Here in Kyoto our gallery is located along the Kamo River in a district known as Shobu-en Machi, which roughly translates as “Iris Town.” As you can imagine, the scene depicted in this painting of irises and cranes is one that can be commonly witnessed in our neighborhood in the spring (May) when these flowers are in full bloom...

Imari ware porcelain soba choko (soba noodle dipping cups) from the mid-Edo Period (1600-1868.) H.5.5cm(2.2") Dia.7cm(2.6".) This pair features underglaze cobalt blue pattern with two of the three friends of winter; pine and plum (the other being bamboo,) front and back of each cup. Abbreviated brushstrokes give these cups an aesthetic of simple beauty. Soba choko were initially used for small morsels of food, much like mukozuke or ko-zara are used in today's presentation of Japanese cuisine...

Late 1800s

Patterned after a Chinese Kangxi “Hawthorn” design. This bottle is delicately and rather thinly potted with a long, narrow neck rising from a bulbous body. It is painted in underglaze cobalt blue with a “cracked ice” pattern scattered overall with plum buds and blossoms—a design known among English connoisseurs in the early 20th century as the Hawthorn pattern...

A pair of large Seto tall baluster vases each decorated with scattered Peonies and Chrysanthemums reserved against an elaborate scrolling arabesque ground with moulded shishi ring faux handles. Each vase measures 37cm high, just over 14.5 inches high. The diameter of the mouth of the vase is 11cm, just over 4.25 inches, and the base measures just under 11cm in diameter, 4.25 inches. Each vase is signed Kato Mokuzaemon...

This poem, inscribed with Rengetsu’s unmistakeable flowing calligraphic script, is set on a backdrop of colored washi paper decorated with gold flecks and intricate renderings of magical forest spirits. The spirits are drawn using “gofun”—a calcium carbonate powder obtained by heating and grinding oyster shells collected around the Inland Sea coast...

Old scroll painting on paper representing a samurai resting beside a well. Signature on the right side. Japan, 19th century. Total height: 170 cm. Good condition.

Japanese Nabeshima ware porcelain dish decorated with a bird on a branch looking over a pond of omodaka (water plantian). The dish stands on a high, deeply recessed foot with outer "comb" cobalt blue design around its edges.

Dimensions: 8" diameter

Date: 19th Century

Long a symbol of longevity, good luck, and support in many parts of Asia; in Japan the turtle has the added symbolism of being one of the cardinal protectors of Heian, the ancient capital city of Kyoto. This rendition of a turtle basking on a sunny riverbank was done by one of the most renowned and loved Waka poets of the 19th century, Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875)...

Japanese Hirado Figure of a Hawk, perched on a rocky mound. L19thc Height 28.5cm. Condition; excellent.

Antique Japanese scroll painting of Buddha Amitābha also known simply as Amida Buddha. Here he stands with each foot on a lotus blossom, floating on swirling clouds against a black void as he descents. His hands are in vitarka mudra, also known as Raikō gesture of welcoming souls to Paradise (Jōdō or Sukhavati in Sanskrit). Amitābha (which means Infinite or Immeasurable light) is much loved for his gentle wisdom and his all accepting nature...

A hand painted piece of art of a plum tree, painted with ink on makuri paper with sign and seal of the artist - late Meiji Period.

I tried to find out the name of the artist, but it is difficult to read. The painting has a real nice and sensitive touch. It is hard to find similar items like this amazing one.

The condition is good - there is only some unimportant wrinkle and stain which gives the artwork that special touch of a unique piece of art.

Size: ca...

Japanese Antique Ajiro Kago (Bamboo Fishing Basket) with an elegant form and design, signed by Kazuhiro. 18 inches (46cm) high x 6 inches (15cm) wide.

A rare hammered brass cigar humidor bearing the double-headed eagle insignia of Russia's Romanov dynasty. The tall humidor is of seamed construction and has a hammered surface. The front is decorated with the Romanov eagle applique attached with copper rivets. The interior of the domed lid has a recessed area with a lip that holds a moistened sponge to keep the cigars at the proper humidity...

Dramatic Japanese Boy's Day Banner depicting the warrior Kashiwade no Hanoshi defeating a tiger. Colorful paste resist dyed and painted cotton. Tall banner with two mon (crests) at the top. One mon is the fuji (wisteria) of the Fujiwara family or possible of a family expressing devotion to the Kumano Shrine also associated with the wisteria motif. Meiji Period. Size: 16 feet high x 32 inches wide (including tabs)

A beautifully sculpted leopard carved from grayish nephrite. Qing Dynasty. Condition: A small chip and an age crack on the base. Length: 3-5/16".

Japanese Satsuma Kinkozan Vase

Description & Size: 19.05 x 11.43 cm (7.5" x 4.5") height & wide; Weight: 386 gram (13.61 oz); Color: Porcelain Blue & gold

Age: Meiji Period 1900'; Material: Porcelain & gold; Production: Handcrafted & baked

This Japanese Satsuma Kinkozan vase is a very picturesque...

A Chinese gilt silver handled cup decorated with carved birds and vine motifs. Late Qing Dynasty. The cup is in excellent condition, please refer to photos for details. Height: 2-1/2"; diameter: 2-7/8".

Antique Japanese large iron lantern in two sections, wonderful form with lamp section cut out with kiri blossom motifs, Meiji Period c1900 Size: 21" high x 14" wide