18th century netsuke of an emaciated Gama sennin wearing old monk’s robe with his ribs visible sitting on rockery as his constant companion - a toad - affectionately puts its paws on the man’s knees. Somehow netsuke manages to convey the relationship between two characters...

19th century Asakusa school staghorn netsuke of obihasami type carved with a design of a woven fence. The hooks at the top and bottom of the piece go around the edges of obi - a sash holding a kimono. Excellent clever and subtle piece typical of Asakusa school, warm patina, darker porous areas as is usual with staghorn. Wonderful representative piece for a collection of different netsuke types. Length 4 1/8 inches.

A pair of Japanese Hibachi vessels with black lacquer.

Hibachi is a traditional Japanese heating device.

Age: Japan, Showa Period, Mid-20th Century
Size: Height 24 C.M. / Width 30.5 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.

18th century netsuke of the magic horse appearing from a dried gourd. According to a Japanese legend the gourd belonged to Chokwaro sennin (Chinese sage) who could summon the magic horse out of it to be transported wherever he wanted. Elegantly carved piece with great face and mane. Beautiful wear and patina. Length 1 9/16 inches.

Early 19th century netsuke in manju shape carved with a map of Japanese islands, all prefectures’ names are engraved in minute calligraphy. Very nice work in the manner of Nanka, old age lines, beautiful patina, 2 parts fit nicely. Diameter 1 3/4 inches.

19c netsuke of 5 boys playing blind man’s buff with 4 of them hiding behind a floor screen, while the blindfolded one is searching on the other side. Rare subject, wonderful carving, nice faces, very good etching of a landscape and pine saplings on the screen, beautiful wear and patina. Length 1 9/16 inches.

19th century netsuke carved in a shape of a bamboo section. Very simple elegant design in Japanese taste with clean lines, himotoshi is formed by central peg that has a hole in its back part through which a cord goes. Beautifully carved natural features of the plant, excellent patina. Signed RYUSHO on the back - the artist is listed on p. 901 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 1 13/16 inches.

Early 19th century netsuke of Hotei (one of the 7 Gods of Good Luck, also representing Maitreya - the Buddha of the future) holding a fan in his hand and standing on his large bag of gifts. Wonderful early carving, himotoshi arrangement typical for the period, beautiful patina turning deeper yellow on the back where netsuke was touching silk of kimono, old age lines. Height 1 1/4 inches.

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) from the Nihon Matsu region of Japan made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles. Lock plates have double pine tree design to symbolize longevity and good luck. 6 drawers of various sizes for organizing and storage. A pair of sliding doors behind which a split level shelf kept merchant records and books. Side handles to each side for carrying tansu from place to place...

An antique Japanese Chobako (merchant small chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hikute style handles. 8 drawers of varying sizes used to store merchant wares for sale. Unusual wooden lip surrounding the top where seller showcased each item for sale to the buyer. Custom made tansu specific to the seller needs...

An antique Japanese Honbako (book storage chest) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hardware with bronze locks added at a later date for security of drawers. 2 hinged doors open with the left door secured by a clasp style lock situated at the center of the shelf. Constructed using hardened wood nails and Japanese joinery.

Age: Meiji/Taisho Era (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 26" Wide by 19 3/4" High by 12 3/4" 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.

A set of 5 mid-size dishes in the shape of half opened folding fans. On the bottom of each a decoration of two wheels, floating in a river in iron brown underneath thick cream-colored opaque glaze, and the right-side corner covered in thick green glaze typical for Oribe. The inside structured through the impression of a muslin-like cloth.

The back is engraved to indicate the spokes of the fan...

19th century netsuke of baying spotted deer standing on a base carved with a seal on the bottom. Image of the characters on Enlargement 1 is flipped left to right, so it shows the way an imprint will look. Elegant carving with pure clean lines, wonderful depiction of volume of the deer body, beautiful depiction of its spotted coat, eyes inlaid with light horn, painted pupils. Cord openings are formed by natural openings between deer’s legs...

Early 19th century netsuke of Chinese official, poet and calligrapher Toba with a bundle of books on his back riding on a mule accompanied by an attendant. Toba was removed from his post and sent into exile as a result of intrigues against him. Wonderful unhappy face, nice flow to his clothes, beautiful wear and patina turning yellow on the back where netsuke was touching the silk of kimono, compressed dust in crevices...

19th century Asakusa school staghorn sashi type netsuke carved in a shape of a stem of Immortality Fungus with 3 heads. Elegant carving, beautiful rendition of fungus head textures, very pleasant staining typical for the Asakusa School pieces. Very clever design, himotoshi is formed by natural opening between stems, excellent wear and patina on the surface. Length 6 1/8 inches (155 mm).

Stunning C.1910 ceramic tsubo from the Aomri region in Northern Japan. Most likely used as a storage vessel. Rich, thick overglazes. Magnificent. 24cm tall by 20cm in diameter. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Tall, ovoid shaped vase with broad rounded shoulder and a very short neck, decorated with an abundance of frolicking karashishi (Chinese lions) between blue and pink peonies. Three large shishi in green, white and yellow command the overall space. The in-between space is filled with small shishi in different colors and peonies...

This is a Boro Thick Instep cover (akudokake)of indigo dye cotton Sashiko from the Meiji era. It is intended to protect and keep your feet warm during farm work on cold days. The change in color over time of indigo dyeing and sashiko stitching is beautiful. Size:Length:31 cm (12.2inch) / 　Width:８cm (3.14inch) Length:32cm (12.5inch) / 　Width:８cm (3.14inch)

1900's Japanese Sumida Gawa Pottery Vase By Inoue Ryosai with Monkey

It is 11.6 inches (29.5 cm) tall by 10 inches (25.4 cm) wide. It is 4.7 Lb.

It has chips at the monkey's hand and rocks, skip glazes, rubbing of paint, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

A similar vase can be seen in the book "Sumida According To Us" by Herbert Karp & Gardner Pond, page 187.

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

A nahi-ji and maki-e decorated wood lacquered lidded sake pourer (Hisage). The interior is in red lacquer. It is equipped of a sheath for the spout. Tokugawa and Daigo mons (emblems) are represented on the lid, the extremity of the sheath, the handle and the two sides of the pourer.

Sakes pourers (Hisage) are traditional pitchers intended for sake (“rice beer”) service...

Antique Japanese woodblock print by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. This print from his famous Suikoden Series depicts one of "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden". Based on the Chinese semi-historical novel, the Suikoken prints depict the adventures of the 108 rebels who sought refuge in the area of Liangshan Marsh. These rebel heroes, also brigands and bandits, were compelled to protect the poor and downtrodden...

Antique Japanese woodblock print by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. This print from his famous Suikoden Series depicts one of "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden". Based on the Chinese semi-historical novel, the Suikoken prints depict the adventures of the 108 rebels who sought refuge in the area of Liangshan Marsh. These rebel heroes, also brigands and bandits, were compelled to protect the poor and downtrodden.

This print depicts Chûsenko Teitokuson driving his...

Antique Japanese woodblock print by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. This print from his famous Suikoden Series depicts one of "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden". Based on the Chinese semi-historical novel, the Suikoken prints depict the adventures of the 108 rebels who sought refuge in the area of Liangshan Marsh. These rebel heroes, also brigands and bandits, were compelled to protect the poor and downtrodden.

This print depicts Gyôja Bushô of Seika-ken, kill...

An antique Japanese Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the full moon lock plates and the Kakute style handles. The backplates of the handles feature the auspicious Sho Chiku Bai (Pine, Bamboo, Plum Blossom) motif. Side carrying handles to each section with rare connecting pins to secure both sections together. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. Age: M...

Late 18th to early 19th century netsuke of a recumbent cow with a boy climbing on top of it while holding a rat by its tail. The netsuke is a reference to a Zodiac pairing of animals with an unusual addition of a human. Finely carved, its hooves bent beneath its body, wearing a halter with a length of rope lying across its back, eyes of the cow inlaid with black horn, rat’s eyes are brown horn. Beautiful wear consistent with age, yellowing on the bottom where netsuke was touching the silk of k...

19th century netsuke of a reclining deer with its head turned back, hooves bent beneath its body. Elegant carving with pure clean lines, excellent hairwork, wonderful depiction of volume of the deer body, excellent head with finely carved antlers, eyes are inlaid with dark horn, beautiful patina. Old replacement to its right ear. Signed RANICHI in oval reserve on the bottom - this excellent carver is discussed in detail on p. 860 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by Geo...

18th century netsuke of a sennin Chochu enveloped in his robe and holding his most important attribute - a hossu (fly whisk) - across his shoulders. Very rare subject, wonderfully captured facial expression, beautiful flowing lines of the robe, superb sense of volume. Old age lines, beautiful wear to the surface from more than 200 years of handling, superb patina turning honey color on the back from wear against the silk of kimono, of characteristic 18th century triangular section, deep himotosh...

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute style handles. Locking bar secures 3 drawers behind it and the center design is the family crest of the family who commissioned this chest to be made. One large full width drawer, a small drawer and a hinged door that secures three drawers behind it complete this beautiful tansu.

Age: Meiji Era (1880-1890)

Dimensi...

A fine deep grey Saji river stone in the form of a miniature mountain landscape with high peaks and deep ravins; looking from the front and back sides there is a long passage in between the peaks, completely natural! The stone has a perfectly fitted rosewood base, daiza. Suiseki are highly appreciated for their aesthetic or decorative value in Japan but also by collectors in the western world. It comes with an old collector storage box with a Japanese label: Old stone; three Famous Sto...

Very unusual 19th century multi-metal netsuke in a form of a locking box opening to reveal a portable sundial in one half and a compass in the other, both working. The compass has 12 sections around it, each section is inscribed with a name of a different zodiac animal. The body is bronze, the outside it is delicately chased with scrolling foliage on the front, with constellation points and stars and a swinging loop on the back for hanging. Inserts on the inside are made out of pewter, and needl...

Late 18th to early 19th century boxwood netsuke of a turtle hiding in its carapace. Excellent detailing - see the incised patterns of the carapace, its legs with scaly pattern leathery skin and horn inlaid eyes. Large deep differently sized himotoshi typical for the period, wonderful warm patina, very pleasant to the touch. Signed SHOYU on the left side of his lower back - this rare early carver is listed on p. 982 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. L...

Unusual 19th century netsuke of a floor screen with pierced decoration of a dragon in flight among clouds over cresting waves. Appears to be a reference to the Chinese legend of a artist painting a dragon so realistically, that it came alive and flew to heaven. Carved on both sides, the scaled body of the dragon showing through breaks in the clouds, beautiful light staining, pleasant wear and patina. Himotoshi goes through the back down to the bottom of the screen. Open center of one of the flo...

19th century Japanese netsuke of Chokwaro sennin reading an open scroll as he rides his magic horse coming out of the double gourd. According to a Japanese legend Chokwaro sennin (Chinese sage) could summon the magic horse out of his gourd to be transported wherever he wanted.. Beautiful carving, great faces, nicely rendered mane of the animal. Expert light staining, wonderful warm patina, very pleasant finish to the surface. Signed NAOMITSU on the bottom - the artist is listed on p. 822 of NETS...

KURAWANKA SAKE FLASK

Japanese Hasami ware kurawanka*-type white porcelain tokkuri (sake flask), mid-late Edo period, mid 18th – early 19th century, approx. H 19.7 x D 10.5cm (7.75 x 4.13in). Characteristically calm and refined white texture with such pale blue-gray reflection. (Those photos are shoot in natural daylight.) Aged crack/chip at neck as is, but in practically and aesthetically usable condition.

*Reference: https://hotoke-antiques.com/kurawan...

18th century netsuke of a lying dog with the front part of its body resting on a squished cloth ball. Superb early piece, powerful carving, wonderful face with large horn inlaid eyes, great depiction of its bone and muscle structure, excellent hairwork. Beautiful warm patina turning yellow, old age lines, no breaks, losses or repairs. Excellent sculpture. Length 1 3/4 inches.

Somewhat unusual late 19th century Japanese katsubera (shoehorn) with the handle section carved as 3 wise monkeys in their habitual "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” attitude: Mizaru covering his eyes, Kikazaru covering his ears, and Iwazaru covering his mouth. Wonderful work (see the rendition of their fur), clever functional design, beautiful patina, in great condition. Signed GYOKUSHO on the front - the artist appears to be the netsuke carver listed in NETSUKE by Neil Davey (p. 462...

19th century Japanese bronze netsuke representing a Noh theater mask of Buaku used for demonic roles such as Kaminari, Emma-O or any nameless demon or scary devil. Very nice casting, wonderful patina, overall in excellent condition. Signed SEKIZAN (alternative reading is Ishiyama) in oval reserve on the back. Height 1 9/16 inches.

Unusually large 19th century netsuke of a Nio lying on a straw sandal. Nio - one of the Buddhist Guardian Kings - is holding a vajra in his right hand, and a scarf is laid out around him. Strong bold carving, pleasantly heavy - might have been meant for a sumo wrestler to wear. Beautiful staining and patina. Signed GOTO SEIMIN TO (carved by Goto Seimin) on an oval reserve on the bottom. Formerly in du Pont collection - see Christie’s sale, New York, 1 November 1996, lot 23. Unusual object, goo...

Unusual 19th century wooden netsuke carved as a Buddhist monk (recognizable by its shaved head) fast asleep, lower half of its body inside a huge Buddhist gong. The subject is a metaphor for a failure to reach enlightenment - instead of seeking and understanding the profound power of the gong’s message, the monk uses it as a sleeping pad. Rare, possibly unique treatment of the subject - usually the gong is small and is used as a pillow by a monk. Wonderful carving, great depiction of dragons c...

19th century kagamibuta (mirror lid) netsuke, the top being Chinese carving adopted as netsuke, with deeply undercarved scene of 2 scholars among trees and pavilions. Beautiful wear and patina, overall in very good condition, dark rosewood bowl, swinging metal loop at the back for the cord. Diameter 1 9/16 inches.

Late Meiji wooden netsuke representing a theatrical mask of horned demon Hannya. Cleverly carved out os soft evergreen wood in ittobori (one-cut) style characteristic of Hida school, colors and gold lacquer highlights, beautiful patina. Height 1 13/16 inches.

Antique Japanese chawan (tea bowl) made in the Iga Ueno - Shigaraki area. Beautifully sculpted and decorated with natural glazes which have melted to wonderful green and brown crackled drips. Perfect example of "wabi-cha", the style of Japanese tea ceremony that emphasizes simplicity. Shigaraki is known as one of the 6 great pottery regions of Japan. With a signed tomobako.

Dimensions: 2 1/2" high x 4 5/8" wide

A Japanese unusual stag antler netsuke depicting the head of a swan in finely carved and engraved deer horn, himotoshi under the neck. Meiji period late 19th century Sizes: 2,4 x 6,3 x 1,8 cm. Condition report: Good condition

19th century netsuke of half of a mokugye - a Buddhist gong in a shape of a fish with its head touching its tail, and a curled lotus leaf with a stem resting on the gong. Unusual combination of Buddhist symbols, great carving of fins and scales, leaf texture, eyes of the fish are inlaid with black horn. Expertly stained, beautiful warm patina with wonderful wear. Excellent netsuke. Length 1 3/16 inches.

19th century netsuke in manju pillow shape carved on the front with a scholarly landscape of Mount Fuji partially obscured by clouds, a wide bay with a sail boat and pines, and a lower part depicting 3 nasubi (eggplants) of different sizes. Excellent design in Japanee taste, superb quality carving, wonderful mellow patina turning honey color, wear to the back. Signed GYOKUHOSAI followed by a seal (rather worn) on the back - the artist is well known for that kind of work and is discussed on p. 42...

18th century netsuke of a karako (Chinese boy) wearing nicely decorated robe, holding a fan in his hand and seating on a very large bag. Strong early netsuke, great facial expression with an attractive smile, well carved textile patterns, warm yellow patina, old age lines. Height 1 5/8inches.

First edition Japanese Meiji Period woodblock print titled "The Curtain and the Announcements" from the series "The Calendar of Events in Edo Theater" co-designed by Adachi Ginko (1874-1897) and Torii Kiyosada (1844-1901). Three editions of this series are known. This print is from the first edition and contains the publisher's information and date of Meiji 30 (1897) 1st month 11th day in the left margin. Ginko's red seal is on the bottom of the curtain. This series is unusual in that it depi...

1900's Japanese Bronze Urn with Relief Elephant

It is 8.85 inches (22.5 cm) tall by 13.2 inches (33.5 cm) wide. It is 11 lb.

It has oxidation, pitting, holes, chips, casting cracks, 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% refund of the amount you originally paid. All you need to do is return...

1900's Japanese Chinese Style Zitan Wood Lacquered Carved Box with Flower

It is 2.4 inches (6.2 cm) tall by 1.6 inches (4.1 cm) wide by 1.85 inches (4.7 cm) . It is 84.3 gram.

It has rubbing of gilding, peeling of lacquer, hairline cracks 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% refund of t...

First edition Japanese Meiji Period woodblock print titled "Pubic Reading (Yomitate)" from the series "The Calendar of Events in Edo Theater" co-designed by Adachi Ginko (1874-1897) and Torii Kiyosada (1844-1901). Three editions of this series are known. This print is from the first edition and contains the publisher's information and date of Meiji 30 (1897) 4th month in the left margin. Kiyosada's signature can be found on the billboard at the upper left. This series is unusual in that it de...

An antique Japanese 2 section tall Gifu Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron and bronze hardware including the Hirute style handles. It features 2 pairs of large sliding doors and a lift-out door behind which were kept store records and books. 12 exterior drawers were used for storage and organizing. A small pair of sliding doors near the bottom hides two small drawers where valuables were kept.

Age: Meiji P...

Pair of six leaves screens with decoration of horse-races on golden relief paper. The decoration offers a multitude of characters combining all the social classes gathering in the sanctuary of Kamo to Kyoto, to attend the taking place horse-race the fifth day of the fifth month : the Kamo Kurabe-Uma (加茂競馬).

This race count twenty riders in costume of Heian period split in two teams. She begins on the cherry trees side symbolizing the spring, and finish on the maple trees ...

An eye-catching combination of brown-black colors and old expertly applied gold repairs on a classic Japanese E-Karatsu tea bowl dating from the middle of the Edo-Period (1603-1868).

Like many pottery traditions in Japan, Karatsu takes its name from the city where it originated. As early as the 15th century Korean potters heavily influenced the development of this form—helping to endow it with the earthy, simple, and natural qualities it is so appreciated for.

It comes...

Fabulous Taisho Period c.1920 iron lantern. Repapered and electric source added. Very art deco. 10" tall by 9" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote from California.

Expertly executed noh mask carved out of cypress wood. Okina, among all Noh masks, the Okina (old man) mask is considered particularly sacred and has been at times treated as the embodiment of god, bringing longevity and prosperity to families. C.1920. In silk bag. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

An antique Japanese single section Kimono Tansu (chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hirute style handles. Front corner reinforcements on all drawer fronts with two side handles on each side for carrying this tansu from room to room. Constructed using thick straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails.

Age: Early Meiji Era (1868-1880)

Dimensions: 36 1/2" Wide by 37 3/8" High by 17 3/4" Deep

An antique Japanese Gifu Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite stye handles. 5 exterior drawers for storage and organizing with 2 sliding doors behind which store records and books were kept. Hinged door secures 2 small drawers where valuables were hidden away. Horizontal side slats provide strength and a visual design element complimenting the sliding door slats. Through mortise a...

Rather unusual decent size 19th century staghorn netsuke of a horse appearing from a dried gourd that has a rope tied around its waist. According to a Japanese legend Chokwaro sennin (Chinese sage) could summon the magic horse out of his gourd to be transported wherever he wanted. Cleverly and elegantly carved piece with great face, mane and front legs. Porous center of staghorn at the mouth of the gourd is plugged as is usual in those types of pieces, and plug is carved as a flower with inlaid ...

19th century netsuke of a karako (Chinese boy) with a flower in his hand standing by a tall floor screen decorated with a dragon in flight among clouds. Very nice carving, beautiful light staining, pleasant wear and patina. Tiny old chip to rim on the top of the screen. Formerly in Mary Louise O’Brien collection (Sotheby’s NY, September 17, 1981, lot 153. Height 1 3/4 inches.