The theme of this very rare screen traces the story of the great battle of Yashima, in the 12th century, between the Taira and Minamoto clans. It owes its name to the contraction of Minamoto Gen (Chinese reading) and the Taira Hei clan, hence the name Heike. Also called Heike Monogotari. This is a naval battle, the Battle of Yashima (ichi no tani) in 1184, where the Taira clan retreated to an island off Shikoku in the inland sea...

A Japanese extraordinary polychrome ivory netsuke depicting a lively monkey. The monkey is shown holding a giant peach branch with its right hand, with a strong expression of satisfaction on its face. With its other hand, it scratches its back, adding a touch of realism to the scene. Himotoshi holes under the belly. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3 x 4 x 4 cm. State of preservation: Very good

A Japanese excellent ivory netsuke depicting a group of three mushrooms. The green patina is of excellent quality with finely engraved and crafted lamellae. Every detail has been carefully taken care of, from the shape of the cap to the roots at the base. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 2 x 6 x 4,7 cm. State of preservation: Very good

Seto Kuro Oribe (black oribe) kutsugata (shoe-shaped) chawan with a rounded brim, made in the late Edo Period around 1850. This rare type of tea bowl was made from light, coarse, unrefined Mino clay which contains some iron oxide and and a rich black glaze (made from ground up Kamagawa stones) which partially obscures the white designs on the side. The Chawan fits nicely in your hands and looks great filled with bright green matcha...

NARA-PAINTING

Samurai warriors on Horseback. 'Narae' (lit. 'Nara picture') as the Japanese traditional popular illustrations for the use of scrolls and books painted by 'Ebusshi' (Painters who specializes in Buddhist art) belonging to the large temples in Nara area through the late Muromachi - Edo period. Frame: 39.5 x 30.5cm (15.55 x 12.00in), Painting: 21.5 x 14cm (8.46 x 5.51in)...

MINIATURE ANTHOLOGY

‘Hyakunin Isshu’ (ref. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogura_Hyakunin_Isshu) as the classical Japanese anthological card game of 100 Japanese waka poetry by 100 poets, and this one is unusual tiny version with woodblock printing dated back to the late Edo period (though incomplete with 90 picture cards and 90 letter cards). 2.5 x 3.5cm (0.98 x 1.37in) each. Some wormholes and slightly bended as generally...

Antique Japanese ranma (transom). Carved from hinoki wood on both sides with a scene of a twisting pine tree. Framed in natural, unfinished hinoki wood. The carving is unusually detailed. This architectural detail would have been built into a Japanese home usually over a door or window.

Age: Meiji/Taisho Period (earl 20th century)

Dimensions: 84 1/2" long x 17" high x 2 1/4" deep

Antique Japanese ranma (transom). Carved from sugi wood on both sides with a scene of a twisting pine tree and stalks of bamboo. Framed in black lacquered hinoki wood. This architectural detail would have been built into a Japanese home usually over a door or window.

Age: Meiji/Taisho Period (earl 20th century)

Dimensions: 65" long x 14 3/4" high x 1 1/2" deep

Antique Japanese ranma (transom). Carved from sugi wood on both sides with a scene of a blossoming plum tree and stalks of bamboo. Framed in black lacquered hinoki wood. This architectural detail would have been built into a Japanese home usually over a door or window.

Age: Meiji/Taisho Period (earl 20th century)

Dimensions: 65" long x 14 3/4" high x 1 1/2" deep

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.

Japanese porcelain soup tureen whose shape is inspired by European goldsmith pieces. On the sides two heads of modeled Buddhist lions and on the lid a crown. Simple decor of phoenixes, flowers, plants and waves in the color palette of the Imari style. An old collector's label indicated that this tureen was part of the service of Augustus the Strong. Probably verifiable statement for motivated collectors...

19th century Japanese Imari charger with figures of samurai on a vivid red enamel ground. 18 1/2" in diameter.

19th century or earlier Japanese sword set of bronze fuchi (bordering piece between the sword guard and the handle) and kashira (metal pommel at the end of the hilt of a sword) with low relief design of chidori (plovers) in flight over the cresting waves. Excellent quality work, gilding, beautiful wear. Kashira length 1.4 inches, fuchi length 1.5 inches.

Late Meiji (1890s - 1910s) Japanese bamboo wrist rest used by painters and calligraphers, with low relief carving of blooming peony bush. Beautiful subtle piece, superb quality carving, rich warm patina, in excellent condition. Wonderful object for a scholar’s desk. Size 6 13/16 x 2 1/2 inches.

A Japanese Lobed-shaped bronze vase with dark brown patina with flowers and leaves in high relief with a sparrow clinging to a branch. Signed Genryusai Seiya under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji late 19th cent. Dimensions: 32 x 17 x 17 cm. Conservation status: Very Good

Ko Kutani "mountain bowl" enameled in yellow, aubergine, green and blue with a mountain landscape. Fu Ku mark. Edo/Tokugawa period. 8 1/2 across, 3 1/2" high. One of two of this type currently available.

Magnificent Late Edo period (19c) Shino ware Chawan for tea ceremony Wabi Sabi

The fine crackle look with natural kiln vivid cracks gives the bowl an authentic wabi sabi feel. Overall, it is a great example of an old, beautifully crafted Shino tea bowl.

Size:
Height 10.3cm
Width 15.5cm
Weight 655g

Condition
Very good.
No damage...

A very unusual “klapmuts” form bowl decorated with three near identical panels composed of a scene of Chinese boys, karako, in the quise of it would appear of monks. The main figure wearing a Buddhist crown is flanked by acolytes with Chinese Fans, presumably preaching to the remaining boys, who don’t seem to be paying a great deal of attention...

Pair of fine satzuma earthenware vases. The cream colored clay is covered with finely crackled glaze. A golden decoration representing pagodas in a mountainous landscape is placed on a matte black background. Some details are sprinkled to imitate morning mists. These are original vases inspired by Komai style vases in gold damask steel. Probably made in Kyoto during the Meiji or Taisho period. Good condition. Height: 125mm.

Excellent example of Nakano ware Blue and White Mukozuke bowl made in the early 18th century

Diameter 15.2cm
Height 8cm
Weight 335g

There are old repairs with staples.

Nakano ware kiln was opened in 1598 in Yamanaka-cho, Hirado city. In the early days, Nakano kiln made Kobiki tea bowls similar to the ones of Joseon Dynasty, but in the 18th century it began to produce ceramics similar to Imari Sometsuke...

Top Quality Korean Gohon Chawan made in the Joseon Dynasty (16-17cc)...

19th century Japanese Ko-Kutani bowl with painted mountain landscape. Fuku mark.

TO MIYOSHI SHRINE FROM YAMATO SUE

The letters made of copper plates originally attached to a votive wooden tablet dedicated from its worshipper named Yamato Sue to the Miyoshi-jinja shrine in Akita prefecture. Meiji period (1868-1912). Letter of Kami (God): approx. 11 x 13cm (4.33 x 5.11in). Besides, as seen the last three photos, changeable to "God of Clay", "Eros", and "Excellent luck" by free anagram arrangement...

IMAGE OF BIRD

Woodblock print of a Japanese‐style painter, Kono Bairei (1844-1895 / ref...

Late Meiji - early Taisho (1910s) Japanese pottery Bizen ware chaire (tea caddy for storing powdered green tea used in tea ceremony). Wonderful potting, buff color clay with beautiful orange streaks, pleasant patina, impressed mark of the potter on the bottom. Later turned dark hardwood lid lined with gold paper on the inside. Comes with very well made shifuku (silk brocade storage bag). Great piece in excellent condition. Height with cover 3 1/8 inches, maximum body diameter 2 3/16 inches.

A Japanese soft and valuable boxwood netsuke depicting a young naked woman kneeling with towel and bucket in the onsen bath 温泉, the Japanese “thermal baths”. Finely sculpted with an excellent patina and soft touch. Himotoshi (holes that allow thread to pass through) large and small on the back. The Japanese consider “communion in nakedness” important as it is capable of breaking down barriers and introducing new people in the relaxed and familiar atmosphere of the onsen. ...

A Japanese large and unusual boxwood netsuke depicting a child playing the drum with his hands, held still with his feet. He wears a Shishi mask with articulated jaw that opens and shows the child’s face. It was worn during the famous shishimai festival 獅子舞 (lion dance), a sacred animal in Japanese mythology. It symbolizes courage and strength; also called Karashishi, it is a lucky symbol and auspicious wealth. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4,3 x 3,8 ...

Height: 3 cm (1.2 in)
Width: 2.7 cm (1.1 in)
Depth: 3.8 cm (1.6 in)

Quality Japanese netsuke, carved from natural material to depict a man sharpening a tool; finely detailed throughout; inlaid horn eyes; signed on the base, Masakazu; light honey-coloured patina; good condition

Inro 4 cases.Peonies in mother-of-pearl inlaid on a brown lacquered ground and gold dust. Japan earlier Edo 17th century.It is rare to find inros from this period, they are probably the first to have been created. The lacquer is dark red-brown, almost black, it is very solid and despite the shocks and more than three centuries of handling it has not chipped at all. The mother-of-pearl is also well preserved and there is only a tiny lack due to a direct impact. It is a good example of the solidit...

The Soma-Da school invented this style at the beginning of the 18th century. The color of the lacquer and the energetic design of the horses lead us to date this inro to the end of the 18th century. Below is glued a label referring to the prestigious collection of Doctor Mène which was dispersed in 1913 in Paris. This collection created around 1880 contained only exceptional objects. It must be possible to check in the catalogs of the sale.Good general condition, slight usual wear for a bicente...

Antique Japanese silver baluster form vase decorated with a scene of a pair of doves among branches and wild flowers. Finely chiseled and with mixed metal details in copper. Signed by Miyamoto Kinsei and with stamp on the bottom.

Age: Meiji/Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 12 1/4" high x 5 1/2" wide

SHRINE AND MONKEY

Well-matched assortment of a naturally soot-colored wooden zushi (household shinto altar) with such blackened depth and a votive seated stone monkey sculpture in the ‘gassho’ praying pose with folded hands in such mountain-like well-abstracted silhouette due to aging.

Shrine: H 29.7 x W 19.3 x D 13.5cm (11.69 x 7.59 x 5.31in), Edo period, 19th century, Japan
Monkey: H 10.7 x W 8.4 x D 7.4cm (4.21 x 3.30 x 2.91in), Meiji period...

19th century glass ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in seed shape made to imitate layered agate stone. Beautifully made, wonderful feel of age, very pleasant patina. Length 1.18 Inches.

Late 18th to early 19th century glass ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in ball shape with yellow, red, blue and white herringbone pattern. Beautifully made, wonderful feel of age, very pleasant patina. Diameter 0.76 Inches.

Late 18th to early 19th century glass ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in ball shape with yellow body and red/white/black “eyes”. Beautifully made, wonderful feel of age, very pleasant patina. Diameter 0.75 Inches.

Late 18th to early 19th century glass ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in flattened ball shape with continuous flower decoration in yellow and green. Beautifully made, wonderful feel of age, very pleasant patina. Diameter 0.8 Inches.

Late 18th to early 19th century glass ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in seed shape with multicolored spiral lines around the body. Beautifully made, wonderful feel of age, very pleasant patina. Diameter 0.75 Inches.

Late 18th to early 19th century glass ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in seed shape with blue body, red/white stripes and white circles. Beautifully made, wonderful feel of age, very pleasant patina. Height 0.66 Inches.

Japanese ink and color on silk genre painting with gilt highlights depicting the emperor and empress seated on a raised mat with tied curtains above revealing blossoming trees in the background. Five musicians from the imperial orchestra are performing below them on a taiko drum, a smaller kakko drum, pipes (sho), a flute (oteki), and the fife (fue). 19th century. This painting is nearly identical to a hanging scroll by Magawa Iitsu in the collection of the British Museum dated 1800-1880 (museum...

18th to early 19th century Japanese bronze kozuka (sword knife) handle with low relief decoration of Kanzan and Jittoku looking at an open scroll. According to a legend, Kanzan and Jittoku lived in a kitchen of a Chinese Zen Buddhist monastery and talked nonsensical language, which some took as a sign of them being enlightened. Great design, excellent detailing, wonderful faces, very pleasant feel of age. Length 3.86 inches.

18th to early 19th century iron Japanese sword tsuba inlaid with branches of maple tree with leaves turning yellow and red, roots and cresting waves below, design continuing on the back . Wonderful work with brass and copper inlays, precise detailing and well captured mood of contemplation and autumnal melancholy. The plate has a dark brown patina, overall in great condition. Maple Height 2.84 inches.

19th century iron sukashi Japanese sword tsuba for tanto with design of a turtle with a very long tale. The subject may be a minogame (turtle with a long tail made from seaweed and algae accumulated from many years leaving in the sea) or a directional animal - the Black Snake-Tortoise of the North. Clever design and nice detailed work (see its carapace), a bit of rust, overall in very good condition. Height 2.16 inches.

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.

Arita hard porcelain dish. The decoration is painted with stylized flowers in underglaze cobalt blue and enamelled with medallions. The edge is coated with a thick chocolate brown enamel, typical. Japanese work from the end of the 17th century or the beginning of the 18th. It is a rare artistic model. Below a mark drawn in blue and traces of pernettes. Good condition. Some enamel skids. Diameter 195mm.

19th century Japanese tobacco pipe consisting of a reed stem and 2 brass parts, the mouth one with copper and silver inlaid scholar’s hut. The top of the smoking part bears the signs of wear due to the fact that it was tapped on hard surfaces to empty the bowl. Excellent crisp work, great detailing, characteristic small bowl (Japanese used finely shredded tobacco, and usually made just 2-3 puffs), traces of tobacco residue. Wonderful old piece with pleasant signs of wear. Length 7.5 inches.

19th century Japanese chaire (tea caddy for storing powdered green tea used in tea ceremony) in a shape of a storage jar with narrow waist and wider shoulders, and 2 mock ring handles. Old Bizen ware with characteristic dark brown clay bearing the marks of potter’s fingers as he was turning the piece on a wheel. Typical Japanese elliptical lines on the bottom left by a string used to cut the item off the turning wheel. Possibly marked by the bottom - see the detail on Enlargement 1. Beautiful...

Late Meiji (1890s to 1912) Japanese chaire (tea caddy for storing powdered green tea used in tea ceremony) in a shape of a storage jar with 4 mock lug handles. Buff colored stoneware body with free bulbous body bearing the marks of potter’s fingers as he was turning the piece on a wheel. Beautiful glaze turning from brown to off-white towards the bottom of the piece. Comes with very well made shifuku (silk brocade storage bag). Old bone lid lined with gold leaf paper on the inside. Beautiful p...

1900-1920s (late Meiji - early Taisho) ceramic chaire (tea caddy for storing powdered green tea used in tea ceremony) in bunrin (apple) shape with a single small handle. Unusual Kyoto piece made in neriage (agateware) technique that is achieved by laminating different colored clays together and throwing them on a wheel to develop a swirling and spiraling effect. Comes with very well made shifuku (silk brocade storage bag).Old turned bone lid lined with gold leaf paper on the inside. Wonderful s...

1900-1920s (late Meiji - early Taisho) Japanese burlwood stand with live edge and two sides with wave shaped edges, to be used for placing small objects during tea ceremony or display of okimono. Wonderful dense wood with supremely beautiful texture resembling swirling clouds, in excellent condition. Size 6 x 5 inches, 0.35 inches thick.

Early 19th century Japanese wooden devotional carving of Kannon (Chinese Guanyin, or Avalokiteshvara) - the Boddhisattva of Compassion - enveloped in her robe and cape. Kannon grants deliverance from suffering to anyone who calls upon her name. Wonderful quality work, beautiful tranquil face, graceful flow of her robe. Old small losses to nose and feet as can be see on photos. Marked on the bottom in ink with one character followed by kakihan (monogram of the carver). Excellent patina, has wond...

Late Meiji (1890s - 1910s) Japanese bamboo wrist rest used by painters and calligraphers, with low relief carving of an iris flower about to bloom and cursively written poem. 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 1/2 inches.

19th century or earlier Japanese magatama bead made out of lapis lazuli. Magatama are curved beads which first appeared in Japan during the Jomon period (circa 1000 BCE), and in Korea during the Prehistoric period, mainly in the Bronze Age and Neolithic. They are found in mounded tumulus graves as offerings to deities, and continued to be popular with the ruling elite throughout the Kofun Period, and are often romanticized as indicative of the Yamato Dynasty of Japan. It is believed that magatam...

19th century kagamibuta (mirror lid) netsuke, the top being Chinese carving adopted as netsuke, with scene of 5 scholars among various trees and pavilions. Excellent quality work with deep undercarving, beautiful wear and patina, in great condition, dark hardwood bowl with old natural stable lines, peg at the back for the cord. Bowl diameter 1.76 inches.

Late Meiji (1890s to 1910s) bone obidome (sash ornament) carved as a pair of swimming carp. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Clever design, good quality carving, nice finish and patina, two metal fittings on the back for an obi cord. Length 2.95 inches.

1900-1920s (late Meiji - early Taisho) Japanese pottery Kyoto ware chaire (tea caddy for storing powdered green tea used in tea ceremony) in double gourd shape with enamel decoration of brocade pattern with leaves, branches and flowers. Beautiful finely crackled glaze, wonderful slightly crooked upper part of the gourd giving the piece extra character. The foot shows stoneware body with concentric lines. Old turned lid lined with gold foil paper on the inside. Comes with very well made shifuku ...

A Japanese wood netsuke depicting a group of mushrooms with a caterpillar on the dome of the highest. Himotoshi is under the base. Edo period 19th century Sizes: 3,5 x 3,8 x 3,7 cm. Condition report: Good condition

A Japanese boxwood netsuke of a coiled snake around a lotus. The pistils are completely articulated pistils. The himotoshi is formed by the stem of the lotus. Edo period 19th century Sizes: 5 x 3,5 x 3,6 cm. Condition report: Good condition

Hard porcelain dish, painted in cobalt blue under glassure. Decor typical of the second half of the 18th century. Japanese work, Arita kilns. Below are drawn 6 Chinese characters, apocryphal mark of Emperor Ming Tchenghoa. The shibata collection of the Porcelain Museum in Arita hosts a dish with a similar decoration. Good condition. Diameter: 215mm

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.