Simple wooden shishi (or lion) dance mask with movable ears and jaw. The ears and eyebrows are stained black. Behind the ears a row of small holes have been made, used for attaching the garment (the body of the lion). Mingei.
All light wood, wooden joints (ears on sticks for manipulation by hand).
Japan, 19th century.

H 6.5; D 9.5 inches.

Nice patina, minor traces of usage: small chip at one of ears, short and unimportant crack in skull. All in all very good condition.

A Shachihoko is a sea monster in Japanese folklore with the head of a dragon and the body of a carp. According to the tale, Shachihoko lives in the cold northern ocean. Its broad fin and tails always point up toward heaven, and its dorsal fins have numerous sharp spikes. It can swallow a massive amount of water and hold it in its belly, as well as summon clouds and control the rain...

Unusual 19th century Chinese bracelet consisting of fifteen fruit pits, two agate beads and a jadeite one with a “vase”. Each pit is skillfully carved all around with scenes of Chinese scholars involved in various activities: reading scrolls, studying fungus of immortality, or engaged in discussions. Carved in deep relief with precise undercutting and scrolling designs, excellent mellow brown patina. Agate beads are carved with SHOW (long life) characters...

Meiji Period ca. 1880 zen temple meal gong from Tottori Prefecture, Japan. Rich patina from temple candle smoke and oil lanterns. Excellent condition. With striker. Heavy original iron chain for hanging. 22" long x 12" tall and 6" deep. Ask for shipping quote.

Rare bronze mythical turtle koro or incense burner from the early Meiji Period Ca. 1880. In the form of one of Japan's most famous legends is this mythological giant turtle known as the 'Minogame' or straw raincoat turtle due to the tail resembling a farmers straw coat. The Minogame is regarded as a very auspicious creature in Japan representing long life and good fortune. Sitting on its back is a nest of bronze waves holding a Hoju sacred gem koro or incense burner...

dating: Early 19th Century. provenance: India. Straight, single-edged blade with "T"-back; grip with jade grip scales, brass ring-nut. Wooden scabbard with velvet covering (later). dimensions: length 38 cm.

Chinese Qing dynasty blue and white figure. 19,5 cm high. Figure has been broken on the legs. Please see on the pictures.

Antique wooden carving of a Chinese Lohan, which in the Buddhist religion is a state of enlightenment right before becoming a Bodhisattva. The Lohan is shown pulling open his robe to reveal a small child strapped around the front of his chest. There are traces of red lacquer on the carving's face, and his back has a small compartment for holding prayers. Ming dynasty ( 1368-1644) Size: 24" height, 10" width

This is an exquisite antique cosmetic jar that dates back to the 19th century and originates from the Bengali region of India. The jar is designed in the shape of a barrel, with a rounded body and three plain legs to support the bowl.

The jar is made of bronze, a material commonly used in ancient Indian art and craftsmanship. The jar's cover is adorned with a beautifully crafted peacock finial that adds an extra touch of elegance to the piece...

An antique Japanese Jizai Kagi fish hearth hook made of bamboo and wood. Hand carved wooden fish. All original patina built-up over years of use and display. A wonderful work of Mingei art.

Age: Late Meiji (1890-1900)

Dimensions: 13 1/4" Long by 2 1/4" Wide by an adjustable 55 1/2" to 82 1/2" High

This homemade Japanese tool was used in rural areas for cutting the groove in the tree to release and collect the sap which was harvested for the lacquerware. The wood handle is smooth to touch and has years of patina. The cutting blade is heavily aged but is in good condition. The tool is about 9" long and at least 150 years old.

An antique Japanese Jizai (hearth hook) used above an Iron (fire hearth) and hung beneath the house rafter to support a rope and hook or a Jizai Kagi (adjustable hook) to hold a kettle or large teapot above the burning charcoal. The main body is carved from one solid piece of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood...

Sculpture of Daikoku sitting on a rice bale with a big grin on his face, spilling countless jewels (tama) from his treasure bag.
Keyaki (Paulownia) wood, carved in a slightly abstracted manner, called ittobori.
Unsigned. Mingei (folk art)
Japan, 19th century.

H ca. 11 x W 10½ in.

Tension cracks (consistent with material and age), several scuff marks, painters tape on bottom.

Daikoku is one of the seven gods of good fortune. He stands for good fortune and wealth...

 

A set of Burmese amulets in lacquered wood and gilded with gold leaf.
It is believed that this type of statuette had special powers due to the paste made from sacred ashes and medicinal herbs, which was inserted into the hole in the base of the statuette and carried by healers.

Age: Burma, Mandalay Period, 19th Century
Size: Height 5 - 9.5 C.M. / Width 4 - 5 C.M.
Condition: Nice condition overall (some expected degradation due to their age)...

Thai mother of pearl offering tray, with decorated in Thai style with inlaid mother of pearl Characters on top and side of the cover.

Age: Thailand, Rattanakosin Period, 19th Century
Measurement: Height 16.3 C.M. / Diameter 25.7 C.M.
Condition: Nice conditon overall (some expected degradation due to its age). 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.

Rustic round platter with wide rim, called ishizara in Japanese, used in kitchens and commoners’ households. Pale yellow glaze that typically leaves the foot free, turning a pale pink and then dark in the center. The plate is slightly warped, as is common with ishizara.
Nine spurmarks in the center.

Mingei

Seto ware, Japan, Edo period, 1800-1850

H 2-2.25 x diam. 12 in...

There are a total of eight signs, each with a different "saying" having to do with well wishes. Due to the age of the calligraphy, and the vagueres of the old Chinese language, accurate translations have not been possible for each sign. Each sign is carved out of wood with raised wooden characters and inlayed with MOP flakes. Each is 21 inches tall and roughly 4.5 inches wide. I have listed them separately, to allow for pictures of each