An antique Japanese Kimono Tansu made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Four large drawers and two small drawers comprise this chest for versatile organizing and storage. Original patina and hand forged iron hardware with straight dovetail Japanese joinery with hardened wooden nail construction...

Antique Japanese 2 section isho tansu (clothing chest) from the Nihonmatsu area. Made with keyaki (elm) wood with dramatic grain and original deep reddish orange translucent lacquer finish. The chest is made up of four large drawers and a safe box in the lower right hand side which has two small drawers behind a locking safe door (with key). Lovely iron hardware includes warabite shaped drawer pulls, large lock plates with pine motif and elaborate cross bracing on the the safe door...

This extraordinary piece depicting two shishi guardian lions locked in playful combat, is done in fine white porcelain from the Arita region of Japan.

Guardian lions (alternately known as Shishi, Foo-dogs, or Koma-inu) were introduced to Japan in the 8th century and are often seen outside shrine gates or adorning rooftop shingles. When seen in pairs, one typically has its mouth open (the male) while the other’s is shut (the female)...

Small Japanese antique tansu for personal use, made all of kiri (paulownia) wood, 1 larger drawer along the top, 3 medium sized drawers down the left side, 3 smaller drawers of varying sizes down the right side, lots iron hardware including warabite shaped drawer pulls, lock plates on every drawer except the one smallest drawer, Meiji Period (1868-1912) Size: 17 1/2" high x 23 3/4" wide x 12 3/4" deep.

An antique pair of Japanese Fusuma doors made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Natural Urushi lacquer frame and hand painted design of Bamboo trees on one side and Pine trees with Bamboo on the opposite side. Bamboo symbolized tenacity and perseverance while the Pine tree represented a long life making these doors auspicious and full of good luck.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: Each 35 1/2" Wide by 71 1/2" High.

Antique Japanese tansu, made with beautiful all keyaki (elm) wood on the front including sliding panels and drawers of dramatic burl, iron hardware including round lock plates on drawers and warabite shaped drawer pulls, the top portion of the chest has a compartment covered by sliding panels, the lower portion of the chest has three drawers, Meiji Period. Size: 33 3/4" high x 34 1/2" wide x 19" deep.

Sublime ceramic Kannon statue of old Kutani-yaki made by one of the greatest potters, Aoki Mokubei. The statue is 200 years old and in great antique condition with only a small repair on the right hand with transparent lacquer and only one! tiny spot with peeling of glaze. The all over glaze is spectacular.

Aoki Mokubei (1767-1833 ) was born in the Gion district of Kyoto as Aoki Sahei...

An antique Japanese Chobako (merchant storage box) made of Kurinoki (Chestnut) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand made iron fittings including the Hirute drawer handles and the Warabite carrying handle. It features unique Cherry blossom escutcheons behind the drawer handles and a coin slot at the top that drops into the top left drawer. The other 5 drawers were used to safely keep small store valuables...

Late Edo Period Musha Ningyo of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. This wonderful example of high quality has an extraordinary presence, sumptuous brocades, gold lacquered armor, a spectacular helmet, and many other fine details. His face is gorgeously and masterfully carved with finely burnished gofun. Figure height: 20 inches (51cm), with arrows: 25 inches (63.5 cm). Excellent Condition.

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made of Urushi lacquer on Kuri (Chestnut) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute style handles. Featuring 4 drawers of varying sizes and a safety hinged door hiding two small drawers where valuables were kept.

Age: Meiji Era (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 24 3/8" Wide by 22" High by 12" Deep

An antique Japanese Mikuni Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Aka Matsu (Red Pine), Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original lacquer finish and hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles and full moon lock plates). Through mortise and tenon Japanese joinery and side ribs for strength and support. Lift-up side handles allow through a wood pole letting two persons carry the tansu from store to store...

Diptych—two chuban prints originally joined in an album depicting a scene from the Osaka Kabuki stage, issued ca. 1865

Yoshitaki was one of the best known designers of Osaka actor prints from the 1860s to 1880s.

Both signed Yoshitaki Ga in red cartouches, very good impression, color and overall condition, old album backing paper intact.

Each print size: 9 ¾ x 7 in.

Antique Japanese small zushi (traveling shrine). Red lacquer case opens to reveal the Buddha in the moment in which he attains parinirvana, dies and is released from the cycle of rebirth. Here he is recumbent on his side on an elongated lotus bed on a two tiered stand carved with blossoming branches and waves. The whole interior of the zushi is lacquered gold as is the Buddha while the lotus petals are delicately painted in colors with gold details...

Antique Japanese low Todana tansu with one large drawer and a compartment opened with sliding panels. Mostly made of Sakuranoki (Cherry) wood, the sliders have horizontal slats over Keyaki (Zelkova) wood panels. As well, the side panels of the tansu are also made of Keyaki. The sides and back of the tansu are reinforced with sakura wood bracing. Hardware includes iron Warabite drawer pulls and lock on sliding panels...

This signed Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Theater Mask of Tengu by the artist, Kogyo is an extraordinary example of the character, with its dramatic and spectacular face. The most fabulous one we have seen. This mask represents the mischievous Forest God seen in Kyogen plays performed between Noh Dramas. It is for the most discerning collector. Lacquer over wood with silk hair. 9 inches (23 cm)h x 6.5 inches (16.5 cm)w, 21 inches (53.5 cm)h with beard. Excellent Condition...

Japanese scrolled painting on silk by Kikuchi Yosai (1788-1878), also known as Kikuchi Takeyasu, depicting the sun rising behind Mount Horai. Signed in black ink at the lower left and with the artist's red Takeyasu seal below. A symbol for Japan, Mount Horai (Treasure Mountain) is a lofty mountain covered in pine, prunus, and bamboo on a mythical island of immortals in a distant sea. In the foreground swimming toward the rocky shore, a pair of tortoises whose backs are covered in seaweed, sym...

Fine Meiji Period (circa 1870) Bunraku Puppet of a Sambaso Dancer. This rare puppet is operated by three Puppet Masters, who make it come to life to present a magical theatrical experience. He is carved of wood and covered with Gofun. He wears a rich blue and red robe with white under robe, and his head is adorned with a gold and black velvet hat. An embroidery Crane graces his back. The bells on his feet sound when he dances. 35 inches (89cm) height.

Antique Edo age Japanese 100% kiri wood tansu. Beautiful example of an Early Edo age small tansu. Original condition and finish. Unique Iron hardware and locks complement the light color kiri wood. Locking drawers and swing out hinged door revealing three more small drawers. From the Kansai area in Japan near Kyoto. Original keys Edo Period (circa 1845) Dimensions: 27 1/2" Wide X 14" Deep X 20 1/4" High

Extremely rare Japanese antique usagi (rabbit or hare) mask for a Noh performance. Carved of wood and covered with gofun, a raised paste made from ground oyster shells. The surface of the usagi mask is carefully textured so that every hair is visible and some areas are polished from wear. The eyes of the hare are a pink color, similar to those of an albino snow rabbit.

Usagi is the creature most closely associated with the moon. The tale of how the hare came to inhabit the moon o...

Rare and beautiful Japanese antique kura tansu (storage chest), all keyaki (elm) wood front and framing, iron hardware, top portion has 3 drawers and lower portion has sliding panels with horizontal slats, bottom right interior has two small drawers also made of keyaki wood, deep brown translucent lacquer finish with wonderful patina, Edo Period. Size: 41 3/4" high x 38 3/4" wide x 21 1/4"deep.

An antique Japanese Ko Tansu (personal storage chest) made entirely of Suginoki (Cryptomeria) wood. Original wiped Urushi lacquer technique finish with original hand made iron hardware including Gumbai handles. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery with hardened wood nails.

Contemporary uses for this chest include making a lovely side table or a useful and functional bedside stand and cabinet.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 21 3/4" Wide x 22 1/2" High x ...

Japanese hirado ware porcelain figure of a tiger. With fully hand-carved fur pattern, whiskers, a wide grin with front fangs exposed. The tiger is glazed in white with the pupils of the eyes left buff. The four paws of the tiger have been hand-sculpted with the toes and claws on the bottom of the figure. The bottom and nostrils of the tiger are pierced through for air to escape during firing.

Published in:
"Hirado Ware, by C. Philip Cardeiro, pg. 75, published by Art Asia Muse...

One of a collection of three fantastic and rare, large Edo Period Iki masks, de-accessioned from the Musée Archéologique in Strasbourg, France during the mid-20th Century. These three are rare for their large size. They have never before been offered on the art market. The other two masks are posted on this site. Carved Poloma wood with gofun (oyster shell lacquer), glass eyes and human hair. 9 inches (23 cm) high x 8 inches (20 cm) wide.

Rare Japanese antique fune-dansu (merchant's ship safe), made of quartered sawn keyaki (elm) wood with burl on front exterior. Top portion has one large exterior drawer, bottom portion appears to have two hinged opening door but in fact only the right side opens on it's hinge. The panel on the left side has a false hinge and actually slides to the right to reveal two small interior drawers. The hinged door on the right side opens to reveal three small interior drawers and must be open befor...

Antique Japanese large moon handle basket for ikebana flower arranging. Split bamboo is twisted and woven into an openwork star pattern. Dramatic looping handle made of wide, layered split bamboo.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 16 1/2" high x 18" long x 11" wide

You have the rare opportunity to purchase a collection of three authentic and antique wood carving Buddha statues travel shrines. They are more than 200 years old. Each of the statues is inside a Japanese ZUSHI ( Lacquer at wood with brass ).

From right to left on the first photo:

1. Buddhist statue Vairocana DAINICHI-NYORAI

Size: Width 4.1 in : Length 3.1 in : Height 9.4 in : Weight 360 g

2. Buddhist statue Amitabha AMIDA-NYORAI

Size: Widt...

This is a superior Takeda ningyo (doll), an old Japanese theater doll which was most likely modeled after the character, Teiseiko from “Kokusenya-ya-Gassen.” It was a popular theater play in 18th to 19th century Japan. The setting of the play is during mid 17th century China towards the end of the Ming Dynasty. Teiseiko (also known as Watonai) was fighting the battle for the old dynasty. The play is based on a true story of "Teiseiko" who was born from a Chinese sea merchant and a Japanese...

A large pair of temple foxes carved from granite. The Inari foxes come complete with separate plinth bases. This pair of Kitsune (foxes) is finely rendered with ears pricked back, tail upright, with paws and hinds seated on its bases. The stone Imari foxes have bryophyte moss growth which is now dormant. The granite has a blackish grey ombre patina due to its age being left to oxidize in the elements.

Inari is a popular diety associated with foxes, rice, household wellbeing, business ...

Antique Japanese stone sekitō (pagoda) with three tiers. Made of granite and carved in 7 stacking pieces. The central square section is carved with a seated Buddha on four sides. The top spire is carved with 9 tiers between lotus petals. The surface has a beautiful patina and is covered with areas lichen and moss.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 75" high x 24 1/2" wide x 24 1/2" deep

An antique Japanese Buddhist temple ranma (transom) carved from Hinoki (Cypress) wood featuring symbols of Dharmachakra. Dharmachakra sometimes symbolizes Gautama Buddha himself. There are three wheels of life each framed with 8 spokes, representing the noble eightfold path with lotus blossoms in the center . Accentuated by kumo karakusa (arabesque clouds). Minor losses.

Age: Late Edo Period circa 1850s

Dimensions: 15 1/4" High x 60 3/4" Wide x 2 1/4" Deep

Chiseled wood sculpture representing a sitting hare.

In Japanese, the hare and the rabbit are designated by a single word: usagi. The hare occupies an important place in Japanese legends and superstitions. Like many other animals, it is supposed to reach a fabulous age and become blue at five hundred years old. In Far Eastern art, it is often depicted with the moon, an association that seems to have its raison d'être in an imaginary line that we want to see in this star...

This is a Meiji Period nicely carved netsuke depicting a Seated Hotei, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, the God of Contentment and Happiness, holding a fan on his right hand, and a gourd on his left hand. Very nice rounded functional form with a mellow patina. Signed Gyokuzan. Netsuke measures 1.82 inches (4.6cm) wide, 1.28 inches (3.2cm) deep, and 1.17 inches (3.0cm) tall. Netsuke is in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

Japanese antique large musha ningyo (samurai warrior doll) of the great epic hero, Minamoto no Yoshitsune. His handsome face is set in a determined expression, he is seated with sword and saihai (command baton). He wears a spiked helmut, armor and silk robe woven with dragons. Edo Period. Size: 26" high (to very tip of helmet)

Beautiful Japanese antique 2-section Keyaki isho tansu (chest on chest for clothing). Wonderfully dramatic kayaki (zelkova) grain on front. Enhanced by the Original finish in translucent lacquer. Black iron hardware including warabite shaped drawer pulls, safe box in lower right hand corner with 2 small interior drawers. Round iron lock plates with mixed metal raised motif of implements of the Lucky Gods. Original condition and finish. Early Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) . Size: 47 1/2" hig...

From a large collection of Edo period Nabeshima and Hirado-ware, this intricately crafted incense burner in the shape of a lantern features two intertwined dragons dancing around the base. Various parts of the lantern are painted with clouds, dragons, and arabesque designs, making for a unique and impactful composition.

Hirado wares—alternately known as Mikawachi wares in some contexts—are known throughout Japan and also abroad for their high quality and fine craftsmanship that ...

Roof tile with a "tomoe-mon", a crest of circular repeating commas in a whirlpool pattern. Fired clay, 19th century. Diameter: 4", Width: 3/4". The round tiles such as this line the bottom roof line, above the eaves. Commonly, the crest of the family or temple was depicted on these tiles. Historically, a center of roof tile production was the town of Ogi, in west-central Japan.