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 rare antique Sendai Tansu in 2 sections made of quartered sawn Keyaki (Zelkova) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware and natural Urushi lacquer finish. Lock plates feature a rare dragon motif with upper and lower drawer showing the dragon protecting a sacred Hoju. Warabite handles have incised scrolling detail. Hinged and keyed security door protects two small drawers. Beautiful original condition, ready to be enjoyed...

 

Late 1800s

This Satsuma ware tea caddy is made in the shape of a lacquer natsume tea caddy for use in the tea ceremony as a container for powdered green tea. This shape is given this name because it resembles a natsume plum. It is glazed overall with a finely crackled clear glaze showing the buff-colored clay body beneath. Overglaze enamels decorate the top and sides with open and closed fan designs. The interiors of both the lid and container are glazed as is also the base...

Very beautiful and rare large porcelain bowl with polychrome enamels with very finely made decorations of birds, florals and mountains, Fuji... The quality of production is remarkable and characteristic of Kyoto pieces where the decorations are made by the greatest craftsmen Satsuma vases in particular are the most sought after. This large cup has an unidentifiable stamp under the base. Diameter: 27,5cm height: 19cm.

Jizai okimono of an articulated hammered copper praying mantis.

The praying mantis (in Japanese, kamakiri) is considered an auspicious symbol.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912)
Height: 3.15 in / 8.5 cm – width: 3.94 in / 10.5 cm – depth: 4.72 in / 12.5 cm

19th century small wooden netsuke (works as ojime as well) carved as seated Zen Patriarch Daruma enveloped in his monastic robe. According to a legend he had fallen into deep trance, and sat meditating without moving for 9 years, so his feet withered. Skillfully carved out of ichii (yew wood) in characteristic Hida school style with clever use of wood color and structure to add to the charm of the piece. Nice patina, in great condition. Height 13/16 inches.

19th century small netsuke of theatrical mask of Okina (old man) used in Sambaso dance. Wonderful quality carving, great smiling face, expert staining, beautiful patina, in perfect condition. Signed RAKUTANI on the back - this rare artist is listed on p. 859 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 13/16 inches.

A Japanese sashi netsuke carved from stag antler, depicting the mythical Chinese fisherman Ashinaga with his long legs. Natural himotoshi (cord hole) between his right arm and chest. Condition: nice patina. Dimension: 13.5 cm long.

19th century Japanese bronze tea ceremony hibashi (long metal chopsticks for handling charcoal in hibachi brazier) with bronze working ends and handles covered in lacquered wood. These hibashi are for use in the winter time - summer ones are made entirely of metal. Finely made of bronze with high copper contents, beautiful lacquering with gold sunspots, superb patina, beautiful wear, pleasantly heavy. Length 10 inches.

A very interesting and well-carved figure-group (okimono) on a fitted base depicting the ox-herding boy and his ox loaded with fire wood in naturalistic style. The head, hands, feet of the body as well as the leash and the bundle of fire wood carried by the ox have been made from tinted ivory, as has the plaque with the artist’s name. The rest of the group has been made from a dense type and beautifully veined Oriental wood...

This is a finely carved boxwood netsuke depicting the Skeleton of the Buddhist Priest Danka beating on a Mokugyo, or Buddhist Temple Drum. Very nice detail and wonderful symmetry all throughout, rich patina. It sports a chimney himotoshi that begins on the bottom of the mokugyo, and continues around the spine of the skeleton. This is an unsigned and larger version of this popular Japanese legend...

Unusually large late 19th century wooden netsuke of a fish. Perfectly captured essence of the creature, pretty much actual fish size, beautifully carved fins, excellent rendition of its head. The material is sakura - cherry tree wood. Extraordinary done large inlaid convex eyes with dark and light horn and underlying gold foil producing superb live effect. Himotoshi goes through its mouth and under its cheeks, wonderful patina, very pleasant to hold. Superb sculpture...

Wonderful antique Japanese tea ceremony tray to serve sweets. Meiji Period c.1890 made of persimmons wood with rich patina and undulating edges. Inscripted on the tray in flowing japanese characters are the kanji reading 'sei ogi-zo' meaning realized sage and the maker's signature which we can't read. Excellent condition. c.1890. (15" x 7") (38cm x 18cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $35.

A rare antique Japanese choba biraki tansu (merchant's chest). Made of keyaki (zelkova elm) wood with burled wood on the front. The top portion of the chest has a large full-width drawer. On the right side is vertical row of four small drawers. Two hinged doors open to a shelf and two small interior drawers. And two medium sized drawers line the bottom of the chest. Hand forged iron hardware includes warabite handles, round lock plates and cross bracing on the doors...

Japanese female mask in the style of a Noh mask. This face may have been considered beautyiful many years back, but now it carries a heavy-duty insult to any ladies if they were to be called Otafuku-chan or Okame-san in Japanese. Otafuku-kaze is the mumps and there are popular snack beans called Otafuku-mame, shaped exactly like this face.

Otafuku simply means “much happiness”. Also known as Okame or Uzume, this face has been the symbol of good wishes for health and happiness...

An antique Japanese Chobako (small merchant chest) made of Keyaki Burl (Zelkova) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. Original and beautiful transparent Urushi lacquer finish showcases the underlying magnificent wood grain. Hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute handles on the 2 large drawers and the Hirute handle on the small security drawer. Minor sumi ink stains in the upper right drawer suggests that an inkstone and brushes were stored there for writing store records and receipts...

Antique Japanese rectangular box decorated with gold and silver dragonflies on a black lacquer ground. The lid is fastened on by a green chord. Inside is a removable tray lacquered with gold and silver crickets in wisps of golden grass. This box comes in a cedar tomobako.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 5 1/8" high x 7 3/4" long x 5 1/2" wide