Incredible Japanese highly bronze figure of three playful puppies. One falling onto his back, another laying in the middle and the last one climbing over him. They are all very finely detailed. The artist's signature on the bottom of the middle puppy. Very well done with exquisite detail.

Early Meiji Period (1868 - 1912).

Size: 6.5" L x3" W x 3.5" H

A Tokyo school bronze sculpture depicting a geisha sitting on a wooden bench. The figure of the geisha is portrayed in a moment of deep reflection, with a fan held in her hands. She wears a luxurious festive kimono, embellished with rich details and a large cushion adorns her place to sit. The artist's extraordinary mastery is evident in the impeccable folds of the kimono, which lie with surprising softness. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji 19th century Dimensions: 34 x 15 x 20 cm...

Gosho-ningyô or 'Palace Dolls' are among the most distinctive of the many Japanese doll forms. They were originally given as gifts within the imperial family. This fine example of a chubby boy holding a rope has a classic expression and playful posture. It is made of solid clay covered with gofun (oyster shell lacquer) with painted features and painted vest and a brocade bib. Height: 7.5 inches, 19 cm.

Antique Japanese solid Keyaki (Zelkova) hardwood Funa Tansu or ship safe chest. The front of the box has heavy iron plating with the number one (ichi) within a circle, motifs of reishi mushrooms, pine trees and flowers with heavy lock plate. The chest's interior hold two medium drawers over three small drawers, with squared and round iron pulls, and red lacquer fronts. Original finish.

Edo period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 15 1/2" x 19" x 18"

An antique Japanese large Jizai (hearth hook) used above an Irori (fire hearth) and hung beneath the house rafter to support a rope and hook or a Jizai Kagi (adjustable hook) to hold a kettle or large teapot above the burning charcoal. Carved from one solid piece of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood, this sculpture epitomizes the true feeling of the Japanese word Mingei (folk art)...

A fine and interesting bronze sculpture of a lady selling fish. The figure is holding a basket of fish with a humorous looking octopus wanting to jump out of the basket. Often during the Meiji period, figures from daily life such as sellers of various produce and products were created for the Euro-American market where the charm and simplicity appealed to collectors. The base contains a cartouche seal of the artist, Seikoku. Age: Late Meiji- Taisho Period Size: length 9" width 8" height 19.5"

Japanese 2 panel folding byobu screen, pigment on paper painting of peonies in red, pink, and white with gold flecks. Two small white butterflies with black specked wings float nearby. Signed with red seal.

Dimensions: 70" W x 29 1/2" H

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

An antique Japanese Kyoto Mizuya Tansu (kitchen chest) in 2 sections made of Keyaki (Zelkova), Hinoki (Cypress) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hardware including bronze sliding door handles and hand forged iron drawer pulls. The full moon theme follows the round upper sliding door handles and the drawer pulls. There are five horizontal and five vertical drawers for organizing storage with spacious storage behind the sliding doors...

Ivory netsuke depicting a snail crawling on a bamboo shoot. The snail is carefully rendered highlighting its curvature of the shell. The underside is enhanced with spherical horn details and an excellent patina. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 7 x 3 x 3cm. State of conservation: Very good

Antique Japanese small and exceptionally fine cloisonné vase. Four sided shaped body with a flower reserve on each side including irises, wisteria, chrysanthemums, daisies and maple. More fine details on the neck and sides.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 6" high x 2 1/8" wide

Kobako in the rock shape in gold lacquer fundame. The interior and underside of the kobako are in nashi-ji lacquer. The cover is decorated in hiramaki-e with a mountainous landscape on a gold background. A river crosses the mountains, bordered by pines, rocks and thatched cottages. Leaves and flowers enhanced with red adorn the sides.

Kobakos (“little boxes”) are often adorned with harmonious decors and sceneries inspired by Japanese fauna and flora...

The falcon is represented resting on a branch. His expression is attentive and we can guess that he is hunting. The artist knew how to infuse him with all the ruthless savagery in his gaze. It is signed by Haru Mitsu. It is finely carved in wood, probably cherry,the pupils inlaid in black horn.I remember having read that this artist liked to exaggerate certain parts of the body of his subjects, here it is clear that the claws, eyes and beak are strongly exaggerated...

Large Japanese antique bronze vase with mixed metal overlay of resting geese, with incised etchings of reeds and rippling water. Beautifully rendered in silver, copper and gold. Signed with cartouche.

Meiji period-19th century

Size: 18" tall, 8.5" wide

Japanese early 20th century vase by Sasaki Niroku. The vase is done in the shape of a well bucket with crab on the side. The piece is done in fine detail and very realistically. The vase TOMOBAKO, or original artist signed wooden storage box. The piece measures 9" tall, 6" wide and 6 3/4" deep.

Extra large Japanese Edo to Meiji period single section kaidan (step) tansu with six steps, three storage compartments of various sizes with sliding doors, and three fitted drawers. Original iron handcrafted hardware and dovetail construction. 19th century. 71 1/2” high x 68 1/2” wide x 35 1/2” deep. Very solid overall condition. There are typical signs of natural wear from use. The wood has some shrinkage and cracks from the Arizona dry climate...

Cloisonne enamel vase on hammered copper base. The meticulously positioned wires are in silver, as are the borders. The decor is simple, showing a bridge between two hills but exceptional because of its historical interest. Indeed it is a vase commemorating the bold construction of an aqueduct by a Japanese electricity company in the 1900s. The Chinese characters written below must relate the event, date it and also probably give the name of the creative artist or that of the enameling workshop...

Oribe is a visual style named after the late-16th-century tea master Furuta Oribe (1544-1615). Typically, black or green glazes are applied to the bodies of these works and light-colored windows are created using feldspar. These high-contrast areas then act as a canvas upon which abstract, minimalistic, and often naturalistic themes are painted.

This piece is quite unique for its brown color which may have been produced using a copper glaze under very specific conditions...

Antique Japanese bajo jingasa, lacquered military hat for a high-ranking horseman. Carved of wood with an upturned front rim and rounded dome. Decorated all over with intricate shell inlay in black lacquer...

A rare antique Japanese Gyosho Bako (Peddler's Chest) in a three stacking section set made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. In its original finish it features iron and bronze fittings . Through rope holes at the bottom to allow the stacked sections to be securely fitted allowing the peddler to carry the chest like a backpack. When separated, the top of each section has a surrounding wood border allowing a table-like surface to display wares for sale.

Age: Late Edo Period ((1800-1...

Japanese late 19th or early 20th century bronze OKIMONO of a ram done in the style of Imperial Court artist, ISHIKAWA KOUMEI or MITSUAKI. The ram is done in fine detail. The OKIMONO is signed on the bottom by the artist, KOUMEI. The OKIMONO measures 10 1/4" wide, 7" deep and 7 1/8" tall.

Young boy in cast bronze. The subject is treated with breathtaking realism, thoughtful expression, body movement, everything is perfect and announces one of the greatest artists of his time. Examination of the fishing rod confirms this. Indeed this rod is so thin that it could not be cast, it was made patiently with a file starting with the thin end. It is movingly realistic with the knots and twists of growth. It is extremely fragile because bronze is a brittle metal. It's a miracle if it survi...

Dismountable miniature bow of Geïshas. Some prints show us Geïshas using such a bow. Excellent quality, nice shakudo, silver and gilded bronze mounts well chiseled. The wooden parts are finely carved like a violin bow. It is stored in a box with 3 drawers where 16 arrows are set, most of them with golden characters. The arrows are made of wood and bone spiral or tinted green, and are weighted by a steel tip, some parts are lacquered and gilded. This is a very rare and fun set. Bow mounted 8...

Japanese antique scroll container used by a samurai of the Maeda Clan to transport important documents. The interior cylinder is made of bamboo covered with gilded paper brocade and extensive decorative copper reinforcements. The copper has traces of gilt and is incised with the Maeda Family crest as well as designs of pine, bamboo and plum (The Three Friends of Winter, Sho Chiku Bai). With kiri tomobako.

Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 14" long x 2 3/4" wide diameter (to...

They are carved from a single piece of wood. They are hollowed out on the back to probably receive a column. They had to be at the entrance of a temple and supported the portico. The wood is cracked and blackened by time. I think they are Edo period Japanese, but they may be earlier. They are two magnificent creatures with a powerful and fierce appearance. The fact that the wood is excessively weathered makes me think they were outside the temple, at the front door. This blackness of the wood is...

Extraordinary stunning Japanese robe of purple woven asa (hemp), with gold woven through in striations and bold gingko leaf design. The suou is the traditional kimono once worn during ceremonies by the samurai during the Muromachi period (1392-1573).
As styles of fashion evolved latter around the 17th century onwards, the suou became in important costume worn by the actors of the noh and kyogen theaters. Today the suou is still used in Noh and Kyogen, and with the Shrine maidens.

Japanese early 20th century bronze OKIMONO of a peacock by TSUDA SHINOBU. (1875-1946) Signed DAIJU on back of piece. Comes with original artist's box. The OKIMONO measures 5 1/4" tall, 10" long and is 3" wide.

This beautiful painting from late Edo portrays Mount Fuji as a sublime centerpiece, overlooking a serene landscape below. A lush pine forest embraces the foot of the sacred mountain, its deep greens contrasting against the pristine snow-capped peak. A tranquil lake reflects the ethereal beauty of the surroundings, mirroring the image of Fuji and the towering pines. The composition captures the harmonious coexistence of nature's grandeur, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the ...

Antique Japanese set of five lotus leaves and blossoms. Carved of wood and lacquered silver. Made for a Buddhist altar, these leaves and blossoms symbolize the stages of the path toward enlightenment. Every petal of the lotus flower is carved separately. Each blossom and leaf comes fitted with a custom metal stand so they can be rearranged at will.

Age: Taisho Period

Dimensions: approx 27 1/4"hight (tallest leaf)

Antique traditional robe of the Ainu people of northern Japan. Attush (attusi) fabric was made of the inner fibers of elm tree bark (ohyo). The bark was harvested by the men but refined and woven by the Ainu women. This robe is edged with dark indigo-dyed cotton cloth. The back of the neck of the robe is sewn with a bit of lighter blue cotton fabric with a white paste resist pattern.

Age: late 19th/early 20th century

Dimensions: 54" high x 58" wide

A rare antique Sendai Tansu in 2 sections made of quartered sawn Keyaki (Zelkova) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware and natural Urushi lacquer finish. Lock plates feature a rare dragon motif with upper and lower drawer showing the dragon protecting a sacred Hoju. Warabite handles have incised scrolling detail. Hinged and keyed security door protects two small drawers. Beautiful original condition, ready to be enjoyed.

Age: Edo Era (1800-1850)

D...

Dark brown patina bronze figure of a standing kappa with its right leg leaning on a cucumber. The figure is put on four-legged rattan-like bronze stand.

The kappa (河童) is a aquatic creature taken from Japanese folklore having the appearance of an anthropomorphic turtle.
His skull is either slightly hollowed out to accommodate water, from which it derives its power, or hidden with a water lily leaf hiding this sag. Naturally polite, it is advisable to bow to him in order th...

Large Japanese Zenga calligraphy scroll of the character 'KOTOBUKI', or long life, longevity. Bold, large brush strokes showing great intensity. Signed and sealed with three red seals by the artist. Small black kanji translates with the first 4 characters: 日光門主 Nikkō Monzu, who was a very high-ranking monk of imperial lineage at the temple, Rinnō-ji, in Nikkō. The seals used by monk show his rank and importance. The bottom left seal in red says: 日光山 輪王寺 門跡印 ...

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

Rare Antique Japanese Negoro red lacquer tiered stand. Five arched cabriole legs below the hand carved apron, the feet ending at a floral step base. Overall condition is very good and consistent with age.

Edo Period (circa mid 1800's)

Dimensions: 12" w x 14 3/4" h

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...

An ivory netsuke depicting a mouse with horned eyes and head turned backwards, crouching on an overturned candle while the wax flows. Origin: Japan Period: Edo late 18th century Dimensions: 3.4 x 5 x 2 cm. State of conservation: Very good

A Japanese excellent ivory netsuke depicting a group of three mushrooms. The green patina is of excellent quality with finely engraved and crafted lamellae. Every detail has been carefully taken care of, from the shape of the cap to the roots at the base. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 2 x 6 x 4,7 cm. State of preservation: Very good

This is a Japanese antique indigo dye and Bengala dye hemp-Umakake Tsutsugaki-type dyeing. A very impressive and charming pattern of wheel crests, treasure balls and checkers. There is a slight stain, but it is not noticeable. There is no damage. It's in very good condition. Size:Length:440cm(173.2inch) / Width:67cm (26.3inch)

A rare antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Kikute handles and Urushi lacquer finish). Unusual design with two small drawers secured by a locking security bar and two sets of doors with the upper set having a spacious storage area behind and the bottom set having storage to the left and three small drawers to the right. The main drawer has a lock plate with an incised Chrysanthem...

This is Katsugi used in the latter half of the Edo era(1800 ~ 1868) in Tohoku. This is good-quality Katugi produced in a district for Edo period. This is Katsugi produced with a tradition of Kyoto in a district. This has Oomon to a shoulder center part. This was dyed with a natural indigo plant. As for this, the bottom part is colored into black. As for this, Katazome of the small build is expressed by three patterns. The part of the hem is Tsutsugaki, and this is expressed. This does not have a...

Stunning solid keyaki antique Japanese small ko tansu with two sliding doors main upper doors. Three drawers with hand forged iron locks. The original finish comes off as a rick medium - dark honey lacquer finish. Dramatic quartered sawn grain pattern seen thronghout the piece. Originates from the Tohoku region of Japan.

Early Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

Size: 24.5" height, 24" width, 12" depth

Antique Japanese scroll painting depicting a dragon in clouds. In his left-hand claws, he holds the flaming hoju, the wish-granting pearl. Storm clouds billow below him. Painted in sumi ink on silk with details in white and gold ink.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: total size of scroll 75" high x 10 3/4" wide (12 1/4" wide including rollers). Size of art: 45 1/4" high x 9 3/8" wide

An unusual Japanese Keyaki burl front bar tansu. The drawer faces are each labeled in Japanese kanji. The top "drawer" is actually a lift away panel. The middle two drawers are slightly recessed behind a vertical locking bar with ornate iron plates. The lowermost drawer face has a middle iron lock plate continuously below the locking bar. When the bar is removed, more kanji is written in sumi ink, possibly with the identity of the original owner. With iron kakute squared drawer pulls and iron ...

The subtle pair of Japanese bronze vases with the detailed work done of motifs of lotuses, herons, and carp fascinate the eyes. The gold metal are arranged to show the changes in color of the lotus leaves and to bring forth the beauty of the lotus blossoms. Work is signed by Miyabe Atsuyoshi who was active during the Meiji period and paved the way for contemporary Takaoka Bronze. Age: Meiji Period Size: Height: 5" Diameter: 2.75"

A Japanese fascinating embroidered silk hanging tapestry depicting a flying Phoenix 鳳凰 and a Kirin 麒麟, the two most powerful and sacred beasts of all Japanese within a silk frame finely decorated with a dense pattern of stylized motifs. The central scene is very unusual and it represents a Phoenix in flight in the upper part and a Kirin looking at each other. Even the back is finely embroidered with a dense decoration of stylized motifs on a blue background. The kirin and the ph...

Kodansu in gold lacquer and mother of pearl, with silver hinges and decorated with naturalistic motifs. The surface is covered with a delicate and shiny golden lacquer on a nashiji background which gives the box set brilliance. Decoration with naturalistic motifs in lacquer with mother-of-pearl inlays depicting stylized peonies and phoenixes in flight, creating an evocative contrast of colors and a fascinating texture. The inside of the kodansu hides three drawers decorated with silver kno...

A beautiful Japanese antique gilt copper Buddhist sutra box with allover impressions of peonies and other floral elements. Interior lined in gold flecked paper and gilt edges.

Edo Period 18th Century

Size: 14 1/4" x 11 1/16" x 7 1/4"

Antique Japanese large 2-section storage tansu for an herbal merchant. Made of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood, beautifully worn and patinated from years of use. The top section has a large compartment opened by two sliding panels and with two interior shelves. The bottom section has 38 drawers for storage of various herbs and wares. Every drawer has an iron hirute-shaped pull.

Age: Early Meiji period (circa mid 1800's)

Dimensions: 67 3/4" high x 71 1/2" wide x 18" deep ...

Antique Japanese set of five lotus leaves and blossoms. Carved of wood and lacquered silver. Made for a Buddhist altar, these leaves and blossoms symbolize the stages of the path toward enlightenment. Every petal of the lotus flower is carved separately. Each blossom and leaf comes fitted with a custom metal stand so they can be rearranged at will.

Age: Taisho Period

Dimensions: approx 26"hight (tallest leaf)

A set of three hanging scroll paintings finely depicted auspicious motifs such as rising sun and old pine tree, jurojin with divine deer and a sacred scroll, as well as a flock of crow rest in the winter old tree that reminds of the zen like scenery. Painted with ink and pigments on silk. Signed Tsunenobu and sealed. It is attributed to Kano Tsunenobu.

Kano Tsunenobu (1636-1713) was the eldest son of Kanō Naonobu (1607-50), younger brother of the renowned artist Kanō Tan'yū (1602-74). ...

This is an amazing piece of Satsuma from Yozan. The vase stands 5 1/4 inches tall and it is covered with eye straining detail. It is better than the images show and in hand has a jewel like aura. Condition is excellent.

Japanese Meiji Period Gosho Ningyo of Jimmu, the First Emperor of Japan. This is a wonderful ningyo, in great bright condition. Every aspect is of the highest quality. He has a gorgeous face, beautifully rendered. He is wearing sumptuous silk brocades, stretched on a carved wood body (kimekomi). He holds a bow and arrows. There are arrows in the quiver at his back, and a sword at his side. He is presented on his original lacquered stand. Height: 8.5 inches, 21.5 cm.

19th Century Meiji Period Black and Gold Lacquer Box. Features a stunning design of wonderful lacquer techniques. Though large it is very delicate in its presentation of leaves, flowers and branches. 13.75w x 11d x 6h inches, 35w x 28d x 15h cm.

Antique Japanese wooden standing screen painted on both sides. One side is painted with a Kabuki actor portraying a samurai sharpening the points of an arrow on a whetstone. The image is inspired by an Edo Period woodblock print from the Kabuki drama Yanone Koro by the artist Kiyomitsu Torii II (1787-1868) entitled "Samurai Sharpening an Arrow" c. 1820. In this image, the artist has gone further to include a background with a rack of arrows behind of the main figure. It's seal reads 秋 Aki...

Japanese early 20th century bronze vase by master bronze artist MURATA CHOSEN. The vase has a beautiful lighter bronze inlay design on the front and back of the vase. Stamp of artist on bottom. Vase comes with TOMOBAKO, original wooden artist signed storage box. The vase is 14 1/2" tall and 12" in diameter.

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...

Antique Japanese todana mizuya (kitchen cabinet) made from a beautiful keyaki burl wood in reddish brown hues, with two sets of sliding panels, 8 drawers in varying size, and one pull-out panel with a ring handle. It has a very interesting and unusual form, with slats running down its sides and back. The inside of the top set of sliding panels has an aged sheet of paper marked with kanji. Edo age, circa 1870 Size: 49.75" height, 39" width, 18" depth

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 ...

This is a beautiful rare Japanese Cloisonne tray. If it were not signed, many would attribute this fine piece to the workshop of Namikawa Sosuke. The workmanship on this piece exceeds that of many other cloisonne trays to be seen with roosters or chickens. The tray measure just under 11 by 11 inches. Condition is very good but there is a slight indent on the rim with a minor bit of crazing at this spot on the reverse side. To view see the last 2 images.