Gravemarker Moon
(Sotouba no tsuki).
Printed: 3.1886
Engraver: Yamamoto
Signature & Seal: Yositoshi
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon.
Condition: Very Good colors and impression, full margins. "karazuri" embossing on Ono no Komachi's robes.
Format: Oban tate-e: H.13 x W. 8.75".
Ono no Komachi was a famous beauty and poetess of the 9th century...
Suzaku Gate Moon - Hakuga Sammi
(Suzakumon no tsuki - Hakuga Sammi).
Printed: 1st day. 2nd month. 1886
Engraver: Yamamoto
Signature: Yoshitoshi.
Seal: Yoshitoshi no in.
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon
Condition: Very Good colors & impression, full margins, "karazuri" embossing on cartouche & Hakuga's hakama (pantaloons).
H. 13 x W. 8.75".
Minamoto no Hiromasa (918-980,) was also known as Hakuga Sammi...
Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892).
Subject: “Kyoudou Risshiki” (Instructive Models of Lofty Ambition)*,
The Young Wife, Ukita, Guarding her husband, Lord Tomita Nobutaka Anozu no Shiru who is mounted on horseback.
Signature: “taiso Yoshitoshi”.
Artist’s Seal: Taiso.
Publisher: Matsuki Heikichi.
Date: Meiji 35* (1902), 8th month (August,) 5th day.
Format: oban tate-e, H.12.5 x W.8.25".
Condition: Very good colors and impression, album backing retained, no holes or tears, o...
Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892).
Subject: “Kyoudou Risshiki” (Instructive Models of Lofty Ambition), Toyotomi Hideyoshi seated on a tiger skin listening to a priest speaking on behalf of the Mouri clan. Text by Housai.
No...
Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892).
Subject: Musha-e (Warrior print); “Yoshitoshi Musha Burui” (Yoshitoshi’s Courageous Warriors): kurou [9th son] hangan Minamoto Yoshitsune and Musashibou Benkei under a cherry tree )#15 in this series of 33.
Signature: “Yoshitoshi hitsu” (from the brush of Yoshitoshi).
Artist’s Seal: Taiso.
Engraver: Horikou Muneoka.
Publisher: Tsunajima Kanekichi.
Date: 1886.
Format: oban tate-e, H.13 x W...
A perfect example of a waisted bucket bowl wine glass, with superb proportions; the bowl sits atop a stem with a mercury twist (a wide, refractive air twist).
Lead glass with rough pontil, 5 7/8" tall, 2 1/8" bowl diameter, 2 1/2" foot diameter. No condition issues.
An uncommon English lead balustroid wine glass made for export; the conical bowl, with "beech nut" moulding, sits atop a rib twisted stem which has a bisected (or split) shoulder knop, and a basal knop; 5.75" tall, 2.25" diameter bowl, 2.8" diameter folded foot; rough pontil
A storehouse (kura) lantern(andon) from late 19th century Japan, made of wooden base, and metal wire body, and hanging hook. Interior paper is a later addition. I have found a long Japanese medicine bottle that fits perfectly inside the lantern, making it suitable for flower arranging.
H.17cm(6.7") x Dia.8cm(3").
A lovely Chaffers Liverpool bowl, decorated with peonies issuing from hollow rockwork, a red bird on a branch. and an insect to the reverse. Chaffers, even more so than the more common Liverpool factories, has seen a substantial and lightning growth in interest and value, especially for items in good condition.
This piece is in overall excellent condition, with no chips, cracks, or restoration, although the interior has a rubbed flower, as is often the case...
A beautiful antique wine glass with a bell bowl above a double series opaque twist stem (DSOT) with collar, medial, and basal knops. Knops on opaque twists are much less common than straight stem opaque twists, and the more knops, the rarer. 5.9" tall, 2 5/8" diameter bowl, 2 11/16 diameter foot
An excellent example of a firing glass, or firing dram, with a single series opaque twist (SSOT) stem and a drawn trumpet bowl; 4 1/2" tall, 2 1/8" diameter bowl, 2 1/4" diameter foot
Note: Single series opaque twist stems are less common than double series opaque twist stems (DSOT).
A fine oil on canvas portrait of a young woman in a brown dress and blue lace trimmed hat, with a column and red drape behind her. Stylistically, this would be from the Philadelphia School. Sight size is 30" by 24 1/2" and the overall size is 35 1/4" by 30".
The portrait is in its original gilded frame, which is in very fine shape, with the normal minor nicks. The stretcher also appears to be original...
A Japanese Samurai doll (ningyo) with the look of a Daimyo: feudal lord in the Edo period (1603-1868). The Kamishimo with long hakama trousers were only worn for special occasions in the Edo castle. The samurai's blue top kimono is made out of a wash paper (a liner to his original kimono). There is a beautiful patina on his face which is covered with a gofun mixture from the time...
Roof tile with a "tomoe-mon", a crest of circular repeating commas in a whirlpool pattern. Fired clay, 19th century. Diameter: 4", Width: 3/4". The round tiles such as this line the bottom roof line, above the eaves. Commonly, the crest of the family or temple was depicted on these tiles. Historically, a center of roof tile production was the town of Ogi, in west-central Japan.
An extremely generously proportioned wine goblet , the stem with a double series opaque twist (DSOT) and the bucket bowl engraved with a sunflower and leaf spray, the reverse with a bird. The sunflower has been loosely associated as a Jacobite symbol; 7 3/4" tall, 3 3/8" bowl diameter, 3 1/2" foot diameter
A simple but special early wine glass from Northern England; the hollow stem makes this unusual; soda metal because of the glass taxes; funnel bowl, folded foot; 5 1/4" tall, 2 3/8" bowl diameter, 2 5/8" foot diameter
Wine rinsers or wine washers were used to cool or rinse wine glasses between courses of meals. At formal meals of this type, beer or ale would not be served. Therefore, the engraving of hops and barley on this rinser is very unusual and a bit inexplicable, as this type engraving was specifically used on ale glasses. The rinser is 3 1/2" tall and 4' in diameter.
This late 19th century Chinese egg spinach vase is 15 ½” high and 8 ½” on the widest part. It depicts phoenixes surrounded by peony blossoms. There is a blue honorable Qian Long mark on the bottom. Aside from an old chip on the rim, it is in great condition.
This very well painted early 20th century Chinese porcelain vase is 9” high and 4” on the widest part. It depicts a lady sitting on a garden rock in front of a cherry blossom reading book; a young maid is standing next to her watching. A poem is written on the other side of the vase and signed by the artist Hong Jin-Hao. The vase has two gold handles of the shape of bats and maker’s mark on the bottom. The workmanship is very clear, simple and elegant...
This Qing dynasty Tong Zhi period (1862~1874) gold and blue square bowl is 3” high and 6 ½” wide. It has a turquoise interior and gold floral design over blue background exterior. It has a red Tong Zhi mark on the bottom. Aside from some worn gold trim, it is in great condition.
This early 20th century Chinese export lacquer cinnabar bowl is 3 ½” high and 6 ¾” in diameter. It depicts two dragons flying through the clouds chasing a flaming globe. There is an honorable Qian Long mark on the bottom. Aside from some cracks inside the bowl due to age, it is in great condition.
Japanese samurai dolls, Yoroi and Kabuto (armor and helmet), swords, nobori and carps banner are all a part of the display used for the Boy's Day in Japan. The quality set like this will give a wonderful, rich flavor as a decoration to your home all year around. There is no Maruhei label label on the box but we are pretty sure that this was made by the Maruhei in Kyoto. The similar set that we had seen had the Maruhei label that indicates the set was made in early Taisho period (1912-1926)...
Waraji (straw sandal) Gata (mold). This mold was used to make the straw sandals worn by farmers. It is of solid carved wood. L. 50cm(19.75") x H.9cm(3.5") x W.9cm(3.5"). Acquired in Yamagata Prefecture in NE Japan (Tohoku), this piece exhibits the wonderful folk qualities of the region. Hung vertically, the "shelf" portion of the mold can hold a small flower vase, creating a lovely "wabi" arrangement for the tokonoma.
Large Itomaki, spool, for weaving. Wood with 6 arms. Late Meiji Era (1868-1912.)
H.39cm(15.5") x Square Base of 37cm(14.5").
Good condition, has been cleaned and oiled.
Wooden saddle, "kura" made of wood and iron fittings. Meiji Era (1868-1912,) but the top board is a later addition. This flat board makes it ideal for display items, especially for flowers. H. 44cm(17.25") x W.68cm(26.75") x D. 32cm(12.5").
Jizo is one of the most beloved Buddhist Boddhisatva in Japan as a guardian of children and travellers. Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture was once ringed with Jizo statues, and its granite quarries made it a center of religious statue production and sales. This Jizo holds his hands in front of his chest in prayer, or in the traditional Indian greeting of "namaste." His face is well worn from the elements and time, but a faint smile seems to grace his lips. H.25cm(10") x W.13cm(5").
Jizo is of one of the most beloved of Buddhist Boddhisatvas in Japan as a guardian of children and travellers. Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture was once ringed with Jizo statues, and the granite there made it a center of religious sculpture production and sales. This Jizo hails from Sado and holds a lotus leaf in his right hand and a "tama" or Buddhist ball of wisdom in his left. His face is well worn from the elements and time. H.24cm(10") x W.17cm(6.75").
Onigawara, Roof Tile End Caps, of fired clay with motifs of Daikoku's Hammer and Tama, the Buddhist Jewel of Wisdom. H. 37cm(14.5") x W.56cm(22"0 x D.11cm(4.5"). Excellent condition from Meiji Era.
The region of Ogi in west-central Japan was a well-known center of roof tile prodcution, and continues this trade today.
Sakiori, or "rag weave", was a necessity of many common people in old Japan, especially those of the NE Japan (Tohoku region) which was known for its harsh climate and living conditions. This item is a late Meiji piece from the region showing wonderful color combination, and sporting a few repair patches from its long life. L.144cm(56.5") x W.34cm(13.5").
Indigo dyed (aizome) cotton "yutan", or covering cloth, stencil dyed with family crest of pine boughs flanking a "koto bashira", the bridge of a koto musical instrument. L.150cm (59") x W.129cm (50").
Such textiles were commissioned for use as bridal dowry pieces and covered the items taken to the new bride's home. The family crest may have been that of the bride's or groom's family, or possibly a combination of the two, depending on the rank or status of the families. Textile dyers in South...
Meiji Era futon-ji; indigo dyed cotton with tsutsugaki (free-hand drawn resist) image of the Three Friends of Winter: Pine, Bamboo, and Plum. L.150cm(59") x W.128cm(50"). Such bedding covers were given as part of a bride's dowry, commissioned with auspicious images or a family crest by the bride's family. This theme of Pine, Bamboo, and Plum was especially auspicous for a newly married couple, with each element having its own characteristic way of overcoming hardship (the cold winter.) The free-...
Imari ware bowls for serving small amounts of food were known as "kurowanka." These bowls feature a "sansui" land & sea scape scene in underglaze cobalt blue on a porcelain body. Each piece is in god condition with individual measurements of H.4cm X Dia.15cm.
Imari ware soba choko from the mid-Edo Period (1600-1868). Porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue painting of "houzuki" (Chinese lantern plant), a very unusual and delightful pattern among soba choko.H.5.5cm, Dia.8cm.
Sake flask from Tamba kilns in Hyogo Prefecture, early-mid Meiji Era. Characteristic reddish-brown glaze with black ladle drips around the neck. H. 24cm, Dia. 13cm.
Seto ware kneading bowl, or "konebachi" used in most Japanese households of the period. Characteristic warm yellow seto glaze with seiji (green) ladle drips to add accent to the rim. Height 15cm x Dia. 26.5cm. Minor glaze cracking inside the bowl.