Early 19th century netsuke of two crabs crawling about a woven basket containing hamaguri (clams) with more shells thrown around it. Subtle elegant piece in Japanese taste of implied shunga character - clam shells customarily carry erotic connotations, and crabs seem to be aware of it. Beautifully carved, excellent detailing (see the legs and pincers of the crabs as well as clam and woven basket textures), great patina turning darker yellow on the bottom. Length 1 1/4 inches.

Antique Japanese rare and tall ikebana basket, intricately woven of fine split bamboo. The body of the basket has a beautiful, undulating quality. The woven pattern is wildly natural on the lower portion, then switches to ordered bands closer to a wide rim. The extraordinary handle is made of twisted root wood.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 20" high x 10 1/2" wide

Japanese antique transom made of keyaki (elm) wood and carved with a scene of Ushiwaka and Benkei battling on Gojo Bridge in Kyoto. The young samurai, Yoshitsune (also known as Ushiwaka-maru) is depicted in an acrobatic pose, leaping over Benkei, the giant wild-man who was intent on stealing Ushiwaka's sword. Another samurai is carved below them, his much smaller form suggesting he is far below the action...

A cute dog Fushimi doll. The dog has an interesting collar possibly in the form of a fabric collar, often seen with domesticated animals portrayed in Japanese paintings. Fushimi dolls were created as dolls made for pilgrims visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Age: Meiji-Taisho Period Size: length 9.25" Width 3" Height 9"

Antique Japanese iron tsuba. Used as a sword fitting where the blade meets the handle. Designed to protect the hands of the Warrior. Unusual three dimensional rippling wave/cloud patterns. Hand forged to look like natural wood graining. Includes padded storage box. Edo period (1615-1868) Size: 3.25" x 3"

This generously proportioned chawan (16cm in diameter) shows nice age, especially around the kodai, and likely dates from the early to mid 20th century. The base is unglazed showing the rich molded clay, contrasting nicely with the maroon and black glaze pooled beautifully around the edges. The badarai (horse watering basin) shape is very attractive and in this case especially fitting given the uncommonly large proportions...

Antique Japanese cloisonne vase with black enamel background; one side with imagery of two cranes standing beside a creek, bright flowers and bamboo in the background; the other side with a male peacock standing on a rock structure beside a female peacock, blooming peonies behind them. Geometric designs with scrolling vines and flowers decorate the neck. Lovely patina. The bottom of the vase is engraved with the signature Kamano. Size: 5.75" height

An antique Japanese Kyoto Mizuya Tansu (kitchen chest) in 2 sections made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware with bronze sliding door handles and Warabite style drawer handles. 3 sets of sliding doors each set progressively larger with removable shelf behind each set. Side slats provide strength, stability and visual architectural design...

The size of Bowl: 5 7/8" Dia x 1 9/16" High. Great Japanese Porcelain Sometsuke, Blue and White bowl with boldly painted dragon face with clouds. The bowl from late mid to 18 th century. The color of underglaze is sort of darker blue. The condition of bowl is excellent, no chip, no crack and no hairline. Please note there is one spot of Kamahi (Original kiln flaw with two pieces stuck with completely glazed. One area on the top rim has some glazed uneven from kiln...

An antique Japanese Gyosho Tansu (peddler's chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. The hinged door opens to 4 drawers where the merchant's wares were stored. The bottom drawer was used to keep documents, writing brushes, an inkstone and other business related accessories. Two iron rings on each side used with rope for carrying this chest on a peddler's back...

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).

Kodansu in gold lacquer and mother of pearl, with silver hinges and decorated with naturalistic motifs...

An unusual Japanese Kyogen theater mask of a dog. Kyogen is a major form of classical Japanese musical drama that has been performed since the 14th century. One of the oldest major theatre art still regularly performed today. Overall in good condition with original finish. Mounted on steel plates and armature wire presentation.

Edo Period Circa 18th century.

Dimensions:6" wide 8" tall 4.5" deep.

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.

Late Meiji (1890-1912) Japanese hanging scroll painted with ink on paper with classic landscape in scholar’s taste boats by low hills in the foreground and long view of an expanse of water with more boats and distant mountains with huts. Excellent spirited painting of a timeless theme, wonderful free brushwork in depicting various tree and rock textures. Paper and silk textile mounts, wooden scroll ends, very nice feel of age...

Pair of amusing maki-e lacquered wooden spoons with an insect motif on the spoon, a cicada and a butterfly. Handle with braided rope pattern. Label on the back : 坧耒 ? (uncertain transcription).

Japan – 20th century
Width: 1.38 in. (3.5 cm) – length: 6.57 in. (16.7 cm)

The nobori banners, carps, warrior's Yoroi and Kabuto helmets, samurai dolls and swords were all a part of the display used for Boy's Day (renamed Children's Day) on May 5th in Japan. They reflect the parent's wish (at the time that they were made) to inspire their sons in manliness, discipline, bravery and the honor codes which are associated with them.

Originally, Nobori were used on the battlefield to identify the troops; some were to show the warriors where their taisho (general) was...

A large and ornate kiseru (tobacco pipe) dating from mid-to-late Edo. The metal fittings forming the ends of the pipe are engraved with detailed cherry blossoms and maple leaves being carried by the current of a stream. The bamboo tube connecting the fittings is in excellent condition and displays a soft warm luster. This piece is quite large as kiseru go—measuring 11.2 inches in length (28.5 cm)...

Late 18th to early 19th century glass ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in flattened ball shape with continuous flower decoration in yellow and green. Beautifully made, wonderful feel of age, very pleasant patina. Diameter 0.8 Inches.

Adorable very well excuted Japanese hardwood carving of a frog seated on top of a leaf. He is wonderfully detailed with allover chisel marks due to the hand-carved nature. Hand carved with the upmost attention to detail. The underside is signed. (Translation coming Soon). Size: 3" H x 6.25" L x 6.5" W

Late Meiji / early Taisho miniature Japanese porcelain vase depicting a family of 3 egrets in different attitudes. Perfect potting, elegant shape, beautiful underglaze powder green ground, eyes and beaks of of the birds are done in underglaze blue, in perfect condition. Signed in underglaze blue SENPO SENO SEI (Made in Senpo’s pottery) on the bottom. Height 3 3/8 inches.

A rare and interesting, rectangular incense burner (koro) of Seto ware covered in a wet, curry-coloured glaze running thin at places, leaving the raw core exposed. Japan, probably early Edo, c. 1650. H 6.5 cm, L 10.5 cm, W 7.5 cm. Condition: Excellent with slight wear from use.

Brilliant Taisho Period ca. 1920 natural dye cotton futon cover for wedding celebration. Featuring Japan's 3 famous auspicious symbols for happines and longevity; cranes, trutle and pine. 4ft x 3 1/2ft. great condition with a little shredding on one edge. Ask for shipping quote.

Large two-door shrine holding inside the figure of Kujaku Myoo sitting on a lutus dais on the back of a peacock. Kujaku means peacock and is revered for transmuting the "poisons" of greed and anger and for eliminating karmic hindrances. The peacock (in India) eats poisonous plants and snakes and is thus thought to guard against evils from poisoning or calamity. Kujaku has four arms, holding a pomegranate, peacock feather, and either a lotus flower or a Buddha-fruit (one attribute is missing)...

Japanese Cloisonné Elephant Jar. This is a wonderful, charming figure and is an unusual fine example that is a joy to behold. In a circus pose with elaborate fittings. 11.5 inches, 29 cm tall. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Antique Japanese large single section mizuya (kitchen chest) with 8 wide drawers. Made with all fine-grain hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood on the front and frame. Each drawer has iron corner brackets, hirute shaped drawer pulls and square lock plates.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 37 1/2" high x 74" wide x 21" deep

An unusual and important early 19th Century Edo Period Woven Bamboo Tea Ceremony Box. This unique work of art is the only one we have seen like this. Expertly woven bamboo accented with a large bamboo handle. A rare find for the serious Japanese basket collector. Wonderful color and patina. You are not likely to see another on the art market. 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)h x 12 inches (30.5 cm)w x 10 inches (20.5 cm)d. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Rare Japanese four drawer gyosho bako, or peddler's chest, constructed of Sugi (cedar) wood, with iron hardware and mounts, iron rings on the sides for carrying. The chest is trapezoidal in shape and tapers towards the top of the chest. Original finish and condition. With key included. Exhibited at the Palo Alto Cultural center

19th century Edo period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 26" w x 12 1/2" d x 26 1/4" h

An elaborately decorated Japanese porcelain elephant with applied beads of enamel and large areas of gold trim. There is a large five point gold leaf centered on its' back. The elephant measures about 9" long x 6" high x 4 1/4" wide, and dates to the early 20th Century. There is a badly worn "Made Japan" mark on the bottom of one foot. The condition is excellent, except for minor wear to some of the gold high points, like the forehead and ear edges. The asking price includes shipping within ...

19th century Japanese good size angel skin coral obidome (sash ornament) in a shape of a natural coral branch. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, and is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions. Simple clever design, very beautiful fat natural coral branch with subtle light pink areas. Metal fixture with cutouts in cherry petal shapes and two loops on the back for an obi cord. Length 1 3/4 inches.

Momoyama period (1568-1600) Ko Karatsu Sake Cup with beautiful greenish glaze.
Shallow body with reddish unglazed base typical for Momoyama period.
Painted with iron pigment at the mouth on one side. It was more likely unearthed and repaired long time ago.

Size
Height 3.5cm
Width 13cm
Weight 175g

Condtion
Repaired with kintsugi

Karatsu ware, also known as "Karatsu-yaki" in Japanese, is a traditional style of pottery that originated...

Height: 4.1 cm (1.7 in)
Width: 3.8 cm (1.4 in)
Depth: 2 cm (0.8 in)

Japanese netsuke of a Hotei with one hand in his bag; natural material; early angular form; very good patina; good condition

Unique Japanese Keyaki (zelkova) hardwood kanban shop sign carved to resemble a calligraphy brush, with black, beige, and red pigment lacquer, hung by an iron hook and chain, with two character shop name carved in front of the brush handle. Original finish and patina consistent with age.
Hand forged 200 year old Japanese Iron mounts included with sale.

Early Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 36 1/2" L (46" L w/ chain) x 4" W

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 ...

Japanese antique inro with one compartment, carved of wood and lacquered a very dark brown. On one side, a silvery bat flies through the air. On the other side, a fishing net hangs to dry on a fence. The fishing net is done in gold lacquer and the fence is made of shell inlay. The inside of the inro case is lacquered a deep red with gold edging.

Late Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 2 1/8" high x 3" wide

This is Edo yosegire Patchwork itajime katazome chirimen-silk kimono in Edo period(1603-1868). This is very beautiful yosegire kimono. In the skirt part of the lining, it is cotton and there is damage. There is a little, thin stain. However, it is not remarkable. I recommend this for your collection. size:134cm x 125cm(52.8" x 49.2")

An antique Japanese Nihon Matsu Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original Urushi lacquer finish and hand forged iron hardware which includes the Warabite handles, the lock plates with auspicious symbols, and the pine and plum Atari handle back stops. The symbols on the locks feature the traveler's cape and hat, the lucky treasure bag and the lucky fortune mallet. The hinged security door hides two small drawers where valuables we...

This is a Japanese antique indigo dye cotton Boro noragi old Farmclothes Thick of patched and sashiko stitch Meiji (1868-1912). It was repaired many times, and the boro rag that were used became wonderful folk art by themselves. The patchwork & sashiko stitch of the indigo dye cotton for the repaired is very beautiful. The string of the repair is also charming. This noragi can enjoy both sides. size: Length 90cm (35.4inch) sleeve to sleeve 90.5cm (35.6inch)

This is a indigo dye thick hemp katazome Plaid long Roll antique fabric. It is a handspun & natural indigo dye katazome. There is no stain.There is no damage and it is in very good condition. Size:Length:1143cm(37.49ft) / Width: 33cm(12.9inch)

Antique Japanese circular jingasa with a gradually pointed top. Textured to simulate leather and lacquered a bronze color with red and gold lacquer on the underside. The raised, carved lacquer kikusui (chrysanthemum and water) mon is covered in gold leaf. The Kikusui mon was used by Masashige Kusunoki, a samurai lord who helped overthrow the Kamakura Shogunate. Kusunoki was loyal to the Emperor Godaigo and was awarded the use of the Kiku mon which he personalized to create this Kikusui mon. ...

Porcelain cranes in a lead tree decorate the lacquered top of this gilded wooden box enclosed in the original wooden box titled Romatsu Sokaku Zu (Ancient Pine Two Cranes) and signed Sekka, with signatures of Tozan II (porcelain decoration) and Suzuki Hyoetsu (lacquer artist) inside. In this case, Kamisaka Sekka produced the design, enlisting two of Kyoto’s then top artisans to complete the work, lacquer artist Miki Hyoetsu I who applied the lead, gold and lacquer and Ito Tozan who created the...

A Japanese lacquer inro depicting two fish swimming in their natural habitat. The outer surface of the ring is covered in lacquer with brown nuances, which offers an elegant contrast with the mother-of-pearl. This inro depicts a mother-of-pearl sole on one side. On the opposite side there is a black catfish, made of lacquer. The fish swim among the underwater plants, embellished with golden leaves and mother-of-pearl in relief. The wooden netsuke depicts a sole. The internal compartment...

This is an exquisite decorated iron Koro signed Nihonkoku Kyoto ni sumu Komai sei. The condition is excellent and actually better than the images show. A glue/cloth residue was left on the underside and side of the base.This is easy to remove.The piece stands 4 1/8 inches tall and is 3 1/8 inches wide. The delicate lid appears to be silver.

Japanese scroll painting in ink on paper depicting a silhouette of a geisha. Signed YOSHIKUNI by the artist and dated 1917, followed by a red seal of the artist. Excellent composition, great depiction of robe lines beautifully done in ink washes. Silk brocade mounts, wooden scroll ends, creases as can be seen on photos. Painting size 50 x 11.5 inches, scroll size 70 x 15.75 inches.

When the founder of the Urasenke style of tea ceremony, Sen-So Soshitsu (1622 -1697) was invited to Kanazawa as the lord of the tea ceremony for the powerful Kaga lords in 1666, the first Chozaemon came with him and established Ohi-yaki ware in Kanazawa. Chozaemon had been the chief apprentice for the Raku family in Kyoto and took with him many of the principles and ideas associated with Raku-ware. Since those auspicious beginnings, Ohi-ware has held a high place in the world of tea ceremony des...

19th century Satsuma vase of classic shape with painted enamel decoration of the Buddha surrounded by 7 rakan (original disciples), several female disciples and a boy attendant, with buildings, clouds and lotus flowers in the background. The Buddha is protected by a relief gold enameled dragon encircling the vase in its upper part. Excellent quality detailed painting - see fine depiction of their faces and supremely fine rich clothes with numerous patterns. Raised gold decoration, finely scatter...

Zushi or shrine with inside a wooden sculpture of an erect penis dressed in the typical dress of a palace groom, using the grain of the wood to accentuate belly and knees. Fertility symbol, probably used / displayed during local fertility festivals. Also classified as waraimono - things that make you smile. Japan, Meiji era, around 1900.

Case H ca. 10 ½ inches; sculpture H 6 ¼ inches

Zushi with a lot of wear. Sculpture in fine condition; was formerly glued to another base plate.

Antique Japanese melon shaped hibachi, wilt gilt lacquer designs of chrysanthemums, peonies, and butterflies, gilt nashiji flakes and inlay adding depth to the nature scenes, interior with old patina. Meiji age (1868-1912)

Size: 16" L x 9.5" H

Antique Japanese iron tetsubin (tea kettle) of an octagonal shaped body, with seaside village scenes, willow trees, and boats. The sides flute outward and then dramatically taper into the rounded foot. Its lid is bronze with a highly stylized signature from the artist.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions : 8” L x 9.5” H

Japanese woodblock print depicting a beauty lighting a floor lamp titled “Kakinomoto no Hitomaro” (image no. 3) from the series “One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets” (Hyakunin-isshu Emyo) by Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865) published by Sanoya Kihei in 1844. The image is signed “Kunisada changing his name to Toyokuni II” with the red Toshidama seal below. The two cartouches in the shape of playing cards at the upper left hold a picture of a poet and his poem. The scroll-shaped cart...

19th century boxwood netsuke of a blind masseuse working on a client. The masseur has a typical bump on his head, as is usual with portrayal of blind in netsuke. Wonderful carving with great faces, muscles of the client and excellent depiction of textile lines, rich warm patina. Signed NOBUFUSA on the bottom - the artist is listed on p. 834 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 1 1/8 inches.

Beautiful blue and white dish or bowl with mount Fuji. Meiji, c 1900. Diameter " 9¼/ 23,5 cm. Condition: glaze cracks at one o'clock (cf. pics)

Rectangular and flat lacquer Kobako (small box) representing a furoshiki knot seen from above. Fundame background, furoshiki in takamaki-e with floral pattern, inside the folds of the fabric with black and gold sayagata pattern with togidashi maki-e technique. The saya (or sayagata) pattern is composed of Chinese swastikas. This symbol, linked to Buddhism, represents qualities of intelligence, strength and peace. It is a sign of good o...

Japanese Clay Figure of a Sino-Japanese War General on a White Horse. This would have been displayed in a Boys' Day festival in the late Meiji Period. Wonderfully painted with fine details. Height: 7.5 inches, 19 cm.

A very fine sometsuke dish of scalloped octalobed form painted with a mon form central motif of a symmetrically arranged pair of leaping carp. Framed by a continuous band of botan karakusa, Peonie lotus scroll, within which are reserves containing, dragons, Ryu, in clouds and a gilt rim, kin-beni. The reverse decorated with hagi-karakusa, vine pattern and a six character mark for the Chinese Emperor Jiajing. The quality of the painting is of the highest quality. The dish would date to the period...

18th century Japanese sword iron tsuba with raised and inlaid decoration of a seated tiger scratching its ear by a thick stem of bamboo with leaves. Delightful design, good work, wonderful depiction of the creature, gilded and silvered leaves, very pleasant feel of age. Height 2 15/16 inches.

This very well carved early 20th century wood netsuke is 1 1/8” high, 1 7/8” long and 1” thick. It depicts two rams, one standing and one lying down. It is signed “Gyokuseki” and is in excellent condition.

Antique Japanese large indigo Tsutsugaki yogi robe made out of a futon cover, with a paste-resist Kikumon, or Chrysanthemum crest on its back, also called the Imperial Seal of Japan. Tsutsugaki is a technique in which bindings are applied to the cotton threads in any desired pattern and dye is applied over them. The bindings resist the dye, leaving behind patterns in the original color of the threads. The edges of fabric are sewn together using white sashiko stichwork.

Size: 62.5" L...

Rare Japanese gyosho bako or peddler's chest, constructed with Kiri (paulownia) wood in original dark brown/black lacquer finish. The tall, narrow box is two sections stacked held in place by iron latches on the sides. Each drawer front has square pulls and floral lock plates with brass accent hardware. The top drawer of the bottommost section has a secret hidden compartment for storing precious treasures. Unusual finish in wonderful original condition.

Edo period (1603-1868)

Eizan print, please contact for details.