A fine little octagonal blue and white porcelain kakiemon style deep dish. Chocolate brown glazed rim, white body and clear glaze over cobalt blue decoration of a primitive, raised teahouse with loose thatch roof and slung entrance screen all under a large willow tree and, conspicuously, a spiderweb (perhaps to emphasize closeness to nature) in the foreground. The interior wall and rim decorated with repeating pattern and karakusa (scrolling vine and leaf)...

An antique Japanese Kasane Tansu made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood with a front Kakinoki (Persimmon) trim. All original hand forged iron hardware including the full moon lock plates and the Warabite style handles. Natural wood aged patina. Security door hides 2 small drawers where valuables were kept. Constructed using straight dovetail Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails. Can be used and displayed stacked or side by side...

DESCRIPTION: A tall Japanese Sumida Gawa (Sumida River) vase featuring two hand molded children in high relief. The rim and neck of the vase are covered in a rich, dark flambé glaze that runs down the shoulders onto the ribbed body. Each of the children are perched on a ledge above and below a large, flat vase. The child at the top puts something in, while at the bottom of their vase we see a crack where water pours out...

An antique Japanese Isho Biraki (Kimono chest with doors) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. Upper section opens to 4 removable Kimono trays, 2 Obi trays and 3 small accessory drawers. The bottom section has 3 large drawers for additional spacious storage of clothes. All original hardware and constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1920)

Dimensions: 37 1/4" Wide by 64 1/4" High by 17 3/4" Deep

Height: 21.5 cm (8.7 in)
Width: 10 cm (4 in)

Quality pair of Japanese hexagonal Satsuma vases; finely raised gilt decoration of individuals in rural settings; gilded diaper-work to the rims; marked on the base; good condition

Height: 2.9 cm (1.2 in)
Width: 2.9 cm (1.2 in)
Depth: 1.8 cm (0.8 in)

Fine Japanese ebony seal netsuke of a Shishi; intricate workmanship throughout; seal characters carved to base; excellent condition

Edo Era, circa 1850s-1860s, Japanese red lacquer over wood Japanese Bento Box in 5 sections. The exterior features Shibayama style of inlay on a red lacquer ground with the interior and underside being black lacquer. The Shibayama design has several types of stone inlays including MOP with branching, cherry blossoms, leaves, buds and rockery all done in raised work. The workmanship is very good...

Antique Japanese geta tansu (shoe storage chest). Made of sugi (cryptomeria) wood with marquetry of various woods on the front. The top sliders open to reveal a compartment with a shelf. The lower sliders open to a compartment with 2 shelves. On the right hand side is a compartment with a full height hinged door originally intended for storing umbrellas.

Age: Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 34 3/4" high x 28" wide x 14" deep

Antique Japanese bamboo walking stick. Carved with scenes of snakes chasing frogs. The frogs and snakes appear on the surface of the cane as if through holes in a tunnel. With details painted in ink and light colors. Signed by 吉明刀 Yoshiaki.

Taisho Period (1912-1926)

Dimensions: 36" long x 3/4" wide

19th century lacquered wood netsuke of a a grinning boy with a handled container, attributed to Sansho school. Great face, double inlaid eyes, expert lacquering, beautiful patina. Height 1.8 inches.

19th century netsuke of a Buddhist monk sawing off the horns of an oni (little mischievous demon) who is holding its hands in a praying attitude. The subject is Oni no Nembutsu - a demon who saw the light of Buddhist teachings and decided to become pious. Wonderful faces, great detailing, beautiful patina, very pleasant yellowing to the surface. Signed SHOKYUSAI on the bottom - the artist is listed on p. 969 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick...

A set of three nesting Japanese Imari porcelain bowls. Richly decorated and gilded, all 3 bowls are identical and are signed on the bottom. Dates circa 1875.
All three are in excellent condition and they measure:
Large bowl: 9.75 inches x 4.25" high
Medium bowl: 8.5" x 3.75"
Small bowl: 7.25" x 3.25"

A powder flask of a natural painted turtle and fitted boxwood nozzle and stopper cover. The skeletal shell of the turtle is smooth with a warm tone patina. The flask is attached by a silk chord to a piece of circular boxwood toggle that could be slipped into the belt. Mounted on a custom iron stand.

Edo Period 19th Century

Size: 3.25" L x 1" W x 5.25" H (10.5" H tip of bottle to end of string) (7" H on stand)

18th century netsuke of a reclining sarumawashi - traveling monkey showman - obliviously smiling in his sleep while his pet steals from a basket behind the back of its trainer. Unusually substantial and heavy, excellent carving capturing facial expressions of both characters. Classic design, differently sized deep himotoshi in accordance with the habit of the time, netsuke of triangular section characteristic for the period, old age lines...

The mouth of this vase opens like the thickly petaled chrysanthemum flower over a body decorated in thin blue with a roiling landscape of lakes and trees dotted with pavilions. It is an excellent example of the Hirado tradition in the 19th century. The vase is 14 cm (5-1/2 inches) diameter,28.8 cm (11-1/2 inches) tall and is in excellent condition.
The story of Hirado porcelain begins with the Matsura clan, who ruled over the Hirado domain during the Edo period (1603-1868)...

This is an 18th century Japanese netsuke depicting a sleeping Sarumawashi or monkey trainer, who is unaware that the monkey trainer that he carries on his back is about to steal food from the trainer's basket. Excellent carving with lively expressions. beautiful wear and mellow patina. Deep, uneven himotoshi, common of netsuke from this period. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.65 inches (42cm) wide, and 1.08 inches (2.7cm) tall. It is in excellent condition, with just a couple of age hairlines.

A well carved boxwood netsuke of a Noh theatre mask. Hand carved with a wonderful expressive face. Fine details show through the original finish and condition.

Meiji period (1868-1912), 19th Century

Size: 1.75" W 2.75" H x 1" thick

Height: 9.5 cm (3.8 in)
Width: 6.4 cm (2.5 in)

Quality Japanese Satsuma baluster vase by Kinkozan; shows bijin and kodomo involved in a rooster fight; the reverse panel shows individuals relaxing in a garden setting; all surrounded by raised gilt foliar scrolls over a blue ground; signed; good condition

DESCRIPTION: A large and attractive Sumida Gawa tankard with a red ribbed body, graceful handle, and high relief figures of two children. A traditional flowing flambe' glaze in dark brown and beige coats the top third of the mouth and handle. Fine attention to detail has been paid to the handmade figures of children standing on ledges against the ribbed, cold painted body...

Antique small Hirado ware figure of a tiger. Made of porcelain and glazed white with great detail especially in the fur. Hirado ware was first developed in the village of Mikawachi located in the area of Kyushu which was, along with neighboring islands, controlled by the Hirado daimyo. Initially Hirado ware was made exclusively for the daimyo's use. Later, Hirado ware found it's way west through Japan's trade with the Dutch East Indian Company...

This antique Japanese Edo Period c.1840 red bronze utsubata flower vase is actually a Japanese proverb, "Hyotan Kara Koma". Literally, 'a horse from a gourd' meaning "the unexpected can be wonderful". The base of the vase is a wisteria wrapped gourd with an old man climbing on it. It was made so his head can move. On the underside of the top vase is a horse in raised thick bronze. Gourds are regarded as a lucky charm in Japan. Beautiful patina. c.1840. (10" x 11") (26cm x 28cm). Ask for shipping...

Antique Japanese reclining black bull, wonderfully sculpted in Ceramic. Painted low-fire ceramic in good condition. Very heavy and charming. Great life like detail. Meiji Period (c. late 1800's). Size: 11" high x 23" long x 11" deep.

Quite rare Ca. 1900 zen buddhist temple bronze cloud gong. Two phoenix are in relief around the center sweet spot. Great condition. 13" wide and 11" tall. Ask for shipping quote from our CA warehouse.

Iron metal rod. Painted with ink on paper. Signed Seiki and sealed. It is a type of weapon, a thick iron rod with warts on it. In pictures of demons, it refers to the stick that demons are holding in their hands. In Japan, there is a saying, "Kanabo for demons". If you equip a strong demon with a powerful weapon, a metal rod, it will become even stronger. This is a parable about someone who is already strong and becomes even more powerful by having something added to them. It is also a parable ...

Mid-19th century wooden netsuke of a rat catcher trying to trap a rat on top of goban (Go board) with a box, but his charge escaping and climbing on the clothes of the man. Superb carving with great face, excellent rendition of his muscles. Beautiful patina, fantastic sheen to the surface, obvious wear. Signed MASAKATA on the bottom - the artist is listed on p. 706 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Strong piece, wonderful feel of age. Height 1.3 inch...

Antique Japanese blackwood netsuke carving of a Hanna Noh theatre mask, with piercing gilt eyes and teeth, pointed ears and two short horns. The Hannya (般若) mask is a mask used in Noh theater, representing a jealous female demon. It possesses two sharp bull-like horns, metallic eyes, and a leering mouth. The backside of the netsuke has a calligraphy inscription / signature.

Meiji period (1868-1912), 19th Century

Size: 2" H x 1.5" W x 1.25" thick

An antique Japanese rare Tanuki (badger dog) that originates from the famous kiln region of Shigaraki, Japan. It was made in an Oribe glaze and it is shown holding a sake bottle in its right hand and a burl wood walking staff in its left hand. It is artist signed on the back.

The Tanuki is a shape shifter turning into various objects or people causing it to get into mischief and often comical adventures. There are many childhood Japanese stories surrounding this creature often used to ...

Small bronze cannon of this type where made for shooting flaming arrows at ships, launching fireworks at festivals, and for signaling purposes. The example of cast bronze with a bore that is described as at the breach and the bore is reduced to a half round section to form a chamber for the powder mount for use. The gun would be imbedded into a wooded block such as the lower half of the barrel and the entire breach end is covered. Mounted on custom iron stand.

Meiji Period 19th Ce...

Bato Kannon Ca. 1870 (horse-headed Kannon, also called Mezu Kannon), hayagriiva in Sanskrit, is one shape of Bosatsu (Bodhisattva) worshipped in Buddhism. It is one of the transformations of Kannon Bosatsu (Kannon Bodhisattva) and is also included in Roku Kannon (six deities of mercy). It has fierce expression, which is rare for Kannon. Granite stone, age wear, hands in gassho prayer mudra. Ask for shipping quote.

19th century lacquered netsuke of an actor in a role of a shojo with fan and a ladle. Shojo are mythical creatures living near the sea, and are particularly fond of sake. Great face, superb rendition of Noh theater robe with gold lacquer and iridescent mother of pearl, characteristic red lacquer hair, in excellent condition. Signed SHUGYOKU (can also be read as Hidetama) on the bottom - the artist is discussed on p. 990 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarni...

Rather unusual decent size 19th century staghorn netsuke of a horse appearing from a dried gourd that has a rope tied around its waist. According to a Japanese legend Chokwaro sennin (Chinese sage) could summon the magic horse out of his gourd to be transported wherever he wanted. Cleverly and elegantly carved piece with great face, mane and front legs. Porous center of staghorn at the mouth of the gourd is plugged as is usual in those types of pieces, and plug is carved as a flower with inlaid ...

Tall Japanese sectional patinated bronze tripod censer, or incense burner, on a pedestal base decorated on the vertically ribbed body with a relief motif of birds perched on blossoming, leafy branches. The lid has a Buddhist lion-dog (shishi) finial and there is an elaborate animal mask form handle on each side. The base holds a square apochryphal Chinese Ming dynasty Xuande reign mark. Late 19th century. 19 1/2” high x about 10 1/2” diameter. Very good overall condition with an apparen...

A pair of large Japanese porcelain dishes, beautifully decorated in five colors: underglaze blue, overglaze black, -green, -aubergine, iron red and gold. Showing an asymetrical design of a courtesan with her servant under a cherry tree, the right side with flowers. The back with auspicious emblems, the base with spur marks and an underglaze blue apocryphal "Ming Jiajing" mark. Provenance: Swiss private collection. Dimension: diameter 27.5cm, 3.5 cm high. Condition: partial some wear tho the colo...

Wonderful Japanese cypress wood carving of Amida Buddha from the Edo Period c. 1860. The halo is delicately carved and remarkably intact. The serene expression of the face is of tranquil bliss. The stand is surrounded by lotus petals. The left hand has some finger damage. Ask for shipping quote. H:14" x W:7".

Superb Edo Period C.1860 bronze incense burner with silver repair on bottom. The incense burner rests on tripod legs with elephant head motif as well as two elephant handles with rings. The relief work on the rim is superb as well as the body relief. The best feature is the Edo Period repair with real silver on the bottom. Comes in original 'kiri' paulownia box. H:5" x Diameter: 9". Ask for shipping quote.

Chunky 18th century netsuke of a sitting shishi (Buddhist lion) with its front paws on a ball. Great early carving with excellent depiction of its curly hair and powerful face, eyes are inlaid with black horn. Beautiful patina and wear to the piece, old age lines, pleasantly heavy. Wonderful feel of age, very quiet serious netsuke. Height 1 7/8 inches.