Japanese small and exquisite Satsuma ware censer, unusual double gourd shape with two handles and three feet, lid with delightful fu-dog finial, one side is decorated with two scenes from 100 Rakans (Buddhist saints), the other side is decorated with two scenes of beautiful ladies, everything else is covered with tiny designs in gold, beautiful condition, Taisho Period, 6 character kanji says: Satsuma yaki, Suigetsu ga. (trans: Satsuma Ware painted by Suigetsu). Size: 5" high

The size of Plate: 7 1/4" Dia x 1 1/4" High. Fine quality Japanese Ko Imari Porcelain Plate. The plate has three section window divided by Gold and red Karakusa design. There is Crane design in circle. Well control Yoroke design in gold green lavender colors. Window has Japanese flower in enamel work and butterfly. The center of plate with blue underglaze landscape design accented with gold. Well done plate. The shape and also the glazing is fine quality porcelain body...

Two matching Imari dishes or plates, circa 1880. Dishes measure 8 1/2" in diameter X 1 1/4 " high. Condition: The condition of both dishes is excellent. Free shipping within the USA.

This Japanese walrus tusk carving of a young maiden is a late-19th century or early 20th century product. It is 7 ¼” high (8 7/8” high with wood base) and 2 ¾” wide. It depicts a young maiden holding a long necked vase in one hand and a long stemmed flower in her other hand. There is a tall stand beside her with an incense burner. The statue is permanently mounted on the carved wood base. It is in great condition.

19th century boxwood netsuke of a boy playing with a puppy holding a length of rope, with the other end of it in the mouth of the puppy. Very good carving, great face, nice hairwork on the puppy and detailing of the clothes, wonderful wear and patina. Himotoshi (cord opening) goes through the back down to the bottom of the netsuke. Signed NAOKAZU on the bottom - for information on the artist see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 821...

19th century wooden netsuke representing a theater mask of a man with round bulging eyes and rather insane grin. Probably the mask is that of Kentoku. Crisp detailing, wonderfully captured madness. Height 1 3/4 inches.

An antique Japanese Tansu called Kotansu (personal storage chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles. Unique double upper drawer merchant chest style in a smaller footprint. A combination of 6 drawers of varying sizes and a pair of sliding doors that hide a convenient storage area. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails...

Beautiful and unusual Japanese antique kuruma tansu (storage chest on wheels), made all of heavy keyaki (elm) wood with iron hardware, front has sliding panels with horizontal slats, sides and back all have wooden bracing, interior left side has 4 drawers of different sizes with iron hardware, right side interior has hidden compartment that opens to reveal 2 secret boxes.

Late Edo Period

Size: 36 1/4" high x 38" wide x 23" deep.

Late 19th century netsuke of four blind men fighting, characteristic bumps on their heads. Excellent carving with a lot of detailing, superb faces, subtly incised textile patterns, very pleasant patina. Height 1.46 inches.

This is a set of woman's tobacco case and pipe case which are made of deer skin and has fine katazome ( stencil-dyeing ) komon pattern. The motif is pine needle. It has beautiful clasp of green bean motif which shows prominent craftsmanship in this age. The set also has a pipe, but it seems that it is not an original one as it is shorter than the case. 19th century. In good condition except for some patina. Tobacco case: 12cm x 6.7cm Pipe case: 2.7cm x 20cm

Meiji Period Koransha Porcelain Dragon Vase, in ovoid form with gray Dragon and Clouds with under glaze charcoal. It is an accomplished work of fine Porcelain. Height: 4.5 inches, 11.5 cm.

A rare antique Japanese Omikuji Tansu (temple fortune telling chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) wood. Original Urushi lacquer over a Bengara stain. Hand made and hand forged iron hardware. Japanese straight dovetail joinery with hardened wood nail construction.

Used in a Shinto Shrine or Buddhist Temple to store paper fortunes for visitors and worshippers...

Japanese hirado ware porcelain figure of a puppy . The entire body is hand carved with realistic fur pattern, the body in white underglaze with the eyes left bare. The puppy's paws and toes are fully carved to the bottom of the piece, which is left bare from the white glaze. The bottom is pierced with an air hole from when it was originally fired in the kiln.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 7 1/2" x 5 1/2" x 5" H

Rare Japanese antique box. Body of box has treebark finish. The top has 2 very fine lacquerware pieces depicting cranes and irises. The keyhole escheon is floral shaped and is incised. Sorry, no key, condition is very good. 10.5 x 3.5 x 2.5

19th century Japanese ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved out of a fruit pit as a mother monkey eating a fruit with 3 babies loitering in her arms while a teenager climbed on her back and is eating a smaller fruit on her head. Wonderfully captured mood of the scene, very nice carving with great level of detail, wonderful faces, pleasant mellow patina. Height 1 inch.

Japanese carved boxwood large Okimono, Mino-Kame turtle. Late 19th Century, Meiji Period. Mino (straw raincoat) Kame (turtle/tortoise) are named as such because Japanese believe the turtle lives such a long time that they grow algae on their on their shells, symbolizing longevity. A magnificent carving made of a single block of fine boxwood, showing amazing details and a beautiful wood grain throughout this masterpiece. 18 x 8.5 x 4 inches, 45.75 x 21.5 x 10 cm.

An antique Japanese Kansai Mizuya Tansu in 2 sections made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Keyaki (Zelkova) woods. Upper section features two sets of sliding doors with a set of 5 side by side drawers. Bottom section has 2 large sliding doors that open to a spacious storage area behind. Constructed using Japanese mortise and tenon joinery. Drawer handles are Hikute style made of hand forged iron.

Age: Meiji Era (1890-1900).

Dimensions: 71 3/4" Wide by 67 1/4" High by 19 3/4" Deep

The size of Dish: 5 1/4" Dia x 1 3/16". Japanese Ko Imari Porcelain Dish. The dish has pretty Sakura(cherry blossoms) design on the side wall with gold and red. There is Fan and Karakusa motif, plus square landscape design with Fuji Mountain, pine tree, and plover birds design. It is rather simple yet it has classy looking design by using nice composition. The condition of dish excelelnt, no chip, no crack and no hairline...

Height: 3.8 cm (1.4 in)
Width: 5.1 cm (2.1 in)
Depth: 2.3 cm (0.9 in)

Antler bone netsuke of sea life; carved from the base of an antler; good condition

Ca. early 1800s

Finely potted shallow bowl-form dish with an everted octagonal rim, painted on the exterior in underglaze cobalt blue with a scrolling vine and flower motif. The interior is delicately painted in overglaze enamels with a scene of a male and a female pheasant among flowers and the rim is decorated with eight flower scrolls in red, green and blue enamel colors and gilding. The bowl is raised on a low footring encircled by three underglaze blue lines...

Antique Japanese 2 panel byobu screen painting of a stag. The male deer stands below the overhanging branch of a moss covered maple tree, chrysanthemums and other flowers growing underneath. Beside them, a vibrant blue river, carrying away the bright red maple leaves in its currents. Pigment on silver leaf.

Dimensions: 73 1/2" W x 62" H

A round moon shaped Japanese kogo or incense box with sprinkled gold lacquer maki-e motif of an anthropomorphic rabbit pounding mochi. The rabbit wears a decorative robe with scrolling vine motifs. The interior of the box and foot are adorned with nashiji gold flake on black lacquer ground.

The subject comes from the tale of the rabbit who lives on the moon and prepares an elixir of immortality with a mortar and pestle similar to those used to pound mochi...

Four(4) Japanese Imari Porcelain Soba Noodle Cups, Ca. mid 1800's, late Edo or early Meiji period, 3 1/8" diameter-cup top rim, 2 5/8" high, decorated Lotus, Peony and other floral design on the Rock garden, in underglaze Blue and White plus some red, green used, highlighted with Gold touch. Two(2) hairline on the glaze, one(1) bruise about 1/4" long, one(1) cup is in good condition. this lot is same decoration as lot #3A13.

Antique Japanese Funa Tansu (merchant's ship safe), made of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood, heavy iron hardware including raised Chrysanthemum buds in corners and on hinges, large iron Chrysanthemum locks, sliding panel opens to 2 interior drawers, hinged door opens to 3 interior drawers, comes with 2 keys.

Mid Edo Period

Dimensions: 19" high x 21 1/4" wide x 17" deep.

19th century marine material netsuke of Hotei seated leaning on his bag , a boy in straw hat touching the sizeable belly of the monk. Hotei was supposedly a historical figure - a 10th century Chinese monk, who was very kind to children, and is worshipped as one of the 7 Gods of Good Fortune. Nicely carved, pleasant patina. Signed TOSHIKAZU on the bottom - the artist is listed in NETSUKE by Neil Davey (p. 543, number 3046). Length 2 inches.

Pair of Architectural corbels of mythological elephant baku’s are commonly placed under the eaves of Japanese Buddhist temple and Shinto Shrines to wore off evil spirits...

19th century netsuke of a swan (cygnet), its shape compact, neck bent back and head resting on its body, looking forward and up. Elegant clever design capturing the essence of the creature. Superbly modeled, eyes inlaid with black horn. Excellent wear and patina, old stable age lines, compressed dust on the surface, extremely pleasant to handle. Formerly in the Raymond Bushell collection, illustrated in NETSUKE FAMILIAR AND UNFAMILIAR, p. 208, number 641. Length 1 1/2 inches.

19th century netsuke representing theatrical mask of Shojo. Shojo are mythical creatures living near the sea, and are particularly fond of sake. Made in saishiki technique - the wood is covered with gesso, which in turn is painted in bright colors. Some obvious losses to paint from wear. Great modeling, wonderful depiction of its face and hair. Inscribed or signed on the back bar, but impossible to read because of paint losses . Height 1 1/2 inches.

An antique Japanese kuruma tansu coming from the Mikuni region. The tansu is fitted with iron fittings to retain the condition of the tansu and to protect the vulnerable areas of the chest. The tansu has two wooden bars to lock the drawers of the chest. The chest is made from keyaki wood. Age: 19th century. Size: height 48" width 28.75" length 53.25"

The size of Bowl: 6 3/4" Dia x 2 1/4". Japanese Ko Imari Blue and White Porcelain Bowl. The bowl was made solidly and very steady with good fine glazing. The center bowl has Hana-Mon (flower mon) design. The side wall has the design of Momo (peach) Karakusa(Chinese grass) design. Peach is lucky symbol. Outside has Karakusa design. The condition of bowl excellent, no chip, no crack and no hairline, as well as almost none scratch. The double lines inside has the section with weak underglaze. The s...

Beautiful Japanese keyaki wood zeni bako, or money box, the top of which has a handled door with three studded iron hinges and flower-shaped lockpin, and thin iron slot for depositing money, dropping into a small drawer with an iron lockplate. Two more drawers are in front with kan/ring pulls. Edo period (1615-1867) Size: 9" height, 8.5" width, 12.75" depth

Height: 3.5 cm (1.3 in)
Width: 3 cm (1.2 in)
Depth: 3.7 cm (1.6 in)

Fine example of the work of Gyokkei; a stone lifter, masseur or a man attempting to lift his distended scrotum?; a tumour is also present on the back of his head; the poor fellow also has a wall-eye; signed on an inlaid tablet; good condition

A very original large Japanese cup Satsuma style for ikebana floral presentation. Meiji period around 1900. diameter : 37cm x height 5,5cm (14.5"x2.1") (Wooden stand not included)

19th century lacquered wood netsuke of a standing boy wearing in shishi head piece and beating a drum with strikers. Wood is lacquered in Negoro style - red lacquer over black, so as it wears the black and later wood start showing. Very well carved, excellent detailing - see the ferocious mask, old loss to the tip of the left ear, beautiful patina. Does not stand on its own, but hangs well. Height 2 inches.

An unusual Japanese circular wooden stand with black and red lacquer finish, the edges of the stand are inlaid with shell, standing on slight cabriole tripod feet.

Early 19th century Edo Period

Dimensions: 19" W x 5" H

A rare antique Japanese Kusuri Tansu (herbal medicine pharmacist chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original finish and hand made iron fittings. Includes swivel side carrying handles which when flipped up allowed a wood or bamboo pole to slide through allowing two attendants to carry the chest about. Sliding doors allowed access to a storage area where herbal books, customer notes and prescriptions were stored. Total of 86 drawers make up this tansu.

Late 19th century porcelain netsuke of an old woman Uba with a broom in her hand. Uba and her companion Jo are an elderly couple living as spirits in pine trees in Takasago. Wonderful expressive face with wrinkles and hollow cheeks, beautiful wear and patina. Looks like old smoothed losses to the back of her robe by the bottom. Height 2.73 inches.

19th century netsuke in button form carved out of the coronet part of a deer antler. Strong early piece, nicely chunky, beautiful staining, warm patina, natural blemishes as is usual with staghorn, which make it so attractive. Wonderful tactile object. Average diameter 2.15 inches.

Large Japanese Okimono Sculpture of Jurōjin, God of Longevity with a turtle, also a symbol of long life, and a young boy representing the beginning of life. Exquisitely carved from one piece of boxwood with a beautiful, rich patina. 15.75 inches, 40 cm. In Japan, Jurōjin is one of the Daoist Seven Gods of Fortune, or Shichifukujin. He is the God of Longevity. Jurōjin originated from the Chinese Daoist god, the Old Man of the South Pole. He may have been and historical figure of...

19th century Asakusa school staghorn netsuke of obihasami type inlaid with metal tama (Precious Gem) and dots. The hooks at the top and bottom of the piece go around the edges of obi - a sash holding a kimono. Excellent clever piece typical of Asakusa school, warm patina, darker porous areas as is usual with staghorn. Metal appears to be silver. Length 4.19 inches (106.5 mm).

Japanese antique kusuri tansu, chest with many drawers for storing medicinal herbs for an apothecary. Made of kiri (paulownia) wood with sugi (cryptomeria) wood frame. Small hand holds cut in the sides for convenience. Each of the 49 small drawers is labeled with a paper label. Older labeling in ink can be seen on some drawers. The lower portion of the chest has three medium sized drawers. Hardware is made of iron and includes rings pulls, warabite shaped handles on the larger drawers and...

An antique Japanese scholar's desk made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Hirute handles. Full moon design to each leg. Constructed using through mortise and tenon Japanese joinery.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 31 1/2" Wide by 14 1/2" High by 14 1/4" Deep

Antique Japanese gyosho bako (peddler's chest for a traveling salesman). Made with sugi (cryptomeria - cypress) wood on the outside and kiri (paulownia) wood on the inside, this box would have been light enough to carry. The single door opens to reveal a series of 10 light weight stacking trays which slide out like drawers. Each is marked with a character in light ink for organization. There is also an exterior drawer with a round iron lock and square handle. The door closes with an iron ...

Circular jingasa with a gradual domed top. The composition is of bamboo, paper, layers of lacquer work with intricate shell inlay. The jingasa is decorated to the edge of three gilt lacquer circular crests (mon) The interior is finished in red with its original cotton gear straps and cushion. Mounted for presentation on steel plates.

The samurai class in feudal Japan, as well as their retainers and footsoldiers (ashigaru), used several types of jingasa made from iron, copper, wood...

Pair Japanese Nabeshima Porcelain Dishes with underglaze Blue Thistle with Red flowers, Ca. 1890, Meiji period, 4 5/8" diameter, 1 1/4" high, very thin crispy porcelain dishes with delicately decorated with Thistle plants, with fine exact comb high feet and double Peony floral sprays on 2 sides under the dish. One(1) dish is glued together lower area about 2 1/2" long on the wind swept Thistle decorated area. The other dish is in fine condition without any damages.

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware with Kaute style handles. 6 drawers of varying sizes with a pair of sliding doors and a security door that hides 2 additional drawers and a secret box where valuables were kept.

This Tansu would make a perfect side chest or nightstand.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 32" Wide by 31'" High by 18" Deep

19th century Japanese good size angel skin coral obidome (sash ornament) in a shape of a natural coral branch. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, and is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions. Simple clever design, very beautiful fat natural coral branch with subtle light pink areas. Metal fixture with cutouts in cherry petal shapes and two loops on the back for an obi cord. Length 1 3/4 inches.

19th century netsuke carved as a theatrical mask of a SHOJO - mythical creatures living near the sea who are particularly fond of sake. Wonderful quality carving on ichii (Japanese yew wood) with clever use of wood texture to add to the charm of the piece, that being typical for the Hida school of netsuke carvers. Very nice tranquil face, beautiful staining and patina, old losses by its left eyebrow and on the right upper side on the back as can be seen on photos. Signed SUKENOBU on the back bar...

A rare Japanese Sometsuke Mukozuke dish, the design of a partially folded fan taken directly from Chinese porcelain made especially for export to Japan during the late Ming Dynasty, Tianqi Period, 1621-1627.

Modeled in the form of a partially unfolded fan and decorated with a figure on a riverbank, the river and a solitary boat before him. The naturalistically modeled back is plain and has three thickly potted circular feet. Mukozuke were used to serve the kaiseki meal, part of the for...

Imari ware porcelain soba choko with underglaze cobalt blue pattern of "azami" (thistle.) Mid-late Edo Period (1600-1868.) H.6cm (2.3") Dia.7cm (2.6"). A playful rendering of a thistle adorns both sides of this soba choko, with bands around the bottom of the cup. Some minor glaze crazing and cracks, but overall fine condition. Soba choko were initially used for small food items, much like mukozuke or ko-zara are used in today's presentation of Japanese cuisine. Not until later in the Edo Era...

A Japanese Ko Imari plate of moulded shape. Decoration in colours and gilt of bamboo on a red ground, and birds within underglaze blue Ruyi reserves, c 1850. Diameter "8¾/ 22 cm. Condition: some wear to the surface, a chip to under side of rim and to foot rim as seen on photo.

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...

19th century boxwood netsuke of a reclining deer with its head turned back, hooves bent beneath its body. Perfectly captured moment, wonderful sense of volume, excellent texture of its coat, beautiful patina. Length 1 3/4 inches.

An antique Japanese Ko Bo Tansu (personal storage chest with locking bar) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Hinged door hides three small drawer behind. Unusual tapered locking bar design. All original finish and hand made iron fittings with Kakute handles.

Contemporary uses include using it as a bedside nightstand or complementing any room as a side table.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 26 3/4" Wide x 23 1/2" High x 14" Deep

Length: 3.7 cm (1.4 in)
Width: 3.1 cm (1.2 in)
Height: 2.4 cm (0.9 in)

This finely-carved, wooden netsuke depicts a basket of lotus florals. The himotoshi are carved in an interesting fashion on the underside. This piece is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks or restoration.

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.

The Todana Mizuya was used in northern Japan as either a kitchen chest or a linen cabinet making it a versatile and functional cabinet for the Japanese home.

Age: Edo period (18...

Japanese dark lacquered Funa Tansu, or ship safe box with heavy hand-forged iron hardware and plates. The interior of the box holds six small drawers opened by kan (ring) pulls, one with a lock plate. The piece has a warabite handle for carrying on top.

Edo period

Dimensions: 16 3/4" x 11 1/2" x 13 3/4"

A rare Edo era Gyosho Tansu (peddler's chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand made iron hardware and original dark wiped lacquer technique finish. Unusual features include the front to back swivel carrying handles and three secret compartment boxes. One box hides to the back of either shelf tricking a thief to think that he/she found the precious treasure. Behind each of the two bottom drawers also hides secret boxes where the real treasure is kept.

This ...

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved as a dog seated on its haunches, its front paws at its chest and wearing a collar. Excellent clever carving, great face, eyes are highlighted with ink, wonderful warm patina. Height 3/4 inches.

Height: 2.5 cm (1 in)
Width: 3.5 cm (1.4 in)

This marine material netsuke of a shishi dog has a wonderful aged patina. Showing inlaid horn eyes and some tight age lines, this piece is in wonderful condition with no chips, cracks or restoration.