Very rare antique Japanese cross and Buddha made of cast iron. Extremely unusual as most pieces at this time where in bronze. This is a secret object of the Kakure Kirishitan, "Hidden Christians", devoted Japanese members of the Catholic Church who went into hiding during the beginning of the Edo Period. Brought to Japan mostly by the Portuguese, the practice of Christianity was forbidden when Japan closed itself off to the world in the early 17th century...

The Japanese matchlock was introduced to the Japanese by the Portuguese during the Sengoku period. Originally called teppo, it was known as the name tanegashima where its origins was founded.
The tanegashima rifle where used by the samurai class and their foot solders (ashiguru) and within a few years of the introduction of the munition it completely altered Japanese warfare. This long rifle gun has an octagonal russet iron barrel with a flat sighting plain on top and a bore of 3/4”...

A very rare and unusual Japanese 2-panel astrology screen. The blue pigmented mica-flecked screen depicts the Northern Hemisphere and shows Hokuto Shichi Sei, the 7 star constellation or the Big Dipper which points to the North Star. The celestial chart is surrounded by calligraphy naming processional years.

Meiji Period (1868-1912).

Dimensions: 61 1/4” high x 34 1/2” wide.

Before styles such as Raku, Hagi, Karatsu, etc came into fashion for use in the tearoom in early Edo, it was commonplace in cultured society to use tea-ware imported from China. In fact, some pottery styles uniquely Japanese (such as Shino) are thought to have been born out of unsuccessful attempts to emulate these extremely high-quality and refined ceramics...

A Rare Tour-de-Force Masterpiece Ten-Panel Painting by the Renowned 19th Century Korean Royal Court Artist Yang Ki Hun aka Sukyeon (1843-1898). This is the first Yang Ki Hun screen painting offered for sale outside of Korea in many years, and it is arguably the best of them. We have here the most renowned of the 19th Century Korean royal court painters demonstrating his mastery and artistry in all of the most revered scholar's motifs...

This is one of the most fascinating and unique artifacts I have ever seen. The axe is 5 1/2" from top to bottom and the handle is 7". The handle has been broken off in antiquity at the end which is a plus for me because you can see the internal cross section of the wood. The haft is completely fossilized (84% calcium carbonate). The calcification of the wood is such that a species analysis could not be successfully performed on it, but it was determined that it was probably conifer...

Antique Japanese full length tanegashima rifle with working original matchlock mechanism. Made of burl keyaki hardwood with original lacquer finish. The hand forged iron barrel is inlaid with a 3/4 length silver dragon swirling through clouds. Original decorative brass fittings with auspicious animals such as fu-dogs, birds and flowers. Unusual silver inlaid stripes on the mouth of the barrel.

Comes with custom iron stand to aid in display...

Beautiful Tibetan wooden plank door covered with a deep red painted cloth of two dark, fluffy-tailed yaks with open mouths, and overlay of simulated metal bands with gilt accent flowers. 19th century Size: 72.75" height, 35.25" width, 3" depth

This is an amazing small cloisonne vase. It is only 5 inches tall but has as much fine work as a great 12 inch vase. The rims are silver. It is not signed but the enamel colors and wire designs in the flowers appear to be the work Hayashi. Condition is excellent.

This is a great Japanese cloisonne vase. It is not signed but it was created by one of the master artists from the Meiji Era. Years ago this vase was acquired from the Avo Krikorian Collection. It stands 6 1/4 inches tall. Condition is excellent.

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

Cast bronze warrior with multiple patinas, partly gilded. The samurai, wielding a naginata, fights furiously. The artist may have wanted to designate here the Japanese medieval hero, Miyamoto Musashi because the latter fought bareheaded and during the fights his hair electrified by fury stood on his head. History teaches us that he would have triumphed in 60 duels during his life as a swordsman. Good condition, original gilding and patina...

Antique Chinese Jun Ware cup with flower form dish to act as a holder. The thick, opalescent sky blue glaze has white speckling and several splashes of rosy purple with wonderful crackling. The Jun glaze is a complex blue glaze which was developed in Henan province during the the Northern Song and Jin dynasties, occasionally with red streaks. Jun wares have their name after Jun zhou from where it originated...

The Japanese bronze maker is known for its high quality and attention to detail rendered in bronze, silver, and other precious materials. The exposure to the world's fair has showcased the Japanese skilled artisan in many different styles and categories. Naturalism and realism was the template to the Western taste during the Meiji period.

This is a fine example of a great horned owl in bronze depicted in naturalism. The okimono owl is perched on a gnarled branch preening itself...

A rare and beautiful kiri (paulownia) wood tansu from the Matsumoto region of Japan. The tone and texture of the wood grain pairs nicely with the elaborate iron hardware. Its drawers pull open with sturdy iron "mokko" melon style handles with large incised backplates...

Embossed pendant decorated with two figures of deities, one male wearing a dhoti and the other, a female, entirely naked, each with an aureola, standing in front of what seems to be an altar. A loop on top allowed attachment to a necklace. The pendant is made of 18 K gold, with remnants of soil encrustations. Graeco-Buddhist art, Gandhara, 1st to 3rd century. Height: 5.5 cm. Lower part slightly bent (no damage), otherwise very good condition. Provenance: acquired from a Paris antique dealer in 1...

Large antique canopy wedding bed, originating from Indonesia for the Chinese market. Elaborately carved with gilt reticulated panels depicting various animals, flora, and mythical creatures along the top front of the canopy, with gilt filigree along the side posts. The legs are carved as scrolling dragons and birds in red, black, and gilt lacquer. A shelf runs along the canopy back with side compartments. Early 20th century.

Size: 93" L x 70" W x 91" H, bedding area size 63 x 83 fits...

Currently awaiting an uncertain succession to the 14th generation, this preeminent line of craftsmen has been a cornerstone of Hagi pottery for over 400 years. Here we see an historically important work by the second generation potter dated to the Japanese Era “Kanbun” (1661-1671)—placing it as a very mature work, completed near or at the very end of the life of this craftsman.

In fine antique condition, this piece is 12.1cm at its widest point and stands 8.2cm ta...