A very rare well-potted and painted 8.25" Ko-Imari model of a standing boy reaching into an urn. The boy's face is painted with black hair and features a gilt head band. Both his robe and the urn are painted in blue, orange and iron red.

Condition: Excellent, with no chips, hairlines or repairs.

Edo Period Japanese woodblock print triptych by Kunisada II (1823-1880) titled "Moon" from the series "Snow, Moon and Flowers" published by Yamamotoya Heikichi in 1852. Each panel bears the signature "Kunisada ga", a publisher's seal, date and censor's seals (see enlargement 7). Each panel measures nearly 14 1/4"V x 9 7/8"H. Very good overall condition. The triptych is not backed and the baren marks and image are clearly visible on the back. No tape or tape stains...

The only differences between this matching pair of Japanese woman's hair combs are the very slight details in the hand-painted design and the size and spacing of the tines. The finely detailed lacquer design was painted in 3 shades of gold. Unfortunately the minute details, flower petals and tree knots are hard to see in the photos.

Edo Period Japanese woodblock print triptych by Kunisada (also known as Toyokuni III) depicting actors portraying a scene from the kabuki theater. Published by Yamazakiya Seishichi in 1855. Each panel bears the signature "Toyokuni ga" in a red cartouche with yellow snow, a publisher's seal, date seal, and censor's seal (see enlargement 5). Each panel measures about 14 1/2"V x 9 3/4" - 10"H. Very good overall condition with margins...

Wood Carved Netsuke Shoki & Oni Signed, 19th Century

It is 2.75 inches (7 cm) tall by 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.

It is in good condition with no repairs, cracks, or chips, except rubbing of paint (as seen in the photos).

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Japanese Edo period woodblock print from a small series featuring bust portraits of actors portraying two opposite charactors in old and current plays set against calligraphy by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) collaborating with Torii Kiyomitsu II (1788-1868) dated 1852. The lower right corner bears the signature cartouches of both artists, censor and date seals, and the seal of the publisher Joshuya Juzo. The paper measures 14 3/4"V x 9 7/8"H...

An early 19th century Imari charger or shallow bowl measuring 18" x 2.5"

The piece is signed on the bottom and is in excellent condition.

This is “kataginu” (shoulder cloth), only the upper vest of kamishimo without a trouser. Kami-shimo simply means top and bottom in Japanese. It was a high ranking samurai’s formal attire when they attended official meetings at the Edo castle. It was worn over kosode (kimono with small sleeves) with trousers. The shoulders are arch shaped and this was the style that developed in the late Edo period (1603-1868). Longer trousers (approx...

This is “kataginu” (shoulder cloth), only the upper vest of kamishimo without a trouser. Kami-shimo simply means top and bottom in Japanese. It was a high ranking samurai’s formal attire when they attended official meetings at the Edo castle. It was worn over kosode (kimono with small sleeves) with trousers. The shoulders are arch shaped and this was the style that developed in the late Edo period (1603-1868). Longer trousers (approx...

Enameled on this unsigned 3.75" silver bodied vase are a pair of snowy egrets, bamboo and a single butterfly.

Condition: There is a stable discoloration behind the bamboo, illustrated in the second photograph, also a hairline shown in the second photograph.

A very rare 17th century model of an actor, 14" in height. Over a blue underglaze, it is enameled in black, iron-red, green and blue, the red and white robe nicely decorated in a pattern of thistles

Provenance: Christie's Lot 341, March 1987

Condition: Minor wear and a few rough spots. Detailed photographs will be provided upon request to one seriously interested in the piece. detailed photograph will be A slight rough spot

Edo Period Japanese woodblock print by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) depicting a half-length portrait of an actor portraying a samurai. This is one of a number of half-length portraits of actors designed by Kunisada in 1852. Signed at the right "Toyokuni ga" (in a red cartouche with yellow snow) with the seal of the publisher Yamazakiya Seishichi below. Fresh color and nice impression quality with fine delineation of the hair and lacquer highlights...

This is a "kataginu" (shoulder cloth), only the upper vest of kamishimo without trousers. Kami-shimo simply means top and bottom in Japanese. It was a high ranking samurai's formal attire when they attended official meetings at the Edo castle. It was worn over a kosode (kimono with small sleeves) with trousers. The shoulders are arch shaped and this was the style that developed in the late Edo period (1603-1868). Longer trousers (approx. 1.5 times longer) were chosen for special occasions...

A spectacular Meiji Period Satsuma vase by Kinzan I. In 2001, the Kinzan kiln was designated a National treasure by the Japanese government. The Kinzan kiln pioneered and developed unique gilding techniques, such as underglaze gold leaf. This rare vase is a wonderful example of Kinzan's mastery. Height: 10.5 inches (27cm), circumference: 21.75 inches ((55cm).

Wonderful pair of Kutani ware porcelain rabbits, one is white and one is light brown, both with areas of gold in which each hair has been painted, pink eyes and inside of ears, the light brown rabbit has it's mouth open and displays a row of tiny teeth and a red tongue, great detail and attention to modeling , Meiji Period (1868-1912). Size: 5 1/2" high x 7 1/2" wide x 6 1/2" deep.

This lovely late 19th C Ko Kutani bijin is holding two opened fans with a flower on her head. Exquisite features and detailing, this already highly collectible Ko Kutani figure is even more special because the flower also serves as a candle holder. In very good condition, she measures 11" or 27.9 cm high.

A pair of lacquered iron abumi (Japanese stirrups) decorated in fine gold and nashiji (pear skin) lacquer on a roiro urushi, black lacquer ground. Each carries a Tokugawa aoi crest (three hollyhock leaves in a circle) within scrolling leaf background, the bottom constructed with wood pieces within an iron frame which made it lighter, thus gave a better control. Edo period (17th/18th century).  9" high, 5 1/4" wide.

Over a jet black ground, a single butterfly flutters among clusters of chrysanthemums on this unsigned 3.625" silver wired vase. The upper rim is of brass, the bottom copper.

Condition: Minimal pitting, no hairlines or repairs.

A nicely enameled early 19th century Imari charger measuring 18".

Condition: Fine, no chips, hairlines or repairs.

This is a Japanese fukusa, a gift cover with the design of the “Eight Views of Omi”. In the beginning of the 16th century, eight scenic spots in Omi (Shiga, Japan) were selected by closely following the Chinese “The Eight Views of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers”. The original version of the "Eight Views" is said to be painted by Song Di in the 11th century – the paintings no longer exist today.* The masterpiece that depicted beautiful landscapes around Lake Dongting in Hunan Provinc...

Early 1900 Japanese silk fukusa featuring a turtle and a crane. Techniques used to create this wonderful fukusa are sumi-e hand painting, yuzen resist dying, some embroidery, and gold foil couching. On the reverse is red rinzu silk with crane and mons motif. Two original tassels are still intact at the bottom. There is a small cluster of tiny gray spots by the crane, see last photo. Otherwise, in very good condition/excellent, it measures 25” wide x 27” high.

An octagonal beaker and saucer plate, thinly potted and decorated in under glaze blue with "lange Lijzen" and flower pots in Kangxi style. Late Edo, c 1850. Marks: Zoshuntei, Sampo sei (cf. mark 96 in Lawrence, Hirado: Prince of porcelains). Height of beaker "2¾/ 7 cm and diameter "3½/ 9 cm. Diameter of saucer "5¼/ 13,5 cm. Condition: fine.

Pair of Japanese Hirado blue and white octagonal saucer plates, thinly potted, and decorated in under glaze blue with "lange Lijzen" and flower pots in Kangxi style. Late Edo, c 1850. Marks: Zoshuntei, Sampo sei (cf. mark 96 in Lawrence, Hirado: Prince of porcelains). Diameter"5 ¼/ 13,5 cm. Condition: two chips restuck to one plate at four o'clock as shown in the first photo.

Urn-shaped earthenware vase with decoration of a lady and a boy dancing. Subtle crackle-glaze in shades of peach and pink, with gilt and white moriage (slip) articulations on an olive-green background. Unmarked, but with Japanese handwriting on sticker. Meiji period (1868-1912). There is a drilled hole to the base, for a lamp wire. Height "9½/ 25 cm. Condition: fine. Please note that the white patches near the foot rim on the photos are just reflexions.

A Japanese Ko Imari plate of moulded shape. Decoration in colours and gilt of bamboo on a red ground, and birds within underglaze blue Ruyi reserves, c 1850. Diameter "8¾/ 22 cm. Condition: some wear to the surface, a chip to under side of rim and to foot rim as seen on photo.

A small Satsuma cup and saucer, probably Taisho period, c 1920. Well composed and painted decoration of a flower shrub in colours and gilt, on a finely crackle-glazed ground in pearly off-white. Painted seal mark to cup and saucer. Diameter of saucer "4¼/ 11,5 cm, height of cup "2/ 5 cm. Note: there are two more saucers of the same kind available. Condition: fine, except for some stains on the saucer as seen in photos.

Breathtaking antique Japanese cloissone vase from the Ando Factory. In the original signed box, the characters read 'shigyokuju yoran kabin' meaning purple jewel glaze orchid flower vase, and 'Ando ShippoTen Tsukuri' made by the Ando Cloissone Company. The purple is striking and the musen wireless orchids fantastic. What drew us to this piece is the wonderful shape of the vase itself. Has the Ando mark on the base. Excellent condition. c.1920. (9" x 9") (23cm x 23cm).

Japanese antique fukusa, a gift cover embroidered with "The Old Couple of Takasago" on wool (rasha, felt like), padded and lined with orange crepe silk, Meiji period (1868-1912).

The story of the old couple, Jo and Uba, came from the Noh play, Takasago, which was written during the Muromachi period (1336-1573) by Zeami. Jo and Uba were spirits who resided in an old pine tree which was two trees that grew together over the years. They were seen in the moonlight raking and sweeping old pine...

A fabulous early Meiji era silk fukusa with two cranes, pine trees and the brilliant sun, all symbols of longevity and good fortune. Techniques used to create this wonderful fukusa were yuzen resist dying, sumi-e hand painting, free-hand embroidery, and gold foil couching. The cranes’ crests were created with tiny hand embroidered knots. Also worthy of note: The crane’s darker tail feather veining was achieved by intertwining dark brown and dark silvery grey silk satin threads (see phot...

This before World War I ceramic Kutani style nude lady is 12 ¾” high, 3 ¾” wide and 4 ¾” thick. It depicts a long hair nude beauty holding a bright traditional rube and leaned on a dark rock. There is a faded red mark on the bottom. It is in excellent condition.

One of the most spectacular Japanese bronze hibachi's ever encountered and quite unusual in every way. Massive and weighing a solid 18 lbs. this hibachi features a well sculpted dragon that clutches the celestial pearl of wisdom that effort-sly glides about the wind that whips about its body, three monkeys in varying poses or positions support this cauldron-like monstrosity. The dragon wraps completely around the hibachi and is striking in its detail; tendrils and spine protrude and the head swi...

This late19th Century Japanese Imari (Aka-e) vase is 7 ½” high and 3 ¾” at its widest part. It depicts cherry blossoms and orchids in two sections, fruit (peach or persimmon) and some unknown flowers are painted on the rest of body. There are three small butterflies painted on the rim. Aside from a few blisters and smudged color due to firing, it is in excellent condition.

This mid. 19th century Japanese Imari (Aka-e) vase is almost 10 ½” high and 4 ¾” on widest part. There are two sections; one depicts a painted phoenix, butterfly and maple tree, the other depicts a geisha holding an umbrella standing in front of iris and hanging flowers. The rest of the vase is decorated with floral and textile designs. It is in perfect condition.

This early 19th century Japanese Imari vase is 10 ½ inches high and 4 ½ inches on the widest part. The top of the vase had been cut and polished. Two peony blossoms were painted over the lower part. Three small circles on the upper were painted pine, plum blossom and bamboo. It has a green “Fuku – Happiness” mark on the bottom. Aside from some faded color due to its age, it is in great condition.

A beautiful Satsuma vase by Kinkozan, the foremost artist of the 'Golden Age' of Satsuma during the Meiji Period. In ovoid form with gorgeous relief butterfly and flower designs and a central band with floral rosettes on black. Kinkozan mark on base. Height: 12.5 inches, 31.5 cm; Circumference: 25 inches, 63.5 cm.

Beautiful art work of Tosa Mitsutoki* embroidered with a theme from the Noh play "Takasago" on an antique fukusa, a Japanese gift cover. The signature, seal and other characters are embroidered. To find a signature on a fukusa from this period (late Edo) is very rare; in fact, I have never seen one. The characters (at the bottom left side) read "e-dokoro azukari" which is the title for the head of the Imperial Painting Bureau. The characters in the next column translate to Tosa Sakin Shog...

A fine late 17th century oval porcelain bowl molded in the form of a chrysanthemum. 6.375" x 5.5" x2", it is decorated sparingly in the Kakiemon palette. Ex-Christie's.

Condition: Excellent

This antique Japanese Edo Period c.1840 red bronze utsubata flower vase is actually a Japanese proverb, "Hyotan Kara Koma". Literally, 'a horse from a gourd' meaning "the unexpected can be wonderful". The base of the vase is a wisteria wrapped gourd with an old man climbing on it. It was made so his head can move. On the underside of the top vase is a horse in raised thick bronze. Gourds are regarded as a lucky charm in Japan. Beautiful patina. c.1840. (10" x 11") (26cm x 28cm). Ask for shipping...

There is no visible image of God in Japanese Shinto religion. For this reason, people find the spirit of God in their surroundings, especially in nature. In the noh play “Takasago”, an old couple is seen together on the beach of Takasago (today’s Hyogo prefecture) sweeping pine needles under the trees. The old man Jo and old woman Uba are the spirits of the pine trees that were grown in Takasago and Sumiyoshi. The two trees are located far away but they are together with their spirits. ...

This three piece Satsuma pottery vessel is enameled entirely in shades of blue with gold accents over a very fine crackle ground. The top is decorated with a fierce dragon on a field of white, enclosed in a blue border. The small inner lid bears a scattering of blossoms. Between the banded shoulder and base of the piece, the artist has painted in fine detail a fishing hamlet. Five inches in height, this is a lovely and unusual example of blue Satsuma ware.

Condition: Excellent, with no chi...

A late 18th century Ko Seto stoneware dish, 5" in diameter, decorated tastefully in a traditional horse eye and cobweb design.

Condition:There are two small rim chips as illustrated in the sixth photograph. The first and more serious is to the far left, the second is to the far right. The dish is otherwise excellent.

A 10.8" square tray signed Teizan and sealed Kinzan, mid Meiji period, depicting an unfortunate encounter between a hawk and a goose.

Condition: Quite good overall condition, There is a faint nick and short enamel crack to the front of the tray, two small areas of enamel cracking to the reverse, and pitting usual to the period. No dents or restoration.

An unusual pair of Satsuma earthenware vases, eight inches in height, with graduated green underglaze depicting landscapes.

 

A Japanese tobacco pouch, ojime and pipe case (kiseruzutsu) - a leather pouch with an impressed name/hallmark of a famous sake on the inside of the flap with a gilt bronze clasp of a Chinese man and go (Japanese chess, originally Chinese) table. The ojime is a Bizen type pottery bead modeled as a two headed karako (Chinese boy), lucky god Ebisu or Daikoku. The kiseruzutsu (pipe case) has a hand chiseled textured design on the exterior of an unknown material. Tobacco pouch, 3” x 5”, ki...

A Japanese silver two pronged kanzashi (hair pin) with a cut rock crystal in center within a filigree gilt chrysanthemum, partially gilt body; original wooden box (tomobako) and a label that is written "Gold-silverwork", the retailer's name Kinji Shibuya, Akita city and their two digit phone number. Meiji/Taisho period.

Kanzashi: 6 3/4" long
Box: 9" x 2" x 1"

This assortment of cosmetic brushes along with the small container was originally part of a large cosmetic set which would have been commissioned for the a wealthy Japanese bridal trousseaux. Many layers of the rich black roiro-nuri lacquer was applied and polished to achieve the deep lusterious tone. The brushes are accented with a 2 and 3 tone golden floral motif. None of the brushes show any signs of use. Though such sets were common among high-born Japanese women of the Edo and Meiji p...

An extremely rare late Edo Period (circa 1860) Japanese albumin hand tinted photograph of a young foreigner dressed in a samurai's clothes. The art of portrait photography was brought to Japan in the late Edo Period by European photographers who first introduced photography to the Japanese. Westerners were fascinated by Japanese style and culture. They dressed up as Samurai and Geisha to pose for a photographic portrait. This early piece is a rare find for the photography collector. It is of ...

A Japanese pipe case (kizeruzutsu) decorated on a deep red lacquer and lacquered *agiro ground with Chinese bell flowers (kikyo) on one side and a waterlily on the other side. It is attached to a stylish leather pouch with a clasp of mixed metal beans. Some damages on lacquer. Late Edo/Meiji period. *Ajiro is a woven wickerwork made out of strips of bamboo skin, cypress bark or Japanese reed.

A spectacular 19th Century Japanese Bronze Horse, with a wonderful dark caramel brown patina, featuring a classic Japanese wave design in the mane and tail. This important bronze is a masterpiece of the finest quality. 21 inches (53.5cm) wide x 18 inches (46cm) high.

Extraordinary Japanese Antique Bronze Vessel featuring very high relief of a Hawk, a pair of Shishi, and foliage in a classic form. Strong, naturally rendered images with a rich patina and finely rendered detail. Original gold patina. A fine addition for bronze fanciers. Edo Period, early 19th Century. 11.5 inches (29cm) high x 28 inches (71cm) circumference.

A small, arresting late 19th Century Japanese bronze sculpture of Yamauba, breast feeding Kintaro. The mythology is Kintaro was left is the forest by his father to save him from his enemies. He was found by Yamauba, the forest goddess, who nursed him to grow to become the Hercules of Japan. This charming bronze has wonderful detail. 4 inches (10cm) high x 3.25 inches (8.5cm) wide.

An Extraordinary and Scarce, Museum Quality Find. Early 16th Century Muromachi Period Saga Ningyo of the Goddess Kannon, in a rare and elegant standing form. Carved entirely of wood, her costume is built up with pigments in a technique called 'moriage'. Her gorgeous robes are decorated with foliate scroll slightly raised in relief. This rarest of all Ningyo forms almost never comes up for sale and are never seen except in museums or important private collections. Saga Ningyo are considered t...

Rare 18th Century Edo Period Japanese Hai Hai Gosho Ningyô. This extremely rare form of Japanese Doll is one of the most sought after of Gosho Ningyo (Palace Doll). It has a wonderful classic painted face. They were presented to Royalty and upper class at the birth of a baby, and placed in the baby's chamber to protect from and absorb bad spirits. It is covered with many layers of Gofun (Oyster Shell Lacquer) over papier mache. The hair is made of silk. This amazing form is wearing a broca...

Early 19th Century Edo Period Standing Gosho Ningyo with fine Mizuhiki ribbons painted hair. There are several forms of Mizuhiki, including one used to tie the hair of samurai. This fine ningyo has a round, well executed face with a charming expression, and is covered overall in a fine white gofun with painted features, sexed, and dressed in red chirimen silk crepe. Gosho-ningyô (Palace Dolls) are one of the most distinctive forms of Japanese doll. They were given as gifts within the imperial ...

19th Century Japanese Cloisonné dish featuring a bijin (beautiful young girl) holding irises and rendered in the style of Ukiyo-e. This unusual work of art displays stunning colors with rich royal foil background and aspects of foil throughout. It is of the highest quality, with multicolored flowers and foliage. This exceptional Cloisonné is a gorgeous addition for the finest collection. 7.5 inches (19cm) wide.

Yukimi Gata Toro (Lantern for Snow Viewing) that was used in the winter. Iron and Sheet Metal with a very rare Double Roof design. A rare and unusual Edo Period example for the serious collector. 12.5 inches (32cm) high x 10.25 inches (26cm) wide.

Museum Quality Japanese Basket by Kosuge Chikudo. The highly regarded master Chikudo's baskets are in museums in Japan. This very fine, masterful example of his work is a rare find for the serious Japanese basket collector. 17 inches (43cm) high x 9 inches (23cm) wide.

Set of five handmade copper chataku (coaster for sencha tea cups) with recessed centers, each applied with gold and silver powders. Meiji period (1868-1912).

Old Chago, Japanese tea leaf measuring scoop made out of bamboo. Taisho period. 6 1/4" x 2"