A pottery tradition that harkens from the Mino region of Japan, Shino-yaki dates from the Azuchi Momoyama period. It came into fashion when first commissioned by renowned Muromachi cha-jin (tea masters) Shino Soushin. This is thought to be the first type of pottery in Japan to feature drawn paintings on the ceramic surface.

This attractive e-Shino bowl (“e” meaning picture) bears an abstract motif on a background of white feldspar...

A beautiful and delicate white porcelain composition with low-relief molded seashell design lining the inside. The overall condition of the bowl and several oxidation marks on the bottom suggest considerable age—at least several hundred years. The box lid bears the character “定” which can be translated as “truth” or “certainty.” The origin of this piece is unknown, though the previous owner regarded it as Chinese (Northern Song)...

Really important Ko-Karatsu (kogaratsu - oldest Karatsu ware made during the 16th century) Madara tea bowl with a yobitsugi repair of highest quality.

The bowl is a so called Madara Karatsu tea bowl (provenance is the legendary Hobashira-kiln) due to its typical cookie-like sandy clay and wonderful blue-purplish flecks.

But its true highlight is the perfect traditional yobitsugi restoration with a pure silver gintsugi (kintsugi)...

Antique Japanese Yumi set of six Hawk feather and arrow reed. These were used to shoot long distances before and after the introduction of firearms. Mounted on a custom stand for a stunning presentation.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size: 36.5" L each (on display 16.5" W x 4" D x 37.75" H)

The Japanese matchlock was introduced to the Japanese by the Portuguese during the Sengoku period. Originally called teppo, it was known as the name tanegashima where its origins was founded.
The tanegashima rifle where used by the samurai class and their foot solders (ashiguru) and within a few years of the introduction of the munition it completely altered Japanese warfare. This long rifle gun has an octagonal russet iron barrel with a flat sighting plain on top and a bore of 3/4”...

Introduced to Japan through the Portuguese in 1543. Intended for use by mounted samurai, these pistols where called horsemen cannon's (Bajo zutsu).
They proved however to be totally impractical weapons to fire, since the rider had to ignite a piece of chord to the lock, while aiming the chamber and at the same time controlling his moving horse. None the less, owning a pistol remained a symbol of a samurai family's power, rank, and wealth...

Of Steeply conical form with a bulbous top. This jingasa is constructed of hide and cloth, shaped in a mold, lacquered in reddish brown lacquer, with a gilt rising sun mon on the rounded apex.
The samurai class in feudal Japan, as well as their retainers and footsoldiers (ashigaru), used several types of jingasa made from iron, copper, wood, paper, bamboo, or leather...

The netsuke is made in the shape of a matchlock pistol. It is composed of different material such as wood, brass, and iron. Constructed during the Meiji period for export to the European market. Mounted on a custom iron stand.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size: 3.75" L x 1" W x 1.5" H
(4.75" H on stand)

Unusual original Japanese flint lighter netsuke. Constructed of iron and brass, this piece would have been used to create a steady fame in less then perfect conditions. The striker would create contact friction and create a spark igniting the fuel source. Firearms at this time required a flame in order to ignite the fuse. Original russet patina with all parts still intact.

Edo period (1603-1868)

Size: 2" L x 1" W x 1.5" H

Antique Japanese isho tansu (clothing chest) from the Sendai area, made with all Keyaki (elm) wood front with dramatic grain and translucent lacquer finish, elaborate thick iron hardware including moko shaped drawer pulls and ornate raised scrolling vine lock plates with floral mon, large drawer on top, three shorter drawers, two small drawers and a safebox on its right side, which also has ornate iron lotus mon and opens with a ring pull...

A functionary yumi rattan bow string holder is an essential munition of an archer. Material is wooven rattan in spool shape used to wrap sinew string, strapped with leather and horn. The horn contains powdered rosin used as dry lubrication. Mounted on a custom iron stand.

19th Century

Size: 9" L x 4.5" W x 1.5" D (12.5" H on stand)

The mask is of dark brown russet lacquer finish and the interior is smoothed lacquered red. The high jaw his two protrusion hooks for strapping the cords, underneath the chin is a vent hole. The mask is fitted with yodare kare of three row of false scale lace and blue silk.

19th Century Edo Period

Size: 6.75" L x 3" W x 8.5" H (12.5" H on stand)

With a sturdy foot firmly grounded, the upper rim of this piece rises and falls, somewhat reminiscent of a mountain path. Combined with the plum blossoms floating on the white background, these elements together suggest balance and harmony.

Oribe is a visual style named after the late-16th-century tea master Furuta Oribe (1544-1615)...

Antique Japanese Funa Tansu (ship safe chest) in original red lacquer Urushi finish. With heavy black iron fittings, a top handle for carrying. The front hinged door plated in iron, incised with Kiri leaf and peony designs, the side lock incised with mushrooms. The interior holds five drawers of varying size with pull handles. Included with a copy of antique certification from Oct. 17 1973.

Late Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 13" W x 16.5" D x 15" H

Antique Japanese two-section gifu choba tansu (accountant's chest) made with Hinoki (cypress) and Sugi (cedar) wood. The top section has two sliding doors with slats, and an open compartment inside with two drawers. The bottom section has an open storage compartment behind another pair of sliding doors, with five drawers and a lock safe.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 33" L x 14.25" W x 55" H

In our opinion this is the best Iga Vase, we have ever seen. Massive and intentionally distorted Vase of wonderful native Iga clay. The vase is 3300 g heavy and has a height of 8,1'' and a width of 7,1'', which is very tall for an antique Iga vase.

The vase was made between 1800 - 1850 during the later Edo Period and is in good antique condition. No repairs. Only an untimportant chip on the bottom caused during the process of firing. The vase comes with an old wooden box...

A dish of auspicious shuronagata, hemp palm form, decorated in gilt outlined enamels with Bamboo and Prunus, emblematic of the season of Spring and the New Year. The reverse decorated with three pairs of ribbon tied shippo, and a six character reign mark for the Chinese Emperor Chenghua. The base of the dish supported by set of 4 spur marks distributed in a Y shaped form. The dish was probably produced at the Kakiemon kiln in the Nangawara valley...

A dish of auspicious shuronagata, hemp palm form, decorated in gilt outlined enamels with Bamboo and Prunus, emblematic of the season of Spring and the New Year. The reverse decorated with three pairs of ribbon tied shippo, and a six character reign mark for the Chinese Emperor Chenghua. The base of the dish supported by set of 4 spur marks distributed in a Y shaped form. The dish was probably produced at the Kakiemon kiln in the Nangawara valley...

Antique Japanese woven bamboo traveling basket/trunk, with iron side handles and locks, an iron hinged top, lined in old light blue paper.

Size: 26" L x 16.5" W x 13" H

Japanese woodblock print of two beautiful ladies at the ocean, with a basket full of shells they've collected. With calligraphy in right margin.

Size: 7.25" W x 9.5" H (artwork only)

Futonji made of hand-spun cotton with tsutsugaki orizuru (origami crane) motif and dyed with natural indigo. It has green color lining which is also hand-spun cotton and dyed with natural indigo and yellow color. In excellent condition except for a hole near hem in the indigo cover, indigo faded parts and some holes in the green lining. Late 19th to early 20th century. 158cm x 188cm

A lovely Shino tea bowl fashioned from coarse Mino clay and covered in a crackled feldspar glazing. The front of the bowl is decorated with paintings of abstract foliage—possibly the lilting leaves of a willow tree—and the base of the bowl is unglazed, displaying rough clay. The paintings, which are applied using a ferrous glaze, along with the han-zutsu shape (half cylinder) are very typical of this type of Shino-ware. This particular piece appears to date from early to mid-Edo, has an inte...

Antique Japanese golden bamboo usubata (flower arranging vase) shaped and grown naturally into its wonderful twisting form, with a short bamboo insert.

Taisho period (1912-1926)

Size: 7" x 4" x 11" H

Antique Japanese bronze temple bell, or "bonsho", with a handle of dragon heads called a ryuzu, protrusions called "chi chi" or "nyu" to improve resonance of sound, the "tsuki-za" striking panels, and the "mei-bun" inscription of the bell's history.

Bonshō (Japanese: 梵鐘, Buddhist bells), also known as tsurigane (釣り鐘, hanging bells) or ōgane (大鐘, great bells) are large bells found in Buddhist temples throughout Japan, used to...

This is Tsutsugaki Yogi having the biggest lobster for Edo period. The bold lobster pattern of Edo period has three-dimensional movement of Edo period. As for this, the lobster which was greatly drawn on the good-quality Hanada-colored basic center is impressive at all. You can know the characteristic of three-dimensional movement of Tsutsugaki immediately for Edo period by watching this item. As for this, cotton is spun by hand and has a good texture. This was used in a very rich merchant's fam...

Antique Japanese cha tansu (tea display cabinet), fully carved all from boxwood, with motifs of various flowers such as peony and chrysanthemum, cranes, phoenixes, sparrows, and other small birds with clouds, carved branch "pillar" with cascades cherry blossoms, a highly ornate export furniture piece.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 37" L x 14.5" W x 57.25" H

A Myochin iron forged Jizai Okimono articulated spiny lobster. Each iron plate is carefully reppouse hammered iron creating a natural realism representing the spiny lobster. The amount of fine detail that goes into this piece is equal to that of one of his most well known helmets. The lobster is fully splayed on a well mounted bronze stand.
All ten legs and long antenna and articulated with multiple joints on each leg. Exquisitely crafted, showing off a very high skill of the metal w...

This is Yogi used in a rich merchant's family of Akita for Edo period. This is drawn in good-quality Tsutsugaki. As for this, a Chinese phoenix drawn boldly is very impressive. It is very elegant. As for this, cotton is spun by hand and is thick. As for this, cotton cloth of the lining is dyed into deep green. Good-quality Tsutsugaki often uses it to lining. This does not have a stain and damage. The state is good. Size 182cm x 172cm (71 "x 67.7")

A Silver Wire Hayashi Kodenji Style Cloisonne Vase. With panels of dragons and of phoenix on a mica flecked ground. Japanese Meiji. Height: 7 1/16″ (18.0 cm). Condition: excellent.

Japanese tall hardwood vanity room mirror, with curved scroll feet, lower carved panel with flora and Japanese characters.

Taisho period (1912-1925)

Size: 20.5" L x 12" W x 48.5" H

This is a very fine and highly decorated cloisonne vase from Ota. I has 6 different panels and loads of detail and colorful scroll work. The hardwood (Rosewood or Mahogany) stand is old an is included with the vase. The vase stands 6 inches tall and is in excellent condition.

Antique Japanese bronze temple bell known as a "bonsho", with a handle of dragon heads called a ryuzu. Protrusions called "chi chi" or "nyu" to improve resonance of sound, the "tsuki-za" striking panels, with lotus shaped "tsukiza".

Bonshō (Japanese: 梵鐘, Buddhist bells), also known as tsurigane (釣り鐘, hanging bells) or ōgane (大鐘, great bells) are large bells found in Buddhist temples throughout Japan, used to summon the monks...

Antique Japanese bronze temple bell, or "bonsho", with a handle of dragon heads called a ryuzu, protrusions called "chi chi" or "nyu" to improve resonance of sound, the "tsuki-za" striking panels, and the "mei-bun" inscription of the bell's history.

BonshÅ (Japanese: 梵é˜, Buddhist bells), also known as tsurigane (釣りé˜, hanging bells) or Ågane (大é˜, great bells) are large bells found in Buddhist temples throughout Japan, used to summon the monks to prayer...

Unusual and original antique Japanese cast iron zen panel gong, or "umpan" meaning "cloud plate", usually hung outside of the kitchen area. Stylized decorations on the front include characters meaning both "sun" and "moon", a lucky bat, gourd medicine bottles, and lotus petals.

Mid to Late 18th century

Size: 25" W x .75" D x 26.5" H

Antique Japanese gifu tansu (accountant's chest) made with Hinoki (cypress) wood front and Sugi (cedar) wood sides. Fantastic detailing with many storage compartments of various size and bracing on its sides.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 36" L x 19" W x 38.5" H

Antique Japanese woven ikebana basket, for artistic arrangements of flowers. Tall, of a gourd form, with metal insert and tightly woven with varying size and texture of bamboo.

Size: 24" H x 12" W