Sculpture - Inari. Symbolized by a pair of Japanese fox - Shinto kami. The foxes are represented seated on pedestals and take their place in a sort of painted wooden temple entrance door. Japan late Edo (1603-1868) 19th century. Dimensions of the wooden shelter: 24 cm x 25 cm. Dimensions of foxes: 14 cm x 6.5 cm. Inari is one of the main kami of Shintoism, mainly associated with agriculture, revered to protect the rice fields and provide an abundant harvest, a symbol of fertility...

Very rare Japanese comic demon Buaku Kyogen mask dating from the early Edo Period, the golden age of Noh Drama. The Buaku mask is a Kyogen version of the Noh Beshimi character. Kyogen were short, humorous skits performed between Noh acts to lighten the mood. The heavily knit brows and wide leering grimace are wonderful characteristics of this mask. It is covered in layered colored gofun (oyster shell lacquer)...

A charming and impressive model of tiger in bronze. Beautiful fineness and exquise details on its fur. Very fine patina. Signed “Morimasa” on its back. Dimension : 16 x 13.5 cm. Japan Edo (1603-1868) 19th century.

1700s / 1800s

The lacquered case opens to reveal a molded earthenware figure of Fudo Myoo, one of the 'five great kings of ligh.” The ceramic figure has an old, restuck break horizontally across the top of the base, otherwise it is in very good condition. The figure sits neatly into a carved recessed part of the interior base of the case. The case is lacquered a brownish black and is in good condition. Acquired in Kyoto in the early 1970s.

Height: 3 ¾ in.

A Kannon Bosatsu wooden statue from the early Meiji Period (19th century) with rests of its original paint.

It is a unique peace of buddhist art, as it bears on its back a writing with black ink from a Samurai. The charakters mean Saikoku Sanjusansho (The Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage), made by 'Yasukuni Joza' in the status of Bushi (Samurai) in Bungo area, Oita Prefecture.

There are no similar pieces to find. It is really matchless and singular...

Edo Period (circa 1750) Large Japanese Wood Sculpture of a Shrine Horse, a gift from an upper-class family to a shrine. Images of Horses are highly prized in Japan. It is commissioned and presented to protect a newborn male child. Rising up on its back legs, set to gallop, it strikes an animated, exciting, and beautiful pose that sets it apart from the usual static poses that these horses have...

An early pair of Japanese Kutani Porcelain Shishi (Foo Dogs). These unique porcelains have a rich brown glaze with black and white under glaze. They have a wonderful mythological presence. 7 x 4.5 inches, 18 x 11.5 cm each. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Sculpture of a priest sitting with his legs crossed, his hands positioned on his knees, formerly holding a scroll and a rosary. He wears a robe, carved in low relief, with the usual square pattern in red and green typical of a priest’s robe. His face is very rich in expression, his bare chest clearly shows his ribcage.
Wood with a polychrome lacquer layer on top of gesso.
Japan, Edo period, 18th century.

Height 18.5 in., width 17.25 in., depth 12 in.

Beautiful patina...

Buddha in gilded lacquered wood. In the middle of the forehead is inlaid in mother-of-pearl the eye of the spirit. Le buddha is placed on a lotus-shaped plinth and leans against a glory sculpted with volutes. The base and the glory are from the Edo period.The Buddha is probably older, it is constructed differently,having a thick solid layer of reddish-brown lacquer visible where the worn gold powder has gone and is much more worn.The face and torso are atypical of those of the Edo period...

Japanese Carved Volcanic Gray Stone Jizo, Bodhisattva Buddha is holding Lotus Bud, Edo period, before 1800, 22" high, 11" wide maximum, 9" deep. Old lichen is growing in some areas, and in good condition.

A unique Edo Period Tengu (Devilish Imp) Mask with a handle in the back for use in parades. In fact, this was purchased in Japan in the 1960's directly from the parade participant who was using it, after the parade was over. A rare piece from a renowned collection. 8h x 5w x 5.75d inches, 20.5 x 12.5 x 14.5 cm. Wood with traces of pigment. From the collection of Irwin Hersey, renowned author on Asian and primitive art, and publisher of the Primitive Art Newsletter in the 1970s...

Rare and wonderful Kyogen Theater mask dating from the Edo period, the golden age of Noh Drama. Kyogen are short, humorous skits performed between Noh acts to lighten the mood. He has gold eyes with a rich red lacquer finish. Red represents both drunkenness and healing. The large nose gives a striking sense of comic drama. This fine mask is brilliantly carved, accentuating the depth of the mask, and adding a sense of comic theater. 8.25 by 6.5 inches, 21 x 16.5 cm.

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...

Pair of 18th Century Japanese Carved Stone Sculptures of the Female Buddha Sattva with beautifully polychromed colors. Inscribed on the back. These rare figures are important artifacts of Buddhism and they transmit a wonderful spiritual presence. Heights: 10.5 and 10 inches, 27 and 25.5 cm.

Edo Period Japanese Noh Theater Mask of Kawazu, an Oni with a Golden Hair Beard, circa 1700. A very rare early example with a powerful presence. 8 x 6.5 inches, 20.25 x 16.5 cm. Height with the beard is 19 inches (48.25 cm).

Very rare cast bronze sculpture of the Chinese monk Xuanzang with a pile of Buddhist scriptures rolled up and stacked in the pack on his back and a lotus leaf over his head from which dangles an incense burner, as he returns to China from India.
In his hands he was holding a scroll and a fly whisk that are now missing. Figure stands on an irregularly shaped base. Japan, mid Edo period, 18th century.
Height incl. base ca. 5.25 inches (13.3 cm).
Hands slightly damaged.

Genjo ...

Japanese Carved Wood Seated Figure of an Ascetic (fasting Buddha). This early Edo Period 17th Century piece is a magnificent work of sculpture with dry lacquer surface and some color with gold lacquer on the stand. He presents a haunting spiritual aura and has the desired sheen for carvings of this age. We are proud to offer this important museum quality masterpiece. 9.5h x 7w x 5d inches, 24h x 18w x 13d cm.

17th Century Japanese Standing Buddha. A rare and fine example from the early Edo Period. Carved of Poloma wood with a rich dark patina. Complete with Stand and Mandala. It has a spiritual presence and a beautiful face to contemplate. 15 inches, 38 cm tall. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.