Late 18th to early 19th century iron Japanese sword tsuba depicting a scholar peacefully fishing by a stream under a rock with vines and pine growing on it, design continues on the back showing clumps of bamboo grass. Nicely designed quiet piece with perfectly captured mood, wonderful quality work with silver and gold inlays, in great condition. Height 3 5/16 inches.

19th century shakudo Japanese sword tsuba for tanto with raised and inlaid decoration of a dragon flying along its rim among wispy clouds, all on finely textured ground called nanako, which means “fish-eggs” as it resembles fine rows of caviar. Shakudo (an alloy typically consisting of 96% copper and 4% gold) body, superb clever design, extraordinary crisp work, in excellent condition. Height 2 3/16 inches.

19th century shakudo Japanese sword tsuba with inlaid decoration of autumn grasses on both sides, all on finely textured ground. Shakudo (an alloy typically consisting of 96% copper and 4% gold) body, superb design perfectly capturing the mood of autumnal melancholy. Crisp work, black shakudo stems and gold seedheads, in excellent condition. Height 2 3/4 inches.

Late 18th to early 19th century iron Japanese sword tsuba with multimetal inlays depicting sennin Bukan Zenshi standing under a rock and waving for his faithful tiger to approach, which the beast seems to be very happy to do, the back showing mountains with pines and a waterfall. Bukan Zenshi (Pu Hsien in Chinese) was a 7th century priest and is usually shown with a tiger as his attendant...

Late 18th to early 19th century iron Japanese sword tsuba with design a Japanese court hat with cords (appears to be a variation of kanmuri hat) next to multimetal inlays of a water lily and maple branches with leaves, and a riding crop with tassels on the back. Wonderful quality detailed work - see leaf veining and crop textures. Beautiful patina on the plate, very nice feel of age. Height 2 3/8 inches.

Beautiful Japanese Satsuma lidded jar featuring four different scenes with immortals. One scene includes a boy and another an animal. In excellent antique condition with wear to gold gilding, it measures 11.5 inches high x 8" widest point. Dates Meiji Period, circa 1880.

Late 18th to early 19th century Japanese sword iron tsuba decorated on the front with 3 scholars and an attendant under a pine tree viewing the moon partially obscured by the clouds. There is yet another scholar on the back of the tsuba looking towards the moon as well. Excellent piece with gilding, multimetal (gold, silver and shakudo) inlays and precise detailing - see the incised textile patterns on the golden robe of the scholar on the back. Some wear, overall in excellent condition...

18th century Japanese sword iron tsuba with pierced decoration of a tiger frolicking by a thick stem of bamboo with leaves, 2 sides presenting back and front views. Delightful design, good work, wonderful face of the creature, gilded highlights, very pleasant feel of age. Height 2 15/16 inches.

Antique Japanese meadate in the form of a hornet, hand forged iron with gilt brass plate. Mounted on a stand.

Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: Total including stand 7" high (meadate only 4 1/2" high)

19th century kagamibuta (mirror lid) netsuke with metal top depicting Kyoyu - one of 7 Sages of the Bamboo Grove - seated among rocks by a waterfall and cleaning his right ear thus washing off the indecency of the suggestion for him to become an Emperor. Sometimes he is shown with his friend Sofu leading his ox away from the river several miles downstream from the waterfall, so it will not drink water tainted by indecency of the proposal...

Unusual 19th century wood and gilded bronze netsuke in manju (rice cake) shape of a crab on a piece of driftwood. Clever design, excellent quality crisp depiction of its legs and claws, beautiful gilding. Nice patina on wood, pleasant to hold. Netsuke diameter 1 5/8 inches.

Japanese Imari Porcelain covered Bowl, Ca. 1920, 3 1/4" high with cover, 4 5/8" diameter-top rim, three(3) large Chinese Character "Dragon" within three(3) cartouches wrapped around with three(3) flying Dragons, typical Imari colors, red, green, gold on top of the underglaze blue in deep red background on the entire bowl and cover outside. Underglaze blue Chinese Character on top of the cover and bottom on white background...

Japanese Wireless Cloisonne Plate Signed Teizan Sealed Kinzan, Meiji Period (1868-1912)

It is 0.7 inch (1.8 cm) tall by 10.7 inches (27.3 cm) wide. It is 3 Lb.

It has loss of enamel, minor hairline cracks, surface wears and scratches, and stains (as seen in the photos).

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18th to early 19th century wooden netsuke of two standing Chinese scholars with a huge ball between them. 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. Some remnants of gold lacquer in recessed areas as well. Very smart use of lacquering technique, beautiful wear to the surface, really nice feel of age to the piece. Height 1 1/2 inches.

Pair of Architectural corbels of mythological elephant baku’s are commonly placed under the eaves of Japanese Buddhist temple and Shinto Shrines to wore off evil spirits. The baku devour dreams and nightmares and protector against evil. The baku cannot be summoned without caution, however as ancient legions say that if the baku is not satisfied after consuming the nightmares, he may devour ones hopes and dreams...

A set of three nesting Japanese Imari porcelain bowls. Richly decorated and gilded, all 3 bowls are identical and are signed on the bottom. Dates circa 1875.
All three are in excellent condition and they measure:
Large bowl: 9.75 inches x 4.25" high
Medium bowl: 8.5" x 3.75"
Small bowl: 7.25" x 3.25"

Japanese pair of Buddhist attendant figures. Each figure is carved of wood and painted with mineral pigments. Fine details are painted in gold gilt. They are draped in Chinese robes with long flowing sleeves, each wearing an ornate metal headdress. One attendant holds an offering, the other, a flower scepter made of wire with glass and wooden beads. Their inlaid eyes are made of glass.

Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 10 1/2" - 11" high x 4 7/8" wide x 3 3/4" deep

A stunning 19th century Japanese Imari charger with rich vibrant blues featuring crane scenes with alternating floral panels. Some age related wear to the gold gilt on the rim but considered to be in excellent antique condition, it measures 14 inches in diameter. Circa 1880.

Japanese tall bronze vase with ho ho bird handles and floral and bird motif on the body. Same image on both sides. In excellent condition it measures 14.25 inches high. Dates 1900

This lovely Shino tea bowl fashioned from coarse Mino clay is covered in feldspar glazing, has a classic ferrous abstract painting across the front, and shows nice age—most likely from early to middle Edo.

Shino-ware dates to the Momoyama period when potters were attempting to recreate white porcelain-wares that were being imported from China at the time. Originally they were made in a single-chamber anagama style kilns set into the hillsides...

This is a special piece of Meiji Era Cloisonne Art. The jar is covered with colorful butterflies flying against a very dark blue/black enamel background. The jar measures 4 1/4 tall by 3 5/8 inches wide. Condition is outstanding but not perfect due to a very tiny blemish. The blemish can be seen in the first image next to the flash reflection.

A fine cobalt blue Japanese belt buckle with a silver back. Excellent details and absolutely perfect. In original box. Never used. Circa 1900. Buckle assembled measures 3.5 inches wide.

Japanese art deco bronze vase, with a globular form decorated with silver damascened and chased key fret motif; patterned in the round midway down. The richly patinated russet color contrast with the delicate silver gives it an unmistakably up to date modern look...

Furoshiki (wrapping cloth) with bold and nice family crest design which are katazome (stencil-resist-dye). It is made of hand-spun cotton and vegetable indigo dyed. In good condition but has two mending patches and a few breaks. 19th century. 130cm x 126cm

Antique Japanese natural burl wood stand. The gnarled roots twisting with knotholes cascade down the sides of the stand, the bottom appearing to have animal feet. The tabletop of the stand with dark lacquer finish.

Showa Period

Dimensions: 22" x 16" x 23 1/2" H

Japanese studio ware ceramic figure of the immortal, Gama Sennin. Based on the Chinese 10th century alchemist, Liu Hai, Gama Sennin is often depicted in relation to the lucky 3-legged money-toad. Gama Sennin can assume the form of a toad and can change his skin to appear young again. In this depiction of the much loved immortal, he sits on a rocky outcropping and hold in one hand a peach, in the other a small toad...

Japanese antique small ko tansu (personal chest) made all of kiri (paulownia) wood with black lacquered iron hardware. This small chest has 7 drawers of various sizes; 2 large drawers on the top portion, 2 medium drawers and 2 small drawers on the lower portion. The hardware is all made of blackened iron and includes round lock plates and square drawer pulls.

Edo Period (1603 - 1868)

Dimensions: 21 3/4" high x 24 3/4" wide x 13" deep.

Height: 8 cm (3.1 in)
Width: 2.3 cm (0.9 in)
Depth: 2.3 cm (0.9 in)

Japanese porcelain Hirado netsuke; in the form of a monkey Sambuca dancer; articulated head and tongue; good condition

A cheerful Japanese Arita "Imari" bowl with a spotted lion dog looking at a waterfall. This scene is repeated in 3 cartouches surrounding the bowl's exterior. Enameled with vivid palette of colors, it is in very good original condition. No repairs, hairline, etc. Spurious Chinese mark on bottom reads "Greatest Ming Chenghua Make". Measures 7.75 Inches in diameter by 3.75" high.

19th century wooden netsuke of Shoki (Demon Queller) seated on a table with one foot dangling and a sword on a table behind his back, while a terrified oni (little mischievous demon) is hiding under the table looking for a way to escape. Wonderful quality carving - see their great faces, hair and clothing. Nice wear consistent with age, fantastic warm patina. Cursively signed TOKUSAI on the bottom - the artist is listed on p...

Japanese Meiji to Taisho period ogi folding fan decorated with a single bird in flight over treetops. Signed at the right and with artist's seal. Late 19th to early 20th century. Measures about 8 3/4" vertical x 18 7/8" across from tip to tip. Very good, clean overall condition with some minor crinkling of the paper at the corners. The paper at the right edge is slightly distressed. From an old New Orleans collection.

Magnificent set of Kamisugi Sake Brewery bronze doors from the Taisho Period, C.1920. One door has gold gilt wood letters reading 'Kamisugi' the other 'Shikishima', both sake brands. Kamisugi Sake Brewery was established in C.1805. 42" wide by 67" high. Great condition. Back with some wear. Ask for shipping quote.

A pair of rare Japanese bronze Okimono birds.

Age: Japan, Showa Period, Early 20th Century
Measurement: Height 18.8 C.M. / Width 28.5 C.M.
Condition: Nice condition overall. Please refer to the enlargement photos for more details.
Shipment: Worldwide shipping from Bangkok, Thailand at actual cost. Please e-mail us for the shipping fee.

An unusual Japanese 2 section, 6ft mizuya (kitchen buffet tansu) from the Kanazawa region. Constructed with Hinoki (cypress) and Sugi (cedar) woods, with red and black lacquer frame, and Keyaki (elm) burl front panels in reddish brown lacquer. The top of the piece holds a long open compartment behind four sliding panels with bookmatched Keyaki burl hardwood. Below are a center pair of mesh sliding panels with black lacquer wood frame, carved with floral motifs and with decorative iron pulls...

Japanese hand-forged iron tsuba, used to protect a swordsman's hand from sliding up the blade during use as well as to provide balance. The openwork motifs depict a man and ox resting below pine trees and a cottage with gold gilt, with a faint signature illegible from wear.

Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 2 5/8" x 2 3/4"

A whimsical Japanese boxwood carving of a toad, with inlaid eyes, crawling atop a functioning cylindrical box carved of bone. The box is hand-carved with flying insects and leaping frogs in a lily pond, the base carved with a floral band. Signed by the artist.

Dimensions: 3 3/4" x 2 1/2" x 6 3/4" H

Among popular Japanese symbolic animals are frogs. There are many species of frogs in Japan as a result of flooding rice fields in Japanese agriculture...

Japanese five section lacquer inro in the hiramaki-e technique. The low relief gilt lacquer adds depth throughout the landscape composition of pine forest, distant ocean, mountainous terrain, and the famous Uji bridge. The black ground lacquer also shows the use of nashiji gold flecks creating mist and cloud formation. The interior of the compartments are covered with the nashiji gold flecks, resembling a pear skin effect. The ojime bead is of sliver and gold in the form of a laughing face of Ho...

A high grade Japanese Kura samurai saddle detailed in high relief lacquer. The maewa (front arched plate) and shizuwa (rear arched plate) display a lacquer relief carp climbing a waterfall motif. The maewa and shizuwa are connected by two igi (contoured side bands). The igi rest on either side of the horse's spine and serve as the under frame for the leather seat (basen or kura tsubo) and are slotted for stirrup straps (chikara-gawa or gekiso) to pass through. Mounted on custom stand. Signed ...

Japanese Kura samurai saddle in red lacquer, with black and gilt lacquer. The maewa (front arched plate) and shizuwa (rear arched plate) are adorned with a copper inlay flying crane. The red lacquer area surrounding the crane is hand-carved with scrolling vines of flowers and shippo pattern in gilt lacquer. The maewa and shizuwa are connected by two igi (contoured side bands). The igi rest on either side of the horse's spine and serve as the under frame for the leather seat (basen or kura tsubo...

A pair of mounted panels painted with battle scenes from the Tales of Heike. One panel appears to take place during the battle at Dan no Ura. This painting of samurai contains the signature crest of the Heiki clan (the butterfly). The other panel is a portrait of the famous monk warrior, Benke, on horseback in the Shichi-henge form (where he carries many weapons).

The paintings are fragments of a hand fan, or uchiwa, and the surrounding paper are decorated with gold and silver le...

Japanese hardwood tobacco ban (smoking box) or ladies vanity box with carrying handle. The lid is inlaid with shell and enamel coins and birds, with an animal and wire finial. The middle hardwood divider lifts away to allow access to the lowest sections with four compartment.

Circa 1920s

Dimensions: 8 1/4" x 6" x 8 1/2" High

Antique Japanese small porcelain Kakiemon ware dish. With enamel scene of a tiger chasing a flying bird, bamboo and scholar's rocks, accented in gilt. Slightly flared rim with the recessed foot left unglazed around the edges.

19th Century

Dimensions: 5 3/4" x 5 3/4" x 3/4" H

Japanese bronze vase with fine, inlay cranes in silver and copper. The vase form has a short mouth and dramatic tapered body to the platform foot. The reverse side of the vase has a commemorative inscription and the base with artist's cartouche.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" x 8" H

Japanese large, rectangular suiban, finely cast with stylized motifs of waves and flying birds in relief. Suiban are shallow trays meant to be filled with suiseki or viewing stones, sand, and bonsai. The rim of the suiban are flared with a cast apron of reishi mushrooms. The 4 feet of the dish are in the form of rolling waves. The underside is textured with artist signature and cartouche.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 21 1/4" L x 14" W x 5 1/2" H

Japanese Nabeshima ware porcelain dish, with blue and white pair of birds and a camellia branch. The dish stands on a high, deeply recessed foot with outer "comb" cobalt blue design around its edges.

Dimensions: 8" x 8" x 2 1/4" H

Japanese iron tea kettle, or tetsubin, all hand-cast iron with landscape scenes of oceanside cottages around the body. The handle is inlaid with two silver birds and held into place by a pair of iron chimera on each end. The bronze lid is signed underneath, and the backside of the iron body has a 4 character artist's cartouche.

Dimensions: 7" x 6" x 8" H (with handle up)

Japanese Nabeshima ware porcelain dish, with blue and white motif of a bird perched on a persimmon branch bearing fruit. The dish stands on a high, deeply recessed foot with outer "comb" cobalt blue design around its edges.

Dates from 18th/19th century Dimensions: 6" x 6" x 1 1/2" H

Japanese Nabeshima ware porcelain dish, decorated with branches of leaves in cobalt blue and green/yellow underglaze accented with red pigments. The dish stands on a high, deeply recessed foot with outer "comb" cobalt blue design around its edges.

Dates from 18th/19th century Dimensions: 6" x 6" x 1 3/4" H

Japanese antique large censer depicting the fisherman Urashima Taro from the fairy tale, Otogi Banashi. In the story, the fisherman discovers some children on the beach toying with a turtle. Urashima Taro buys the turtle from them and sets him free. The turtle grows in size and carries Urashima Taro down beneath the sea to the Dragon Palace (Ryugu-jo) where he is met and thanked by the Princess Otohime. After a few days, Urashima Taro decides to return to the world above the sea. The pri...

Japanese hardwood platform shelf for a tokonoma, a recessed art display area for a traditional tea ceremony room. Made with bold Keyaki (elm) hardwood with original dark lacquer finish. Original condition.

Dimensions: 54" L x 18" D x 9" H

This tall and lovely Hagi chawan rests firmly on a wari kodai or “split foot” pedestal that is unglazed—displaying the coarse rich clay. The crackled milky glaze covers the curves and contours of the bowl, contrasting dramatically between the foot and the clay body. Hagi-ware such as this is part of a tradition stretching back over 400 years and is a high-fired stoneware type of pottery. Hagi-ware is prized for its subdued colors and classical features, especially the glazing, ...

Japanese hand-forged iron tsuba, used to protect a swordsman's hand from sliding up the blade during use as well as to provide balance. The front depicts two joyful festival performers, one holding a drum and the other holding a fan, the figures in relief with gilt accenting throughout. The backside of the tsuba shows a large mallet and mortar traditionally used for pounding rice into mochi.

Dimensions: 2 3/4" x 3"

Japanese hand-forged iron tsuba, used to protect a swordsman's hand from sliding up the blade during use as well as to provide balance. The openwork tsuba depicting two sages, their robes accented in gilt, one sage with a face of silver and the other with a face of copper. The front image is signed 'Soheishi Nyudo Soten' , the other side reads 'Goshu Hikone ju' (resides in Goshu-current Shiga prefecture).

Dimensions: 3 1/8" x 3 1/4"

Japanese ko tansu (personal chest) with two sliding doors opening to a compartment on top, five smaller drawers, and a sixth drawer extending along the bottom. Two side carrying handles. Pawlonia (kiri) wood with black iron hardware. Late Meiji to early Taisho Period (circa 1900 - 1920). 26 1/8" wide x 24 3/8" high x 13" deep. Very good solid overall condition. There are a few old repairs to the right sliding door, which is a bit difficult to slide open. The original back has a small amou...

Japanese tsuba, a sword fitting to protect a swordsman's hand from sliding up the blade during use as well as to provide balance. The tsuba depicts a scene of hunters, one on horseback and the other on foot wielding a staff, in pursuit of a leaping rabbit, in gilt and silver. The backside of the tsuba depicts a running fox in gilt and copper.

Dimensions: 2 1/2" x 2 1/8"

Antique Japanese inro with three compartments, made of wood with gold lacquer and inlaid with gold flecks. One side is decorated with a pair of cranes and sprouting pines. The other side of the inro depicts an ancient turtle who carries, on his back, a large rock formation. Out of the rock sprouts a plum tree, a pine tree and bamboo - together called Sho chiku bai or "The Three Friends of Winter". The inside of each compartment is cover with dense nishji lacquer (fine gold flecks). Signed...

Height: 3.8 cm (1.4 in)
Width: 5.1 cm (2.1 in)
Depth: 2.3 cm (0.9 in)

Antler bone netsuke of sea life; carved from the base of an antler; good condition

This is a beautiful rare Japanese Cloisonne tray. If it were not signed, many would attribute this fine piece to the workshop of Namikawa Sosuke. The workmanship on this piece exceeds that of many other cloisonne trays to be seen with roosters or chickens. The tray measure just under 11 by 11 inches. Condition is very good but there is a slight indent on the rim with a minor bit of crazing at this spot on the reverse side. To view see the last 2 images.

A very fine sometsuke dish of scalloped octalobed form painted with a mon form central motif of a symmetrically arranged pair of leaping carp. Framed by a continuous band of botan karakusa, Peonie lotus scroll, within which are reserves containing, dragons, Ryu, in clouds and a gilt rim, kin-beni. The reverse decorated with hagi-karakusa, vine pattern and a six character mark for the Chinese Emperor Jiajing. The quality of the painting is of the highest quality. The dish would date to the peri...