溶けた恵比寿 / MELTED EBISU

Wood carving Ebisu god image scorched and half-melted by conflagration, which turned to more fascinating abstract sculpture as the result. Edo period (1603-1868), Japan. approx. H 28 x W 22 x D 15.5cm (11.02 x 8.66 x 6.10in). Stained with its soot when touch, though depends on the part...

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...

Antique Japanese mounted carving of a group of 6 flying bats. Sculpted with detail and lacquered gold, the group moves together through the air like a small cloud. Mounted and framed in a plexiglass shadow box. Bats are symbols of prosperity and good luck. This carving was most likely part of a larger temple decoration.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: Carving alone: 9" wide. In frame: 12 1/4" wide x 9 1/4" high x 5 1/2" deep.

Japanese bronze bull with signature by famous artist.

Age: Japan, Showa Period, Early 20th Century
Size: Height 11.2 C.M. / Width 7.5 C.M. / Length 18.3 C.M.
Condition: Nice condition overall. Please refer to the enlargement photos for more details.
Shipment: Worldwide shipping from Bangkok, Thailand at actual cost. Please e-mail us for the shipping fee.

Antique Japanese large wood carving of a fish jumping up a waterfall. Symbolizing strength, perseverance and aspiration, the large koi moves against the raging water which crashes below in a torrent of waves. Above the falls, a calm mist swirls. On either side of the water, tufts of grass grow out of the rocks. Carved of a single enormous piece of keyaki (zelkova Japanese elm) wood and with traces of blue and green pigment. Finely carved with extraordinary movement and depth...

Antique Japanese suiseki, a stone for contemplation. The art of suiseki viewing stones emphasizes an appreciation for the natural formations. Each stone tells a story not only of it's geological creation but of it's path through time, how it has been shaped by other elements like wind and water. Viewing a stone such as this, a person can feel transported to a world where the stone is a mountain (or a sleeping dragon) and the viewer is quite small...

A large and very impressive Bronze model of a male lion cast in naturalistic style as is common for Japanese export bronzes from this period. Glass eyes. Marked with a seal: Kyomitsu zo: made by Kyomitsu. Meiji, late 19th cent. ca. 1890. L 56 cm, H 30 cm. Condition: Excellent.

Antique Japanese wooden temple carving of a dragon in swirling clouds. Beautifully carved of heavy keyaki (zelkova elm) wood with intricate details. The large dragon clasps the sacred wish-granting pearl in one claw. Around him are billowing rivulets of clouds. Some of the details of his face are painted with red mineral pigment and his eyes are made of reverse painted glass...

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...

Antique Japanese bamboo walking stick. Carved with scenes of snakes chasing frogs. The frogs and snakes appear on the surface of the cane as if through holes in a tunnel. With details painted in ink and light colors. Signed by 吉明刀 Yoshiaki.

Taisho Period (1912-1926)

Dimensions: 36" long x 3/4" wide

Buddhist lion in gilded bronze. Japanese work from the Edo period (17 ° -19 °) difficult to date with precision. However the style of the round patches of the coat does not seem to me to be 17 °, it is more reasonable to think 18 ° -19 °. The cast iron is of good quality and very thick which makes it very heavy (18 kilograms). The bronze was hot gilded with mercury and then covered with translucent lacquer which gives an orange color...

Daruma standing tall, wrapped tightly in his garment, the tips of his feet just peeping out. This pose is associated with the episode in which Daruma travels to China, crossing the river Yangzi, while standing on a reed.
The figure was molded in a cast in two halves and joined before firing. A hole in the back functions as a vent and prevents the statue from exploding while fired in the kiln.
Stoneware with gomma...

An antique Japanese Mikawa Maneki Neko also known as a beckoning cat made of clay and natural pigments. Beautiful aged patina and natural wear over its 100 years of providing luck and happiness. With its raised left paw, it is beckoning customers, friends, family, guests and good luck for its owner. Often displayed in a prominent place in a store or restaurant, they are a lucky mascot known to attract clients and patrons into the business establishment.

Age: Meiji/Taisho (1900-1920)
...

Sculpture of the Bodhisattva Jizo, standing with a jewel in his left hand. His right hand points down to the earth in a welcoming gesture. The sculpture was built according to the yoseki saigu technique of separate blocks. Originally a layer of gesso covered the wood, over which black lacquer. The lacquer and gesso have come off from most of the sculpture, revealing finely written sutras or Buddhist texts in black ink all over the body of the figure.
Mounted on an black base with Velcro

...

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.

Chiseled wood sculpture representing a seated monkey holding peaches of longevity in his hands.
The figure of the monkey with longevity peaches is a popular image in China, however this subject was also widely used by the Japanese. According to the legend the monkey Sun, king of monkeys, upset that he was not invited to the banquet of the Queen Mother, entered the garden of the goddess Xiwangmu in the mountains of Kun Lun and ate all the heavenly peaches she grew there. He became immortal...

A Japanese large bronze sculpture depicting a perched falcon with light and pleasant patina. Eyes, beak and legs in black enamel and gilted. Kōmin 高民 signature under the tail within an oval silver reserve. Provenienza: Giappone Periodo: Meiji 1880 c.a Dimensioni: 51 x 30 x 20 cm. Stato di conservazione: Ottimo

Very unusual pair of komainu or guardian dogs to a Shinto or Buddhist shrine. The lef one has its mouth open and has drooping ears, the right one keeps its mouth closed and has the ears perked up. Very fine and smooth bronze cast with rich brown patination.
Makers mark chiseled into the bottom of each lion dog. The name consists of a single character that can be read in a variety of ways: Yasushi, but also Hiroshi, Yutaka, Toru or Akira; followed by "saku" or "made by".
Japan, late 1...

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. Th...

A rare pair of 18th century hand carved Edo period solid keyaki (zelkova) peonies that would have been mounted on temple doors. Finely carved three dimensionally with great detail, condition is very good.
Custom fabricated stands with antique bronze finish float each carving securely and ready to display.

Age Edo Period 18th Century

12" wide X 12 1/2" high (each) X 16 1/2" high w/stand X 5" wide

Sculpture of Fudo standing in front of a flaming halo from which three phoenix heads emerge. Fudo holds his sword in his right hand, his rope in his left. His flaming halo is curved, surrounding him in a dramatic way.
Exquisite carving in very soft wood, probably cryptomeria (sugi), lightly stained with a shade of darker brown.
Japan, Meiji period.

Height 10.6 in. (27.6 cm).

Excellent condition

Lovely maiden of bronze holding basket of sea life including octopus and walking with sandals, signed with rectangular cartouche reading 誠谷作, Seiya saku. That would point to Genryūsai Seiya (源龍斎誠谷). Realistic Tokyo School bronze dating from the Meiji Period (1868-1912). With natural burl wood base.

Size: 19"H x 8" D, stand 3.5"H x 21" D

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 ...

Antique Japanese natural burl wood low stand or pedestal. Stunning original warm lacquer lighter tones with darker touches of brown and black. Shapely form as the burl sways right then drifts upward and to the left as it flattens out onto a perfect surface.
Would make for an excellent side table for a contemporary home.

Edo Period C. 19th Century

18" x 13" x 22 1/2" High

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 ...

Twelve Shinsho are guardian Buddhas of Yakushi Nyorai and they are 12 worriors and armoured. They have 12 animal symbols on the head. This one looks "Sarugami", monkey judging from the apprearance. Early 18th century. In good condition but some parts are lost. Height:29cm Width:12cm

Late 19th century Japanese ceramic statue of standing Daruma - the founder of Zen Buddhism - enveloped in monastic robe, and holding a hossu (fly whisk) in his hand. Superb sculpting - see the beautiful flow of his robe and well defined facial features. Absolutely fascinating painting of his face - staring fierce eyes with white enamel, wonderful depiction of his facial hair and excellently conveyed expression of thoughtful concentration. Bottom shows ceramic body, some expected wear to enamel. ...

A Japanese wood carving of a seated figure, probably the poet Matsuo Basho (1644~1694), the most famous poet of the Edo period. 19th century or earlier. Fine old patina.

Approximately 14.5 cm high. Fine condition with only a chip on the hat and the nose noted.

Please study the photographs.

Within the UK payment by bank transfer is preferred.

Customers resident in China must make arrangements to pay by International Bank Transfer in GBP, fees paid.

Pl...

A sublime and very rare 10th-12th century Heian Period Japanese Jizō Bosatsu wood sculpture. 8 inches (20cm) high x 6 (15cm) inches wide.

Smashing pair of zen temple buddhist cloud carvings form the late Edo Period/early Meiji Period c. 1870. Carved out of cypress wood and with gold gilt. Slight wear due to age on a couple of spots but adds character (see photos). Condition very good. One is 10" tall by 12" wide the other slightly smaller. Ask for shipping quote.

A Japanese Painted wood statue of Kannon Bosatsu. 19th century. Condition: small chips and age cracks, please refer to photos for condition detail, addition photos will be provide upon request. Height: 9-7/8". Weight: 46 OZ, heavy for a wood statue at this size. Provenance: Former collection of retired Professor D. Gibbs of University of California

Superb Meiji Period c. 1900 zen buddhist temple ramma featuring chrysanthemum and leaves carved in fabulous relief. Carved out of cypress wood with gold gilt lacquer, the piece is large at 49" wide and 12" tall. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

A pair of rare Japanese bronze Okimono birds.

Age: Japan, Showa Period, Early 20th Century
Measurement: Height 18.8 C.M. / Width 28.5 C.M.
Condition: Nice condition overall. Please refer to the enlargement photos for more details.
Shipment: Worldwide shipping from Bangkok, Thailand at actual cost. Please e-mail us for the shipping fee.

Japanese antique transom made of keyaki (elm) wood and carved with scenes of samurai warriors. On the left hand side, a general gives orders to his troops (small figures carved in the round) partially behind a camp curtain. On the right hand side, another samurai rides a battle horse and raises his weapon high over his head. All around them are pine branches and swirling mist.

Edo Period (19th century)

Dimensions: 17 1/4" high x 45 1/2" long x 5 1/2" deep.

Fine Edo Period Sho Bosatsu Kannon in Rare Excellent Condition, gilded wood sculpture seated on a lotus and holding a lotus in the left hand. The Bodhisattva of Compassion has never been more beautifully rendered. Height: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Width: 14 inches (35.5 cm).

An early Meiji Period (~1872) Bronze Censor with Scholar riding a Carp. Signed. Size: 25 cm. x 29 cm. x 16 cm. Weight: ~ 2.5 kg (~ 5.25 lbs.)