A fine deep grey Saji river stone in the form of a miniature mountain landscape with high peaks and deep ravins; looking from the front and back sides there is a long passage in between the peaks, completely natural! The stone has a perfectly fitted rosewood base, daiza. Suiseki are highly appreciated for their aesthetic or decorative value in Japan but also by collectors in the western world...

A delightful Japanese wood tray in the shape of a lotus leaf. Chiseled Katabori with raised veins and stem and stippled leaf rolled back on sides. The back of the tray is as detailed as the top with an intricate pattern of veins and curved stem. The tray is used in the tea ceremony.

Date: Meiji Period circa 1890

Dimensions:12" X 9" X 1"

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.

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...

Height: 17 cm (6.9 in)
Width: 10.5 cm (4.2 in)

Fine Japanese Satsuma vase by Hododa; depicting the Seven Lucky Gods known in Japanese folklore; mounted in silver, gilded on the base; signed Hododa; very good condition

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.

Antique Japanese cast copper jizai okimono of an articulated cricket. Small, articulated metal figures of this type are called jizai okimono (literally "free decorative object"). They typically have moveable bodies, arms, legs. Each copper section of this okimono is finely cast, depicting a natural realism, a style that was prominent during the Meiji Period. All six legs, wings and both long antennas are movable...

19th century netsuke of Hotei wading through a swirling water as he carries a boy in a woven straw high rain hat on his back. The subject is a wonderful mitate (humorous reference) to Ikkaku Sennin crossing a stream with the Lady of Benares. Nicely carved, wonderful smiling faces, beautifully rendered robe lines and incised textile patterns, wear consistent with age, great patina. Signed TOMOYUKI on the bottom - the artist is listed on p...

A unique Japanese artistic creation of a Geisha Looking in a Mirror. She is set inside of a glass enclosed presentation box The two sides are beveled glass creating an arresting design of multiple images. From the front she catches her reflection in the mirror. This is the only image we see of her face. She is so interesting in her creative style. Height: 12.5 inches, 32 cm.

19th century netsuke of carved as a cluster of 3 branches of natural fungus, seal with deer finial and double gourd with stopper and its lower end containing carved village scene. Excellent and elegant work with clever use of anabori (cavern) carving technique, wonderful mellow patina. Signed GYOKUHO on the back - the artist is very well known for that kind of work and is discussed on p. 424 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 1 1/2 inches.

A ghost rises from the darkness pulling on her hair, a wry grin as she looks sideways at the viewer on this antique painting by Moriwaki Unkei. Ink on paper completely cleaned and remounted in vine patterned blue silk with dark wood rollers. There are old age stains on the paper, which appear much stronger in the photos than in life. It is 40 x 200 cm (15-3/4 x 78-3/4 inches) and in excellent condition...

Early 19th century nice size netsuke of a sennin (Chinese sage) wearing a leaf cape, leaning on his staff with tied large double gourd resting on his shoulder. Most probably netsuke represents Chokwaro sennin who could summon the magic horse out of his gourd to be transported wherever he wanted. Strong early piece with exceptional carving of his intense face, wonderful detailing of his hair and leaf cape. Eyes inlaid in dark horn, netsuke of typical early triangular section...

Kogo box in maki-è lacquer, with a rounded lid depicting a naturalistic scene. The gold decoration depicts the Japanese pine, known as Matsu, and a typical house with a thatched roof along the banks of a waterway. Sold with its tomobako. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 3.5 x 7 x 8 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Late 18th - early 19th century netsuke of seated Gama Sennin with his constant companion - 3-legged frog - on his head, and another standing sennin wearing a leaf skirt and leaning on the back of Gama’s toad. Unusual subject, excellent quality carving with great faces and beautifully carved leaf patterns, warm yellow patina. Excellent warm patina, old age lines, great feel of age to the piece. Height 2 3/16 inches.

A Japanese lacquer bowed top box with portrait of a Kabuki actor - presumably named in gold lacquer and the role of Daihachi named in a lustrous iron color. All slightly raised work, the portrait is in gray, black, red, flesh tone, browns and gold. Lines including pattern and folds in the figure's attire and hair in his coiffure and sideburns cleanly defined with raised work. Metal along the facing edges of the top and bottom have no doubt contributed nicely to the preservation of the box...

Antique Buddhist painting depicts thirteen Bodhisattva and Wisdom Kings. Signed and sealed. Painted with ink and pigments on silk.

Some insignificant light marks, light crease, foxing and tiny insect damages are present on the painting itself, some light marks and light crease are present on the mounting itself, otherwise the piece is in fine condition for the age...

Antique Japanese small lacquer tebako (accessory box). Rectangular form with rounded edges and decorated with Chrysanthemums on the lid. The whole box is covered inside and out with a dense gold nishiji background. The rim of both the lid and the body of the box are edged in bronze.

Edo Period (18th century)

Dimensions: 2 1/8" high x 3 5/8" long x 3 1/8" wide

Nabeshima blue and white plate with plum blossoms and cloud pattern in a charming depiction. Shippo design on back with comb line foot. Perfect condition.

2 1/2" H x 8" Diameter
Edo Period, early 1800s

A refined Japanese square porcelain vase decorated with grape vines, chrysanthemums, and other auspicious motifs. The images used are inspired from designs from Momoyama period works of art. The use of different colors with gold is often known as kinrande. Age: 19th century Size: length 4.75" width 4.75" Height 11.5"

Extraordinary and more than one hundred year old water jar Mizusashi. It is signed by an unknown artist on the bottom.

This Bizen ware Mizusashi has a breathtaking shape and very good yellowish natural glaze called Goma. Great!

Mizusashi are containers of fresh water for replenishing the pot and rinsing bowls in the tea ceremony.

No chips or cracks, heavy weight 2,2 kg. Size: 5.5'' height, 7.92'' width.

Shipping included

Bright Byobu 屏風, folding screen, with six wooden panels covered with hand-painted paper with gold dust applications. The decoration is made with gold dust applied to create a nuanced effect creating a diffused brightness that captures the essence of natural light. The panels are framed with a red lacquer frame. Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 174.5 x 365 x 2 cm. Conservation status: Excellent condition...

Sturdy storage jar for tea leaves or other goods with horizontally ribbed surface, sloping shoulder with very short neck. Coarse but dense clay with small inclusions. Outside middle brown with cream-colored and yellow natural ash glaze. Mingei.
Japan, 18th/19th century.

Height 7.5 inches, width 6 inches at the neck. Ash glaze partially rubbed off at upper edge and at the body commensurate with holding and using, otherwise very good condition.

A marine ivory okimono with elephant ivory parts depicting a daily life scene of a seated craftsman while he repairs a small wheel...

Bronze okimono from the Tokyo school, depicting a farmer with a basket, which contains seeds. The farmer is represented in a working position, intent on sowing seeds. Signed Seiya six within square reserve on the relief base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 26.5 x 13.5 x 13.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

A nahi-ji and maki-e decorated wood lacquered lidded sake pourer (Hisage). The interior is in red lacquer. It is equipped of a sheath for the spout. Tokugawa and Daigo mons (emblems) are represented on the lid, the extremity of the sheath, the handle and the two sides of the pourer.

Sakes pourers (Hisage) are traditional pitchers intended for sake (“rice beer”) service...

Antique Japanese small lacquer tebako (accessory box) decorated with a design of wildflowers that wraps around the sides of the box. Gold maki-e lacquer with fine detail and a mist of gold flecks on a black lacquer ground. The entire interior as well as the underside of the box is covered in a dense gold nishiji.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 1 1/4" H x 2" W x 2 3/4" L

Fine iron jizai of a butterfly with articulated wings.

The butterfly (choho) in Japan is perceived as "the soul of the living and the dead", the spirits of the dead taking the form of a butterfly on their journey to the other world...

19th century Japanese Asakusa school staghorn kiseruzutsu - tobacco pipe holder - carved in a shape of a stem of Fungus of Immortality with five fungus heads. Could serve as nyoi, or Ruyi scepter - traditional symbol of scholarship and transmission of knowledge. Elegant carving, excellent rendition of fungus head textures, superb staining typical for the Asakusa School pieces. Very clever design, excellent wear and patina on the surface. Length 7 1/2 inches.

Antique Japanese Buddhist Temple lantern made of gilt copper with a wooden interior armature and iron handle. This six sided lantern is decorated all over with ornate pierced karakusa, scrolling arabesque filigree. Both top and bottom of the lantern have six trapezoidal friezes, each with a three dimensional medallion in it's center depicting alternating crests of blossoms and Buddhist symbols. The interior is lined with it's original paper.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dime...

19th century netsuke of carved as a group of eels, elongated nuts and chestnuts, three of which contain deeply carved village scenes. Excellent carving with deep undercutting, eyes inlaid with brown horn, wonderful mellow patina. Signed GYOKUHO on the back of the eel that forms natural himotoshi - the artist is very well known for that kind of work and is discussed on p. 424 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Length 1 9/16 inches.

Antique Japanese bronze hiten (Sanskrit, apsara), celestial musician. She sits on swirling clouds, her drum in her lap. Stylistically represented in the Indian or Southeast Asian traditional garb of bodhisattvas with high crown, elaborate pectoral jewelry and flowing drapery. The billowing clouds on which she sits have a green patina.

Age: Taisho period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 14 1/4" high x 9 1/2" wide x 6 1/2" deep

Netsuke - chestnut and a plump mushroom. Japan Edo 19th.

Antique Japanese woodblock triptych print of a large samurai battle scene by the artist, Yoshitora Utagawa. Active during the late 19th century, Yoshitora Utagawa was best known for his dynamic battle scenes as well as prints of samurai, firemen, kabuki actors, beautiful women and foreigners. He was born in Edo but the exact year of his birth and death are unknown. He studied with the great print artist, Kuniyoshi Utagawa but later left his school and changed his name to Mosai. This sam...

Okimono in bronze of a frog.
Seal of the founder or of his factory on its belly, not identified.

The frog (kaeru) is associated with luck and wealth. Kaeru means both "frog" and "coming home" in Japanese. This extension of meaning is due to the ability of the frog to return each year to the pond of its birth. A gong in the shape of a frog can thus sometimes be used as a door hammer or to protect a house.

Japan - Meiji Era (1868-1912)
Height: 1.4 in. ...

Japanese Oshi-e Ningyô of a High-Ranking Oiran Geisha. 12 x 8.75 inches, 30.5 x 22.25 cm. These were very popular during the Meiji Period; over 400 million dollars in sales (in current currency) was recorded in 1888. The characteristics of Matsumoto Oshi-e Ningyô are that the design is stuffed heavily with cotton and the faces are painted in Ukiyo-e (the floating world of Edo period) style. It is very rare to find old Oshi-e Ningyô in this quality and size today. The popularity of Oshi-e Ning...

A pair of Japanese Keyaki hibachi vessels with black lacquered.

Hibachi is a traditional Japanese heating device.

Age: Japan, Showa Period, Early 20th Century
Measurement: Height 23.1 C.M. / Width 40 C.M.
Condition: Nice condition overall. Please refer to the enlargement photos for more details.
Shipment: Worldwide shipping from Bangkok, Thailand at actual cost. Please e-mail us for the shipping fee.

This very well carved ivory okimono of a Chinese merchant is a late Meiji period product. It is 5” high, 2” wide and 1 ½” thick at the thickest part. It depicts a Chinese merchant with his hands in his sleeves, resting them in front of him. The artist did a great job on his facial expression and dress which includes a typical Chinese old fashioned two piece robe and hat. His goatee and long pigtail make this merchant more interesting and realistic. The artist, Hozan, signed his name ...

Absolutely rare and precious - ready to frame to a great collage of Japanese Kimono fashion history: 4 big sheets of hand painted Kimono designs, painted on ricepaper in the late Edo Period/early Meiji Period. Around 1850.

They all are signed by the same artist. Strong and vivid colours.

Great condition with traces of wear and book stiching.

Size of each sheet: ca. 35cm x 42cm

Shipping included

Further information:

Originally, "kimon...

An eye-catching combination of brown-black colors and old expertly applied gold repairs on a classic Japanese E-Karatsu tea bowl dating from the middle of the Edo-Period (1603-1868).

Like many pottery traditions in Japan, Karatsu takes its name from the city where it originated. As early as the 15th century Korean potters heavily influenced the development of this form—helping to endow it with the earthy, simple, and natural qualities it is so appreciated for.

It comes...

An impressive magnifying glass with a carved ivory handle with 18 natural red coral beads. We believe the ivory handle to be a Meiji period Japanese parasol handle and sometime in its history converted to a magnifying glass. In very good antique condition with all beads intact, the handle measures 5 inches x 1 1/8". Magnifying glass with handle is 10.5 inches long.

19th century netsuke of Benkei as yamabushi (a wandering priest) emerging out of a huge horagai (a war trumpet made out of a shell) and blowing into a smaller one, and holding a shakujo (Buddhist priest rattle) in his hand. The tokin (scull cap) on his head is the sign of the yamabushi, and horagai - (a trumpet shell - Charonia Tritonis) were often fitted with a mouthpiece on the thin end, and used as war trumpets. Shakujo are used to scare off insects, and thus prevent the carrier from stepping...

Seto Kuro Oribe (black oribe) kutsugata (shoe-shaped) chawan with a rounded brim, made in the late Edo Period around 1850. This rare type of tea bowl was made from light, coarse, unrefined Mino clay which contains some iron oxide and and a rich black glaze (made from ground up Kamagawa stones) which partially obscures the white designs on the side. The Chawan fits nicely in your hands and looks great filled with bright green matcha. It comes with an older Japanese wooden box with a new r...

Height: 8.6 cm (3.6 in)
Width: 2.8 cm (1.1 in)

Old wooden netsuke of a Sennin with a toad on his shoulder; excellent patina with deep himatoshi; good condition

Japanese bronze vase with nice form, used to decorate single flower arrangement in Japanese traditional tea ceremony.

Age: Japan, Showa Period, Early 20th Century
Size: Height 24 C.M. / Width 14 C.M.
Condition: Nice condition overall. Please refer to the enlargement photos for more details.
Shipment: Worldwide shipping from Bangkok, Thailand at actual cost. Please e-mail us for the shipping fee.

A rare pair of Japanese double gourd shaped porcelain vases, decorated with a ho-o bird flying over "prunus mume" in overglaze blue, green, yellow, aubergine, iron red and gold. Standing on a broad footrim, the rim with "kuchibeni". Condition: fine, only one vase with a short hairline ending in a tiny rim frit on the rear side (please see photo no. 12). Dimension: 19.3 cm high.

This is indigo dye cotton tsutsugaki textile futon cover at the edo-Meiji era. Very auspicious, brave hawk and pine tree design. The material is thick indigo-dyed cotton. The technique of indigo dyeing Tsutsugaki is very good and beautiful. It is unused and has no stains or damage. The state is excellent. It is a very valuable gem. Please add it to the collection. Four panels are sewn together. Size: Length 168 cm (66.1 inches) / Width 126 cm (49.6 inches)

Sensational Mokubei (lived 1767-1833) scholar figurine in polychrome enamels. Famous as a potter working for the Lord of Kii and later the Lord of Kaga where he opened his own kiln. He used to stick his head far into the kiln during firing to ascertain the temperature of the heat by the sound of the fire. Later because of this he lost his hearing and changed his name to Robei, 'which means deaf. His figurines were highly prized for the sencha tea world. This scholar sits with brush and book. Ask...

Exceedingly rare late Meiji Period C.1900 gold and black lacquered wood buddha stand with lotus leaves and buddhist clouds in carved relief. Negoro lacquer rim in back half with some wear, but otherwise in perfect nick. 20" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

A fine so-called “Deshima”, or more likely a scene of Scheveningen in the Netherlands or an imaginary composition based upon it, after an unknown original by Frederik van Frytom. Although this is the most reproduced version in the literature the design is actually a sinofication of the original Dutch landscape. It reproduces the four elements that appear in No 1 and No 2, but the two figures are transposed into a Chinese Scholar and acolyte, probably meant to represent the Chinese poet, Lin ...

Beautifully symmetrical granite stone buddhist stupa. Late Taisho Period Ca. 1920. excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote. H: 17" by W: 41/2".

Japanese bronze vase with nice form, used to decorate single flower arrangement in Japanese traditional tea ceremony.

Age: Japan, Showa Period, Early 20th Century
Size: Height 20 C.M. / Width 19.7 C.M.
Condition: Nice condition overall. Please refer to the enlargement photos for more details.
Shipment: Worldwide shipping from Bangkok, Thailand at actual cost. Please e-mail us for the shipping fee.

Antique Samurai drinking vessel with red lacquer and wooden stopper in excellent condition. The hand made cord tassels complete the set.

Dark old patina due to its age enhances its historical beauty. The sake gourd was a common attribute of the Samurai, it was traditionally attached to the waist by a cord.

In Japan, gourd or "hyotan" is a symbol of good luck or success.

Symbolic belief of gourd in Japan has existed for a long time. Based on the Japanese history, Hideyoshi...

This is an exquisite antique Japanese Imari porcelain jar and cover from the late 17th century, precisely from the Edo period, circa 1680-1700 AD. The jar is a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship of the Japanese artisans of the time. The ovoid body of the jar is expertly decorated underglaze with peonies and chrysanthemums in iron red, cobalt blue, and gilt. The decoration seems to be growing out of rockwork, which adds an extra layer of depth and texture to the piece.

The neck of t...

Height: 7.3 cm (2.9 in)
Width: 4.4 cm (1.7 in)

18th century Japanese netsuke of a grazing horse; natural material; fine old patina; good condition

An iron, Ko-Tosho (early sword smith's) tsuba. The slightest taper from seppa dai towards rim. Pierced decoration. Purchased from Andy Quirt (ex Skip Holbrook collection) at the February 2016 Tampa show, he thought it depicted gourds. I guess the beholder might see different things. I see Japanese eggplants on leafy vine (two fruit and two leaves) supported by a bamboo trellis. An uncommon and well executed, balanced decoration. The hitsu-ana appears to be original to the tsuba. Late Muromachi. ...

An antique Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware. Three drawers with a pair of hinged doors that open to a spacious interior with two side by side drawers. This area was used to store the merchant records and books while all the drawers were used to secure valuables and provide easy access to merchant tools and accessories.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 29 3/4" Wide by 29 3/4" High by 14 3/4" Deep

Attractive Japanese charger of unusual design. Blue and white underglaze with red, green, gold and purple and yellow overlay. Center medallion with lotus and water theme. Four delicate and well drawn scenes. Triple diamond shape with scene of court officials with flaming torches by the water's edge. Round shape with scallop edge with scene of lady with a fan and a courtier. This scene is derived from the Tales of Ise, in the Akuta river chapter. where Very well painted, with repeating geometric ...

This interesting Japanese carved ivory netsuke is a late 19th or early 20th century product. It depicts a female figure (perhaps Okame, also known as Uzume or Otafuku, goddess of mirth) carrying a long armed monkey on her back. A younger monkey is sitting in front of her with both arms raised to grasp the hands of the older monkey. It is 2 ¾” high, ¾” wide and ½” thick. The artist signature “Meigyoku” is on the bottom. It is in great condition.

Unusual Japanese small gyosho bako (merchant's box) made with Kiri (Paulownia) wood in all original finish. The box holds four drawers, with decorative black iron plating and handles. The top 3 drawer interiors have been lacquered in black while the bottom drawer has also been lacquered in red. With original keys included.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 16" L x 9.5" W x 10.5" H

Small porcelain ko-sometsuke plate made in China for the 17th century Japanese market. Blue and white design of three running rabbits. A bird, possibly a phoenix flies in the sky. Around the rim of the plate are four galloping horses. The underside of the plate is decorated with three thin blue rings and a simple dot pattern. The edges of the plate and the many small irregularities in the firing are especially prized in this type of ware. "Ko-sometsuke ('old blue and white') porcelain w...