamboo. Subtle variegated coloring and patina.

Age: Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 17" high x 11" wide

Unusually sculptural 19th century good size netsuke of 2 shishi fighting over a hollow pierced ball. Extraordinary carving with superb detailing and volume - see their faces, powerful paws and muscular limbs, tufts of hair and long bushy tails. Expert staining, beautiful patina, very pleasant to the touch. Equally exceptional when viewed from the back. Formerly in the collection of Scott Meredith - see Barry Davies 1995 catalog 100 SELECTED PIECES FROM THE NETSUKE COLLECTION OF SCOTT MEREDITH, #...

19th century netsuke of a kneeling boy holding a theatrical mask of Hyottoko (perplexed peasant) above a paper pinwheel on a stick. Extraordinary portrait quality face with a slight smile, superb carved textile patterns on his robe, clever use of ink to highlight his hair. Beautifully carved knot on his back, wonderful patina and wear. Signed on the bottom SHORAKU - the artist is Ono Shoraku, discussed on p. 972 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Leng...

19th century netsuke depicting a group of three turtles - one large, and two smaller ones climbing on its back. Superb quality work, stained dark brown with natural color showing on the carapace of one of them, beautiful patina. Serious classic netsuke in excellent condition. Length 1.34 inches.

Oni mask in dark brown patina lacquered wood with finely sculpted details. The expression of the mask, although funny, is imbued with a slight fear, creating a balance between the comical and the disturbing. The painted glass eyes add a magnetic depth. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 7 cm. State of conservation: Very good

A beautiful set of three hanging scroll painting depicted bird and flower in Autumn and Spring, and one of the seven lucky gods "Fukurokujyu", who bestows good fortune, wealth, and longevity. Signed and sealed. The signature reads tosa no kami(official court rank) Tosa no kami (a governor of Tosa Province)) fujiwara mitsusada.

Fujiwara Mitsusada (1738-1806) also known as Tosa Mitsusada was born as the second son of Tosa Mitsuyoshi. In 1754 he was retained as a court painter. In the 1760 h...

Exceptional wabi sabi paulownia wood ikebana tea ceremony flower vase with copper inset and bronze hand made chains. Ca. 1930. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote. 14" long x 4 1/2" wide x 3 1/2 " deep. Hangs from 3 chains. Ask for shipping quote.

Tall and slender vase of heishi-shape made of fine, light brown stoneware, covered in a multi color purple flambé glaze. Over this in mostly white enamel a scene is painted of a large, partially deconstructed/built up skeleton, tied to sticks, and a host of small skeletons dancing and running around it between small clouds of gold dots.

The shoulder of the vase decorated in blue, white and greenish enamels and gold with leaf-like shapes, meandering lines and dots.

Unsigned. Japan, ...

19th century or earlier Japanese sword set of fuchi (bordering piece between the sword guard and the handle) and kashira (metal pommel at the end of the hilt of a sword) with bronze body and multimetal decoration of pine groves and a crane in flight on the background of Mount Fuji with snow capped summit and wispy clouds. Excellent sharp quality work, gold and silver inlays, in great condition. Kashira length 1.37 inches, fuchi length 1.5 inches.

19th century or earlier Japanese sword set of fuchi (bordering piece between the sword guard and the handle) and kashira (metal pommel at the end of the hilt of a sword) with design of geese in flight over fishing boats with woven roofs and oars moored among reeds in the marshes. Excellent set in Japanese taste with wonderfully captured mood of autumnal melancholy. Very well made, some wear to gilding. Kashira length 1.41 inches, fuchi length 1.48 inches.

19th century or earlier Japanese sword set of fuchi (bordering piece between the sword guard and the handle) and kashira (metal pommel at the end of the hilt of a sword) with design of flowering prunus branches issuing from an old tree stump. Silver inlays and gilding (wear), finely textured ground called nanako, which means “fish-eggs” as it resembles fine rows of caviar. Kashira length 1.32 inches, fuchi length 1.5 inches.

19th century or earlier Japanese sword kashira (metal pommel at the end of the hilt of a sword) with gilded decoration of samurai crests of paulownia leaves. Well made, finely textured ground called nanako, which means “fish-eggs” as it resembles fine rows of caviar, wear as can be seen on photos. Length 1.32 inches.