Japanese dish or bowl, Ko-Kutani revival from the Meiji period, late 19th century. Enameled in purple, yellow and green with a wave-line border surrounding a motif of poets (?) and a weeping willow in a mountainous seascape. Dark brown rim, the back with Kutani mark in green. Diameter "8 ½ / 21.5 cm. Condition: the back with some rubbing marks and a glaze bubble (cf. pics).

This is the Tsutsugaki curtain used in the Edo period. This was made in the Kyushu region. It is made of fine cotton that is hand spun. This is a person expressing a wooden raft that flows through the river in the season when the cherry blossoms fall. This pattern is a pattern called flower raft. This is a very idyllic depiction of the boatman's expression. The design of the boatman on the raft to go down the river where the cherry blossoms are falling is very elegant and beautiful...

19th century netsuke in manju (rice cake) shape carved with an image of Fukurokuju (one of the 7 Gods of Good Fortune) pulling a fox costume mask onto his head and holding a 9-tailed whip in his hand. Whip design continues on the back showing an attendant boy, one hand raised in amazement, the other holding a fan. Very unusual subject of a Lucky God as an actor, the whip is a clear reference to a mythical nine-tailed fox...

A rare and unusual Japanese Keyaki burl choba tansu with original dark red translucent lacquer finish. The front of the chest has two hinged doors with hand forged iron fan lock plate, with two drawers below. When the chest is opened, it reveals a spacious interior with a large open compartment, a long top drawer and three smaller all burl wood drawers along the side.

Early Meiji period (1868 - 1912)

Dimensions: 25 1/2 x 15 x 25 3/4 h

19th century netsuke of a fresh tangerine on top of a dried persimmon containing a minute landscape with houses and trees. Superbly carved elegant piece in Japanese taste, wonderful mellow patina and beautiful wear consistent with age. Great depiction of skin textures. Signed MASAYOSHI on the bottom - Sato Masayoshi was a brilliant artist, listed on p. 742 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Elegant old piece in excellent condition...

19th century boxwood netsuke depicting a sitting man who is about to sneeze. The scene represents a street entertainer, in this case a man who tickles himself with a stick and sneezes for the delight of the audience. Excellent carving with unusual absurdly long and narrow head, perfectly captured facial expression, beautifully stained, wonderful patina. Height 1 3/8 inches.

A very nice Japanese, Meiji Period (1868-1911) drum form Satsuma lidded box with two faux molded handles to the sides. The exterior and interior of box and lid each are decorated with scenes. Signed on bottom, it measures 5.5 inches diameter, 3" high.

Japanese satsuma Earthenware Vase, signed "Kinzan" on the bottom in gold in the black background, Ca. Meiji period, 1880's, 6 1/4" high, 3 1/8" wide-widest part, with brilliant gold accent on finely overglaze hand painted figures under the Pink Flowering trees around the entire vase. Gold diaper design in black on the neck and repeated wide leaf pattern border in overglaze enamel on the bottom, signed "Kinzan" in gold on the bottom. The condition is good.

Early 19th century boxwood netsuke of a standing blind masseur with a staff in his hands and a habitual bump on his head. Wood is lacquered in Negoro style - red lacquer over black, so as it wears the black and then wood starts showing, thus adding yet another color to the piece. Wonderful elegant carving with fantastic sour face and clean lines of his robe, rich warm patina. Height 2 1/8 inches.

Antique Japanese solid Keyaki (Zelkova) hardwood Funa Tansu or ship safe chest. The front of the box has heavy iron plating with the number one (ichi) within a circle, motifs of reishi mushrooms, pine trees and flowers with heavy lock plate. The chest's interior hold two medium drawers over three small drawers, with squared and round iron pulls, and red lacquer fronts. Original finish.

Edo period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 15 1/2" x 19" x 18"

Japanese iron tsuba, or hand guard for a samurai's sword, with cast motifs of waves inlaid with gold and silver, the patina indicates age and wear from use.

Edo period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 2 3/4" x 3"

Japanese porcelain vase of a tapered cylindrical form, with flatted top, and small fluted mouth. The piece depicts three herons in white against a navy blue enamel ground. The foot is signed by Nishiura Enji with two character signature in cobalt blue. Nishiura's studio was famous for it's 'spraying technique' which was unique at the time.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 3 1/2" w x 7 1/2" h

An unusual Japanese circular wooden stand with black and red lacquer finish, the edges of the stand are inlaid with shell, standing on slight cabriole tripod feet.

Early 19th century Edo Period

Dimensions: 19" W x 5" H

Early 19th century wooden netsuke of sitting man with a folded fan in his lap. The figure probably represents a traveling street entertainer - a storyteller. Superbly expressive face left unlacquered to allow for detailed carving, the rest of the netsuke is lacquered in Negoro style - red lacquer over black, so as it wears the black and then wood starts showing, thus adding yet another color to the piece...

19th century Satsuma ceramic vase with tear drop body and narrow neck with painted enamel decoration of a seated rakan (one of the 18 original disciples of the Buddha), his raised hand holding a bowl, Benten - the only female among the 7 Gods of Good Fortune - seated next to him, and an attendant boy with box of offerings kneeling between them. Extraordinary high quality detailed painting - see fine depiction of their faces and supremely fine rich clothes with numerous patterns...

Circular jingasa with a gradual domed top. The composition is of bamboo, paper, layers of lacquer work with intricate shell inlay. The jingasa is decorated to the edge of three gilt lacquer circular crests (mon) The interior is finished in red with its original cotton gear straps and cushion...

Japanese two(2) section Tansu, chest on chest, Ca. Meiji period, late 1800's, 41" high, 41" wide, 17" deep, Black Iron round Back Plate with floral Mon design, beautiful shaped heavy black iron handles. Two(2) small drawers behind black iron mounted small blind door on lower right side. Two(2) small drawers are "as is", one(1) missing small round ring and damaged wooden area in front.

Unusual Japanese hardwood low shop desk tansu. Original red lacquer finish with heavy iron plates and mounts. The table surface is hinged with three doors that open to interior compartments for papers and other merchant's effects. The middle door has a lady's portrait with calligraphy inscriptions detailing the piece is from a merchant business in "Ume-yashiki, Tokyo" with the merchant name "Shimbashi Kotatsu" and dated 25th year Meiji 1893...

A White porcelain ware figurine of a Japanese puppy. The puppy has a small hole in its' neck, and an open mouth, and functions as a water dropper. Water droppers were used by a scholar to add water to the ink stone when mixing ink. The puppy is very attractive with Hirado style pierced eyes, large ears, modeled toe nails and a raised left foot. The puppy measures about 4" high x 5" long x 3 1/2" wide and dates to the late 19th, early 20th Centuries. The condition is excellent/perfect...

Japanese Erotic Shunga Prints. 8 double-page book illustrations in colours from a shunga book (6 with erotic motifs). Extremely good details of the interiors and clothing. Also part of the lot are 3 pages with poetic inscriptions. Probably by Utagawa Kunisada (1786–1865). Japan, late Edo, c. 1850. H 18.5 cm, L 26.5 cm. Condition: Good colours, general fine state of preservation with minor worming (repaired) on a few of the leaves.

Japanese heavy Brocade silk Shrine Uchishiki, or altar cover, Meiji period, 1868-1912, 26" x 26" square, Gold and Silver brocaded double Phoenix birds in the gold metallic background and narrow bands of egg plant color background between. Water stain in one corner on the silk backing, not in front, otherwise the condition is good, still retain the thread to keep the edges flat. There are some writings in the back, but not able to read.

Small shunga book (vol. 1) with indistinct title in oblong format. 14 colour prints with erotic motifs and texts, five scenes in black ink and other pages with text only. Japan, late Edo, early 19th century. H 8 cm, L 18 cm. Condition: Good impressions and bright colours. Some wear to paper.

Japanese tenmoku ware ceramic vessel with ribbed handle, short front spout, and wide open top. The thick oil slick glaze stops just short above the foot left in buff. Tenmoku glaze is made with feldspar, limestone, and iron oxide. The more quickly a piece is cooled, the blacker the glaze will be. Tenmokus are known for their variability. During their heating and cooling, several factors influence the formation of iron crystals within the glaze...

An elaborately decorated Japanese porcelain elephant with applied beads of enamel and large areas of gold trim...

A large figure of 24 armed seated Kannon, gold gilt over wood carving of the bodhisattva of compassion, seated in meditation atop a lotus pedestal, two of her arms clasped in prayer, the other pair of front hands with palms pointed upwards and thumbs touching, in a meditation mudra.
Kannon Boudhisattva, known as Kannon Bousatsu Lord of Compassion, Goddess of Mercy. Kannon worship began in India around the 1st or 2nd century AD and then spread to Southeast Asia, including Japan, China, a...

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)

19th century wood and metal kagamibuta (mirror lid) netsuke with patinated bronze top inlaid with gold, silver and bronze and depicting a puppy cautiously touching a turtle with its paw by a bamboo fence with flowering morning glory vine wrapped around it. Wonderfully captured inquisitive nature of the puppy, beautiful golden dots representing moss. Excellent textured wooden bowl with carved floriform fitting . Diameter of the metal disk 1 5/16 inches, bowl diameter 1 11/16 inches.

An unusual Japanese multi layer lacquer brush pot inlaid with three metal coins. The oil spill pattern lacquer is in hues of red, black, and beige.

Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

Dimensions: 6 1/4" W x 4 1/2" H

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

Rare Antique Japanese kuruma or wheeled tansu chest of drawers, constructed with solid quartered sawn Keyaki (zelkova) hardwood in original red lacquer finish, with decorative heavy iron plates and mounts. The upper section of the piece appears to hold two long drawers behind a locking bar, but is really four drawers. The lower section has two long drawers behind another locking bar, each bar with decorative plating. The safe box door opens to four small interior drawers with bold Keyaki grain, ...

Stunning original 17th century Japanese Amida Buddha statue, gold gilt over wood with inlaid crystal on his third eye and his crown chakra. He stands on an open lotus pedestal atop a circular step base, his hands performing the virtaka mudras. Behind him is a canopy of lingzhi smoke and 7 boddhisatvas seated in the heavens. The reverse of the carving has a small iron plaque with Kiri leaf mon of the Ashikaga clan, waves, and a calligraphy brush.

Early Edo Period (1603 - 1868)

It was carved by a late 19th century or early 20th century artist Ryuzan (柳山). It depicts a smiling mother holding an umbrella and carrying a child on her back. It is 7 1/2" high and 2 3/4" wide (from the bottom) and 2 3/8" thick (from the bottom). It is in great condition.

Antique Japanese album with 12 pages of paintings depicting one large scene of rural life. A woman with a child carries lunch to workers in rice paddies. A man and ox plow a field of grain. Two men chat as they peddle an irrigation apparatus while a child looks on. At a mill, men sift and grind grain. Many other charming vignettes, including a man with a monkey. Painted in mineral pigments and sumi ink on paper with gold leaf and square flecks. Bound in silk with dragons. Signed on the ...

Very unusual Japanese silk and gold thread hand-embroidered triptych of the Buddhist deity Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, in eight armed form seated in meditation upon an open lotus. In her eight arms she holds a staff, a trident, a bow and arrows, a Dharma wheel, and a wish granting jewel held out in front of her body. To the left and right of the central deity are large embroidered Sanskrit characters for meditative purpose. Professionally framed with reverse side of each textile visib...

Early 19th century netsuke of Sofu - one of 7 Sages of the Bamboo Grove - leading his ox away, so it will not drink from a river polluted several miles upstream when his fellow sage washed his ears after hearing about an offer for him to serve the Emperor. Very well carved, nicely captured interaction between two characters, pleasant wear consistent with age. Signed MASATOSHI in irregular reserve on the back - for the discussion of Sawaki Toshizo see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR...

19th century kagamibuta (“mirror lid”) netsuke with bronze top depicting a not-so-repentant oni with a Buddhist gong striker in one hand and a votive plaque in the other as it prostrates himself to serve as a stepping stool for a beautiful maiden who is trying to reach a branch of flowering wisteria. A subtle shunga piece alluding to a good intention and a worldly temptation ruining the attempt. Excellent quality work with copper inlays and gilding. Old turned bowl with one stabilized crack....

Late 19th century boxwood netsuke of a catfish doing a bit of an acrobatic exercise. Catfish (Namazu) is believed to cause earthquakes, so this one looks to me at about 6.9 on Richter scale. Excellent quality carving, great face with finely carved numerous teeth, wonderful attention to details such as fin and tail textures, beautiful patina. Signed SHUNZAN on the belly - the artist is listed in NETSUKE by Neil Davey (p. 529, number 2618). Height 1 3/4 inches.

Very unusual largeJapanese rope embroidery on silk, the image is a pair of phoenixes, male and female, with the moon waxing and waning (full and crest). This is a privileged image made specially for the court. The pagoda shrine is central to the image centered around the imperial Tokugawa crest symbolizing the divine rule from heaven.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 40" W x 62 1/4" H (entire frame), 36 1/2" W x 58 1/2" H (embroidery without frame)

1920's Japanese Jungin Silver Repousse Bag Shaped Vase with Flowers Konoike zo (of Yokohama)

It is 3.5 inches (9 cm) tall by 4.25 inches (11 cm) wide. It is 201.8 gram.

It has tarnished silver and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

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Meiji (1868-1912) Japanese Shofu Katei Studio Moriage Porcelain Vase with Mt. Fuji

It is 9.25 inches (23.4 cm) tall by 5.5 inches (13.9 cm) wide. It is 2.25 Lb.

It has manufacture defect of dark spots at the inside and inner rim and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of the...

Tall late 18th to early 19th century wooden netsuke of a standing emaciated sennin wearing a tattered robe and leaf skirt and cape and holding onto a very long staff with gnarled top. Awesome face, wonderful knobby scull, beautiful rendition of his hair, ribs and limbs. Wood is lacquered in Negoro style - gold lacquer over red, so as the netsuke wears the color of a lower layer starts showing. Very beautifully done himotoshi on the back, superb wear and patina, very impressive sculpture. Height ...

Massive Meiji period Japanese Satsuma globular form tripod jar or “koro” (incense burner) in the form of a gathered pouch (Daikoku's bag), the bulbous body elaborately decorated in overglaze enamels and gilt highlights with “karako” (Chinese children) and other figures engaged in various leisure and scholarly activities in a garden setting. Late 19th century. 17” high x 16 1/2" diameter. Good overall condition with some typical rubbing of the enamels and gilt. Fine quality profess...

18th century netsuke of a seated mother monkey patiently suffering the indignity of her young grabbing her ear as it climbs onto her head. Fantastic expression of existential contemplation on her face, excellent incised and etched coat, beautiful wear. Netsuke of characteristic 18th century triangular section, superb honey colored patina. Height 2 inches.

Cup Height: 6 cm (2.4 in)
Width Including Handle: 9 cm (3.6 in)
Saucer Width: 14.2 cm (5.7 in)

Japanese Satsuma cup and saucer; fine gilt panels with figures; intricate diaper work throughout; very good condition

19th century kagamibuta (“mirror lid”) netsuke with wooden bowl and metal top depicting a not-so-repentant oni with a Buddhist gong on its chest and a striker in its hand as he follows a beautiful maiden who holds a branch of flowering wisteria in her hand. A subtle shunga piece alluding to a good intention and a worldly temptation ruining the attempt. Excellent quality work with copper, silver and gold inlays, in great condition. Turned wooden bowl with chrysanthemum shaped fitting and swin...

Japanese Paulownia or Kiri wood small Tea, Cha Tansu, Ca. Meiji period, late 1890-1900, 24 1/2" high, 24" wide, 12" deep, 2 sliding doors on top inlaid with Mother of Pearl Plum flowers with low relief Lacquered tree branches above 3 small drawers, one large drawer above 2 drawers in lower section, black iron mounted around corners, leaf design on handles. The condition is as used condition directly imported from Japan, no restoration work was done on this small Cha Tansu.

Japanese Imari Porcelain Barber Bowl, or Shaving bowl, Ca. Edo period, between late 1700's to early 1800's, 10 5/8" diameter-top rim, 2 5/8" high, typical Imari color of underglaze blue between three(3) cartouche of Japanese garden fence scene decoration around wide rim in overglaze iron red, blue urn filled with bouquet of flowers in the entire center, some of the iron red enamel is worn in the middle caused by many years of usage. Gold highlights on the leaves on the wide rim is somewhat worn...

This rare Edo period (江戸時代 1603~ 1868) silk covered accordian-fold book is hand painted on rice paper. The title and artist's seal appear on the cover. It is 9 5/8" long, 7 1/4" wide and 1" thick. The opening pages (both verso and recto) from either direction are blank, gold flaked rice paper; the end pages (bother verso and recto) are plain rice paper. The book contains 12 paintings, 6 paintings on each side. Every painting is 9 3/8" X 12 1/2" since each painting occupies both the ve...

It was carved by a late Meiji period (1868~1911) artist Tozan (東山). It depicts a smiling wood cutter taking a break and tying his straw sandal lace. A sparrow is resting on his straw hat. It is 6 1/5" high, 3 7/16" wide (from the bottom) and 3" thick (from the bottom). Aside from two hair line cracks; one on his back head and one on the bottom, it is in great condition.

Antique Japanese kesa, Buddhist monk's traditional outer garment. Made from rich fragments of silk donated by wealthy devotees, kesa are traditionally made of square and rectangular swatches of material symbolizing the Buddha's patchwork garments. In contrast with this idea is the material itself, made of fine woven silks. The textile that makes up this kesa is woven with a multi color design of flowers with squares of a different silk woven with swirling clouds.

Edo Period

19th century wooden netsuke of sitting Okame snickering as she fondles a long stem of a mushroom in her hand. The netsuke is definitely of shunga type with not so subtle sexual connotation. Wonderfully carved (see her endearingly ugly face, hair arrangement and flowing lines of her kimono), beautiful patina, little nicks here and there. Height 1 13/16 inches.

A good quality Japanese vase and cover decorated with scrolling Octopus-vine patterns almost entirely covering the body of the vase and cover. Probably Arita in origin. The vase dates to the early 19th Century and the late Edo period. The vase stands 26cm high, including the cover, and has a diameter of 15cm. The foot-ring measures 8cm. The vase weighs 1445 grams in total. The condition is good no cracks, chips or restoration to the body. There is a crack to the rim of the cover (see images)....

A bag made of deer skin with indigo dye hemp rope. It was used for coins which were distributed among citizens in Edo period. Paper moneys were issued later, in Meiji period (1868~1912). The first half of the 19th century. 26cm x 62cm

Japanese bronze incenser in the form of Hotei, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Fortune. Hotei is clothed with open robes, holding a gunbai fan, seated on top of his large sack. Hotei's name literally means "Cloth Sack", for he can be attributed by the large cloth sack he carries with him during his travels. He is also known as the Laughing Buddha due to his carefree happy nature despite being a wanderer with few material possessions.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions:...

This is a very rare and wonderful Japanese Cloisonne box. There are a wide variety of enamel colors and designs making this a very unique piece. The designs, mottled and translucent enamel colors strongly suggest that Honda is the artist. The rims are also Bronze and appear to have never been silver plated. Condition is excellent. There is minor scuffing to the bottom corners. The box measures 5 1/4 inches by 4 1/4 inches and is 2 1/4 tall

Antique Japanese choba tansu made of solid quartered sawn keyaki (zalkova) wood with burl wood front. The upper portion of the tansu has a large full-width drawer and another full-width drawer on the bottom. The right hand side has three small exterior drawers. The middle section has sliding panels with unusually fine vertical slats. The interior has 3 small drawers in a vertical row. All original lacquer finish and iron hardware including square drawer pulls and elaborately cut out lock pl...

Height: 3.5 cm (1.3 in)
Width: 3 cm (1.2 in)
Depth: 3.7 cm (1.6 in)

Fine example of the work of Gyokkei; a stone lifter, masseur or a man attempting to lift his distended scrotum?; a tumour is also present on the back of his head; the poor fellow also has a wall-eye; signed on an inlaid tablet; good condition

Very unusual and rare early 19th century Japanese cloisonne plate with flowers in the center surrounded by a border of stylized clouds in cavetto and 3 dragons chasing each other along the wide rim, flower design on the bottom and 3 scrolled feet. Superbly made in creative imitation of Chinese Ming Dynasty cloisonne (see the mischievous faces of the dragons), very rich visually, all metal wires and surfaces including feet were gilded (expected wear), beautiful enameling, some original pitting to...

19th century Japanese wooden nyoi - a Buddhist scepter - with scrolling finial. Nyoi, or Ruyi scepter is a traditional symbol of scholarship and transmission of knowledge. Dense fruitwood with beautiful texture, simple elegant carving, wonderful patina to the surface from being handled, old ink spots in places, very pleasant to the touch. Great subtle piece for scholar’s table, or a practicing Buddhist. Length 12 1/4 inches.

1890s - 1910s (late Meiji - early Taisho) Japanese inkstone in simple rectangular shape with carved keyfret border and central grinding area. Used for grinding of an inkstick on the surface of the stone. Akama stone of shiunseki type with characteristic reddish brown color - Akama inkstones are quite famous, and come from the Yamaguchi Prefecture. Beautiful patina, traces of ink on the grinding surface, comes with fitted wooden cover. Very nice object for scholars table, in excellent condition. ...