Before styles such as Raku, Hagi, Karatsu, etc came into fashion for use in the tearoom in early Edo, it was commonplace in cultured society to use tea-ware imported from China. In fact, some pottery styles uniquely Japanese (such as Shino) are thought to have been born out of unsuccessful attempts to emulate these extremely high-quality and refined ceramics...

The Japanese bronze maker is known for its high quality and attention to detail rendered in bronze, silver, and other precious materials. The exposure to the world's fair has showcased the Japanese skilled artisan in many different styles and categories. Naturalism and realism was the template to the Western taste during the Meiji period.

This is a fine example of a great horned owl in bronze depicted in naturalism. The okimono owl is perched on a gnarled branch preening itself...

A very rare and unusual Japanese 2-panel astrology screen. The blue pigmented mica-flecked screen depicts the Northern Hemisphere and shows Hokuto Shichi Sei, the 7 star constellation or the Big Dipper which points to the North Star. The celestial chart is surrounded by calligraphy naming processional years.

Meiji Period (1868-1912).

Dimensions: 61 1/4” high x 34 1/2” wide.

Currently awaiting an uncertain succession to the 14th generation, this preeminent line of craftsmen has been a cornerstone of Hagi pottery for over 400 years. Here we see an historically important work by the second generation potter dated to the Japanese Era “Kanbun” (1661-1671)—placing it as a very mature work, completed near or at the very end of the life of this craftsman...

An antique Japanese temple carving of a flying dragon protecting a sacred Hoju while flying through the tumultuous clouds. Hand carved from one solid piece of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. Beautiful three dimensional high relief detail.

Age: Edo Period, circa pre 1850s)

Dimensions: 53 1/4" Wide by 26 1/4" High by 5 1/2" Deep

Saya type Inrô, decorated with a landscape, waterfall and houses, in golden lacquer taka maki-e, kirigane, maki bokashi, brown lacquer and red lacquer on a black speckled hirameiji background.
On one side a house surrounded by a red fence in a landscape of rocks and pine trees is visible; the other shows in the foreground a building surrounded by pines and in the background a waterfall atop which can be found a house and behind that some mountains...

Cast bronze warrior with multiple patinas, partly gilded. The samurai, wielding a naginata, fights furiously. The artist may have wanted to designate here the Japanese medieval hero, Miyamoto Musashi because the latter fought bareheaded and during the fights his hair electrified by fury stood on his head. History teaches us that he would have triumphed in 60 duels during his life as a swordsman. Good condition, original gilding and patina...

Antique Japanese full length tanegashima rifle with working original matchlock mechanism. Made of burl keyaki hardwood with original lacquer finish. The hand forged iron barrel is inlaid with a 3/4 length silver dragon swirling through clouds. Original decorative brass fittings with auspicious animals such as fu-dogs, birds and flowers. Unusual silver inlaid stripes on the mouth of the barrel.

Comes with custom iron stand to aid in display...

A fine, Mishina school tanto, forged and signed collaboratively, Omi no Kami Minamoto Hisamichi and Chakushi Minamoto Rai Hisatsugu with edakiku (branched chrysanthemum) above the two signatures. Dated on the verso 'a day in August of Genroku 15' (1702). In full polish, in shirasaya, accompanied with original koshirae with fine fittings including floral and snow on persimmons motifs. Included are kozuka, kogai, tsuba, fuchi-gashira, menuki...

Three turtles bronze incense burner.

In Japan, the turtle (kame) is considered a symbol of wisdom, stability and luck. Tradition has it that it brings protection and 10,000 years of happiness because of its longevity and the slowness of its movements. In the Taoist belief, the turtle symbolizes the world: its shell represents the sky, while its body represents the earth.
The use of incense was introduced in Japan at the same time as Buddhism...

An expressive frightful yet humorous yamaneko cat (tiger) perched on a natural jagged boulder. Hand carved of boxwood with eye detailed in bone. Very well carved with fine details. An Okimono may be a small Japanese carving, similar to, but larger than netsuke. Unlike netsuke, which had a specific purpose, Okimono were purely decorative and were displayed in the tokonoma.
Original hand worn finish in excellent condition...

Inrô of three black lacquer compartments decorated with raden (mother-of-pearl inlay) of ducks on the water or in flight on both sides. One of the faces shows four ducks (one per box) in different postures among a decoration of stylized bamboo leaves. The upper one in flight, head to the right, the second facing left and about to land, wings spread apart, the third in a resting position, head on its wing, the fourth on the water, leaning its head forward...

Inrô with four lacquer compartments representing eagles: eight on one side, seven on the other, one on the upper side called ten; sometimes posed on a rocky promontory in takamaki-e and kirigane lacquer, sometimes in flight near the sea. Bamboo branches...

A four-case lacquer inro in iroe, togidashi, hirame and kirigane lacquer, on a nashiji lacquer background, decorated with a boat, sailing on the flow, carrying numerous passengers, there are some mountains in the background.
Nashi-ji lacquer interior.
The ornamentation probably depicts the Sumida river in Tôkyô. A similar inro is represented in the book Inrô, japanese belt ornaments the Trumpf collection, Uta Werlich/Susanne Germann, Linden-Museum Stuttgart, arnolsche art publ...

A pair of circular make-up boxes in nashi-ji lacquer adorned with a floral pattern and an aoi go mon motif (three mallow leaves in a ring) on the lid. This motif is well-known for being the mon (family crest) of the famous dynasty of the Tokugawa shoguns. The bottom of the lid and the top of the box are lined with silver. The interior is in nashi-ji lacquer.

These two boxes were probably part of a wedding trousseau of which one of the pieces, a square incense box with identical orna...

Keman in cut bronze gilded with mercury. Decorated with flowers and Karyobinga (winged musical deities). Keman are hung in Japanese temples and replace bouquets of flowers. Usually Kemans are only decorated with flowers. The one presented here is exceptional with its 4 karyobinga cast in relief and riveted on the copper plate cut with flowers. Very beautiful carving, thick gilding. In the center the coat of arms (Mon) of the Tokugawa who were shoguns from 1600 to the end of the 19th century. Ja...

An antique Japanese bronze okimono statue of a Japanese Ama or pearl diver walking to her boat in the wind. The artist conveyed the wind intensity by the way that her headscarf has unraveled as she keeps it atop her head. Her feet nearly reach the water embankment as she readies herself for the work ahead. The artist, Kyoi Masatsune - 京井政常,signed his name with a hallmark near her feet.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912).

Dimensions: 25" High x 10" Wide x 12" Deep

This Japanese antique tsutsugaki textile fireman coat Sashiko Edo era(1800-1867), has a beautiful and dynamic drawing of a hawk that spreads its wings and flaps powerfully on the bold waves. This powerful hawk movement is a painting that is rarely seen in the firefighter Sashiko. And the sharp eyes of the hawk are very impressive. There is a light stain on the bottom wave, but it is not noticeable. There is no damage. The letters on the lining of the collar are the names of the owners stabbed ...