Used for ceremonial purposes by the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties. Traditionally, the jue vessel was made of bronze with a pouring spout on either end and a pair of capped posts rising from the rim. This piece, although in the shape of a jue, is done in fine, powdery-blue celadon and is described on the tomobako as being a jue-shaped incense burner (korou).

Suwa Sozan the first (1852—1922) was born in an area of what is known today as Ishikawa prefecture...

Japanese kaidan tansu, or step tansu with glowing hardwood finish, Hinoki (cypress) frame and Sugi wood steps. The bottom two steps have Keyaki (elm) front drawers with warabite iron handles. A Sugi wood cabinet door with vertical slats opens from the largest area with roomy storage. Unusual Size, very usable. Size: 45.25" height, 31.5" length, 23.25" depth

This is Katazome kimono of Edo period. This is the Silk pongee that a face was spun by hand. The lining is cotton cloth. As for this, a pattern of Katazome is a design of a Japanese pampas grass and the ivy. The Japanese pampas grass pattern of Edo period is very rare. As for this, the material of the kimono is silk. The part of the collar is cotton of twill fabrics. It is unusual for two material to be used for the same kimono in the same Katazome pattern...

Rare 58 page accordion album of Japanese chirimen-e (creped) woodblock prints by Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) dating from the 1860s (late Edo/early Meiji). Included are two triptychs and one oban print by Kunisada (signed Toyokuni III). The album consists of seven triptychs, one two-panel composition, and 35 oban images, for a total of 43 individual prints...

A hog mouthed beaker of conventional form decorated with Flowers of precious appearance or sometimes referred to as Tang Flowers, karahana. A six character Dai Min Seika nensei mark is painted within the foot-ring. The beaker is in good condition with no cracks, chips or restoration. It measures 9.2cm in diameter and stands 6.2cm high. See Shibata Volume V no 231 for a beaker of different form but with an almost identical pattern. There dated c.1690-1720. Shipping at Cost.

It is a rare event to discover a chawan of oldest Oribe ware. Here we proudly present a fantastic Ao Oribe chawan from the Azushi-Momoyama Period.

Little distorted half cylinder shaped (tsutsu-gata) tea bowl with flaring mouth made of light, coarse, unrefined Mino clay.

The expertly thrown body is covered with typical green copper glaze inside and outside...

A rectangular bronze suiban decorated with patterns of swimming Koi in fast flowing water. The design apparently largely cold worked rather than cast and patinated with a reddish brown finish. The moulded handles in the form of Kuwai, the marshland Japanese Arrowhead plant. The suiban measures 18.5cm long, excluding the handles, and 13cm wide and stands 7.2cm high to the rim and weighs approximately 1.1kg. The bronze is in good, sound condition. It dates to the late Meji period...

A lovely mizusashi for tea-ceremony. This piece dates from the Edo period and is of the e-Seto variety, “e” meaning drawing. Featuring rich earthy tones and intricate hand-drawn stencil designs of what appear to be a ring of passion flowers resting on a vine, this splendid composition leaves a lasting impression. Several kintsugi (gold) repairs attest to its great age and care that went into maintaining this piece through generations...

Cylinder shaped (hanzutsu) tea bowl made of light, fine, unrefined Mino clay dating to early Edo Period. Shape and style make it appear contemporary with the late Oribe bowls.

The expertly thrown body is covered with the typical black oniita engobe inside and outside - with the exception of the bottom - over which a white, feldspatic Shino glaze has been poured...

Distorted shoe shaped (kutsugata)tea bowl made of light, fine, unrefined Mino clay.

Shape and style (note the trimmed walls and the flaring mouth) make it appear contemporary with the late Oribe bowls.

The expertly thrown body is covered with the typical white, feldspatic Shino glaze which has been poured and under which a decoration of four cedar trees and grass on the reverse side have been applied in iron oxid (oni ita)...

Antique Japanese woven bamboo basket for ikebana, or flower arrangements. The body has a gourd form, inside it holds a large bamboo vase lined in metal. Size: 16.5" height, 9" width

This is an excellently executed mid-19th Century Netsuke depicting a Copper Dragon over the Dojoji Bell, made from Bronze. This dragon is the converted Kiyohime, the daughter of an innkeeper who turned this way after being rejected by the pilgrim Inchin. Wonderful detail and composition, which is rare for a metal netsuke, have been used in the creation of this piece, which has been preserved in an outstanding manner...

Little distorted half cylinder shaped (hanzutzu) tea bowl made of light, coarse unrefinde Mino clay, with very nice, little and small ishihaze (exploding stones).

The mouth has been trimmed in a fashion frequently seen in black Oribe but rarely in Ki Seto (yellow Seto) bowls...

19th Century, Boxwood Netsuke finely hand-carved boxwood netsuke depicting a seated Hotei, the god of Contentment and Happiness, smiling and holding a Fan on his right hand. Signed Shogyoku on the bottom of the netsuke. Nice compact form; wonderful symmetry and patina. Netsuke measures 1.60 inches (4.,0cm) in diameter, and 1.15 inches (2.9cm) tall. It is in excellent condition, as you may be able to see in the posted photos.

19th Century, Boxwood Netsuke finely hand-carved and engraved boxwood netsuke depicting a squatting Karako (Chinese Boy), wearing the customary Chinese garb, holding a Hyotokko mask with both hands. Signed Yoshiharu on the bottom of the netsuke. Nice compact form; great expression and form details; nice mellow patina. Netsuke measures 1.35 inches (3.4cm) wide, and 1.48 inches (3.8cm) tall. It is in excellent condition, as you may be able to see in the posted photos.

This a Kioto School Netsuke, carved in Late 18th century, that depicts a seated and laughing Hotei. His robe falling open to reveal a large belly. The robe with incised leave branches. Hotei's hand and feet unsually large. Large, faithful time-period chimney himotoshi. Wonderful two-tone patina. Netsuke measures 1.55 inches (3.9cm) wide, and 1.45 inches (3.7cm) tall. It has some age hairlines, common to netsuke this old, but, it is solid, and otherwise, in excellent condition.

A charming Japanese small tansu made from kiri (paulownia) wood, with attractive, simple iron fittings. Each drawer features a round iron lock plate and gunbai style handles. Size: 22.5" height, 25" width, 13" depth

This large, finely crafted tsutsu chawan was done by renowned Meiji/ Taisho ceramic artist Suwa Sozan I.

Suwa Sozan (1852—1922) was born in an area of what is known today as Ishikawa prefecture. After a short stint in the military he took up pottery design and painting under Touda Tokuji in 1873. From this point forward, he divided his time mainly between Kanazawa and Tokyo working at a number of kilns and research institutes. While in Tokyo, he made the acquaintance of famed cons...

This is Sashiko used for a martial artist of the Taisho era. This is a natural indigo plant, and Kinari--colored lining cotton is put on the cotton of a dyed face. And it is done Sashiko. As for this, thick cotton cloth is performed Sashiko of by the white cotton thread of the W thread. Therefore it is very thick. This does not have a stain and damage. Size 82cm x 90cm (32.2 "x 35.4").

Signifying strength and resilience, bamboo—together with pine and plum (sho chiku bai)—is an auspicious symbols running through the heart of Japanese art and culture. The young bamboo depicted here—sprouting from a patch of rocks—were composed by one of the most renowned and loved waka poets of the 19th century, Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875).

Rengetsu was born into a Samurai family but was soon after adopted by the Ōtagaki family. From the age of seven to sixteen s...

Little distorted half cylinder shaped (tsutsugata) tea bowl made of light, coarse, unrefined Mino clay.

The expertly thrown body is covered with the typical, glossy black iron oxide glaze inside and outside.

The window is decorated with three concentric squares and twigs in iron oxide glaze has then covered with a clear ash and feldspar glaze. This is a typical Momoyama design.

The three concentric squares is the mon (the family crest) of the famous Kabuki act...

Rare Antique Japanese two section isho tansu (clothing chest) from Sado Island. Beautiful burl keyaki (elm) wood front with original lacquer finish, interior all kiri (paulownia) wood, four large drawers with three smaller drawers on the right, safe box in lower right hand corner with three small interior drawers also with keyaki fronts and iron hardware. One drawer has a secret compartment. Unusually beautiful and elaborate iron hardware with pierced, incised and raised details: the top two dra...

This piece features a warm golden glaze with several patches of lighter pigmentation. The inside of the bowl is especially inviting and shows a magnificent patina developed over many decades of use and what appears to be a partly faded stencil of a pinecone. The foot is well-shaped, well-grounded, and clearly displays the unglazed rich clay. The Chinese characters on the lid of the box read 古瀬戸 (ko-Seto) 大茶碗 (oo-jawan), indicating it is an large tea bowl...

Antique Japanese door with beautiful painting of two beautiful geisha. One holds a black and gold lacquer tray while the other kneels beside her. Flecks of gold accent the space surrounding the painting. The backside of the door has a monochromatic painting of waterside scenery. Meiji age (1868-1912) Size: 71" height, 37" width, 1.25" depth

Antique Japanese door with a beautiful painting of a playful looking geisha holding the folds of her robes and carrying a maple branch in her hand. Her robe is navy blue with a turquoise obi, with intricate auspicious symbols accented by red. A low hanging maple branch with fall colored leaves and mushrooms hangs above her head. Splashes of gold flecking surround her. The opposite side of the door has been painted with a wonderful scene of boats and mountains. Meiji age (1868-1912) Size: 71" ...

A fine Imari bowl and cover decorated with a pattern composed of Autumn flowers, akikusa de, and Banded hedges, shibagaki. A wheel cut Johanneum inventory number incised to the interior of the foot-ring of the bowl indicating that it belonged to the collection of Augustus the Strong, and was acquired before 1722. Both cover and bowl marked with an enamelled choji motif. The bowl and cover are in superb condition, no cracks, chips or restoration. The porcelain and the enamelling are of excellent...

Original Antique Japanese sword tansu made from kiri (paulownia) wood with a brown lacquer finish. The front features four long drawers and one small drawer with iron locks and handles. Original finish.

Mid Edo age (1603-1868)

Size: 42" L X 12" D X 14" H

Very Unusual Antique Japanese large safe box made all of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood, door has elaborate six drop-in hinges (when door is unlocked it can be lifted completely off), other hardware inlcludes heavy iron cross and corner bracing, heavy side handles, and warabite shaped drawer pulls on the two interior drawers, the outside of the box is finished with it's original reddish orange translucent lacquer finish. Edo Period (circa 1850's) Size: 41 1/2" high (42" high including ...

An intriguing and rare dish that borrows its overall arrangement from a Chinese export Kangxi precedent, but given a distinctly Japanese twist. It is a parody on the theme of the Four Gentlemanly or scholarly accomplishments, Kinkishoga or Siyi, calligraphy, painting, reading poetry and playing music, mitate-e. Here the scholars are replaced by Bijin, elegant ladies at leisure, set in a large Garden arranged in a continuous frieze that is adapted from a Chinese export plate of the Kangxi period...

This is a 19th century, excellently hand-carved Kyoto School styled netsuke of a seated dog, in a protective posture, with its young puppy right in front of it. Delightful expression on their faces. Outstanding detail, Excellent form, wonderful hair work. Double inlaid eyes. Very nice two-tone patina. The spaces between the right and hind leg of the dog serve as natural himotoshi. Netsuke measures 0.70 inches (1.8cm) wide, 1.34 inches (3.4cm) long, and 1.72 inches (4.4cm) tall. Signed. It ...

An interesting Japanese multi -layer lacquer stand with mother of pearl inlay. Top surface has oil spill pattern in hues of red, black, and orange with green accenting. Taisho Period (circa 1950's). Dimensions: 18" Long X 12 1/2" Wide X 4" High

This is a finely hand carved, 19th Century Wood Netsuke depicting Ikkaku Sennin (the Single Horn Sage) carrying on his back the beautiful Lady Sendaramo. According to Legend, Ikkaku is an inmortal who could no resist the sight of women on the earth, and he was punished by the loss of his power. He fell in love and married the beautiful Lady Sendaramo, with whom the Sennin is often depicted, carrying her home on his back. Wonderful carving with very fine details. Unsigned. It measures 0.8...

Japanese antique isho tansu (clothing storage chest), made with chestnut wood drawer fronts and sugi (cryptomeria) wood frame, beautiful deep reddish brown lacquer finish on the drawer fronts and the sides and top of the chest, the frame on the front of the chest is lacquered black as is traditional with Fukashima area tansu. Iron hardware inlcudes large round lock plates and warabite shaped drawer pulls. The chest has four large drawers and two small drawers in the lower right hand corner....

Antique Japanese kannon biraki tansu, made with keyaki (elm) and hinoki (cypress) wood. Interior has four storage compartments. Top and sides have the same kanji marking burned into the wood. Beautiful, original finish. Very unusual. Size: 25.75" height, 23" length, 10" depth

A tazza, pedestal dish, with a Satsuma type earthenware, stoneware, body decorated almost entirely with totai cloisonné. The dish decorated with a snowflake shaped, yukiwa, roundel containing various autumn flowers, akikusa, set against a lilac coloured ground, set against a blue cloissone ground inset with flowers and butterflies. The reverse of the dish decorated with further butterflies, flowers and cash set against a blue cloisonné ground. Lilac ground cloisonné to the stand column. The s...

This extraordinary piece depicting two shishi guardian lions locked in playful combat, is done in fine white porcelain from the Arita region of Japan.

Guardian lions (alternately known as Shishi, Foo-dogs, or Koma-inu) were introduced to Japan in the 8th century and are often seen outside shrine gates or adorning rooftop shingles. When seen in pairs, one typically has its mouth open (the male) while the other’s is shut (the female). This is no coincidence, but rather Buddhist sym...