Unusual 19th century Japanese bronze scroll weight in a shape of a crouching toad. Very nice work, wonderful rendition of its warty back, eyes are lacquered in gold and black giving it lifelike quality. Appropriately heavy as a scroll weight, beautiful patina. Length 2.67 inches.

19th century small marine material ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in the round with a bird in flight by a rock and blooming peony bush. Wonderful carving, excellent detailing, pleasant patina, in great condition. Signed GYOKUICHI on the side - the artist is listed on p. 424 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 3/8 inches.

Japanese Edo period woodblock print by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) featuring a beauty serving tea to another beauty who is resting in a palanquin smoking a pipe from Act 6 of "Chushingura e-kyodai" (Matching Pictures of Chushingura) dated 1859. "Chushingura" is also known as the "Tale of the Forty-seven Ronin." The censor's seal and the seal of the publisher, Moriya Jihei, are at the lower left portion of the print...

Early Showa period (1910s) Japanese mingei (Arts and Crafts) shallow copper box with enameled decoration of a spray of aoi (hollyhock) leaves with tendrils. Wonderful combination of uchidashi (hammered-out) and moriage (piled-up) techniques : metal was raised from the opposite side and raised surface was subsequently thickly enameled and fired. Beautiful work, cleverly textured surface, excellent patina, in perfect condition. Enameled green on the inside...

Unusual early 19th century Japanese cloisonne kogo (covered box for incense during tea ceremony) made in a shape of a clam shell and decorated with various flowers on the background of scrolling vines. Rims are silvered (some wear), white enamel background on the outside, blue enamel on the inside. Very pleasant finish with original pitting, rare and early object in terms of Japanese cloisonné, from the period of transition from Chinese to Japanese style. Great piece in Japanese taste...

Early Showa period (1910s) Japanese mingei (Arts and Crafts) copper box with chased and enameled decoration of four flowers with leaves - I am sure it is possible to identify the flower species. Wonderful combination of uchidashi (hammered-out) and moriage (piled-up) techniques: metal was raised from the opposite side and raised surface was subsequently heavily enameled and fired...

A beautiful example of a sweet meat or pastry dish used in the Japanese tea ceremony; the rich and heavy handed design adds color and depth, yet it is restrained for a pleasant afternoon cup of tea with a light snack. You can almost envision the ceremony with the open sliding doors overlooking the garden as you are being served. This dish measures 10.25” square x 1.75” deep.

19th century miniature Hirado porcelain sculpture of a reclining karako (Chinese boy) leaning on his right elbow. Excellent crisp modeling with incised details - see his superb dreamy face, well defined hands and clothing details. Unusual feature - the unglazed flat bottom is well incised with the continuation of the design. Beautiful glaze with numerous tiny bubbles giving it depth, in excellent condition (no chips, cracks or repairs), very pleasant to the touch...

Japanese Mino yaki sake bottle 1600s

This high-fired bottle was produced at the Mino Kilns in Gifu Prefecture in pale-gray stoneware. The bottle is covered overall in a transparent glaze with a greenish tint. The lower portion of the body is left unglazed as is also the flat foot. It is well-potted, having three indentations on the sides, creating a comfortable fit for the hand while pouring...

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...

Late Meiji (1900s) netsuke of a bamboo shoot. Excellent realistic carving capturing the essence of the object. Wonderful sense of volume, very pleasant to hold. Length 2.34 inches.

Japanese woodblock print depicting an actor portraying a samurai by Kuniteru II (1829-1874), published by Daikokuya Heikichi (Shojudo) in 1867. The paper measures about 14 5/8"V x 10 1/4"H. The print is in very good overall condition with good impression quality and color. There are lacquer highlights in the black areas and mica at the top. There is an ample margin on the left and top. The paper is fine, the print is not backed, and the image is clearly visible on the reverse...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) depicting a lively scene from Act 11 of "Chushingura e-kyodai" (Matching Pictures of Chushingura) dated 1859. "Chushingura" is also known as the "Tale of the Forty-seven Ronin." The seal of the publisher, Moriya Jihei, the censor seal, and the signature of the artist (signed "Toyokuni ga" in a red cartouche with yellow snow) are all located at the lower right. Standard vertical oban print measuring 14"V x 9 3/4"H...

Late Meiji (1890s - 1910s) Japanese bamboo wrist rest used by painters and calligraphers, with low relief carving of a sparrow in flight, its wings spread wide. Beautiful subtle piece, superb quality carving, rich warm patina, in excellent condition. Wonderful object for a scholar’s desk. Size 6 1/4 x 1 3/4 inches.

A well made Keyaki wood sumitsubo. Used by carpenters to efficiently mark straight lines by snapping a silk string saturated with ink. The utilitarian purpose enhanced by the folk art attention to detail of this implement held symbolic of the trade. Meiji period. Good condition. Length, 8 inches

A beautifully gold accented imari small dish from old Japan, detailed and profusely decorated with tendrils and flora with a well painted mythical Kylin; the contrast is simply stunning and well defined, condition is excellent and the enamels well preserved, minor glaze imperfection on the backside, but hardly worth mentioning save for accuracy sake, we date this beauty to the Meiji period pre-1900. Measurements: 10.16 cm diameter (4 inches)

A Fukagawa porcelain 8 7/8 inch soup bowl. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt. Fuji mark and Fukagawa Sei inside the foot ring. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. Priced for each soup bowl, there were five available in good condition when listed. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

Late Meiji Japanese Bizen pottery ware chaire (tea caddy for storing powdered green tea used in tea ceremony) with slender body and narrow mouth. Wonderful potting, beautiful patina, very nice texture and play of colors to the partial light glaze on its surface. Inscribed by the potter on the bottom. Turned bone cover lined with silver colored foil on the inside. Great piece in excellent condition. Height with cover 2 15/16 inches.