This is a rare and exquisite antique Japanese Baku corbel carving from the Edo period (early 19th century). The Baku is a mythical spiritual creature that resides in the Buddhist realm and is known for devouring evil spirits and nightmares. This architectural sculpture is carved from one solid block of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood and has stood the test of time. It is a large example of an antique Japanese Baku corbel used in a temple or shrine...

VOTIVE PHALLUS

Quite a simple and rustic Japanese wood carving phallus in the form of ultimate, once offered for pregnancy and smooth delivery, 19th - early 20th century, L 20.1 x 3.6 x 3.6 cm (7.91 x 1.41 x 1.41in)...

HAIL LOTUS SUTRA

Edo period, Japan. H 13.5 cm (5.31in).

Aged wooden 'Butsugu' as a gold-foiled Buddhist altar equipment, similar to a presence like 'ikon' (Western religious painting on panel) of traditional Japanese Buddhist art piece. The seven kanji characters written in Indian ink pronounced as "Na-m-myo-ho-ren-ge-kyo" as a whole mean "I devote myself (embrace) to the teachings of the Lotus Sutra."...

A very large mask of heavily carved wood covered in black lacquer with golden eyes dating from the mid Edo period (18th century). There are minor losses to the lacquer on the cheeks and along the edges typical of age. It is 37.5 x 30 cm (14-1/2 x 12 inches) and is in overall fine condition.

Japanese antique large Buddhist shinto shrine, made of hinoki wood. Constructed like a life size shrine complete with slanting copper roof. A small stair case leads to a pair of doors. The railing has copper post tops. The underside of the roof is made of many beams and columns, some with corbels carved in the form of fudogs and baku. Beautiful age and patina...

Regal and Compassionate Ca. 1930 iron standing bodhisattva 'Kannon' diety. Standing 81cm tall x 26cm wide x 22cm deep. Lovely patina and facial expression. Ask for shipping quote.

Antique Japanese carved wooden figure of a fu-dog (fu-lion) guardian. Traces of paint and gold guilt remain. The underside has writing in ink and a translation which reads: "This pair of Foo-lions was donated to the gate of Myoken Nichiren Shrine in Noma village of the province of Sesshu (near Osaka) on the date of 9th May, 7th year of Genroku ra...

The epitomy of wabi-sabi is on display with this Edo Period Ca.1860 wood Kannon Bodhisattva carved out of cypress. In its original box, the lovely patina and equanimous, buddhist compassionate expression is a treasure. 38cm tall x 13cm wide x 8cm deep. Ask for shipping quote. great condition.

Antique pair of small Inari Shinto shrine foxes carved of wood. Originally painted, these foxes have acquired a deep, dark over many years. Also called Zenko, these good spirit Kitsune (foxes) are specifically associated with the Goddess, Inari.
Believed to be both messengers and guardians, Kitsune serve Inari in her role as the Goddess of agriculture, specifically rice. Part of the folklore surrounding the fox is it's ability to shape shift into a human form...

Unusual 1890s - 1910s (late Meiji - early Taisho) Japanese lacquered wood nyoi - a Buddhist scepter - made out of a natural root. Nyoi, or Ruyi scepter is a traditional symbol of scholarship and transmission of knowledge. Lacquered in Negoro style with bright red body and black patch on the head. Striated wood surface texture is nicely felt under lacquer, wonderful patina, very pleasant to the touch...

The metal head of the rattle – called shakujo – with some simply engraved decoration on the central shaft indicating lotus petals. The central ring has the shape of an inverted heart, from which six rings loop, three on each side.
The six rings symbolize the Six Realms of Existence where Jizō is active and the Six Perfections that lead to nirvana: generosity, morality, patience, vigor, concentration, and wisdom.
Mounted on a short wooden pole, covered with red lacquer...

Late Meiji (1890s to 1912) Japanese copper and brass temple decoration in a shape of a lotus seedpod and petals. Was used as a temple wall or pedestal decoration. Beautifully made, in excellent condition with great patina. Length 4.62 inches. 19c Japanese copper / brassLOTUS TEMPLE DECORATION

A small Pure Land Buddhist shrine -zushi- containing a figure of the 11-headed Kannon on a lotus, holding a flask in his left hand, standing before a full-size mandorla.
Painted in mineral colors and gold onto the gilded doors are Jizo bosatsu to his right and Kokuzo bosatsu to his left.

Carved wood (probably boxwood), decorated with gold. Jewelry gilded metal (now black).
Red lacquered shrine with fine gilded hardware. Japan, Edo period, 18th century.
Case: ca...

18th century or earlier Japanese magatama bead made out of off-white jadeite with apple green and darker green to black patches. Magatama are curved beads which first appeared in Japan during the Jomon period (circa 1000 BCE), and in Korea during the Prehistoric period, mainly in the Bronze Age and Neolithic...

Lovely serene buddhist Jizo bodhisattva diety with almost a knowing smile breaking. Carved out of granite in the Late Meiji Period. H:32cm; W:19cm; depth 13cm. Ask for shipping quote.

18th century or earlier Japanese magatama bead made out of muddy green jadeite. Magatama are curved beads which first appeared in Japan during the Jomon period (circa 1000 BCE), and in Korea during the Prehistoric period, mainly in the Bronze Age and Neolithic. They are found in mounded tumulus graves as offerings to deities, and continued to be popular with the ruling elite throughout the Kofun Period, and are often romanticized as indicative of the Yamato Dynasty of Japan. It is believed that ...

Japanese Neolithic period magatama bead made out of agate (carnelian type). Magatama are curved beads which first appeared in Japan during the Jomon period (circa 1000 BCE), and in Korea during the Prehistoric period, mainly in the Bronze Age and Neolithic. They are found in mounded tumulus graves as offerings to deities, and continued to be popular with the ruling elite throughout the Kofun Period, and are often romanticized as indicative of the Yamato Dynasty of Japan. It is believed that maga...

Japanese Neolithic period magatama stone bead. Magatama are curved beads which first appeared in Japan during the Jomon period (circa 1000 BCE), and in Korea during the Prehistoric period, mainly in the Bronze Age and Neolithic. They are found in mounded tumulus graves as offerings to deities, and continued to be popular with the ruling elite throughout the Kofun Period, and are often romanticized as indicative of the Yamato Dynasty of Japan. It is believed that magatama were popularly worn as j...