Antique Japanese kannon biraki (opening door) isho tansu (clothing chest) in 2 sections. Made with kiri (paulownia) wood front with sugi (cryptomeria) wood top and sides. The top section has a pair of hinged doors which open to reveal two large drawers. The bottom section has two large drawers and a safe box in the lower right hand side. The hinged safe box door opens to reveal two small interior drawers, one of which has a hidden compartment...

Antique Japanese 2-section kaidan tansu, or step/stair chest of drawers. Made of solid Keyaki (elm) hardwood, the bold woodgrain is well-complimented by the original deep red lacquer finish and heavy iron hardware. With original set of keys.
Exhibited at the Prestigious SF Fall Art and Antique show, 2017.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 55" L x 26 1/8" D x 80" H

This is truly a great Meiji Era Japanese satsuma vase. Look very close at the images and notice the extraordinarily fine detailing in the scenery etc. This masterpiece stands just 3 5/8 inches tall. Signed Yabu Meizan and in nearly mint condition.

This is a very fine Japanese cloisonne vase done in the style of Namikawa Yasuyuki. It is not signed but we believe it was made by Honda, another great Meiji era artist. The enamels are rich in color and this heavy vase has a superb high gloss sheen. It stands 4 3/4 inches tall and is in excellent condition.

Shakudo tsuba with a relief decor representing foliage and flowers, with gilt highlights on a background of tiny dots. The tsuba is unsigned. Japan, late Edo period. Height: 7.2 cm. Very good condition despite a slight erosion all over the piece. Sold with its box.

A tall beaker of bell form decorated in underglaze blue with a pair of auspicious Dragons each clasping a “tama” pearl above its head set against a lightening field with auspicious ruyi form clouds supporting respectively artemesin leaves on which are a pair of scrolls bound by ribbons and a flaming pearl. The design has been adapted from a Chinese precedent of the sixteenth century but with a Japanese twist to the design...

A tall beaker of bell form decorated in underglaze blue with a pair of auspicious Dragons each clasping a “tama” pearl above its head set against a lightening field with auspicious ruyi form clouds supporting respectively artemesin leaves on which are a pair of scrolls bound by ribbons and a flaming pearl. The design has been adapted from a Chinese precedent of the sixteenth century but with a Japanese twist to the design...

A similar pair of dishes to EW 3037 but without the additional gilding and iron red decoration. Designs featuring Karako were popular both in China and Japan at this period they were both symbolic of joy and a wish for children, kodakara; the treasure that is children...

A pair of Arita dishes moulded in so-called suhama form; a stylised interpretation of a wave washed beach often associated with the Isles of the Immortals. Painted in underglaze blue with a group of five auspicious karako, Chinese Boys, bound together with a ribbon or rope; symbols of joy and a wish for offspring. In addition a Chinese style Fan and a Double gourd are painted in iron red and gilt to complete the design...

A pair of a very well painted Kutani porcelain sake bottles painted in “Kenjo Imari” style painted with gilt karakusa to the neck with various marumon, a band of diaper to the shoulder, and further aka-e dama, and stylised karahasna-mon. to the body of the bottle. The vases are thinly potted and wreathing to the interior of the neck suggests that they were originally thrown in two parts...

Antique Japanese tansu from the Iwayado area. Made with Sugi (cypress) wood frame and dramatic Keyaki (elm) burl front panels, in original red/orange lacquer finish. The extensive iron plating is incised into flowers and Kiri leaves; The top drawer features a large flying Phoenix as its lock plate...

Mounted on a black lacquered platform with wooden wheels. The horse is carved from Keyaki wood, which is covered in lacquered brown leather. The eyes are reverse painted glass. It has ears of leather, with real horse hair tail and mane. The horse is outfitted with iron bits and silk harness. The kura saddle is lacquered in red, with a leather cushion seat and silk straps. Cords are attached to the abumi stirrups and aori mats. The bagu tassel fringes and cords tuck under the tail...

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 ceramic jue cup is done in fine porcelain with underglaze enamel and is described on the tomobako as being a jue-shaped incense burner (korou)...

Antique Japanese small tansu from the Sakata region, with original red lacquer top and sides and black lacquer front. The top drawer's iron lock plate is incised with the image of a flying crane and pine branches; The bottom drawer's lock is incised with an ancient turtle with many tails. This imagery represents good health and longevity. Key is included.

Meiji Period (1868-1912) Dimensions: 32.75" L x 15.75" D x 20" H

Japanese 2-section isho tansu (clothing chest of drawers), from the Kyoto area. The chest is made with Sugi (cypress) wood in the original glossy red lacquer finish a lacquering process know asiro-urushi (色漆), literally "color lacquer"and has 11 drawers with charming heart-shaped keyholes and black iron warabite pulls. The top section houses a large open compartment behind two Keyaki (elm) sliding panels in a dark finish, with black lacquer frames...

Antique Japanese small merchant's box. Although this tansu has the appearance of a gyosho bako (peddler's box), it does not have loops for carrying straps. It was probably custom made for a merchant's raised platform area. All of the drawers feature hand forged iron lock plates and mounts...

Antique Japanese choba-ko tansu (small merchant's chest), made of natural Kiri (paulownia) hardwood (original finish). The chest holds a large open compartment with a single shelf behind two large doors, lined with 7 outer drawers. Each drawer opens by a squared, black iron handle. The smallest bottom-left drawer acts as a money collection box, with a coin slot right above it.

Edo Period (1680-1868) c1800

Dimensions: 23" L x 8.75" D x 20.5" H

Over 100 years old, this exquisite lacquered box set was crafted in the fourth year of Taisho (1915). On the underside of the lid are painted butterflies and the sides and top of the box set feature Chrysanthemum flowers in gold, sumi, and mother-of-pearl. Long considered an auspicious symbol of longevity and rejuvenation in Japan, when first introduced to the island nation during the Nara period (710 – 793 AC), the Japanese Royal Family was fascinated with the Chrysanthemum. Over time, it bec...

This finely crafted Japanese yakkan (copper teapot) shows the kind of beautiful patina that can only be achieved with time and careful used and looks to date from the Meiji period of the late 1800s.

The brilliant rich auburn color of this type of metalwork is achieved by adding smoked straw during the firing process and often deepens in character over time. The resulting stained metal canvas makes the perfect backdrop for the decorative autumn grasses, flowers, maple trees, and drif...

This is Fukusa used in Kyoto for Edo period. It is very beautiful fukusa.This has a line of delicate Tsutsugaki and embroidery and a delicate sumi painting. This is produced by a bold design. This has a few stains, but does not stand out.However, there is no damage.They are not disturbing, and as a whole it is in very good condition. Size:Length 49cm (19.2inch) Width 52cm (20.4inch)

A rare Momoyama Period Nezumi-Shino Chawan with a unique decoration: distorted cylinder shaped (hanzutsu) tea bowl with a rounded brim, made of little reddish, coarse, unrefined Mino clay. The expertly thrown body was trimmed with a potter's knife in its lower part.

The bowl was first covered inside and out with an iron oxide engobe (oni-ita) - then a decoration was incised into the dry engobe down to the clay - finally, a shino glaze was applied over the engobe. The incised decora...

A true treasure! Slightly distorted shoe shaped (kutsugata) tea bowl with a rounded brim, made of light, coarse, unrefined Mino clay. The expertly thrown body was trimmed with a potter's knife in its lower part around the foot ring.

The bowl was covered with a green copper oxide glaze. A window on the side was left unglazed and split in two halves - one was decorated with iron oxide engobe which was decorated with incised straight zig-zag lines, the other half was decorated with a ...

Japanese 6-Panel byobu folding screen, with painting of a flowering wheat field under the full moon. The screen's paper hinges are done in gold gofun paper. Excellent condition, very presentable well suited for the times. The screen bears elements related to the Shijo School, hand-signed signature, with two red chops, attributed to Shiokawa Bunrin (1808-1877).

Taisho Period (Early 20th Century)

Dimensions: 150" L x 68" H

Antique Japanese ikebana basket, for display of flower arrangements. The piece is all hand-woven with bamboo with a wide rounded mouth, and squared base. The handle is made with braided thin sections of bamboo, secured at the sides with knots. The basket interior holds a striped bamboo vase.

Dimensions: 8" x 17.5" H

Japanese antique choba tansu (merchant's chest) with kannon-biraki cabinet doors (opening outward on hinges). The doors open to reveal one interior shelf. These door panels as well as the safe box door are both removable. (The hinge pins are built into the door side of the lock and slot into the hinges on the tansu frame.) There are 6 drawers of various sizes. The safe box on the lower right hand side has two additional small interior drawers. The tansu is made all of kiri (paulownia) woo...

Antique Japanese ko tansu (small chest of drawers). The piece is made with Sugi (cypress) hardwood top and sides, while the front is made with Kuri (chestnut) wood, with the original red lacquer finish and black lacquer frame. The piece holds five drawers of various sizes with heavy iron lingzhi form lock plates, and warabite style handles.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 25" L x 9" D x 22.75" H

This is a beautiful pair of mixed metal decorated bronze vases. They are highly detailed and stand just 5 inches. Both vases are signed Miyabe Atsuyoshi. One vase has a lightly bent rim otherwise the condition of the pair is excellent.

This is an exquisite decorated iron Koro signed Nihonkoku Kyoto ni sumu Komai sei. The condition is excellent and actually better than the images show. A glue/cloth residue was left on the underside and side of the base.This is easy to remove.The piece stands 4 1/8 inches tall and is 3 1/8 inches wide. The delicate lid appears to be silver.

Antique Japanese sword tansu, made with Kiri (paulownia) hardwood, all original finish. The piece holds two large drawers and two small corner drawers, accented with heavy iron handles, lock plates, and corner hardware. The sides of the piece feature long iron fittings for carrying.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 45.5" L x 15.5" D x 16" H

Antique Japanese ikebana basket, all hand-woven with sections of bamboo. The body is a cylindrical shape, narrowing towards the bottom four short feet. The handle is made with natural Wisteria branches. The interior holds two small wooden containers to hold beautiful arrangements of flowers.

Dimensions: 7" L x 6.5" D x 17.75" H

This peach-shaped kogo (incense box) is made of fine kinuta celadon from one of the great masters of the Meiji era—Suwa Sozan. A classic design, the peach is said to represent long-life for mortals and immortality for the gods in asian folklore. According to legend, the moon goddess—a powerful alchemist—can make an elixir from peaches that grow in the garden of the western paradise with miraculous revitalizing properties.

Suwa Sozan the first (1852—1922) was born in an area...

Japanese antique apothecary (medicine) chest for a merchant of herbs. Made of 100% hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood with 35 drawers of various sizes. Hand forged Iron hardware includes hirute and ring shaped drawer pulls. From the Kansai Area.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 28 1/2" high x 35 3/4" wide x 11 1/4" deep

Antique Japanese zenibako, or money box, made of heavy Keyaki (elm) wood. The piece uses a funnel top lid for collecting temple offerings, secured with a very large iron front lock. Original condition. With mortis and tenon joinery.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 10.75" W x 17" D x 12.5" H

A Japanese Buddhist temple wall carving / transom, with red and gilt lacquer pigments. Carved with the image of an instrument against a ground of heavenly clouds. Professionally framed to be mounted and displayed on the wall.

Dimensions: 42.24" L x 27" H

Antique Aka Raku Chawan by greatest Kichizaemon Tan-nyu, ennobled with a REAL kintsugi gold repair.

Half cylinder shaped (Hanzutsu) tea bowl with a rounded brim, in the typical hand built style of the Raku family. The body is fully covered with a white engobe before the red glaze was applied.

The red glaze turned to to grey where it got in contact with charcoal in the kiln. The bowl has a beautiful repair in real kintsugi (gold lacquer); it is signed next to the foot rin...

Antique Japanese framed pair of Manga book covers. The woodblocks show artwork of a beautiful Yoshiwara district courtesan, offering an ornate opium pipe to a gentleman while her attendant sits beside them. Displayed within a high quality custom frame.

Edo Period (1615-1868)

Dimensions: (entire frame) 15.5" L x 12" H (each book cover) 4.5" L x 6.75" H

Antique Japanese kuruma tansu, or wheeled chest, made of solid Keyaki (elm) wood. This chest features a large iron Phoenix lock plate with beautiful flowing tail feathers on the topmost drawer, as well as the bottom wheeled area. Themes of chrysanthemums, peonies, lotuses, and kiri leaves are incised into the decorative iron plating, with side locking box for small valuables.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: x 49" L x 24" D x 47" H

Antique Japanese natural burl root stand or stool. Interesting natural burl form shape with bold woodgrain surface.

Dimensions: 17" x 18" x 15.5" H

With a traditional wheat-straw pattern commonly seen in Seto-ware and in the Mingei pottery movement of the 20th century, these lovely tea cups are perfect for an afternoon Japanese sencha gathering.

One of the most popular and important Japanese potters of the last 150 years, Rokubei Kiyomizu V (1875 - 1959) has been regarded by some as the most talented in a long line of Kiyomizu potters and as a cornerstone of the illustrious Gojo-zaka district in Kyoto. Recognized and awarded di...

Vintage Japanese hibachi (brazier) made of beautiful Keyaki (elm) wood, with built in stand. The front features three long drawers with incised metal pulls. The interior is copper lined with natural patina.

Showa Period c1980

Dimensions: 33.75" L x 22" D x 19" H

Antique Japanese iron tetsubin. The body is wide and short with a small water spout, its sides flared out and tapered back in at the center with flattened base. The bronze lid features a cherry blossom with decorative ball finial and tall bronze handle. The piece is in exceptional condition. Dates from Tiasho period c1920.

Dimensions: 7.5" W x 8.25" H

Antique Japanese iron tetsubin, or tea kettle, with a bell shaped body that flutes out towards the rounded base, a tall spout, archaic designs along the rim with a lid bearing the artist's signature. The handle is "mokko" shaped referring to the Japanese Quince fruit.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 9" L x 8" W x 10.5" H

Japanese antique 2-section cha tansu (tea chest). The frame of this chest is made of solid keyaki (elm) wood and the front has persimmon wood veneer with dramatic grain. The top section has a compartment covered with four small sliding panels and a large compartment with glass sliders for display. Inside the glass display area are stepped shelves, a smaller square glass door compartment, another compartment with batik covered sliding panels depicting Mt. Fuji. There is a small drawer in th...

Antique Japanese 2-section isho tansu (clothing chest), made all of kiri (paulownia) wood. The top section has two large full width drawers. The bottom section has one large full width drawer and one medium drawer. The lower right hand side has a safe box with heavy iron work on the hinged door. Inside are two small drawers. The front of the chest has beautiful heavy iron hardware including warabite shaped drawer pulls. The side has iron handles for locking the top and bottom section toge...

Antique Japanese ikebana (flower arrangement) basket, comprised of tightly hand-woven, thin strips of bamboo. The basket has an hourglass figure with a wide mouth and slightly fluted lip. The handles is formed with gnarled wisteria and bamboo branches, tightly wound with twisted bamboo. The base of the foot is recessed, with a 3-character signature.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions : 12" x 20.5" H

An unusual Japanese ikebana (flower arrangement) basket. Hand-woven with sections of bamboo, and interesting wisteria branch accents on the front and backside. The sides are woven with "Gypsy ear" ring handles. The basket is formed with a large, rounded body, a short foot, and a wide open mouth. Full of character and charm.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 12" x 10" H

An Arita blue & white porcelain dish decorated with a pavilion and poetry, an equestrian and servant in the foreground. The dish is moulded with a shallow ‘rinka’ edge. The back is plain and has three spur marks within the foot-rim.

An identical dish is illustrated in the Shibata Collection Vol.4, #303 where it is dated to 1770~1800.

Approximately 17.8 cm diameter. The dish has some light wear from normal use but is otherwise in fine condition. There is a slight glaze blem...

An Arita blue & white porcelain dish decorated with a pavilion and poetry, an equestrian and servant in the foreground. The dish is moulded with a shallow ‘rinka’ edge. The back is plain and has three spur marks within the foot-rim.

An identical dish is illustrated in the Shibata Collection Vol.4, #303 where it is dated to 1770~1800.

Approximately 18 cm diameter. The dish has some light wear from normal use, plate stacking for example, but is otherwise in fine condition. ...

Antique pair of Japanese shokudai (candle stands), made of bronze. Beautiful simple design with faceted stem and small chrysanthemum shaped detail where stick meets base. Each stand has a little hook and circular candle guard.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 17 1/4" high x 8" wide

A JAPANESE ARITA PORCELAIN SQUARE DISH, EDO PERIOD.

An attractive Japanese Arita porcelain square dish with canted corners, decorated with an oversized sage lost in reverie by a lake. The unusual borders completely painted with figures in a landscape. Late 18th ~ early 19th century.

By repute once part of the Bigelow Collection and disposed by auction in New England a few years ago.

Approximately 15.5cm square. The dish has a small edge chip, otherwise in perfect condition...

Wonderful Minpei/Awaji ware tea bowl made by the legendary 1st Minpei Kashu during the Edo Period, with deep glaze cracks and soft cobalt blue pictures. It comes with a signed wooden box and a signed and sealed attestation of Hasshu Uewashi, issue number 256. Hasshu Uewashi was a famous judge of Japanese pottery who worked during the Meiji and Taisho Era.

Awaji ware was founded in the early 1830s by Minpei Kashu (1796-1871) from Iga village.

He was born in 1796 into a we...

Unusual Japanese 2-panel calligraphy screen with highly stylized brushstrokes, bordered with silver leaf and silk. The left character reads "Gi" (or Righteousness); On the right reads "Dao" (the path or way). The inscriptions appear to mean "Righteousness must always be pursued".

Signature of a monk or a priest in his late 70s named Kakuan, appearing to date Spring 1851 with a description of the studio in which the painting was made. It is also written that Kakuan was overcome by gr...

Antique Japanese ikebana (flower arranging) basket, very finely hand-woven with thin strips of bamboo. Its form is narrow towards the mouth of the basket and flutes slightly towards the squared base, with four knot-woven feet, and the frame of the basket is reinforced with thicker bamboo sections, secured with tight coils. The handle is formed by natural Wisteria burl root. With hand inscribed signature on the base.

Dimensions : 9" x 7" x 19.75" H

This is tsutsugaki & handwriting fireman's cotton coat sashiko hanten coat of a splendid firefighter of the late Tokugawa period of the Edo era(1800-1867).It is the pattern that is impressive with a dragon and the boldness of the sword. It is a very high technique. And there is sashiko stitch on the entire surface by hand. As for it, length is longish with 116cm. The lining is indigo dyeing. Textile is thick cotton with wonderful atmosphere of the era. I recommend it to collection of you. It...

Antique Japanese 2-section, 3ft. Mizuya made with Hinoki (cedar) and Sugi (cypress) hardwoods, accented by gorgeous Keyaki (elm) burl wood front panels in a lovely contrast to the frame. Both the upper and lower section house a large central compartment with shelving for the storage of kitchen articles, with 2 and 3 burl front drawers beneath respectively.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 35.5" L x 16.5" D x 62.5" H

One of a kind! Wonderful Shiro-Hira Raku Natsu (Summer) Chawan made and sealed by greatest Kichizaemon Konyu XII.

The wooden box has an attestation written by Sokuchusai, the 13th Omotesenke master. The chawan is named shira-kumo, white clouds.

No chips or cracks except natural inborn and intended kiln cracks for a great wabi-sabi aura.

Born 1857 as the eldest son of Keinyû, he succeeded as the 12th generation in 1871 at the age of 15. He took the name of K�...

This is Egata used for the Taisho era period. As for this, a ramie spun by hand is used. This is drawn in Tsutsugaki. This is a natural indigo plant, and both sides are dyed. Egata dyed only by indigo dyeing in Okinawa dyeing and weaving is rare. This does not have stain damage at all. The state is good. Size 115cm x 115cm (45.2 "x 45.2")

We are proud to present this extremely rare mugi-de Oribe chawan dating back to early stage of the Momoyama Period. It is a slightly distorted cylidrical shape Hanzutsu tea bowl with flaring brim and trimmed sides. The bowl was covered with a Shino-Oribe-type glaze (a feldspat glaze with a higher content of ash than Shino).

Under the decoration of vertical parallel lines in four different shades of brown, which gave this decor the name 'mugi-de', which means barley straw. This des...

Antique Japanese gilt lacquered kanban, or shop sign. With hand-painted portrait of the shop's owner and the words "Trade Mark" above and kanji below.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 12" W x 2" D x 54" H

Japanese antique transom made of keyaki (elm) wood and carved with a scene of Ushiwaka and Benkei battling on Gojo Bridge in Kyoto. The young samurai, Yoshitsune (also known as Ushiwaka-maru) is depicted in an acrobatic pose, leaping over Benkei, the giant wild-man who was intent on stealing Ushiwaka's sword. Another samurai is carved below them, his much smaller form suggesting he is far below the action. On the right hand side of the carving, another samurai stands among the pine tree...