An antique Japanese Chobako (small merchant chest) made of Keyaki Burl (Zelkova) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. Original and beautiful transparent Urushi lacquer finish showcases the underlying magnificent wood grain. Hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute handles on the 2 large drawers and the Hirute handle on the small security drawer. Minor sumi ink stains in the upper right drawer suggests that an inkstone and brushes were stored there for writing store records and receipts...

19th century kagamibuta (“mirror lid”) netsuke, its top carved in low relief with a seated boy wearing rich robe decorated with coin pattern and holding a butterfly net in his hand. Wonderful depiction of robe lines, elegantly incised textile decoration. Beautiful patina, swinging metal loop at the back for the cord. Diameter 1 1/4 inches.

19th century Asakusa school staghorn / bone netsuke carved as 2 sprays of fungus growing on a tree stump. Superb elegant carving in Japanese taste, excellent rendition of fungus head textures. Very clever design, excellent wear and patina on the surface. Height 2 1/2 inches.

This is a wonderful set of Japanese bridal kanzashi (hair ornaments) from the Meiji to Taisho period, late 1800s to early 1900s, made out of tortoise shells. We assume that this kanzashi was decorated with the auspicious emblem, a phoenix bird in paulownia tree, with some elements (leaves, flowers and birds) altered to the family of the bride. It has an aura of nobility and power. The family crest on the box is three ivy leaves...

A Japanese Imari dish decorated with various celebratory motifs within an octagonal border. The back with a ‘running fuku’ mark. 19th century.

Approximately 24 cm diameter. Perfect condition.

Please study the photographs.

For new customers resident in China sadly I have to state that I am no longer prepared to accept payment by PayPal. I will accept payment only by bank to bank transfer in British Pounds Sterling (GBP), fees to be paid by the purchaser...

19th Century Japanese Mother of Pearl Inlay Lacquer Tray with Rooster & Nanban Style Flowers

It is 2.1 inches (5.4 cm) tall by 16.65 inches (42.5 cm) long by 11.25 inches (28.7 cm) wide. It is 1.8 Lb.

It has hairline cracks, small chips at the back, missing mother of pearls, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell...

19th century boxwood netsuke of Okame holding a setsubun bean box in one hand and throwing beans with the other. Setsubun is performed during the New Year by throwing beans around the house to exorcise the evil spirits. Excellent carving with wonderful face and beautifully incised textile pattern of pine saplings, expert staining, beautiful mellow patina. Signed HIROTSUGU on the back - the artist is listed on p. 469 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick...

Antique Japanese small lacquer tebako (accessory box) with image of a crane standing on the bank of a lake or stream. Looking up at the crane from the swirling water, is an ancient turtle. A pine tree and fruit tree grow on the hillside behind the crane. Fine gold maki-e lacquer with dense gold nishiji on a black lacquer ground. The interior of the box is entirely covered in gold nishiji. The rim of both the bottom and lid of the box is edged in silver...

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Aka Matsu (Red Pine) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware. Unusual counter Ryo Biraki design with door hinges in the center of the piece opens to a configuration of drawers and open cavities where store records and books were held. It has a low profile that was custom designed for the merchant for his specific needs...

Japanese Nabeshima ware porcelain dish, with blue and white motif of a bird perched on a persimmon branch bearing fruit. The dish stands on a high, deeply recessed foot with outer "comb" cobalt blue design around its edges.

Dates from 18th/19th century Dimensions: 6" x 6" x 1 1/2" H

Early to mid- 19th century netsuke representing nio (one of the Buddhist Guardian Kings) sitting on a huge old straw sandal and mending it with a rope. Excellent carving, beautifully stained, wonderful wear and patina. Signed TOMOCHIKA in oval reserve on the bottom - the artist is Tomochika the First as discussed on p. 1148 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 1.2 inches.

A stunning 19th century Japanese Imari charger with rich vibrant blues featuring crane scenes with alternating floral panels. Some age related wear to the gold gilt on the rim but considered to be in excellent antique condition, it measures 14 inches in diameter. Circa 1880.

Antique Japanese makie lacquer suzuri bako (writing box) and matching large stationary box signed with bold signatures on the bottom reading: 光琳　青々Kо̄rin Seisei, an artist name used by Ogata Kōrin (1658 – 1716).
Both boxes have domed lids and are decorated entirely in gold lacquer with highly raised designs of flowers and silver pine branches. The flowers are further embellished with inlaid shell...

This Tea Bowl (Chawan) in the style of Kenzan is decorated in white slip and underglaze iron.

It is in excellent condition, there is a tiny chip on the lip but no other damage and no repairs. It dates from the late Edo Period.

The Tea Bowl is from the Dikran G...

An antique Japanese Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) made of Keyaki (Zekova) wood. The body and drawer fronts use this highly prized and rare wood while the drawer backs and interior were made using Suginoki (Cryptomeria) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware with beautiful lock plates that feature the lucky treasure bag (Fukubukuro), Mokko style handles and drawer corners with fine stimple work...

This is a beautifully detailed Japanese lacquer screen with exceptional quality Maki-e work used to highlight the details. The front depicts a landscape shore scene, complete with a crab stretching upward, a monkey after the fruit in the tree, and the makers signature. The rear has 3 cranes in flight.

Excellent condition, no loses. 7 inches high and 9.5 wide including the stand.

Rectangular and flat lacquer Kobako (small box) representing a furoshiki knot seen from above. Fundame background, furoshiki in takamaki-e with floral pattern, inside the folds of the fabric with black and gold sayagata pattern with togidashi maki-e technique. The saya (or sayagata) pattern is composed of Chinese swastikas. This symbol, linked to Buddhism, represents qualities of intelligence, strength and peace. It is a sign of good o...

Heavily distorted shoe shaped (kutsu) Kuro Oribe Chawan from the mid 19th century (late Edo) with a strongly flaring mouth made of light, coarse, unrefined Mino clay. The expertly thrown body was trimmed with a potters knife in its lower part and covered with a very deep black iron oxide glaze inside and outside.

A window has been left unglazed and shows a typical Momoyama era design. The somewhat irregular foot reminds of the late production of Oribe tea bowls of the 1620-ies at th...

Japanese Imari Porcelain Octagonal flared out shape Bowl, Ca. Meiji period, before 1900, 10 1/4" wide, 4 1/4" high, with Pine and floral design in rich overglaze enamel in 4 separate panels, other 4 panels have fruits with seeds in underglaze blue, all highlighted with brilliant gold throughout inside and outside the bowl. Gold design is worn on top of the rim slightly, no cracks, no restorations, no damages.

A beautiful 2 Stage lacquered container covered in black lacquer decorated with flowering vines. The domed lid opens to reveal a circular tray removable to open a deep container. It is 8.5 cm (3-1/4 inches) diameter, 11 cm (4-1/4 inches) tall and in excellent condition.

These very well painted “egg shell” quality Kutani dishes are 19th century products. They are 8 ¼” in diameter. They have ribbed rims decorated with orange, gold, pink and brown patterns and drawings. Both dishes depict geishas and their servants enjoying themselves on an outing under cherry trees. There are six orange red hand painted marks “Kaga Kuni, Oda Sei” on the backs. Aside from some loss of color due to their age and three needle point size chips on the rim of one dish, ...

An antique Japanese Kusuri Tansu (herbal medicine chest) made of Kaki (Persimmon) and Kiri (Paulownia) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware with each pull ring decorated with a Chrysanthemum back plate. Some of the drawers still retain label remnants of the contents that it held. Constructed using hardened wooden nails and straight dovetail joinery. Consisting of 35 drawers.

The poem etched on the side of this exceptional piece reads: "As a pastime ― bringing clumsy, fragile things to sell ― at Uruma Market ― how lonely!"  A very significant poem as it conveys a bit of irony; for the Edo period nun who inscribed this poem would go on to create a legacy of art, beauty, and philosophy that endures even today. The poem also suggests that this is one of her earlier works that would have been produced before she became renowned throughout Japan for her...

A splendid and refined Satsuma rectangular incense censer. Each painted panel is minutely painted with traditional motifs with images of a phoenix and Shi Shi Lion in raised detail. The bottom of the container contains a signature which reads, Dai Nippon Tokyo, Matsuura Yuzan Zo. Lovely condition Age: Meiji Period Size: length 3.5" width 2.75" height 2.15"

Antique Japanese 2-section, 3ft. Mizuya. Constructed of Hinoki (cedar) and Sugi (cypress) hardwoods. Both the upper and lower section hold large storage compartments, one behind mesh sliding panels and two with Keyaki (elm) burl front panels. Its Keyaki front drawers open with hand forged iron pulls.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 36" x 16 1/2" x 66 1/2" H

Antique Japanese ko dansu, made of kiri (paulownia) wood, biraki opening doors with large kiri shaped iron lockplate, interior has 8 small drawers of differing sizes, Edo Period, with new metal stand. Size: 29 1/4" high (17" high without metal stand) x 25" wide x 15 1/2" deep.

An antique Japanese Kuruma Choba Tansu (wheeled merchant chest) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the full moon style lock plate and interior Warabite handles. Hinged doors open to a 12 sectional compartment area where valuables were organized and stored. Below are two drawers where additional storage was used. At the base lies two metal retractable pulls used to roll the tansu forward and backwards with wheels corresponding the the same ...

Japanese Edo to Meiji period Kanto style personal wood clothing chest (isho-dansu) with a single drawer on top and hinged burlwood doors opening to three additional drawers below. The top drawer has a rectangular black iron lockplate. The burlwood doors (referred to as "kannon-biraki do") are supported by five iron hinges on each side and a horizontal iron strap with a central round lockplate to secure and lock the doors. Edo to Meiji period (19th century). 29 7/8" wide x 26 3/4" high x 14" ...

Meiji (1868-1912) Period Japanese Gilt Bronze Model of a Pheasant on Wood Stand

It is 15 inches (38 cm) tall with stand, 10.75 inches (27 cm) without stand by 22 inches (56 cm) long by 8.25 inches (21 cm) wide. It is 11 lb.

It has rubbing of gold and has oxidation, cracks at the wood stand, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy wi...

Japanese bronze representing two mice, one of them pulling a treasure bag.

The mouse or the rat (both called nezumi in Japanese), one of the zodiac signs, is a symbol of fortune. This bag can be compared to the treasure bag of Hotei, one of the seven gods of Happiness. A figure of prosperity, he is also the god of joy, abundance and the guardian of children. His bag contains everything a person needs in his daily life.

Unidentified seal below.

Japan - M...

Japanese kuruma tansu (wheeled storage chest), from the Mikuni area of Japan, made of keyaki (elm) wood, two long drawers on top portion of chest are held in place by a locking bar (comes with key), bottom portion of chest has large open compartment covered by sliding panels with horizontal slats, wonderful iron hardware, Edo Period. Size: 49 1/2" high x 54" wide x 23 1/2" deep.

So rare! Wonderful Gozu Aka-e Mizusashi by greatest Eiraku Zengoro Hozen, made during the Japanese Edo Period. It is in perfect antique condition without cracks or repairs.

The red and green scroll work in over glaze enamels on a white crackled ground is superb and well balanced. The round Eiraku seal is on the lower side.

Zengoro Eiraku is best known as one of the Senke-Jisshoku. These are the ten specialists who make the tea utensils for the tea school named senke in Ja...

An antique Japanese single section Kimono Tansu (chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hirute style handles. Front corner reinforcements on all drawer fronts with two side handles on each side for carrying this tansu from room to room. Constructed using thick straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails.

Age: Early Meiji Era (1868-1880)

Dimensions: 36 1/2" Wide by 37 3/8" High by 17 3/4" Deep

An antique Japanese Gifu Mizuya Tansu (kitchen chest from the Gifu region of Japan) made of Hinoki (Cypress), Burled Keyaki (Zelkova), Kaki (Persimmon) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hardware including the full moon designed drawer pulls and sliding door handles. Mortise and tenon joinery with horizontal side supports and sliding doors with Persimmon runners for strength and aesthetic beauty.

Upper display open shelf unit used to showcase seasonal decor if guests were pr...

Ca. early 1800s

In the style of Ogata Korin, this tall-sided tray is lacquered black over a wood core. The decoration is rendered in raised lacquer in the Rinpa School manner after Korin. It displays a gnarled stump of a plum tree sending out shoots with blossoms and buds raised in gold lacquer, as well a inlaid flowers and buds in iridescent abalone mother of pearl. There are separations visible in the lacquer where the side walls join the base and a horizontal crack in the wood base visi...

Japanese Shibayama Mother of Pearl Lacquer Box Signed Masamitsu 政光, Meiji Period (1868-1912)

It is 2.48 inches (6.3 cm) tall by 6.2 inches (15.7 cm) in length by 4.9 inches (12.5 cm) wide. It is 0.8 Lb.

It is tarnished and has missing mother pearls at two small spots at one corner, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhap...

Meiji (1868-1912) Japanese Makie Lacquer Miniature Kodansu Cabinet Box with Drawers

It is 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) tall by 5.1 inches (13 cm) long and 3.4 inches (8.7 cm) wide. It is 369 gram (0.8 Lb).

It has chips, cracks, missing lacquer pieces, peeling of lacquer, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

022470023sbaImg147034

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are u...

Pair of Old (1900's) Japanese Mixed Metal Vase

Each is 4.8 inches (12.2 cm) tall by 2 inches (5.3 cm) wide. Total weight is 777.5 gram

They have rubbing of gold, oxidation, pitting, surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of the amount you originally paid. All you need to do is return the ite...

Antique Japanese Buddhist candle holder with long handle. Made of bronze and incised all over with an octopus vine motif. The chalice shaped stand sits on a chrysanthemum shaped foot and has a candle pricket that is hinged so it closes when not in use. A long handle is attached to one side so it can be carried.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 3 3/4" high x 11" long x 3 1/2" wide

A beautiful antique Imari covered dish painted with purple, green and yellow spotted Chinese lions surrounded with peonies. The bottom section of the dish contains scrolling vine and geometric patterns. Age: 19th century. Size: Diameter: 9.75" Height: 5.8".

Antique Japanese todana tansu (storage chest). Large sliding panels with wide horizontal slats open to a series of interior drawers: four drawers on the right (two large and two small) and three large drawers on the left. The front and frame of the tansu is made of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood with kiri (paulownia) wood drawers. Iron hardware includes hirute shaped drawer pulls.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 31 1/2" high x 72 3/4" wide x 22" deep

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant store chest) made of Kuwa (old Mulberry) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. All original hand made iron fittings and finish. Two center hinged doors are removable with the hook and loop style hinge design. Front Warabite handles with two carrying handles on each side for positioning the chest and the additional swivel handles used with a wood pole to carry the chest from place to place. Lower right hinged door hides 3 smaller drawers.

Merchant che...

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of a gourd with leaf. Good design, green staining, natural imperfections in staghorn, overall in very good condition. Height 11/16 inches.

Beautiful Japanese antique storage tansu with locking bar, made with all keyaki (elm) wood front and frame, iron hardware, top portion has three drawers covered by a vertical locking bar, bottom portion has sliding panels with horizontal slats, bottom right side opens to reveal two small interior drawers, deep red translucent lacquer finish, Edo Period. Size: 41" high x 38" wide x 19 1/2" deep.

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 low single drawer storage Kotansu (personal chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Original hand forged heavy gauge iron hardware. Constructed using thick wood, straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails. Originally used to store Kimono or personal effects, it would work well in a contemporary home as a base storage unit on a large table or credenza .

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 37 3/4" Wide by 10 3/8" High by 18 3/4" Deep

Japanese scroll painting by the Nanga School painter, Rai Sanyo. Calligraphy and a large ink painting of a gourd covered with individual signature seals on paper. Mounted with silk boarder and wooden rollers.

Rai Sanyo (1780-1832) was born to a samurai family of the Hiroshima Domain. He entered into a training school for government bureaucrats in Edo but decide to devote himself to writing instead. Disinherited by his father for doing so, he found himself locked in his room and ...

Japanese dark Kiri wood Merchant's display document box and shelves with drawers, Meiji period, Ca. 1880, 19" high, 20" wide, 7" deep, two(2) shelves above three(3) small drawers, two(2) larger drawers at the bottom, all the drawers have brass round knob. The grains are beautiful and very decorative cut out design of pine tree and other Japanese design on the both side. The back side is enclosed small checker board wooden grills which is very decorative, maybe one time someone pasted rice pape...

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 lacquer netsuke of a female butterfly dancer with a fan in her hand, and wearing wings behind her back. Unusual subject, beautiful face, excellent flow of her flying sleeves, extraordinary lacquer work depicting various textile patterns, in perfect condition. Height 1.53 inches.

A large bronze sculpture in the form of a censer decorated with auspicious motifs, cranes, and scrolling clouds. The lid has a small sculpture of Shoki, the demon queller standing on top of a rock with crashing waves. The side of the censer are two dragons staring at the central figure. The bottom of the censer is held up by four spirits known as shojo, known for drinking large amounts of sake and often seen in Kabuki and noh plays. The base is emulating a five legged cinnabar lacquer with geome...

19th century wooden netsuke of a slightly inebriated dancer with a fan in his hand. Wood is lacquered in Negoro style - red (or golden brown) lacquer over black, so as it wears the black starts showing. Beautifully carved drunken facial expression, really nice feel of age to the piece, very pleasantly worn. Height 2 inches.

Japanese Gilded Monkeys under Fruit Tree Brooch on Bronze, Meiji period, 1880-1900, 7/8" high, 3/4" wide, low relief Mom Monkey with Copper red face ready to feed for a Golden Fruit to Golden small Baby Monkey, under the Gilded fruit tree, this is a loving and beautiful design of mom takes care of her baby. Silver pin fastener is on the back. The condition is superb, no wear on the gilding.

Antique Japanese single section isho tansu (clothing chest). Kiri (paulownia) wood front with sugi (cryptomeria) wood frame and drawer interiors. Three full-width drawers, the middle drawer is 3/4 width with two small drawers to it's right hand side. Blackened iron hardware includes moko shaped drawer pulls and round lock plates.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 41 3/4" high x 32 3/4' wide x 16 1/4" deep.

A very lovely small Japanese teapot accented with decorative running splashes of gold against a dark brown almost black backdrop. The same color can be seen on the bottom 1/5 of the teapot just under the handle and continues to include the base bottom. The copper remaining exposed copper has a deep copper patina that comes only with age and usage. The handle features intricate basketry weaving. This was a treasured teapot and would make an excellent decorative specialist addition to your home....

Additional Photos for Fine Japanese Ko Imari Bowl with Noshi Designs

An antique Japanese Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) made from Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware with full moon lock plates and curved Kakute handles. Side carrying handles features the rare locking pins used to connect the two sections together. Beautiful Japanese straight dovetail joinery is a testament to the expert craftsmanship used in making this chest.

Age: Early Meiji Era (1870-1880)

Dimensions: 30 1/4" Wide by 40 5/8" High by 16 3/4" ...

An an antique Japanese Nihon Matsu Kasane Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware and natural Urushi lacquer finish. Warabite handles feature Atari (backstoppers) with upper Butterfly and lower Plum Blossom motifs. Lock plates feature Sho Chiku Bai (Pine, Bamboo, and Plum Blossom) motif with stylized Chrysanthemum lock knobs. Two smaller drawers are hidden behind the lower hinged safe door that locks with a key (included). Side hand...

19th century 2-toned ichii (yew wood) netsuke of a seated chubby puppy. Netsuke is skillfully carved in characteristic Hida school ittobori (one cut) style with clever use of wood color and structure to add to the charm of the piece. Wonderful face with surprised expression, eyes are inlaid with black horn, wonderful mellow patina. Signed SUKENORI on the bottom - for information on the artist see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 1048. Length 1.3 inc...

1800's, finely hand-carved Japanese mix-materials netsuke depicting an Entertainer or Dancer, who is standing on one leg, in the middle of a theatrical performance. He is wearing an Usobuki mask and a dancer's robe. Excellent detail and patination; he grimaces as he attempts to lift the large stone. Signed Hozan on his Obi, near the ribbon that ties it on his back. Netsuke measures 1.04 inches (2.6cm) wide, and 1.56 inches (4.0cm) tall. It is in outstanding preserved condition, as ...