A powerful and extremely rare Japanese Edo Period Kyogen mask of a Nio Guardian King, ferocious native deities, often associated with the Naga Dragon Kings, who converted to Buddhism and now act as bodyguards for the Buddha. The Edo period was the golden age of Noh Drama. Kyogen theater was performed between Noh acts. This mask is a brilliantly carved work of art, accentuating the dramatic power of this important mythical figure...

Pair of 18th Century Japanese Carved Stone Sculptures of the Female Buddha Sattva with beautifully polychromed colors. Inscribed on the back. These rare figures are important artifacts of Buddhism and they transmit a wonderful spiritual presence. Heights: 10.5 and 10 inches, 27 and 25.5 cm.

Edo Period Japanese Noh Theater Mask of Kawazu, an Oni with a Golden Hair Beard, circa 1700. A very rare early example with a powerful presence. 8 x 6.5 inches, 20.25 x 16.5 cm. Height with the beard is 19 inches (48.25 cm).

Very rare cast bronze sculpture of the Chinese monk Xuanzang with a pile of Buddhist scriptures rolled up and stacked in the pack on his back and a lotus leaf over his head from which dangles an incense burner, as he returns to China from India.
In his hands he was holding a scroll and a fly whisk that are now missing. Figure stands on an irregularly shaped base. Japan, mid Edo period, 18th century.
Height incl. base ca. 5.25 inches (13.3 cm)...

Wood mask of the Gigaku theater representing Konju, a figure in ancient Gigaku dance. The finely carved mask shows a very strong expression. Japan, early Edo period. Height: 18 cm. Beautiful age patina. Some abrasion, otherwise very good condition. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. NOTE: Gigaku theater is one of the most ancient dramatic arts in Japan, performing ritual dance, mime and music, and taking place inside Buddhist temples...

Large shrine board (known as an ema) of Bishamonten chasing after a demon. Polychrome pigments, gold, and sumi ink on wood.Dated Second year of Enki, year of the wooden bull (kinotoushi):1745, November (Shimotsuki). Board was donated by Omiya Souhachiro, who was living in the Kudara-cho district of Osaka City (near the vicinity of Shinsaibashi area). The board was painted by Hanai Bunsen Tsunemine (active early 18th century)...

Japanese woodblock Shunga print. Good condition. Unsigned like most Shunga but confidently ascribed to SHUNCHO active 1780-1800. Paper size 25.5x34.5. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.

Original Japanese woodblock print by Kitao Masanobu (1761 – 1816) from the “Eastern Tune Koyka by Fifty Poets”, date 1786. The color woodblock print depicts an image of a seated warrior with a poem above. Print has toning, spots, and marks throughout, fading to inks, loss of red ink stripes on face, abrasions to lower right corner. Not examined out of frame.
Measures:
Sight size: 8.5” high x 6” wide
Framed size: 10.75" high x 8" wide x 1" deep

An original Japanese color woodblock print by the artist Utagawa Toyokuni I (1769-1825), in vertical oban size. Depicting two women with a boy drying and beating Cloth on the river banks. Signed "Toyokuni ga", censor "kiwame". Condition: good color and impression, some small wormholes, backed, creased and soiled, laid down at upper corners. Dimension: 36.1 cm x 24.6 cm.

Two prints placed under glass, representing two young women, one feeding her little pet, a rat and the other practicing Ikebana, composing a bouquet of irises which will be presented in the vase placed next to her. The hairstyle is typical of women drawn by Suzuki Harunobu, but also by other artists of this period. As it would seem that the Chinese characters simply describe the scenes represented and not the name of the artist, only specialists will be able to know who it is...

An album page in woodblock print technique probably from the "Ehon Matsu no Shirabe", showing a young beautiful lady standing near a small river. Condition: faded, creased, thin area, one worm hole, reverse with tapes. Dimension: 23.6 cm x 17.1 cm.

This is a beautiful and rare original antique Japanese Polychrome Woodblock Print "Itsutomi" Ukiyo-e by Utagawa Toyokumi dated 1793 or 1795, Edo Period, depicting a beautifully dressed and elegant Lady with her Shamisen instrument on the floor. Calligraphy markings/seal. Overall in very good condition with very small inconsequential tear on the outside (right frame, see photo). Size: 15.5" x 10.25" (39.5 cm. x 26.5 cm). This Woodblock has now been framed under glass.

Inro of exceptional dimensions with 3 boxes in black lacquered wood, decorated with chrysanthemum flowers with 32 petals in powdered lacquer on a background of geometric zigzags, details in Nashiji and nuances in silver powder. The chrysanthemum with 32 petals (2 rows of 16) was the Imperial symbol. This geometric decoration of zigzags is typical of the beginning of the 17th century during the short period of Momoyama...

Late 18th to early 19th century Japanese lacquer 5-compartment inro with a stunning design of a dragon!

It has a fantastic lacquer work called Maki-E. The inside is covered with precious Nashiji Gold Dust. This techique was only used for luxury items for the most famous Samurai fighter.

The material of the Netsuke and the string fastener (ojime) is Kotsu, a delicate work.

Very good condition with only little damages due to the high age...

Very large inro with 6 cases, black lacquer (roiro) applied with mother-of-pearl (aogaï) decoration of deer in light relief and a crescent moon in white metal (pewter or silver) inlaid. Early Edo period around 1700. The solid lacquer resisted well to impacts and the wear of time but the applications of extremely fine mother-of-pearl sheets are much worn or worn as can be seen in the photos. 155mm

Inro with 4 compartments in black lacquered wood. Decor of a mountain lake landscape executed in gold and silver powder. Mosaic details of small squares of gold. The worn parts reveal the red lacquer which was used to execute the reliefs. Japanese work from the 18th century or before. No signing. Good general condition for a tercentenary lacquer. Multiple small damages all visible on photos. No repainted areas, no restoration. Quality lacquer, solid. 82x52mm.

Inro – A amusing and beautiful model of a black japanese urushi lacquer Inro, open by 4 cases and a lid, showing mice and a rat playing together on shells.  Brown, black, gold and silver lacquers of maki-e. H : 5,7 cm. Japan Edo (1603-1868) 18th century.

Arita fine porcelain tea bowl, decorated with dragons and stylized flowers, painted in underglaze cobalt blue. Japanese work from the early 18th century, perhaps a little earlier. Good enamel quality, pretty deep blue, excellent firing. Well drawn. This type of bowl is rare. Below are 6 Chinese characters that we have not translated.The top edge is coated with brown iron oxide pigment. Good condition. Height: 95mm. We have a second.