Unusual 19th century Japanese carved wooden head of a courtier in a tall hat. Was carved and, judging by patina, most probably used, as the top of a votive statue. Wonderfully captured facial expression, beautiful patina. Height 4.6 inches.

Unusual 19th century small Japanese carved wooden head of a rakan - one of the 16 (sometimes the number is given as 18) initial disciples of the historical Buddha. Was carved and, judging by patina, most probably used, as the top of a votive statue. Wonderfully captured sorrowful facial expression, old loss to the nose, beautiful patina. Lengthy inscription in ink on the base post. Height 2.2 inches.

Antique Japanese set of five lotus leaves and blossoms. Carved of wood and lacquered silver. Made for a Buddhist altar, these leaves and blossoms symbolize the stages of the path toward enlightenment. Every petal of the lotus flower is carved separately. Each blossom and leaf comes fitted with a custom metal stand so they can be rearranged at will.

Age: Taisho Period

Dimensions: approx 26"hight (tallest leaf)

Antique Japanese pair of jingasa, hats worn by samurai or foot soldiers. Lacquered black and marked with the mon (family crest) of the Ogasawara clan. The Ogasawara were descended from Seiwa Genji. They acted as shugo, governing Shinamo Provence during the Sengoku Period (1185-1600). This pair of hats dates to the Edo Period (1608-1867) when the Ogasawara were daimyo (feudal lords) of territories on Kyushu.
The underside of each jingasa has gold leaf and remnants of padding...

Height: 22 cm (8.8 in)
Width: 11 cm (4.3 in)
Depth: 8 cm (3.2 in)

Fine pair of Meiji bronze elephant bookends; very well modelled skin and musculature throughout; tusks are of a natural material; both pieces signed on the base; good condition

Ivory okimono which portrays an affectionate scene of daily life: a father holding his child in his arms while holding the toy desired by the child. The okimono is signed Tomokata under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 17.5 x 6.3 x 5.3 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Satsuma vase, with slender neck and terminal part adorned in pure gold decorated with a garden of chrysanthemums, made with enamel and gold in relief. Different varieties of chrysanthemums are depicted, with precision and detail, which differ in the shape, color and size of the petals, creating a fascinating visual effect. Signed under the base Kinkozan in gold on a framed black background and signature imprinted in the ceramic. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dim...

Kogo box in maki-è lacquer, with a rounded lid depicting a naturalistic scene. The gold decoration depicts the Japanese pine, known as Matsu, and a typical house with a thatched roof along the banks of a waterway. Sold with its tomobako. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 3.5 x 7 x 8 cm. State of conservation: Very good

This is the indigo-dyed cotton Tsutsugaki Nobori flag dedicated to the Inari Shrine during the Edo period. Among the characters of tsutsugaki, it is an item written with very high technology. This is an indigo-dyed cotton fabric with a very nice texture that was made in 1825 during the Edo period　bunsei 8 years. Hand-spun natural indigo-dyed cotton...

A fine shoe-shaped - katsugata tea bowl of black Oribe (oribe-kuro chawan), the coarse Mino clay is covered with a thick black glaze, on one side a cartouches featuring irregular strips patterns in iron-brown glaze on creamy ground. Japan, Edo, Meiji period, 19th cent. L 13.5 cm, H 6.5 cm. Condition: Excellent with signs of use and wear.

Large bronze vase depicting an egret, in relief, on a perch in the center of a watercourse, surrounded by four swimming fish. The figure of the egret emerges from the vase with remarkable three-dimensionality and depth. Signature engraved under the base within a rectangular reserve. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 46.5 x 22 x 23 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Satsuma ceramic plate adorned with polychrome and gold decorations within numerous reserves of unique shape and size, depicting scenes of Japanese daily life. The plate is signed under the base 'Dai Nihon Yokohama Hotoda shōten seizō'. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 4 x 29 cm. State of conservation: Very good

An ivory okimono, carved from a single block, depicting a hunter accompanied by an onagadori rooster and a child with a net in his hand. Yukiharu 之晴 signature in relief seal under the base within a rectangular reserve in red lacquer. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 29 x 7.5 x 6 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Festival costumes for children made and used in the Kanto region. Since this item was used in the summer, men-chijimi is used. This material was the highest quality item for children in the late Edo period. The finest materials are used by skilled craftsmen to draw the finest lines, which are extremely sharp and delicate. The blurring technique gives the hawk movement and makes it dynamic. The cotton material is hand-spun men-chijimi. There are some small stains, but they are not noticeable...

A museum piece. Dated Manji 2 (ca. 1659) April Auspicious Day. Large, heavy bronze shrine lantern with hoju embossed under the top petals. Beautiful diaper patterns on the panels. Originally used as an oil lamp. Very good condition. 15" wide x 22" tall. Ask for shipping quote.

A fascinating Jar-shaped set of stacking food boxes known as a Jubako in multi-color dating from the early 20th century. Jubako were used to serve food to groups or family on festive occasions, where the food was presented in the box, and each person would take what they wanted, rather than have the meal served on individual dishes as in more formal Kaiseki meals. Assembled it is 20 cm (8 inches) diameter 32.5 cm (13 inches) tall and is in overall excellent condition.

Very large tile in the shape of (and virtually in the size of) a handscroll decorated in underglaze blue with a crashing wave and a full moon. The image is surrounded by borders of geometric flowers and medallions filled with a phoenix. Some of the phoenixes looks left, others look right. Medallions colored in underglaze pink and yellow.

On the back are two ‘loops’ to hang the tile up...

Ivory netsuke of a craftsman making a bucket.

Signature below, the first unidentified character : ?光.

Japan – Late Edo period (1603-1868) ou Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century – ?光
Width: 1.2 in (3.8 cm) – depth: 1.2 in (3.7 cm) – height: 1.2 in (3.8 cm)

Ivory netsuke of a craftsman with a fan. Near the holes reserved for the rope (himotoshi), maple leaves.

Signed below, the first character unidentified: ?夫 .

Japan – Late Edo period (1603-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century – ?夫
Width: 1.9 in (5 cm) – depth: 1.6 in (4.5 cm) – hauteur : 1.6 in (4.2 cm)

Boxwood netsuke of two chestnuts, one smaller on top of the larger.

Chestnuts, found all over Japan, are considered a symbol of victory and a good omen.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912)
Width: 2 cm (5 cm) – depth: 0.8 in (2.8 cm) – height: 1.6 in (4 cm)

Okimono bronze sculpture of a garlic head with a few cloves visible.

Unidentified mark on the base, most likely from the foundry.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912)
Width: 2 in (5 cm) – depth: 1.5 in (4 cm) – height: 1.8 in (4.7 cm)

Ivory netsuke of a guardian lion, komainu in Japanese or shishi in Chinese, with golden eyes. Resting on its front paws, its head is turned backwards on a four-lobed base.
The komainu is inspired by the Chinese guardian lion shishi, which dates back to the Tang dynasty (581-618)...

Height: 4.8 cm (1.9 in)
Width: 2.8 cm (1.2 in)
Depth: 2 cm (0.7 in)

Japanese carved netsuke of an Oni carrying Okame on his shoulders; fine details throughout; natural material; lacquer tablet on the base; good condition

Length: 9.3 cm (3.8 in)
Width: 5.9 cm (2.4 in)
Depth: 1.8 cm (0.7 in)

Quality Japanese Komai style cigarette box with a built-in vesta case; fine inlaid silver and gold work throughout; minimal wear

Japanese pair of porcelain Inari kitsune (foxes). Glazed and painted they sit on brightly colored bases, one with a scroll, the other with a ball in it's mouth.
Also called zenko, these good spirit kitsune are specifically associated with the goddess, Inari. Believed to be both messengers and guardians, kitsune served Inari in her role as goddess of agriculture, specifically rice. Part of the folklore surrounding the fox is it’s ability to shape shift into human form...

1900's Japanese Ando Jubei Cloisonne Box with Gold & Silver Wires & Maple Tree & Birds

It is 2.28 inches (5.8 cm) tall by 4.76 inches (12.1 cm) wide and 6.45 inches (16.4 cm) in length. It is 2.6 Lb.

It is tarnished and has enamel chips, enamel bruises, rubbing of gold, minor bent and cut marks at the inner metal rim, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell...

Antique Japanese set of four lotus leaves and blossoms. Carved of wood and lacquered silver. Made for a Buddhist altar, these leaves and blossoms symbolize the stages of the path toward enlightenment. Every petal of the lotus flower is carved separately. Each blossom and leaf comes fitted with a custom metal stand so they can be rearranged at will.

Age: Taisho Period

Dimensions: approx 24"hight (tallest leaf)

Antique Japanese root wood basket. Made of a single piece of carved burl. Beautiful grain.

Age: Taisho Period

Dimensions: 5 1/4" high x 12" long x 7 3/4" wide

Antique Japanese Lacquer Fubako, a box used to store document. Of deep rectangular shape, decorated with twigs of different flowers, mainly chrysanthemum and morning glory and leaves in gold and silver hira maki-e on a gold nashiji ground. The interior in loose nashiji on black ground. Fitted with two metal mon rings. Size: L 38 x W 7,5 x 8,5 cm. Edo (1603-1868) 19th century. Condition: Good with a few minor nicks along the inner corner of the lid(see last picture)...

The ultimate in tranquility, a sage aloft his peak gazing out at the fresh green landscape, one can hear the rush of the falls in the distance, and occasional birdsong on the spring breeze. The painting is by Shirakura Niho and comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kankyo Chosen (Leisure Life at the Quiet Spring)...

A tiny figure sails on the placid lake depicted among exaggerated precipices of this early landscape by Shirakura Niho enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shunpu Taito. Ink & Light color on Silk, it is 59 x 130 cm (23-1/4 x 51 inches) and is in overall excellent condition.
Shirakura Kinichiro (Kinro, Niho or Jiho, Kanyu, 1896-1974) was born the first son of lawyer and scholar Shirakura Shigeichi in Shibata city, Niigata. His father was a noted Kangakusha, the pre-modern Ja...

A quintessential image of a tiny bean-shaped figure lost in thought, perhaps staring out to sea on a sunny hillock before cascading water in lush Spring-green washes by Shirakura Niho enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Enpokihan (Distant Sails Returning). Ink & Light color on Silk in fresh green extended with beige featuring bone rollers. It is 64 x 143.5 cm (25 x 56-1/2 inches) and is in overall excellent condition.
Shirakura Kinichiro (Kinro, Niho or Jiho, Kanyu, 1896-1...

Futonji with tsutsugaki (glue resist dye by free hand) made of hand spun cotton. It has traditional "Karajishi-Botan", imaginary lion and peony motif. The green ground cloth is dyed with vegetable indigo and natural yellow, the painting is colored with pigments. It is remade to futonji from originally yogi, which is a futon in the shape of kimono. The tsutsugaki technique is excellent and in excellent condition. Meiji period (1868~1912).

A fine Japanese cloisonné cigarette case. The top showing a cartouche with a bird flying among flowers on a green ground, the rock with little aventurine. The reverse with blossoms. The interior, the edges and wires are gilt. Condition: fine, minor traces of usage. Dimension: c. 8.8 x 7.7 x 1 cm.

A river runs past deeply forested hills populated by rooftops in this naïve ink painting reflecting the charm of rural Japan by Shirakura Niho. Ink on paper mounted in a green cloth border extended with beige featuring Shunkei nuri lacquered wooden rollers which would instantly call to mind the mountain village of Takayama, home of the Shunkei style. It is 52.5 x 116.5 cm (20-1/2 x 46 inches) and comes in the original signed wooden box titled Satoyama Fukei (Mountain Village Scenery).
...

This is a fabulous painting dated 1930 by Shirakura Niho enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Ko-Ten-Bo-Setsu (Twilight Snow in the Bay). Viewing it one can hear the silence, the soft pattering of snow and the flap of wings as geese take flight in the distance. Shirakura Niho was from Niigata prefecture, so was a man who not only knew snow well, but was well known for his snowy landscapes. The scene is performed in ink and light color with white gofun on silk in a patterned cloth b...

A masterpiece painting by Shirakura Niho showing every aspect of his pre-war fame, lurid washes of color, wispy figures, a dreamlike allure, and hints at continental scenery. Here the foreground is dominated by a thatched hut, beyond which we see a single hazy figure twisting up in a narrow doorway beside twisting trees all like smoke rising to the sky. It is performed with ink and pigment on silk bordered in brass colored satin with rosewood rollers. It is 49.5 x 200 cm (19-1/2 x 79 inches) an...

Boxwood netsuke depicting a snake wrapping around a pumpkin. The snake is a symbol often associated with rebirth, transformation while the pumpkin is a symbol of fertility, abundance and prosperity in Japanese tradition. Signed Yoshimasa (吉正) under the pumpkin in “ukibori”. For similar netsuke see the Katchen collection, published N7, vol.2, p.31, no.K329. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century. Dimensions: 3 x 3.5 x 3.3 cm. State of conservation: Very good

A bronze and ivory okimono depicting a street entertainer playing the shamisen, a Japanese musical instrument. The player wears a traditional kimono, rests his right foot on his box which he carries along with his umbrella on his traveling journey. It is signed Jōnan 城南 with engraving on the bronze. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji 19th century Dimensions: 21 x 20 x 15 cm. State of conservation: Very good

The sage gazes out from his hermitage clinging to the hillside upon a sparse scene of falling water and precipitous climbing peaks dominating this painting by Shirakura Niho dating from the prime of his career. Ink and light color on silk mounted in blue cloth with thin piping terminating in white ceramic rollers. It is 40.5 x 187.5 (16 x 74 inches) and is in excellent condition; enclosed in a modern wooden storage box. A published version of the Niho Catalog will accompany the work.
Shi...

Pink and blue iris blossom among the green promise of Spring promised on this elegant vase by Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan enclosed in a wooden box annotated by the current head of the Makuzu Family in Kyoto, Makuzu Kosai. It is titled Yukasai Shobu no zu Kabin. It is 30.7 cm (12 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
The name Kozan was granted by Prince Yasui-no-Miya in 1851 in honor of the tea ware produced during the later Edo for the imperial Court by the tenth generation head of the Kyot...

Girl's kimono made of hamp, made in Ohmi region in Shiga prefecture, and it is called Ohmi-jofu. It has kasuri pattern, whose motifs are phoenix, cloud and flower. Warps are machine-spun and wefts are hand-plied. Red cloth inside is silk. Meiji period (1868~1912) In excellent condition. W:97cm, L:107cm

Wonderful playful expression on this Bizen ceramic Shishi. Showa Period Ca. 1930. Excellent condition. 9" long x 7" tall x 5" deep. Ask for shipping quote.

18th century Japanese sword iron tsuba made in a shape of two confronting SHU - Japanese flute instruments for use in Shinto ceremony and consisting of bamboo reeds forming a circular wind chamber. The lower parts of the flutes are inlaid with pine designs in gold. Very clever design in Japanese taste, wonderful quality inlay, some rusting as can be seen in photos, great feel of age. Height 2.85 inches (72.4 mm).

1930's Japanese Satsuma Miniature Vase with Monk Figures Signed

It is 3 inches (7.6 cm) tall by 1.3 inches (3.5 cm) wide. It is 43.8 gram.

It has rubbing gold, stains and surface wears (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of the amount you originally paid. All you need to do is return the item to us within ...

Inro – Lovely model opening with 4 compartments and a lid, in urushi lacquer, decorated in gold and silver maki-e on a black background. From the front, it represents a richly harnessed horse with a ceremonial saddle, prancing. On the other side, it is the entrance to a pavilion or a temple under pine trees. Lovely details. Height: 6 cm. Japan Edo (1603-1868) 18th century.

A pair of sake cups / bowls, thinly potted Japanese porcelain in white and gold with decoration of Ho-o birds and chrysanthemum, both of which symbolize happiness and prosperity. Unsigned, Meiji. An identical pair was in the collection of businessman Gustaf Wallenberg who also served as Sweden’s envoyé /ambassador to Tokyo and Beijing in 1907 - 1918.These sake bowls seem to have been gifts from the Japanese emperor to foreign dignitaries. Diameter "3 ¾ / 9.5 and height "1 2/3 / 4 cm. Condit...

1930's Japanese Studio Porcelain Vase with Bamboo Marked

It is 7.08 inches (18 cm) tall by 3.15 inches (8 cm) wide. It is 0.7 Lb.

It has surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of the amount you originally paid. All you need to do is return the item to us within 10 days of ...

An antique Japanese zushi (small Buddhist shrine) with Fudo Myo-o and attendants. One of the five myo-o or Lords of Light, Fudo Myo-o sits with sword in hand, the flames of his nimbus swirling around him. Fudo's name means "the unmovable or unshakable one". He is a fierce deity who guards the Law of Buddhism from the forces of evil.
Carved of wood, colorfully painted and with gold and black lacquer.

Age: Edo Period (c. early 1800s)

Dimensions: 23 3/4" high x 21" wid...

Antique Japanese carved Buddhist figure with flaming nimbus, standing on a rock in noble garb and holding a sword. Carved of wood, painted with bright colors and gold details.

Age: Edo Period

Dimensions: 20 1/2" high x 9 1/2" wide x 6 1/2" deep

A rare and finely formed dildo/adult sex toy made of semi-transparent, hollowed horn. Below the finely formed head are a series of raised grooves for added stimulation. Two holes on either side of the lower stem for attaching. Japan, Edo, ca. 1800–25. L 15 cm. Condition: Fair, few cracks and holes due to age and wear(check photos)

A small carved Zushi in the form of a cave housing a red stone in the shape of the Daruma, progenitor of Zen Buddhism in Japan. It is 6 x 4.2 x 8.3 cm (2-1/2 x 1-3/4 x 3-1/4 inches) and is in overall excellent condition, dating from the This would have been made as a talisman to ward off evil spirits. later Edo period.

Extremely rare: early 19th century Inkstone Screen made of finest Satsuma porcelain and covered with beautiful colors.

The purpose of the inkstone screen, normally placed directly behind the inkstone, is to prevent dust from landing on the inkstone.

It is in great antique condition with no cracks or repairs.

Size: 17cm hight x 15 cm width.

Free shipping

A beautiful dark wood tray in the shape of an upturned Reishii mushroom, the underside taking advantage of the natural texture and grain of the wood. It is 26 x 21 x 4cm and in excellent condition dating from the later 19th to early 20th centuries.
The Reishi (Chinese Lingzhi), is the ancient "mushroom of immortality", revered for over 2,000 years. In the poetry of Ban Gu of the 1st century CE is an ode dedicated to Lingzhi. Taoist temples were called "the abode of mushrooms" and ac...

A crusty wood fired Bizen dish with looping handle, one hemisphere rounded, the other pinched as if for pouring, dating from the Edo period enclosed in an ancient custom fit lacquered Kiri-wood box. It is 23.5 x 22cm x 12.5 cm (roughly 9 inches diameter, 5 inches tall) and is in surprisingly excellent overall condition, with a few nicks to the edge of the foot consistent with age. Evidencing the centuries, there is a loss near the handle to some thicker glaze encrustation. This only happens wi...

19th century Japanese mixed metal obidome (sash ornament) in a form of an egret and a crow resting on a fisherman’s boat. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Excellent design, superb quality work, wonderful quality patinas and gilding, some wear as to be expected. The back and loops appear to be silver, marked indistinctly with a hallmark, which most proba...

Taisho period (1920s) Japanese pottery Bizen ware chaire (tea caddy for storing powdered green tea used in tea ceremony) with tapering body. Wonderful free potting, excellent play of colors on the surface, beautiful patina, very nice sandy particles in clay, impressed mark of the potter on the bottom. Later resin lid lined with silvery leaf paper on the inside. Comes with very well made shifuku (silk brocade storage bag). Great piece in excellent condition. Height with cover 3 inches.

Taisho period (1920s) wood kogo (box for incense during tea ceremony), its top decorated in lacquer with uprooted flower with leaves and roots. Elegant object in Japanese taste, the body is made out of kiri (Paulownia tree) wood, perfect lacquer work, two parts fit perfectly, beautiful surfaces, in excellent condition. Diameter 1.9 inches.

1900's Japanese Mixed Metal Gilt Iron Damascene Cigarette Case with Village Scene

It is 3.5 inches (9 cm) long by 2.6 inches (6.7 cm) wide and 0.69 inch (1.75 cm) thick. It is 96 gram.

It is tarnished and has oxidation, rubbing of gilding and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% re...

This is an indigo-dyed Shibori cotton kimono made by Arimatu Narumi during the Taisho period. Shibori is squeezed by hand, so the Shibori pattern changes little by little. You can enjoy the interesting changes in the handiwork of folk craftsmen. There are a couple of slight stains, but they are not noticeable. condition is good. Length 147cm x Width 128cm Box.G