The cabinet is solidly constructed with planks of resinous wood probably Hinoki (a variety of cypress), it is reinforced with artistically forged and cut fittings in the purest Japanese spirit, it has 3 locks which is exceptional, the main side with key, that of the upper part of the door also with key and secret sliding system and that of the lower part simply with secret system. This type of chest was used, it is said, by ship captains...

Rare maedate (frontal element of the Japanese helmet) representing a Ho-oh (phoenix). The bird is in cut, embossed and chiseled copper. Red oxide patina, gilding and silvering. Metal maedates are very rare and almost always made of iron. The most common, without much interest, are made of wood. This one is an exceptional model in terms of material, quality, interesting subject matter and the shape elegantly occupies the allocated space...

Suzuribako - Important model of urushi lacquer writing case from Japan, offering a rich decoration of a Kabuto and a sand on the top of the lid, on a hirameji lacquer background. Gold and silver lacquer with rare finesse of decoration. The interior offers a particularly remarkable scene, of two deer in autumn foliage. Takamaki-e and hiramaki-e. Dimensions: 4.6 cm x 21.3 cm x 23 cm. Japan Edo (1603-1868) early 18th century.

Stunning Inro on a gold nashiji background decorated in aokin, takamaki-e, kirigane and takazogan inlaid with mixed metals of a man standing on the roof of a thatched cottage and a young boy carrying a fruit basket looking towards the man . A two-part antler manju beautifully matching the inro is intricately decorated with coral ojime signed Jiyosai. H 9,8 cm.

Japanese antique black and gold lacquered kanban (shop sign). Decorated with unusually beautiful calligraphy advertising cosmetics with words like 艶 tsuya "luster/gloss/sheen" and 白粉 Oshiroi which literally means "white powder"; the powder foundation worn by kabuki actors and especially by geisha and their maiko apprentices...

Japanese Buddhist reliquary made of gilt bronze and crystal in a miniature lotus lantern or stupa form. The sarira, or human pearls, are delicately displayed in the central portion of the reliquary through a crystal cylinder. Two types of sarira are divided between two levels, with three smaller yellowish churira on top (originating from the liver) and two larger, whitish sharira (originating from the head) on the lower shelf...

A rare and unusual Japanese Keyaki burl choba tansu with original dark red translucent lacquer finish. The front of the chest has two hinged doors with hand forged iron fan lock plate, with two drawers below. When the chest is opened, it reveals a spacious interior with a large open compartment, a long top drawer and three smaller all burl wood drawers along the side.

Early Meiji period (1868 - 1912)

Dimensions: 25 1/2 x 15 x 25 3/4 h

A beautiful antique Japanese Sendai Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original Urushi lacquer finish and hand forged iron hardware including the Mokko handles. The lock plates feature a center design of the original owner's family crest with scrolling Peony buds that represents wealth and prosperity. The security door hides three smaller drawers that was used to keep valuables and important documents. Beautiful natural wood grain throughout...

Unusual Japanese two-section choba tansu (merchant's chest), made with Kiri (paulownia) front hardwood, Sugi (cedar) sides, and two large Keyaki (elm) sliding door panels with a roomy, shelved interior space. Each drawer opens with hirute style iron handles and a simple squared lock. Its sides are reinforced with horizontal slats.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 47.5" L x 16" W x 64" H

An elegant antique Hangai Tansu made of solid quartered sawn keyaki wood with hand forged square iron handles and elaborate key. Hangai is a clothing chest used on ships. It has a single drop-fit door. Keyaki wood has a beautiful wavy natural grain, a bright and calm color and strength. This Tansu comes with a key that unlocks the chest with 2 side locks to uncover two large drawers.

Date: Edo Period (1603 - 1868)

Dimensions: 32.5" long X 18.5" tall X 16.25" wide

An exceptional antique Japanese bowwood carved netsuke - the Yama Inu - a dog resting his paw on his masters scull. Protecting him in even past the point of death. Superstition related to the okuri(yama) inu are extremely old, and are found in all parts of Japan.
The meaning of the dog also speaks about patience, reliability, and obedience. It focuses on protection, guardianship, and service. The dog spirit animal is a noble animal...

Rare antique Japanese large kuruma tansu, wheeled storage chest. Made with keyaki (elm) wood on the front. The sides and back are reinforced with hinoki (Japanese cypress) slats. The upper portion of the chest has three full-width drawers held shut with a locking bar (bo). The lower portion has two medium sized drawers also held shut with another locking bar. On the lower right hand side is a safe box with a hinged door (with key) which opens to reveal 3 small interior drawers...

An antique Japanese Tohoku Todana Mizuya Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original wiped Urushi lacquer finish. With two sets of vertical ribbed sliding doors, the upper section has triple level storage and the bottom section has a split level storage separated by shelves...

Small Japanese antique jewelry box, decorated all over with scenes of tiny chrysanthemums made of gold and silver mixed metal inlay on a gold lacquer (kinji) ground. The tiny safe box door is hinged and opens to reveal a scene of a golden bird on a blossoming plum branch near a fence. This scene spans both the interior of the door and three tiny interior drawers. The blossoms are made of gold and silver lacquer and the ground is a lovely dense and fine nishiji (gold flecks)...

Excellent quality dark patina bronze okimono depicting the study of a powerful panther. The posture is engaging with the hind legs bent, tail curled upwards and the body in an oblique position. The jaws are wide open and show the animal's teeth, while the whiskers are in relief. The streaks of the fur are depicted in a masterly way and highlighted in a different patina even to the touch. The eyes are in gilded bronze which give the animal greater truthfulness and strength. This okimono ...

An antique pair of medium sized bronze Japanese temple lanterns each comprised of three sections with hinged door for access to the interior. Original beautiful patina consistant with age. Sturdy and overall great condition. Would do well inside or outside and could command a presence in any garden setting.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: Each 36 3/4" High by 14" Diameter

Hard porcelain dish decorated in underglaze cobalt blue. The scene represents a pavilion in a garden raised on the edge of a lake, several characters animate it. Probably scholars. The designs are artistically stylized in a very Japanese spirit. In the sky the clouds are drawn in a style typical of this period. The edge is glazed in brown. On the reverse appears the mark "Fuku". The quality is excellent, the blue is bright, the designs precise and the firing perfect. The style and quality are th...

Rare Kamakura Period Sculpture of a of a Nio Guardian King exhibiting power and fierceness. According to Japanese tradition, they traveled with the historical Buddha to protect him. Within the generally pacifist traditions of Buddhism, stories of Niō guardians like Kongōrikishi justified the use of physical force to protect cherished values and beliefs against evil. It is rare to find such an early example. Carved wood and lacquer with some imperfection and losses, as with most works ...