This extraordinary vase is a truly Japanese expression of a classical Chinese form. Fashioned after cylindrical Song Dynasty pieces that are thought to have been introduced in the 9th century from Syria, the handles are of Chinese origin and represent the mythical "Chiwen" (Shichihoko in Japanese). This deity, typically depicted with the body of a carp, the head of a tiger, and the scales of a dragon, is believed to be a bringer of rain and a protector against fire...

Pair of early 19th century Japanese sword menuki depicting young Yoshitsune and Benkei at the Gojo bridge in Kyoto. For an account of this significant encounter see H. Joly LEGEND IN JAPANESE ART, p. 82. Do not photograph well. Shakudo body, silver inlaid highlights, in great condition. Length of Yoshitsune menuki is 1 inch.

This is a highly unique and rare antique Japanese dirk that dates back to the late Edo Period. It features an old Koto samurai tanto dagger blade with a signature inscribed on the tang. The signature is attributed to the swordsmith "Kaneyoshi" from Mino Province. The blade is from the early Muromachi period (Ouei era), which was approximately 600 years ago.

This dirk never has a crossguard and washers (seppa), and the mekugi-ana perfectly matches the mekugi...

A large Fukagawa porcelain 9 1/2 inch diameter centerpiece serving bowl. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt. Fuji mark inside the foot ring. This bowl, together with two other sizes of bowls we are offering separately in the same pattern, formed the traditional Japanese graduated bowl set. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition...

19th century wooden sashi netsuke made out of natural length of root wood. Elegant simple piece in Japanese taste, himotoshi by the top for hanging, extraordinary beautiful patina, great feel of age, excellent piece for a scholar’s desk. Length 6.25 inches.

It is a rare event to discover a chawan of oldest Oribe ware. Here we proudly present a fantastic Ao Oribe chawan from the Azushi-Momoyama Period.

Little distorted half cylinder shaped (tsutsu-gata) tea bowl with flaring mouth made of light, coarse, unrefined Mino clay.

The expertly thrown body is covered with typical green copper glaze inside and outside...

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...

This is a beautiful antique Japanese Imari bowl in excellent condition, no chips, hairlines, nor repairs.
The measurements of this bowl is 8 1/4 inches in diameter and 3 1/2 inches high and very solid (heavy). Signed.

Height: 4.7 cm (1.9 in)
Width: 4 cm (1.6 in)
Depth: 4.4 cm (1.8 in)

Fine wooden netsuke of a man sitting with a turtle between his feet; he is busy tying up the animal; quality carving throughout; good condition

18th century or earlier unsigned iron Japanese sword tsuba depicting four scholars and an attendant boy in a bamboo grove. Nicely designed piece with copper, bronze and silver inlays with gilding, old deterioration to both top and bottom part, but the design and detailing is there - see their faves and robe patterns. Great example of early work. Height 3.14 inches.

Here in Kyoto our gallery is located along the Kamo River in a district known as Shobu-en Machi, which roughly translates as “Iris Town.” As you can imagine, the scene depicted in this painting of irises and cranes is one that can be commonly witnessed in our neighborhood in the spring (May) when these flowers are in full bloom...

Antique Japanese small Kiri tansu from the Sakata region, with red lacquer top and sides and black lacquer front. Motifs of bamboo, pine, kiri leaves, and other floral imagery can be seen in the iron plates of each drawer. The bottom right corner houses an ornate lockbox with two small drawers inside. Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 33.25" L x 16" W x 21.5" H

19th century boxwood netsuke representing a Noh theater mask of an oni (mischievous demon). Excellent quality carving, wonderful face with a hint of malice, beautiful stippling indicating hair of its eyebrows and chip, superb wear and patina. Height 1 3/4 inches.

Beautiful Japanese Bonbori lanterns for hina dolls. Hand painted on silk and it is indeed one of a kind. The bonboris are placed on each side of the Emperor and Empress hina dolls during the Hina Matsuri Festival, Girl's Day, in March.

We have not seen this type of lantern until now. The silk is lifted here and there and detached from the frames with some deterioration (probably a reaction to the glue or metal). The amazing thing is how the original colors maintained without fading...

A large Japanese Meiji Period carved articulated bone/ivory model of a crayfish, with movable claws, feet, antenna and tail, the whole naturalistic-ally rendered, approx. 20 inches long with main antenna & 8in wide.

An antique Chobako (merchant storage box) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware and Urushi lacquer finish. Hinged door when opened reveals 6 drawers of varying sizes. In particular is one small drawer with ink stains that stored the inkstone...

A rare and unusual Arita dish made for export to the West decorated with the subject of a Chinese Lady and her attendant viewing Plum blossom. It is probably adapted from a Chinese transitional original. The dish measures 8.5 inches in diameter and is in good condition with cracks, chips or restoration, except for some light crazing to a portion of the reverse and some glaze skip along the rim. The dish dates to the period 1680-1700

19th century marine material netsuke of Hotei seated leaning on his bag , a boy in straw hat touching the sizeable belly of the monk. Hotei was supposedly a historical figure - a 10th century Chinese monk, who was very kind to children, and is worshipped as one of the 7 Gods of Good Fortune. Nicely carved, pleasant patina. Signed TOSHIKAZU on the bottom - the artist is listed in NETSUKE by Neil Davey (p. 543, number 3046). Length 2 inches.