One of the most prominent potters of the Meiji period and one of only five to ever be appointed as Imperial Court Artist, the name Tozan is synonymous with fine porcelains including: Kyo-style tea and sake-wares, pieces for the western export market, distinctively home-grown Japanese motifs, and expertly crafted Chinese-style pieces such as the one seen here...

Okutani Shuseki (1871-1936) was born in Osaka and lived in Kyoto for most of his life. His artistic lineage is among the very best. He, along with Yamamoto Shunkyo and others, studied under Mori Kansai, who was the pupil and adopted son-in-law of Mori Tetsuzan, who was one of Maruyama Okyo's best pupils. Like all painters of the Mori family school, Shuseki's nature paintings are remarkable for their unsentimental naturalism, showing his keen interest in the essence of nature...

Futonji (bedding) with tsutsugaki phoenix and paulownia tree design which is made of hand-spun cotton and vegetable indigo dye and colored with pigments. Phoenix is an imaginary and sacred bird by Chinese lore which perches on paulownia tree and eats fruits of bamboo. Tsutsugaki technique is excellent with fine freehand line. In excellent condition. Meiji period. 134cm x 162cm

Antique Japanese large oribe bowl with cream crackle glaze, short basket style handles with bright blue-green glaze dripping down the sides of the bowl, designs of wavy lines and dots along the rim, bold floral patterns on the interior, swirling pattern on the foot. A truly beautiful piece. 19th century. All original condition. Size: 7.25" height, 15.5" width

Antique Japanese pair of hardwood hibachi lamps, adorned with beautiful motifs of grape leaves in gilt makie lacquer and inlay. Bold natural keyaki hardwood woodgrain. Meiji age (1868-1912)

Size: 13" W x 28" H

Antique Japanese ikebana basket, for display of flower arrangements. The piece is all hand-woven with bamboo with a wide rounded mouth, and squared base. The handle is made with braided thin sections of bamboo, secured at the sides with knots. The basket interior holds a striped bamboo vase.

Dimensions: 8" x 17.5" H

Antique Japanese bronze lantern with "braid" and crosshatch style sides, a hinged door with locking latch, roof style top, and sitting on four legs. Great patina. Size: 12" height, 10,5" width

Antique Japanese takeda ningyo doll of general Yoshitsume Minamoto of the Minamoto clan (born 1159, died 1189). He is considered to be one of the most famous samurai in all of Japanese history. He fought alongside his brothers Yoritomo and Noriyori in the Genpei War against the Taira clan, but would later be defeated at the Battle of Koromo in 1189. The doll is posed gracefully with a scowling expression, dressed in gold, blue, and green silk robes, with his sword at his hip...

Antique Japanese two-panel gold leaf screen with elegant, simplistic landscape scenes in black, with calligraphy and artist's signature. Unusual small size, very charming. Edo Period (circa 1800's). Size: 65" L, 11" H

Antique Japanese book of 34 various woodblock prints. Each page vividly depicts a story, with bright color and exciting subjects. The outside is covered in brick red fabric with flowers. Size: 13.5" x 9" x .75"

An antique Japanese Ranma (transom) made of Akita Sugi (northern Japan Cryptomeria) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. The frame was finished in a black Urushi lacquer while the design was hand carved in relief on both sides. It depicts a scene of a male and female flying crane (each symbolizing 1,000 years of long life and together symbolizing a harmonious partnership) gliding through a forest of gnarly pine trees (symbolizing longevity)...

The Japanese samurai dolls are part of the display used for Boy’s Day on every 5th of May in Japan. The dolls are the figures of historical heroes or legendary people to inspire the boys in the family (probably husbands are also included today) in their manliness and hopefully discipline and bravery to go with them. Samurai’s Yoroi armor, Kabuto helmet with swords, bow with arrows are popular items chosen today for the day.

Very large doll for this kind...

Japanese Kesa, Buddhist Priests' Robe, soft brocades with silk liner. The liner has some discoloration and is soiled. 46" x 77 1/2"

Japanese 4 panel byobu folding screen painting of a tall tree branch with ripe persimmons against a gold leaf ground. With artist's signature and red chop.

Dimensions: 72" L x 36" H

A very interesting ceremonial tea bowl produced by one of the oldest generational potting families in Kyoto. In excellent condition with one fine gold repair along the rim; apart from its obvious beauty, this piece is interesting as a conversation piece for its involvement of two generations of Eiraku, a Head Tea Master of Urasenke, and a former Head Priest of Daitokuji...

Antique Japanese black lacquered cha tansu (tea display cabinet) with fabulous, intricate inlay designs of temple scenes, peacocks, and floral motifs. From the southernmost Japanese island known as Ryukyu.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 31.75" L x 12.5" W x 34.5" H

Japanese half section Mizuya or kitchen buffet tansu. Constructed of Hinoki (cypress) and Sugi (cedar) wood. The piece opens by two large front sliding panels to the large interior with 2 recessed shelves. The sides of the chest have horizontal bracing slats for reinforcement.

Dimensions: 69 1/4" L x 19 1/2" D x 32 1/4" H

Antique Japanese unusual kiri wood (paulownia) tansu with original honey finish, two front doors with decorative iron hardware incised with heart designs. The interior houses ten drawers of varying size opened by hirute style handles complimenting the gorgeous natural woodgrain. Custom iron stand included. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912). Original finish and condition. Very useful storage. Size: 22.5" H (29" H on stand) 26.5" L x 16.75" D