A set of plain candle sticks, called shokudai, used for hanging on a wall (like sconces). Each stick is made of bamboo. On top of the stick is a forged iron hook to hang it from a horizontal beam or slat on the wall, together with a candle pricket. On the bottom is an iron sheet dripping saucer with pricket. Mingei.
Japan, Edo period, early 19th century. Very rare pieces.

L stick 1: 15 in.; depth saucer 3.5 in. L stick 2: 16 in.; depth saucer 3.5 in...

Rare pair of Taisho Period, C.1920 clay Shinto Inari foxes. One has a scroll in its mouth, the other the Hoju sacred gem. Very good condition. 13" high by 7" wide. Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.

Japanese 32 Sword Scabbards Tray, set in Wood Frame-top and shaped bottom Tray, Meiji period, 13 1/4" x 8" wide, 1 1/2" high, and Scabbard-1" high, 1 3/8" wide for each Scabbard, include Shark's skin, various techniques Lacquered design, none of them are same, all different lacquered Scabbard, tray has rounded corners on top and short rounded bracket feet on the bottom. All the Scabbards are in good condition but wood on the bottom shows two(2) cracks between 5" to 9" long.

DESCRIPTION: A large and delightful carved wood figure of one of the seven Japanese gods of good fortune, Daikoku, the deity of prosperity. Here he is seen in his traditional pose, standing on two bales of rice with his wish-granting mallet in his right hand, and a bag of riches slung over his left shoulder. Daikoku is also venerated as the deity of the kitchen where such carvings were traditionally displayed, sometimes in the ceiling rafters for good luck...

Epic Edo Period Ca. 1860 keyaki wood (japanese elm) money box with hand forged, thick iron metal fittings. The stamp of the maker, "Shimizu" is branded on the inside. 13" long x 5 1/2" tall x 8" deep. excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Pair Japanese carved solid Wood Shrine Guardian Lions, 10 1/2" high, 6" wide, 11" deep each, wonderfully aged, bleached and weathered being outside above Shrine or Temple heavy door frames. These Guardians also called Protector, or Shishi Dog, one mouth open and another mouth closed, always as a pair, placed on the top of the door hinges or under the eave in front of the Shrine doors to protect and stand Guard outside before entering the Shrine...

Antique Japanese hand-carved wooden theatre mask for the traditional Kyogen performance. The particular mask has the face of a fox, with coarse horse hair eyebrows and whiskers. The fearsome teeth and scowling eyes are lacquered in gold and it has red lacquered lips and veining in its ears. The jaw is hinged so that it jiggles open and closed with the dancers' movements. The inside of the mask has a special hand-carved signature by the original artist...

Small, sturdy platter, called ishizara, used as kitchen ware. Gray stoneware decorated with underglaze iron black and cobalt blue tama (sacred jewels) and characters, covered by a creamy, yellowish translucent and finely crackled glaze. Five spurmarks. Mingei.

Seto region, Japan, Edo period, 1800-1850

H 2 x Diam 10.5 in.

Several knicks and chips esp. on the rim edges and a short, old crack commensurate with age and heavy usage...

Antique Japanese carved wooden theatre fox mask (kyogen mask) with a movable jaw that would be opened and closed by the wearer's mouth. The eyes are painted in gold while the face is painted in white lacquer with red pigment accents. A fierce scowling expression is carved into the face. Chisel marks are apparent on the backside showing it was handmade. Custom iron stand included. Eco Period (Circa 1800's) Size: 7" H x 5" W (9" H on stand)

Japanese pair of shrine figures depicting two Lucky Gods, Ebisu and Daikoku. On the left is Ebisu, a popular god of business prosperity and abundant crops as well as the patron of fishermen. Carved from wood, he stands with a fish under one arm and a smile on his face. On the right is Daikoku, who represents prosperity and is the protector of crops. He is the patron of cooks, farmers and bankers. Carved from wood, he stands on bales of grain with a big bag slung over his shoulder...

Japanese large Wood square Hibachi with original Copper Lining, 7" high-outside and 5 1/2" inside, 17 1/2" square-outside and 16 1/2" square top rim, 11 1/2" square inside copper lining, with cut out handle on both side, original blue cotton fabric on the bottom. The beautiful bold looking grain of wood is noticeable and all original condition, no major damage except old copper lining is somewhat stained.

Kanban or shop sign. The sign indicates that the store would sell or manufacture ornamental pin holders for the oars on a boat (ireko), in the shape of dolls. According to the sketch pasted to the back of the kanban, this holder is mounted on the oar and is placed over a pin mounted on the boat edge. The oar pivots around that pin, so that the oar moves the boat through the water.

The pin holders are decorated as a male and a female doll in court style, their mouths wide open...

An antique Japanese large Taiko Drum with a Keyaki (Zelkova) wood body and strong leather ends. Beautiful rich deep sound when struck. All original hand forged iron hardware including the very large Taiko nails and the four carrying rings.

Age: Late Edo Era (1950-1860)

Dimensions: 30 1/4" Long by 26 1/2" Diameter.

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...

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...

Pair of zelkova elm temple 'Baku' bad dream devourers. 22cm long by 12cm tall and 7cm deep. Extremely well carved and very good condition. Ca. 1890 late Meiji Period. Ask for shipping quote.

Japanese Meiji to Showa period oval form portable wood tabako-bon smoker’s hibachi with a 4 1/4" diameter recessed copper bowl for holding charcoal and smaller 2" diameter cylindrical receptacle for holding pipes and smoking tools. A fully functional lacquered wood handle is mounted at the sides. 8 1/2” long x 7” wide x 4” high (excluding handle in upright position). Late 19th to early 20th century. Very good overall condition with a nice, bold grain to the thick wood. There is typi...

Rare item. Yazutsu (quiver) made of "koyori" which is twisted washi (Japanese handmade paper) strings. The crafts made of koyori and coated with urushi were called "Kami-Nagato" and they were popular handicrafts in Edo period, such as tabacco cases, bowls and sake containers in hyotan shape and so on. It has 15 arrows made of bamboo but feathers are worn out. The quiver is in excellent condition. The 19th century. L:94cm Diameter:7.5cm

Wabi - sabi Japanese Ryokan entrance way wood lamp from the end of the Taisho Period ca. 1930. Each side with fine shoji lattice work. H: 17"; W: 15"; depth:14". Ask for shipping quote.

Keyaki (zelkova) wooden pulley, used to scoop water out of a well. Wooden wheel with forged iron block. The inside of the wheel groove (where the rope would run through), lined with a thin sheet of copper. Mingei.
Japan, 19th century

Diameter wheel 12.25 in.; height pulley and block 16.75 in.; thickness wheel 3 in., thickness block 6.5 in.

Keyaki wood with beautiful patina, some dents and scratches commensurate with usage, copper on wheel slightly damage due to usage, otherwise v...

Exceptional Taisho Period C.1920 bronze tea ceremony ikebana flower arrangement boat. hanging on tripod hand forged bronze link chain, the boat would welcome visitors to the tea ceremony hut. Perfect condition. W: 12" x W:5". ask for shipping quote.

Beautiful Early Showa 'asa' hemp noren curtain with auspicious congratulatory crane and turtle for happiness and longevity. 5'ft by 3ft. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

This old Japanese hook would have been suspended over the hearth and used to hang cooking pots over the fire. Obviously used by a rural farm family, this pothook or jizai kagi would have been hung by a rope above the fireplace, and the hook has been "firepolished" from years of use.

JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY SCROLL

Unique hanging scroll arranged with some waste papers used for calligraphy practice pasted together, Meiji period, Japan, 44 x 235 cm (17.32 x 92.51in)


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Rather art deco huge buddhist temple gable. C.1910. Cyprus wood. 4ft. tall by 2ft. wide. see pics for condition. Shipping from CA warehouse.

Rare bronze mythical turtle koro or incense burner from the early Meiji Period Ca. 1880. In the form of one of Japan's most famous legends is this mythological giant turtle known as the 'Minogame' or straw raincoat turtle due to the tail resembling a farmers straw coat. The Minogame is regarded as a very auspicious creature in Japan representing long life and good fortune. Sitting on its back is a nest of bronze waves holding a Hoju sacred gem koro or incense burner. 43cm long x 25cm wide x 25c...

Attention-getting Japanese paper mache demon face mask. Has a devious grin, large bulbous nose, with fanged gold teeth. Face is black with red and gold highlights, making features stand out and gives an amusing yet intriguing look. Contains holes in ears of mask with cloth netting running behind face. Paper inscription on back is a description of this unique character. Taisho Period-Circa 1900 Dimensions: 17" High X 13.5" Across

Meiji Period ca. 1880 zen temple meal gong from Tottori Prefecture, Japan. Rich patina from temple candle smoke and oil lanterns. Excellent condition. With striker. Heavy original iron chain for hanging. 22" long x 12" tall and 6" deep. Ask for shipping quote.

Antique Japanese drum with handle. Lacquered black on sides and wooden handle. Decorated with Tachibana mon (Mandarin-orange flower) in red lacquer on one side and black lacquer on the other.

Age: Edo Period (early 19th century)

Dimensions: 15 3/4" long x 8" wide diameter x 2 1/4" deep

This old Japanese Noh theater mask has the expressive face of an old man. The mask is carved from paulownia wood and dates to middle Edo period, around 1750. The patina is wonderful.

Mask measures approx 8 inches high and 6 inches wide

Japanese deep 3 dimensional carved Bamboo Sake Jug or Container with one(1) stopper, Ca. 1880- 1920, 9 1/2" high- with thinner light color of bamboo handle attached into extended to main one(1) piece of bamboo section, 6 1/2" diameter on top with hole in the center of thinly carved flower pedal. Outer side the jug has deep 3 dimensional carving of figures and temples with Pine trees and rocky mountainside in natural deep brown color of big fat one piece of hollow bamboo, with naturally aged c...

Antique Japanese fireman's pick axe (tobiguchi), made with a hardwood handle with iron bars and ring, an iron axehead and secondary tool at the bottom of the handle with a nice, aged patina. Edo period (1615-1867) Size: 23.5" length, 4" axehead

Very rare 'Noshi" celebration wood carving. Noshi is an ornament attached to gifts and presents offered on festive occasions in Japan like weddings, births etc. This carving is a jizaikagi used on a hearth pot holder with iron fittings and bamboo pole. This would hang over the irori hearth and hold the pot above the coals. 61" long by 13" wide. great condition. Shipping from CA warehouse.

Antique and unique Japanese Mingei Sake Bottle (Tokkuri), also usable as a flower vase. It is approx. 100 years old and made of old Shino-Ware.

You will find two amazing images on it, made with iron-oxid. Enjoy sake or beautiful flowers with this antique Mingei Folk Art item.

Mingei (民芸 lit. folk arts or arts of the people), the Japanese folk art movement, was developed in the late 1920s and 1930s in Japan. Its founding father was Yanagi Sōetsu (1889–1...

EXCLUSIVE DOCUMENTS

Wide range of various old documents (including scroll) and samples of how to cutting, how to tying, and how to holding as 'origata' (decorative folding papers for 'noshi' gift wrapping paper for congratulatory life events) based on the Japanese traditional manners handed down to posterity. Meiji period (1868-1912), Japan. Scroll: More than 320cm (125.98in). Details unknown, because most of those are seen for my first time and with my shallo...

A carpet made of recycled washi fragments which were daifukucho (merchant's record book) or letters, and kakishibu (persimmon tannin) painted for strength and waterproof. It was generally put over tatami mats protecting them from sun beam or dust. It has letters "Kanei 6 (1853)", very late Edo period. It has rips, holes and moth bites. 204cm x 192cm

A Shachihoko is a sea monster in Japanese folklore with the head of a dragon and the body of a carp. According to the tale, Shachihoko lives in the cold northern ocean. Its broad fin and tails always point up toward heaven, and its dorsal fins have numerous sharp spikes. It can swallow a massive amount of water and hold it in its belly, as well as summon clouds and control the rain. Shachihoko are often constructed in a male and female pair at each end of the roof ridge as protector spirits of t...

Considered an auspicious symbols of wealth, status, and good fortune, foo dogs—commonly referred to as shishi or komainu in Japan—are often seen in pairs guarding shrines, straddling the doorways of shops, and protecting public buildings. The yellow Seto-ware shishi featured here is an antique from the Momoyama period that displays a soft patina developed over many decades of use.

Seto-ware is a pottery tradition established in the 12th century with the aim of reproducing fine ...

Tatou-gami made of recycled old washi (Japanese handmade paper) with kakishibu (persimmon tannin) for waterproof. Tatougami is used for wrapping kimono, precious items and so on. This was used for wrapping old books. It has four cords made of washi too. The second half of the 19th century. In good condition. 62cm x 67.5cm when it is flat.

Early 20th C. back pad from North Eastern Japan (Tohoku region, most likely Yamagata Prefecture.) In the local dialect, of the Echigo & Shonai Regions (current day Niigata & southern Yamagata Prefectures), these are referred to as "Bandori." Other areas call these back cushions "se-na-ate." This particular example is a "Koro [round[ Bandori" and is made from woven straw and encased in a marvelous webbing of "yamabudo" (mountain grape vine.) Coarse hemp rope also creates a striking design in fron...

Tatougami which was used at the pawnshop for wrapping pawned items. The name of the shop is "koyama Shichi-ten" and it has the shop's logo "小" in the square. It is a few layers of old washi (handmade paper) pasted together and painted with kakishibu (persimmon tannin) for strength and waterproof. Shichiya (pawn shop) appeared in Kamakura period and developed much in Edo period. 19th century, however one of mending paper has letters "Taisho 4 (1916). Top:87cm x 32cm, Bottom:75cm x 32cm

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...

Rich patina jizaikagi hearth fish from the Taisho Period C.1920. The pot stabalizers had an iron rod through the fish that went up into a long bamboo pole that had an iron hook on the bottom to hold the iron pot over the hearth fire in old japanese farm houses. Length: 11" x 7" tall. Ask for shipping quote.

Beautiful small wooden jizai, or pothook. This type is called Daikoku, after the shape of Daikoku’s hat. These hangers were suspended with a rope from a heavy beam, over the sunken hearth. From the hanger an adjustable hook was hung that held the kettle. Good piece of mingei.
Zelkova wood with rests of smut, especially in the grooves.
Japan, 19th century.
H 9.5; w 9.25; 2.75 inches.
Slight traces of usage, very good condition.

Japanese bamboo brush pot on three feet carved in sunken relief with the head of Zen patriarch Daruma, also known as Bodhidharma, holding a fly-whisk. Fly-whisks were carried by Buddhist priests to wave away flies which, according to Buddhist tenets, they could not kill. The fly-whisk is also a symbol of leadership. Early 20th century. 6 1/2" high x 4 7/8” diameter. Very good overall condition with typical wear from use. There are some small separations in the bamboo. From the estate of ...

Tatougami which was used at the pawnshop for wrapping pawned items. The name of the shop is "koyama Shichi-ten" and it has the shop's logo "小" in the square. It is a few layers of old washi (handmade paper) pasted together and painted with kakishibu (persimmon tannin) for strength and waterproof. Shichiya (pawn shop) appeared in Kamakura period and developed much in Edo period. 19th century. 32cm x 81cm

Sculpture of Daikoku sitting on a rice bale with a big grin on his face, spilling countless jewels (tama) from his treasure bag.
Keyaki (Paulownia) wood, carved in a slightly abstracted manner, called ittobori.
Unsigned. Mingei (folk art)
Japan, 19th century.

H ca. 11 x W 10½ in.

Tension cracks (consistent with material and age), several scuff marks, painters tape on bottom.

Daikoku is one of the seven gods of good fortune. He stands for good fortune and wealth. T...

Antique Japanese carved wooden mask of an okina, or old man, used in the theatrical art form of Noh. Every Noh mask represents a specific character, and when the shite (performer) puts on their mask, the term for putting on clothing (kaburu) is not used. Rather, it is called kakeru or tsukeru (to hang/to attach), as this symbolizes the transformation into the character. The mask shows traces of the facial hair it once had, which has been lost due to age. Inside the mask, chisel marks are apparen...

Antique Japanese noh theatre mask of the character Ko-Omote, a youthful girl. Very unusual that this mask is made of ceramic instead of carved from wood. Beautifully painted with red lips and blackened teeth, joyful eyes and dark hair with four loose strands, very important defining characteristics to tell each mask apart. The backside is signed in-between her eyes and has been affixed with parts for displaying the mask. Edo Period (circa 1800's) Size: 8" H x 5" W x 2.5" D

Beautiful Japanese burlwood vase for ikebana, or floral arrangements, with a complex, twisting, gnarled form. 20th century. Size: 14.25" height, 8.5" width

Antique Japanese theatre mask, skillfully hand-carved into the face of a tengu, or birdlike spirit, characterized by an usually long nose. His face is painted in red lacquer with black facial hair, and gold-lacquered eyes typical of a demon. The insides bears the usual rough chisel markings of a finely hand-carved piece. Meiji/Showa period. Size: 8.25" height, 6" width

An antique Japanese handwoven Ikebana basket used for flower arranging . Hand woven with a auspicious good luck symbol of a bamboo branch with leaves. Beautiful natural aged patina in excellent condition.

The bamboo motif represents tenacity and perseverance, one of the three felicitous friends of winter with the other two being the Plum Blossom (representing beauty) and the Pine tree (representing Longevity).

Age: Taisho Era (circa 1910-1920)

Dimensions: 8" Wide x 17 1/4"...

This Japanese 3 panel screen has carved wood frame and lower panels. The upper panels have decoration of carved birds, and eagle and fauna carved from either died bone or natural colored shell. The hinges are double swing so that the panels can be arranged in various positions... opened out the screen is 17 inches across and 14 inches high.

Japanese mingei water wheel of hinoki wood. Constructed with iron nails, joinery, complete with 17 spokes and paddles with kanji characters. The central hub has an iron piston protruding for rotational function. The wheel comes with a contemporary custom steel mount which allows it to spin smoothly and silently.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 64 1/2" wide diameter x 9 1/8" deep (paddle)

An antique Japanese Shinto Shrine (also known as a Kamidana, Yashiro or Omiya) housing the deities Ebisu and Daikoku. The shrine was made from Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) while the deities were hand carved from Tsugenoki (Boxwood).

Ebisu is characterized by the lucky Sea Bream (Tai) fish that he holds under his arm. Sitting on a rocky shore, he looks to the water as a protector of fish, fisheries, seafood, fishermen, sea merchants and anything else that is related. Daik...

Magnificent set of Kamisugi Sake Brewery bronze doors from the Taisho Period, C.1920. One door has gold gilt wood letters reading 'Kamisugi' the other 'Shikishima', both sake brands. Kamisugi Sake Brewery was established in C.1805. 42" wide by 67" high. Great condition. Back with some wear. Ask for shipping quote.

Beautiful Japanese antique pulley made out of keyaki wood with all original finish and wonderful patina. This piece is enhanced by its trapezoid shape and utilitarian qualities. Age: Edo Period. Size: 14.75" h x 9.5" w x 5" d

Brilliant Taisho Period ca. 1920 natural dye cotton futon cover for wedding celebration. Featuring Japan's 3 famous auspicious symbols for happines and longevity; cranes, trutle and pine. 4ft x 3 1/2ft. great condition with a little shredding on one edge. Ask for shipping quote.

Very wabi-sabi old Meiji period bronze well bucket. Great conditon. Hand forged bronze nails to attach the ring bar. Lovely patina. 11" tall by 7" wide. Ask for shipping quote. (pair available)

Antique Japanese small Gigaku performance mask. Gigaku (literally meaning "skill music") is an earlier form of Japanese theatre that was brought over from Korea and China in 612. Gigaku reached a high point during the Nara Period and continued it's popularity until it was eventually replaced by Bugaku theatre. Traditionally performed outdoors at a temple, Gigaku masks were carved with exaggerated features in order for them to be seen by an audience seated at a distance. There are 14 characte...