Description: A wood carving of a tiger was a typical Taiwanese religious deity. Instead of scaring people, the cute tiger was for comforting uneasy babies for worshipers. Date: Qing dynasty, Height: 14.5cm

Description: An old wooden tablet with inscription of Yi Yen Tang-the hall of happy swallow was a classical piece originated probably from a lady's chamber room of a noble family's house. Preserved well with faded golden paint, the feminine word Yi-Ye was possibly from a fair lade's name, or was used as a metaphor for the family's well- being. Date: Qing Dynasty(AD1616-1911) Width: 53.5cm Height: 26cm

A large basin in striking cobalt designs by Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan enclosed in an unsigned wooden box. The central figure is a soaring phoenix spiral n elaborate plumage surrounded by clam shaped scallops in which leaping carp vie for the prize. About the rim 3 dragons battle for the flaming pearl. Outside serpentine vines intertwine about voluptuous flowers over phoenix. All together a sumptuous and royal aura. It is roughly 32 cm (12-1/2 inches) diameter and in excellent condition...

Qing Dynasty carving of a jade figure. Height of 2 inches.

A pair of ceramic Cormorants by preeminent early 20th century Master Miyanaga Tozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The cormorant has a special place in Japanese art. Like the hawk is a bird used in hunting, the cormorant is a bird used in fishing. A rope would be tied around the long necks of any number of the birds, them then taken out into the water with huge torches burning on the prows of the fishing boats...

A set of 12 uniquely crafted masks of devils dating from the Meiji period enclosed in a period custom made kiri-wood box titled Kodai-men Hina-gata Juni-ko (12 miniature ancient masks). They are created from clay covered in gofun and mineral pigments with inset eyes of glass and ivory teeth and horns. Each mask is roughly 9 x 8 x 5 cm (3-1/2 x 3-1/4 x 2 inches). There are some minor losses to the coloration but otherwise all are in fine condition...

The seven gods of fortune are depicted in rich gold, vibrant colors and textures on this exceptional set of Kutani Sake Cups from the Kaburagi Studio enclosed in the original compartmentalized wooden box. Each cup is unique, measuring roughly 5.5 cm (2 inches) diameter, 3 cm (1 inch) tall and all are in excellent condition. The Kaburagi studio produced some of the finest wares in Kutani. Founded in 1822, it survives to this day under the same family, now in the 8th generation...

 

An exquisite vase decorated with crashing waves and plovers in blue by Seifu Yohei dating from the Taisho era. It is 12 inches (31 cm) tall and in excellent condition. Quite large for a work by Seifu, it is marked on the base with an incised signature...

A large and important work by Miyanaga Kozan of overall raw clay in a Nanban style with drips of color featuring a tiny colorful crab crawling out of a hollow in the base. It is 30.5 cm (12 inches) tall and in excellent condition, in an age darkened wooden collectors box titled Makuzu Yaki Kabin, Miyagwa Kozan Sei followed by a very large stamp...

A turned kiri-wood kogo incense case decorated with painting of plums and camellia with a silver rim. Inside wide leaves in god outline underlie the artist’s signature and stamp. The piece is 4-1/2 inches (11.5 cm) diameter.
Sekka (1866-1942) is known as the last great Rimpa Master, an artist of many talents who worked in painting, wood and lacquer. Taken from Wikipedia (they say it so much better than I) In 1910, Sekka was sent to Glascow to study Western art and craftsmanship...

This is an old Yogi, a futon/blanket for the colder parts of Japan. It is a thick cotton dyed in the "Japanese blue", ai/indigo with a tsutsugaki (freehand painted rice paste resist) family crest on the back and stuffed with a cotton inside. The whitle little spots that you see are cutton balls from inside. The condition is excellent; some faint brown stains on the right side bottom and the lower left side bottom of the inside which is giving a charactor to this beautiful piece...

Description: An elegant Ru-Yi was rarely made of iron. Casted in a beautiful shape and preserved very well. Dark russet paint were reserved sparsely on the surface which reflected with good old black patina. Date: 19th Century Length: 34cm

Description: "Hundreds of monkeys" is only a description for the topic of this master piece. Amid the branches of a peach tree, a lot of monkeys are playing and teasing to each other. The exact numbers of these nimble animals had never been really counted. A deft open-work carving had been done in early 20th century China. Old black paint were faded due to age. An old amber bead was adorned. Width: 3.5cm

A tripod koro with custom silver lid and rosewood stand by Miura Chikusen II enclosed in a wooden box dated early Autumn 1920 signed by Ume, the mother of the second generation head of the family who died young that year. The white porcelain is roughly 15 cm (6 inches) tall on the stand, 10 cm (4 inches) diameter. This type of Sinophile work was very popular throughout the Meiji and Taisho periods, and Sencha steeped tea had a profound impact on Japanese culture at the time...

A pimpled toad looks to the sky exhaling a clouded spirit, a truly superb version of this theme in deep caramel bronze dating from the Meiji period. It is an interesting theme, the ugly creature elevated to the status of saint. Judging by color and quality, we attribute this as the work of Kanaya Gorosaburo (1836-1890), a bronze artist of Kyoto fond of this color and known for his superb modeling and detail. Not always signed, Gorosabutro was often known to sign only the box...

The time of Obon is upon us, the middle of August when the spirits of the dead return to visit their families. A lantern is hung so the wandering souls may find their way. And on the last day of Obon (August 16), in Kyoto, is held perhaps the most famous of all the festivals, commonly referred to as Daimonji-yaki, when 6 massive characters are lit on fire in the mountains surrounding the city to light the way home for the ancestors. Unlike the Gion festival or Aoi Festival, made for tourists,...

A Chinese silk brocade fabric showing a pattern repeat of lotus flowers. Lampas weaving with aniline dyed and gold wrapped silk threads. Condition: a hole (see photo no. 8), partial thin areas and some wear. Dimension: 67 cm wide (whole length) x 165 cm long.

An ominous row of black crows in silhouette cry in unison from the stormy insides of this gassaku bowl made by Kiyomizu Rokubei IV and decorated by Kikuchi Hobun, enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Color has infused the glaze, evidence of age and use and lending to the malefic atmosphere. It is 20.5 cm (8 inches) diameter and in fine condition, stamped on the base Rokubei and signed on the side Hobun.
Kiyomizu Rokubei IV (1848-1920) was first born son of Rokubei III, and took o...

This Japanese scholar's page turner consists of a thin layer of black ebony wood sandwiched between pale buttery colored ivory handles ....flawless

A small round gourd: polished, cut and decorated inside with delicate fronds in gold on black maki-e. This is superb. It is 3 inches diameter (7.5 cm) and in perfect condition, enclosed in a quality old kiri-wood box. .

Description: An aigrette in stylized standing form was actually carved from a piece of natural root wood. In beautiful style, the aigrette twisted her neck when standing on a rock which was from another natural wood piece. As a traditional craftsmanship, this unique wood carving was in quite good size and would be an attractive display item in your house. Date: Qing Dynasty (late 19th century) Height: 51cm, Width: 40cm, Depth: 24cm.

A large baluster form Sumidagawa vase decorated in slips of green and black glaze over crackled red with a three-dimensional tokage (lizard) crawling down the side. The detail on the creature is superb, from the textured body to the white claws with which it seems to grip the sides of the slippery surface. On the backside is a raised gourd shaped stamp reading Ishiguro Koko (One of the most prominent Sumidagawa potters). Sumida ware was first produced around the beginning of the 19th century,...

Hotei bows deeply, showing an unusual moment of respect from the surly sage. An unusual bronze image by Oshima Joun enclosed in the signed wooden box. The face is at once relaxed and respectful, one hand wrapped around a gnarled walking stick supporting the heavy bag on his back. All facets are rounded, with a soft, tight orange-peel surface typical of Tokyo school bronzes. The image is roughly 5 inches (12.5 cm) in all directions, and in excellent condition. Oshima Joun was professor at th...

Question:Ever wonder what the Chinese wore on their feet while working in a flooded rice field? The answer: Large high leather boots with knobbed soles. I have 2 of these but I suspect they they are not really a pair, so I am selling them separately. Obviously, they have had a long and useful life. Considering the amount of the dried dirt that fell out of the inside when I turned them upside down, I doubt that they are still water-proof. Sourced from Ning Bo Province, the boots are 16" high...

An antique Guardian mask used to ward off evil hand carved from a rough slab of hardwood. It is 14-1/2 inches (37 cm) tall and in fine condition. Usually hung under the eaves of a house, it shows weathering typical of age. Late 19th to early 20th century.

Japanese Meiji to Taisho period vase in the form of a gourd tied in a bow at the mid-section with a braided and tassled rope. The signature appears to translate as Tsunemo. 7" high. Weighing 2 lbs. 8 1/2 ounces, the vase is very heavy for its size. Early 20th century. Very good overall condition with a nice patina. From an old Tucson, Arizona estate.

Japanese vintage Taisho to Showa period black formal silk child's kimono hand dyed and painted with a horizontal scene illustrating the story of the children’s folk hero Kintoki (also known as Kintaro, or the “Golden Boy”) refereeing a sumo wrestling match between a rabbit and a monkey all set against a celadon background permeated with auspicious symbols. Raised by a Yama-uba (mountain spirit) in the mountains, Kintaro developed superhuman strength and had the ability to communicate with...

Old (1930's) Chinese Export Gilt Porcelain Happy Seated Buddha

It is 5.75 inches tall, and 4 inches wide.

It is in good condition with no chips, nor cracks, except repaired at his foot (replaced toes and gold), and glued back at the edge of his robe (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of ...

 

A very rare painting of a skull and scattered bones lost to autumns dead grasses by important 20th century Zen priest Takeda Mokurai. Ink on paper bordered in brown cloth with gray extensions; dark wood rollers. The scroll is 16 by 68 cm (40.5 x 172.5 cm) in fine condition.
Mokurai began his journey down the Buddhist path at the age of 7 under the priest Ryodo. Developing under a number of masters, it was during a sojourn in Hakata he developed a love for poetry and calligraphy, somethi...

SOLD, no price, no info. Hand Painted Japanese Dark Cobalt Blue Porcelain Button w Pink Peony motif and fine gold paint to show off on your favorite hat or collector's tray. Unglazed self shank and just under 1" across. Super condition! Sold, no price, no info

A dilapidated shrine nestles deep in a forested mountain side with a cluster of stone Jizo and a fudomyo climbing the green hillside behind signed Koho and dating to the late Meiji. A quiet and contemplative scene reflecting the quality of the art of the time, the subject not overstated but resting silently awaiting our discovery. The scene is quite personal, inviting the viewer into its depths for a moment of silence where only the falling of the pine needles and call of a distant bird may di...

Description: A bronze Buddha figure of Japanese was cast with very fine quality of metal. He was molded very well with the religious mood. Meditated in calm expression and with religious hand symbol, this Buddha was once installed on a pedestal which had been lost. Two drilling holes can be seen on the bottom. Date: 19th Century Provenance: Japan Height: 15.3cm

A fetching scene of colored washes very　much in　the Taisho style by important artist Ono (Ohno) Bakufu. Pigment on silk in superb Kinrande mounting. It is roughly 21-1/2 x 79 inches (56 x 200 cm).
Born in Tokyo Ono Bakufu (1888-1976) relocated to central Japan after the great Kanto earthquake of 1923 where he became an honorary member of the Hyogo Prefectural Academy of Fine Arts. Often displayed at the Teiten National Exhibition, he is best known for paintings of fish, w...

A rare silver and silver wire torque. Origin: Rajasthan or Gujarat Weight: ca. 290 gr. Diameter: 15 cm (inside) Age: first half 20th century Literature: Oppi Untracht, Traditional Jewelry of India, page 229, picture 478 for a similar piece.

A large porcelain vase covered in olive green upon which grows a rush of white bamboo and a brief epitaph by Miura Chikusen I enclosed in the original signed wooden box dating to the late Meiji or early Taisho period. It is 15 inches (37.5 cm) tall and in excellent condition. The box has much darkened with age. Works of this size by Chikusen, who largely specialized in the minute world of Sencha ware are quite rare.
Miura Chikusen I (1854-1915) made a name for himself as a strict adhere...

A decidedly different version of this theme, a Festive carved wooden Tai (Red Snapper) fish with removable side for sashimi coated inside in gold with bone teeth and inlayed bone eyes. The craftsman ahs gone to great lengths to make this as realistic as possible, from the textures of the skin to the folds in the fins and coloring. Unusually, most dishes in this vein are one sided, however this is equally realistically carved on both sides. It is 47 x 21 x 6 cm (18-1/2 x 8 x 2-1/2 inches and i...

A very unusual art nouveau style Kutani vase decorated with a jagged forest of pink trees on soft green carpet, butterflies circling the shoulder which breaks into a darkened cloud of moriage beads decorated with spiraling karakusa designs in slightly raised gold. Superb workmanship, it is simply signed Kutani-zo (made in Kutani). The vase is 10 inches (25.5 cm) tall and in excellent condition and dates from the first quarter of the 20th century.

Description: A small inkstone was carved in different cliff style. On the pool side, the cloud pattern was carved fluently. A small scholar item especially an inkstone was hard to find. It could be a practical utensil and also a small art piece which could be viewed from different angles around your palms. Date: 19th Century. Length:7.8cm Width:6cm Height: 4.5cm Condition: Kept with original Hon-Mu stand when lost of upper cover. A crack line was seen due to age.

Description: A beautiful covered metal box was delicately chased and carved with traditional Chinese scenes like pagodas, mountain ridges and pine troves as main picture on the cover's surface. Added more with good metaphors like bats, chrysanthemums and flying magpies on the box's outer surface, this alloyed box therefore became a nice cosmetic holder for the use of a fair lady. With tightly fitted cover, the box was in very good condition. Date: Late 19th Century. Material: Alloyed metal or...

A saintly recluse dozes restfully, his pole dipping to the waves below the rocky outcrop upon which he sits; a fine bronze figure dating to the Meiji period and signed on the reverse. The figure with the rock is 32 x 22 x 30.5 cm (11 x 9 x 12 inches) and is in fine condition.

A giant mingei carved mask of an oni (demon) embodying the indefinable sense of madness particular to Japanese Demon images. The face has a mysterious mixture of sadness and evil not duplicated in any other culture, a truly pitiable character. The mask, carved from a single block of wood, is just over 2 feet (66 cm) tall and in fine condition.

An exotic white inko in a pine tree enclosed in the original red lacquered double signed wooden box (Niju bako). Pigment and ink on silk in a fine brown silk border patterned with Kiri leaves, extended with blue gray and featuring large ivory rollers. It measures 23-1/2 x 80-1/2 inches (60 x 204 cm). There is light foxing, mostly concentrated to the right of the tree. The seals are pubished in the large museum Anthology “Keinen” figures B and D.
Imao Keinen (1845-1924) was born i...

 

An insert table screen with carved wood lattice work. The round porcelain plaque with depiction of three immortals in a landscape painted in underglaze blue. The reverse is bearing a six character "Daoguang" seal mark. Maybe the plaque was once a dish and reduced. Condition: lattice work with few missing pieces and little glue residue. Dimension: plaque: diameter: c. 16.5 cm, screen: total height: 45.5 cm, 34.5 cm wide.

A very unusual hammer textured lotus shaped tray featuring an insect crawling down the side enclosed in a wooden box titled Textured Leaf Shape Fruit Dish and signed Tekisui Zo (made by Tekisui). The brass basin is supported by a withering round stem convoluting beneath. A bright portion of brass hammered out with holes show the leaf slowly deteriorating, returning to earth. The insect is like a red flying-beetle or lady-bug, very detailed. The dish is roughly 6 by 7 inches (15 x 17.5 cm) an...

A pair large Chinese silk kesi tapestries, once mounted as hanging scrolls with silk brocade border and backed with paper. Showing immortals and gods of the Daoist Pantheon in a landscape setting. Made of a two colour silk tapestry with painted areas. Dating to the late Qing dynasty. Condition: please look at the photos carefully - they make part of the condition report - the brtittle mounting is damaged and only partially preserved, the wooden bars of the top and one of the bottom are lost. Kes...

A group of three clambering turtles in fine detail dating from the opening of the 20th century (later Meiji) stamped on the base Keishin and enclosed in a period wooden box. The group is roughly 8 inches (20 cm) long, 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall and in fine condition but for one old chipped toe on the back foot of the largest turtle (see close-up).

 

Description: A scholar bronze water dropper was uniquely made in rectangular form. Kept in perfect condition, this water dropper still can be used when you're practicing Chinese calligraphy. Date: Qing Dynasty(19th Century) Length: 7.4cm Width: 3.4cm Height: 4.4cm

Description: An Yixing tea caddy was kept with original cap. All were in old charming patina and in perfect condition, the Yixing caddy was finely carved with crisp inscriptions and motif of bamboo troves. That made this Yixing caddy a piece full of literati taste. By literal translation, carved two bigger words were Sane Yun(Unique Atmosphere), and ended with- Carved by Shi Yun. A single word Cha(Tea) was on the cap when a scholar hall mark-Zhen Yu Tu Su(Zhen Yu's Book Collection)was at the bot...

A nicely carved natural amber pendant with one bat and leaf design. The bat represent longevity and happiness. The bat and happiness sound is in the Chinese language is similar - both pronounced Fu. Size: L. 2.4cm. Condition: No repairs, cracks or chips.

SOLD. SIZE: 31mm (1 3/16") diameter. Cond: very good for age. NOTE: signed below self-shank. SOLD. NO PRICE, NO INFO

Forty sections of various antique katana scabbards have been set about the circumference of this antique suiban basin for use in Kado and Keido (flower arranging or bonseki sand gardens). Striped, mottled, textured, engraved and polished; covered in sharkskin, snakeskin or lacquered cloth. All lie between belts of tiger striped ebony-like hardwood around a removable copper basin. The handles (on each end) are the actual tie points of the scabbard. One bronze button decorated with shells in s...

Description: A religious oil painting on canvas was made in 19th Century from the minority people at southwest region of China. A piece of art from Dian people of Guazhou or Yunnam Province, this painting was displayed with bold colours. Sketched freely but regulated as well, it is in astonishing beauty.

This powder horn is dating to the 19th / early 20th century. The curved body is made from water buffalo horn, beautifully carved with curvilinear motifs, the wide end with a wooden stopper. The gunpowder was stored in the Batak house in large gourds, the chief carried his own personal supply in such containers, which he wore suspended from a chain around his neck. Condition: the spout was originally with a closing mechanism plug, now lost. The suspension lug was probably replaced, the wide end w...

A nicely carved jade pendant with an unusual shape copying the Western Zhou style. Lots of intricate carving on this piece. This is most likely an old jade but I can't date it. Size: W. 8.2cm. H.4.2cm. Condition: No breaks or repairs. Some wear.

An antique shamanic phurbu , showing all the animist motives on the triangular blades, snakes interlaces, sun , moon holly vase and Makara mouth, the middle part is a dorge deeply carved , the top is square and shows 4 ancestor faces acting as protectors of the shaman and as guardian of the four directions. Total H 24 cm super glossy and deep black patine, important age at least from 19th. presented on a iron stand