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. The subject is a wonderful mitate (humorous reference) to Ikkaku Sennin crossing a stream with the Lady of Benares. Nicely carved, wonderful smiling faces, beautifully rendered robe lines and incised textile patterns, wear consistent with age, great patina. Signed TOMOYUKI on the bottom - the artist is listed on p...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...