Japanese Gosho Ningyo of Momotaro the Peach Boy. This wonderful Ningyo represents Momotaro in a magical manner, his robes of chirimen silk crepe with painted designs of takaramono (sacred treasures) and peaches. He holds the pit of the peach in one hand and his banner with peach motif in the other. This is a wonderful ningyo, in great bright condition. Every aspect is of the highest quality...

From our Japanese Collection, a truly spectacular, massive, and published pair of imari double gourd vases, late Edo to early Meiji Period circa 1855 -1875, executed in the typical imari palette of iron-red, blue, orange, and gilt, with birds and dragons set against the "Three Friends of Winter" design of pine, prunus, and bamboo.

The double gourd shape is a very desirable form for imari collectors, but rarely is it encountered in such monumental proportions like this massive pair...

Rare 18th Century Japanese Tea Ceremony Screen Painting of a Pine Tree. Exquisite painting on gold leaf. Set in a wood frame with a sumptuous silk brocade border. Featuring two poems on the back. The Japanese tea ceremony, also called the Way of Tea, is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea. Frame: 26 x 19 inches, 66 x 48.25 cm; Painting: 21 x 13 inches, 52.25 x 33 cm.

A pair of wood and lacquered Niō, guardians of Buddhist temples, finely carved in polychromy with the muscles in evidence and the veins in relief. The Niō (Jp. = benevolent kings) are a pair of protectors – Agyō and Ungyō – who stand guard outside the gate of Japanese Buddhist temples, one on either side of the entrance...

This is hemp Umakake used in Iwate for meiji period.A cover for horses at weddings and festivals. As for this, hemp is spun by hand and is thick. This item is dyed twice from the front and back. It needs to be dyed so that both sides do not shift, and it is dyed with a very advanced technique. An impressive, vibrant and beautiful item of pine, peony and waves. Recommended for room displays and collections of ntique textiles...

Quality dark patina bronze sculpture depicting the study of a powerful tiger in an unusual position. The animal's posture is engaging with the paw raised and the tail curled upwards along the end. The streaks of the fur are depicted in a masterly way and highlighted with a strong engraving. Signed under the belly with the mark of the Maruki company (in the square) and the engraver Atsuyoshi. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji second half of the 19th century. Dimensions: 26 x 49 x 14 cm...

Rare and unusual Antique Japanese Keyaki (elm) burl chose tansu. The pair of sliding doors has elegantly hand carved paneling with multiple storage shelving within. Bold pierced iron hardware decorating each drawer corner with kakute (square) handles and locks. Stunning original deep red finish complimenting the natural burl woodgrain. Excellent hardware and unusual design. Edo Period (circa 1840's). Size: 36" H x 35" L x 15"D

Antique Japanese Raku ware chawan (tea bowl) with green crackle glaze. Kyoto. Incised ridges so the bowl molds to your hand...

Antique Japanese Keyaki (zelkova wood) Choba tansu (merchant chest). Solid Keyaki hardwood used on the top, sides, front and Frame. The front panels are made of a gorgeous, warm Keyaki burl wood in original finish. There are several round iron lock plates that are incised with kiri leave. The handles to the sliding doors are also incised with floral patterns. There is a side lockbox with beautiful decorative hardware that conceals three small drawers within...

Antique Japanese 2 section Soma isho tansu from the Northern Honshu area, beautiful keyaki (elm) wood on front, sugi (cryptomeria) wood frame, deep red translucent lacquer finish, iron hardware with incised warabite shaped drawer pulls and very large round chrysanthemum shaped lock plates, safe box in lower right hand corner with 2 small interior drawers, safe box has key, Meiji Period (1868-1912). Size: 44" high x 45 1/2" wide x 18" deep

A slight smile menpo in black lacquer, with angular high cheeks, making its naturalistic ears protrude outward. The L shaped strap holders are mounted on the dimples, the sleek shaped chin with turned strap post and a small hole to vent out perspiration. The interior of the mask is lacquered in red leather. The yodare is in the kiritsuke style plates of four and is laced in blue silk, calico, and pale ocher. The menpo is mounted on steel stand for display...

Rimpa paint on Hinoki wood carving of Daruma. With polychrome hooded robe, decorated in tessellating pattern of gilt dragon mon and scrolling clouds on red ground. His face is painted in a fleshy tone, with painted mustache, beard, and exposed chest hairs. The iconic eyes are reverse painted glass. He stands on a blue ground painted cloud platform.

Late Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 15 3/8" x 10 3/4" x 29" H

Stunning antique Japanese two panel folding silver leaf screen. Oxidized silver leaf on layered gofun paper, mounted on Hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood lattice construction. Wonderful original condition with no tears or condition issues. Unframed to give a more deconstructed esthetic.

Meiji Period 1868 - 1912

Size: 65.5" L x 65.5" H

A complete set of seven Japanese piercing Yajiri (Yanone) hand forged iron arrows heads. Signed with the pierced Mori clan family crest.
Watakusi (Flesh Terror / Barbed) These shapes are usually very ornamental in form and would have been originally used in battle. Each arrowheads can vary in length from 1 inch to over 6 inches and most have a saw cut piercing. The Mei (signature) on this style of arrowhead would usually be located on the nakago...

Appearing to be from a 2006 excavation site in Tokyo known to be a former residence of the Owari Tokugawa clan—the most senior contingent of the Tokugawa clan that united Japan under one rule—this lovely Mishima tea bowl is one of just two I have seen appear on the Japanese art market over the years. The previous bowl also listed on our site had a large portion reconstructed with a gold repair...

Rare Japanese four drawer gyosho bako, or peddler's chest, constructed of Sugi (cedar) wood, with iron hardware and mounts, iron rings on the sides for carrying. The chest is trapezoidal in shape and tapers towards the top of the chest. Original finish and condition. With key included. Exhibited at the Palo Alto Cultural center

19th century Edo period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 26" w x 12 1/2" d x 26 1/4" h

A wonderful example of an original Japanese Armored Safe chest. Constructed of hand selected and quartered sawn keyaki (zalkova hardwood) and hand forged iron hardware / fittings. Thick hinged door opens to reveal 4 individual drawers with secret compartment located under the largest (bottom) drawer. Internal drawers are made of original light kiri (paulownia) wood.

Age: Edo Period late 18th Century

Dimensions: 19" High x 15 3/4" Wide x 18 1/3" Deep

Antique Japanese theatre mask of a mujina, which could mean either badger or raccoon-dog (tanuki). Both creatures are famous in Japanese folklore for their shapeshifting abilities. One of his most popular appearances is in the story of a mujina yokai (shape shifter) who becomes a kozō (little monk) and stands by empty roads at night. The other is of a tanuki who turns himself into a teapot. Mujina can also take the form of a faceless ghost. This mask is carved of wood and lacquered a deep re...

A Japanese inro made in lacquer with great craftsmanship and decorated with the image of six monkeys. The outer surface of the Inro is coated in gold lacquer which creates an elegant contrast with the metal monkeys. This Inro depicts a scene in the round, in which monkeys interact in an evocative natural environment. Some climb Matsu pine trees, while others rest gracefully on raised rocks. The wooden netsuke, depicting a monkey with a peach in its paws, contributes to the narrative of the...

Pair of Japanese Lacquered jubako or tiered box used for placing sweets inside. The box is decorated with motif of waves done in mother of pearl. The lid and the side of the boxes contain images of prunus done in hira-makie. The jubako was done in the Ryukyu Islands where the motifs contain influences from Japan, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Age: Mid-Edo Period (Circa 1700) Size: (per box) height 18.75" width 11.25" length 13.75"

Ivory netsuke depicting a dromedary with a long neck that bends backwards. The surface is distinguished by its shine and blonde patina, with color transitions ranging from yellow to lighter ivory. To the touch, the netsuke feels soft and smooth. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4 x 3.5 x 1.7 cm. State of conservation: Very good

This is a Edo Period Natural indigo Cotton Umakake Tsutsugaki antique textile.Impressive design of dynamic rabbits and waves. This is a cotton of good texture in the Edo period is used. This texture is characteristic of Edo cotton. Pictures of rabbits and waves are expressed quite stylishly. This is impressive Kyogen style picture of the Edo period Tsutsugaki.It has several small repairs. There are no noticeable stains. It is a very valuable Edo period textile. I recommend it to your collec...

Antique Kano school ink Landscape/suiboku sansui and fukurokuju; god of happiness, prosperity and long life that is said to originate from a Chinese hermit. Usually, he is depicted with a crane or turtle, which are symbols of longevity, and his trademark long head and white beard, but in this painting he is depicted wearing a huge traditional Chinese hand-woven bamboo hat. Painted with ink on silk. Signed Tsunenobu and sealed. It is also inscribed as it is a piece of Hogen Tsunenobu(Hogen (the ...

Zushi, Buddhist shrine, containing a highly complex deity. On an eight-tiered lotus throne sits beautifully carved and decorated Dainichi Nyorai, his hands folded in his lap in meditation mudra. On his head he wears a cap in the shape of a lion head. He sits in front of a disc-shaped mandorla.

From the ceiling of the zushi hangs a drapery, decorated with of two phoenixes in fine gold on a lapis blue ground.

Wood with mineral colors, gofun, and fine decorations in gold. The crown of t...

Small gold lacquer tray, magnificent example of kirikane and multiple lacquer technical and multiple lacquering techniques. Absolutely exceptional quality, very rarely encountered. Presence of small details in mother of pearl. I think it must have been part of a set, most probably inside a box? But it is possible that it was created alone. Perfect state of conservation. Difficult to date exactly, I would say around 1800. Dimensions 105x80mm.

Antique Japanese okimono carving of a little skeleton on top of a larger skull. Made of boxwood with a beautiful patina. Intricately carved to show every bone of the small skeleton and the teeth of the skull. The artist's humor is displayed in both style and subject matter.

Age: Edo Period (17th century)

Dimensions: 1 1/2" high

Highly detailed unusual Japanese bronze censor of depicting Gama Sennin (toad immortal) sitting atop the censors lid. Three dragons form to make the base. Three protective dragons form the sturdy base. Prominent phoenix is seen just below Gama below the lip of the opening to the censor. Wonderful original condition.
The Japanese legend of Gama Sennin (蝦蟇仙人 "Toad Immortal") is based upon Chinese Liu Hai (劉海), a fabled 10th-century alchemist who learned the secret of immortality...

A most unique pair of Chinese Pig Skin Trunks, obviously painted by a Japanese screen artist who made these wonderful decorative, rare creations, featuring a marvelous crane and flowers painted in the Japanese style. Late 19th to early 20th Century. 22w x 9.5h x 13.5d inches, 56 x 24 x 34 cm.

An unusual and important early 19th Century Edo Period Woven Bamboo Tea Ceremony Box. This unique work of art is the only one we have seen like this. Expertly woven bamboo accented with a large bamboo handle. A rare find for the serious Japanese basket collector. Wonderful color and patina. You are not likely to see another on the art market. 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)h x 12 inches (30.5 cm)w x 10 inches (20.5 cm)d. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

A powerful and extremely rare Japanese Edo Period Kyogen mask of a Nio Guardian King, ferocious native deities, often associated with the Naga Dragon Kings, who converted to Buddhism and now act as bodyguards for the Buddha. The Edo period was the golden age of Noh Drama. Kyogen theater was performed between Noh acts. This mask is a brilliantly carved work of art, accentuating the dramatic power of this important mythical figure. The mask was covered in layered colored gofun (oyster shell lacq...

Lacquered wooden box inlaid with gold, silver and mother-of-pearl mosaic, typical work of the famous Somada family of Japanese lacquerers. The box is made up of two superimposed parts which are partially covered by a surprisingly openwork lid, largely revealing the sides. Inside there is a small tray. The preciousness of this box is matched only by its fragility; however, it is in a perfect state of conservation, which is exceptional. there is no artist signature, the Somada family very rarely s...

Original Japanese 4-panels screen. Painting on silk representing Buddha surrounded by bodhisattvas, Kanon and Hiten and Hoho twins among the clouds in a mountainous landscape. Good condition considering its age. Origin: Japan. Period: 19th century. Signed and 2 seals : Akihura. Size: 51 (x4) x H163 cm (20"x4xH64").

Japanese Needle Work Rozashi Technique Embroidery of the Interior of Asakusa Temple. Rozashi is embroidery using silk canvas and silk thread. A picture is created and outlined on the canvas and comes alive with the thread and stitching. The difference between Rozashi and other forms of embroidery is the use of the silk canvas called "Ro". The "Ro" is a special, uniquely woven fabric. Common embroidery stitching technique utilizes threading through holes but Rozashi stitching must always be s...

Rare Japanese Funa Tansu known as a Ship Captain's vault chest. Made with beautiful original thick Hinoki (Japanese cedar) wood, with triangular mortis and tenon joinery. The corners and drawers are accented by attractive ash color iron plating. The inside of the chest holds a unique array of seven drawers in a natural finish, with hirute type drawer pulls and all but three with additional locks.

An old Japanese label remains on the second drawer down. This tansu also features a hidden ...

A beautiful exceptional pair of Japanese bronze vases, wonderfully cast with trumpet shaped necks and receded panels around the main body. Shakudō (赤銅) is a billon of gold and copper (typically 4–10% gold, 96–90% copper) which can be treated to form an indigo/black patina resembling lacquer. Bordered design with gilt designs of leaves. Gilt imagery of wild birds among crossing branches, reeds, chrysanthemums in bloom, and a bundle of hay decorate either vase. Accents...

Very rare and extremely large Japanese Blue and White Kutani Porcelain Sculpture of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. High quality porcelain with beautiful blue glazing. It has very dynamically painted phoenix and other images beautifully painted as part of a fine composition. She is presented in a spiritual and graceful pose. Her face has a beautiful serenity filled with compassion. A beautiful work of art from all angles. Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, hairlines, or ...

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 ...

Antique Japanese okimono depicting a pair of cranes on a rock. Waves wash around the rock near an ancient turtle. Made of bronze and silver with polychrome details. This sculpture is an elegant representation of the traditional longevity phrase: “cranes live for one thousand years, and turtles for ten thousand.” On the back of the rock is a large, 4-character cartouche the first part of which reads: 般若 Hannya. The next 2 characters are more difficult to read. Perhaps: 糸ito 雲 k...

This rare 19th Century Bunraku Puppet of Osome, and rare scroll painting of Osome came from a private collection of theater art in Japan. The puppet is a heroine in the play, Shinpan Utazaimon Nozakimura no Dan (Osome Hisamatsu). It is made of wood and covered with many layers of gofun (crushed oyster shell), with painted features, dressed in a sumptuous brocade silk kimono and obi. Her head moves up and down, and from side to side. Bamboo stand is included. The painting on paper, with ceram...

An antique Japanese Byobu screen in 2 panels depicting a Cherry Blossom tree with Bamboo and a full moon on a spring evening. Artist signed and painted in a Sumi-e technique over Gofun paper, he has sprinklings of gold specks to give the illusion of the last tidbits of sunlight fading into an evening moon. The frame was finished in a Negoro Urushi lacquer.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 68 3/4" High by 70 3/4" Wide

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...

Japanese Edo Period Rare Large Pair of Girl's Day Festival Palace Guardians. They have all of their accessories and they are presented on wonderful stands. Their faces are carved of wood with amazing features. An extraordinary work of Ningyo Artistry. Height: 18 inches, 46 cm.

Pair of beautifully hand carved dragon temple corbels. Each is made of solid keyaki hardwood and hand carved with great detail. Original pigment can be seen highlighted in red, gold and black tones. Each dragon is twisting and swirling both looking in different directions. These would have originally been mounted up high within a temple shrine. Hand forged iron mounts are included which can be used to mount or float off a wall for a dramatic display.

Late Edo early Meiji Period ...

Large shrine board (known as an ema) of Bishamonten chasing after a demon. Polychrome pigments, gold, and sumi ink on wood.Dated Second year of Enki, year of the wooden bull (kinotoushi):1745, November (Shimotsuki). Board was donated by Omiya Souhachiro, who was living in the Kudara-cho district of Osaka City (near the vicinity of Shinsaibashi area). The board was painted by Hanai Bunsen Tsunemine (active early 18th century). Age: Mid-Edo period (18th century) Size: Length: 39.26: Height 33.3" ...

Extraordinary Japanese Antique Bronze Vessel featuring very high relief of a Hawk, a pair of Shishi, and foliage in a classic form. Strong, naturally rendered images with a rich patina and finely rendered detail. Original gold patina. A fine addition for bronze fanciers. Edo Period, early 19th Century. 11.5 inches (29cm) high x 28 inches (71cm) circumference.

Antique Japanese large hanging Buddhist temple lantern made of gilt copper. Elaborately designed with a three dimensional hexagonal form and decorated all over with pierced scrolling filigree featuring chrysanthemum blossoms and swirling mist. Smaller friezes display ocean waves. Raised roundels with peonies decorate the feet. The interior is lined with rice paper.

Age: Late Meiji Period (circa 1900)

Dimensions: 29" high x 33" long x 31" wide

An unusual Japanese 2 section, 6ft mizuya (kitchen buffet tansu) from the Kanazawa region. Constructed with Hinoki (cypress) and Sugi (cedar) woods, with red and black lacquer frame, and Keyaki (elm) burl front panels in reddish brown lacquer. The top of the piece holds a long open compartment behind four sliding panels with bookmatched Keyaki burl hardwood. Below are a center pair of mesh sliding panels with black lacquer wood frame, carved with floral motifs and with decorative iron pulls. The...

Beautiful Japanese cloisonne vase with a deep, navy blue sky, a mountainous valley decorated in flecked earthy tones, a pinkish, dreamlike river flowing along the bottom, and many variations of chrysanthemum flowers. Unsigned but apperars to be by Hiyashi Kodenji. Meiji period (1868-1912). Size: 6.25" tall, 5" wide

Japanese box made of boxwood carved in the shape of a giant clam shell upon which sits an arhat. His robes are beautifully decorated with gold maki-e lacquer. He holds a sharp tool as if he may attempt to open the enormous shell. Meiji Period (1868-1912).

Antique Japanese pair of gilt copper candle holders (shokudai) engraved with Kodaiji style pattern on the base and the bottom of the holder. The Kodaiji pattern contains repeating pattern of chrysanthemums and paulownia flowers. The pattern originates from the noted temple on the eastern hills of Kyoto which the name is derived from. Age: Edo Period 17th/18th century. Size: Height: 24.5", Diameter: 9.5"

Antique Japanese bronze ikebana vase, meant for artistic flower arranging, with unusual curling handles reminiscent of spiraling vines. Artist's signature incised in the bottom.

Size: 12.5" W x 9" H

Large hard porcelain bowl from Arita Japan early 18th century. Decorated in underglaze cobalt blue and enamels with three cartouches containing a Buddhist lion (shishi), a carp and cranes on a background of peonies and scrolls. Gold detail. These large bowls are typical of the Imari style highly prized by European royal courts and were present in all palaces. The one presented here has lost its lid, the collector who owns one will be able to adapt it perfectly because the sizes are standard. The...

Antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest) made of kuri (chestnut) wood in warm brown lacquer finish. Each drawer face is decorated with elegant iron hardware accenting. The middle of the chest has two sliding doors with a center locking pin, with two more drawers and shelving within. Keys are included. Dates from late Edo period c1850. Size: 28" height, 30" width, 16.25" depth

Beautiful boxwood okimono of a Hazel Grouse/Ptarmigan, native bird to Hokkaido. Feathers and feet are naturalistically rendered and delightful carved details all over. In excellent condition. Signed Ryoshun. Age: Meiji Period (c1900). Size: 3.875" height x 9" length.

Japanese Jumonji Yari cross spearhead. Hand forged steel done in the same fashion as samurai swords.

Early yari are believed to have been derived from Chinese spears, these hoko yari are thought to be from the Nara period (710-794), and while they were present in early Japan's history, the term yari appeared for the first time in written sources in 1334 but this type of spear did not become popular until the late 15th century.
During the peaceful Edo era yari were still produ...

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (Merchant Chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute style handles and the decorative front drawer corners. Double side by side drawers above with sliding doors and three drawers below made this a functional chest for a merchant to store his business books and records as well as store valuables. Double through mortise and tenon joinery construction with supporting side and rare back h...

Antique Japanese satsuma urn with a gorgeous deep blue and gold glaze, with two Komainu (also known as lion dogs) serving as handles, a lid with a third Komainu, growling and with his front paw resting upon a xiù qiú ball. The lid and top portion of the urn are adorned in beautiful golden and white roses, and its front and backside depict beautiful scenery of the ocean behind many brightly clothed characters. The urn sits upon three feet shaped like lion's paws with blue and gold glaze, signed...

A boxwood carving netsuke in a classic mushroom shape with very fine detailing.
Mushrooms are associated with the natural beauty of the forest. They are considered a good-luck symbol. Finding a mushroom is considered to be very lucky and means good fortune is at hand.
This netsuke has the signature mark of Yamada.

Provenance: The Avery Brundage Collection

Date: 19th C

Dimensions: 2" X 1.5" X 1.5"

Antique Japanese pair of silver shokudai or candlesticks Made of repousse silver with motifs of scrolling vines and chrysanthemums. The base and top of each candle stick is lobed in a lotus pod form with scalloped edges.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 8 1/4" W x 21 1/2" H