The golden orb shines out like the light of Buddhism from between the dark clouds on this exquisite 19th century image by Wada Gozan, priest of Jinko-in Temple. Ink and gold-pigment on silk in a patterned silk border with wood rollers in a period kiri-wood box titled Tsuki no ga Yokomono Ippuku (1 wide painting of moon) Wada Gozan koto (of Wada Gozan), annotated by Kuten. It is 25 x 48-1/2 inches (63.5 x 123.5 cm) and is in overall fine condition, with a minor wrinkle in the lower border...

A superb example of the mastery of Bizen Saiku-mono sculptures by Nishimura Shunko dating to the pre-war era. The musculature and bone structure of the creature is clearly visible, and it wears a cloak of ash glaze like fur, the tail actually covered in dry “goma” textured ash, and the lower extremities showing a fine assortment of Hi-iro flame colors on the raw clay. Stylistically there appears to be some influence of the pottery technique of Okinawan Shisa (lions)...

A fabulous large porcelain vase by Daimaru Hoppo (Hokuho) enclosed in the original signed and compartmentalized wooden box complete with a rosewood base. The vase is a perfect example of the Sinophile aesthetic that permeated Japanese art in the early 20th century. The simplified form rises from to frets decorated with stylized cicada under a belt of archaic figures and yotsu-domoe (yin-yang) symbols. It is 14 inches (35 cm) tall plus the base and is in excellent condition...

Japanese shin hanga woodblock print titled "Kansai District: Seta Bridge" by Hiroshi Yoshida (1876-1950) dated Showa 8 (1933). 1st edition impression with "jizure" (self-printed) seal in the upper left margin. The artist's black ink brush signature and red seal are at the lower right. The print is pencil-signed in the lower right margin. Illustrated in "The Complete Woodblock Prints of Yoshida Hiroshi," Abe Publications, color plate #182...

A very unusual vase by Teishitsu Gigei-In (Imperial Art Academy Member) Ito Tozan I enclosed in the original signed wooden box showing decidedly Art Nouveau styling. It is 20 x 8 x 32 cm (8 x 3 x 12-1/2 inches) and is in excellent condition.
Ito Tozan I (1846-1920) began as a painter in the Maruyama school studying under Koizumi Togaku...

Occupation era original Japanese shin hanga woodblock print titled "Moonlit Night at Miyajima" by Kawase Hasui (1883-1957) dated in the lower left margin Showa 22 (1947). The artist's black ink signature and red seal are at the lower right corner of the image. The 6mm circular seal of the publisher Watanabe (used 1946-1957) is at the lower left corner. Paper size: 15 1/4" x 10 1/2" (image size: 14 1/8" x 9 1/2"). Very good overall condition...

Occupation era original Japanese shin hanga woodblock print titled "Carp Flag at Toyohama, Kagawa Prefecture" by Kawase Hasui (1883-1957) dated in the lower left margin Showa 23 (1948). The artist's black ink signature and red seal are at the lower left corner of the image. The 6mm circular seal of the publisher Watanabe (used 1946-1957) is at the lower right corner. An additional Watanabe seal is on the back at the lower right corner...

Japanese limited edition sosaku hanga woodblock print depicting three chickens titled “Jealousy” by Kiyoshi Saito (1907-1997) dated 1952. Pencil-signed and numbered 91/300 in the bottom margin. Visible paper size: 14 3/4" x 10 1/4" (image: 13 3/4" x 9 1/4). Framed size: 24 7/8” x 19 3/4.” Visibly in very good overall condition and color. The print is currently framed but can be purchased and shipped either framed or unframed...

Striking black and white Janiform crest from a dance mask. H. 32 cm. Good condition with expected age wear. Ca. mid 20th century. Provenance: private collection, The Netherlands. This item will be exhibited at the Tribal Art Fair Amsterdam, October 25th-27th www.tribalartfair.nl

Pair of Chinese late Qing dynasty Guangxu period hexagonal form hat stands with melon form vent holes decorated in underglaze blue on a white porcelain ground with various figures interspersed among auspicious objects. Scrolling vines are at the top of one. The interiors are glazed with only the footrims left unglazed. Circa 1900. 10 1/2" high each. Very good overall condition. One had a small professionally executed repair to an edge that is not visible to the eye or under black light...

Chinese or Vietnamese wooden Christian cross with beautiful lotus and vines decoration inlaid in engraved mother of pearl. Condition: center with chipped area (please see photo no. 7) and few lost inlays, rearside with paper residue. Dimension: 46.7 cm x 24.2 cm x 1.8 cm.

Of reddish wood with fine grain, this Maori Wahaika Patu measures 15 1/4" long and roughly 5 1/8" wide. The top has a figural face or mask carved in reticulated form, with a hole for attachment to the wrist. The club has a hooked section, used to grab the opponent's weapon and remove it. The central area contains a notched section where ribbons or feathers would have been attached for more dramatic and fierce presentation. The figure on the side always faces the back, to frighten any opponen...

DPRK / North Korean Museum Book Neolithic, Koryo Dynasty etc..

The great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung said: "Our nation, celebrated for its long history and brilliant culture, has contributed a great deal of scientific creations and inventions to the treasure house of human culture since the ancient times."

Part of the introduction to this fine book. This is the most recent publication of a fine selection of exhibits from the Korean Central History Museum that stands in Kim Il Sung Square...

In lobed melon shape, this silver box features fine repousse designs all over the surface, with an applied branch holding various flowers and leaves. Underneath the branch is a large leaf with numerous pointed ends, all stamped and decorated. It measures 5 1/2" high, 5 3/4" in diameter and weighs roughly 11 troy ounces. Stamped T900 on the base. The lid fits tightly, and the box is in good condition, no apparent dents, losses, or other damage. It is probably Turkish, though similar forms are...

Rare pre-earthquake "chirimen-e" (creped) Japanese “mitsugiri-ban” format shin hanga woodblock print by Takahashi Shotei, also known as Hiroaki (1871 - 1945) titled “Starlight Night” published by Watanabe circa 1918. Red Shotei seal at the lower right. Paper size: 5 3/8" x 12." (margins included). This image is cataloged as #M-17 on the informative website www.shotei.com. For image comparison, their section on variant print designs illustrates both the pre-earthquake and post-earthquake...

Japanese Meiji period woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) depicting the torture of a politically dissident woman titled “Muraoka, Head Lady-in-waiting of the Konoe Clan Bound with Rope” from the series “Personalities of Recent Times” published by Yamato Shimbunsha in 1887. Known image size: 12 15/16" x 8 13/16." Purchased at and framed by Robyn Buntin Gallery, Honolulu in a very high end frame. Visibly in very good overall condition with embossed highlights evident. Not...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print titled “Azuma Shrine and the Entwined Camphor” (#31) depicting boats passing through the Jukkengawa Canal with cherry blossoms lining the embankment from the series “One Hundred Views of Famous Places in Edo” by Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) published by Uoya Eikichi (Uoei) in 7/1856. Paper: nearly 14” x 9 3/8” (image: 13 3/8” x 8 5/8”). Very good color and overall condition. There are tape stains to the margin edges verso that show through ...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print by Toyokuni I (1769-1825) depicting the kabuki actor Nakamura Utaemon III portraying a sake peddler encountering a dog from a set of eight prints published by Yamamoto Heikichi in 1815. Kiwame censor’s seal. Paper size: 14" x just under 10." Very good overall condition and color with some typical minor wear. There is wormage evident that is well disguised and stabilized by an album backing. The print is tipped at the top two corners to a backing sheet b...

Wonderful charged figure with a good encrusted patina. H. 14,5 cm. Provenance: Dutch private collection.

Two Chinese late Qing dynasty Guangxu period porcelain lidded ginger jars densely decorated around the circumference in famille rose enamels with a continuous spring fishing festival scene. This pattern is often referred to as the "one hundred boys" motif. Children are on the street performing the dragon dance, participants are seated in a dragon boat, and onlookers watch from a bridge and a traditional building. A large pine tree set against a mountain decorates the back of the jar. The int...

Chinese Qing dynasty stem cup with everted rim decorated around the exterior of the cup with two faintly incised green five-clawed dragons chasing a flaming pearl set against an egg-yolk yellow background. A green phoenix is at the interior well. A six-character kaishu form underglaze blue Guangxu mark is at the bottom of the interior stem. Probably of the period and dating circa 1900. 3 3/8” high x just under 4 1/2" diameter; weighs 120 grams (4 1/4 ounces). Finely potted and lightweight fo...

Bronze incense burner in form of Foo Lion or Dog, with removable head. Measures 6 1/4" high, 4" wide, and 2 3/4" wide. An early bronze, dates to early Qing and possibly late Ming. Dark patina, with much oxidation and variation in color to surface. Lighter bronze evident on bottoms of feet and where it has been handled. Incised details on tail and legs, with swirling cloud or wave motif on body and head. As is the nature of these Foo Lions, this one has a fierce expression, all to protect f...

Measuring 15 1/2" high and 4 1/2" wide, this bronze alam, or standard, is from the Deccan region of India, and iwas used in ceremonial parades or other functions, carried on a pole by a leader or religious person. Used in the Islamic culture, it is heavy bronze, and this one was made in two sections, the handle attached with a heavy handmade screw. Often abstract, they also may have representational images, such as the peacocks here. Of cast bronze, the peacocks stand below a blade with an ...

Japanese shin hanga woodblock print triptych titled “Pine,” Plum,” and “Bamboo” from the “Friendly Garden Series” commissioned by the Franklin Mint and published by the Yoshida Family Studio in 1980. Each of the three prints is pencil-signed in kanji at the lower right margin and black ink signed and titled at the lower left image. The artist’s red seal is below the black ink signature. The three prints have been reframed with archival materials and UV Plexiglas in the origina...

Consisting of 32 jade or greenstone precolumbian beads, this necklace has exceptional size and quality of stones, most with a rich green color and polished surface. There are 12 tubular or barrel beads, some quite large (the largest 1 7/8"), with a variety of round or flattened round beads. The largest of the round beads measures 7/8" across and is seen at the middle, next to the one disc bead, which is slightly wider. The beads have been restrung on a braided cord, with a modern S hook clos...

A small bulbous Chinese porcelain vase finely painted with two dragons among clouds chasing the flaming pearl in the "famille verte" palette. Condition: fine, minor wear to decoration. Dimension: 12.7 cm high.

Large in size, this deep charger measures 14 3/4" in diameter and is 3 1/4" deep. It stands on a high foot. Historically referred to as Swatow ware, it is more accurately from Zhangshou and dates to the late Ming era. it was specifically made for the south China market. Polychrome wares are less common, most pieces were glazed in celadon shades with blue decoration. As with all wares from this era and location, they were all quickly painted, with less emphasis upon detail than porcelain war...

Chinese Qing dynasty porcelain dish decorated in the doucai style with a central roundel holding an underglaze blue five-clawed dragon among clouds surrounded by a famille rose enamel butterfly among five clusters of leafy stems holding three peaches each. A geometric blue band extends around the inner rim. The outer edge holds three famille rose enameled floral sprays. A six-character blue kaishu form Guangxu mark (1875-1908) is on the base. Probably of the period. 5 1/4” diameter x abou...

A spectacular Ikebana basket, dating to late Meiji or Taisho era, in beautiful condition. It measures 11 3/4" high (one side is slightly lower, 11 1/2") and is 15" wide. It retains the original metal liner. Woven of varying size strips of bamboo, the design is complex, demonstrating the fine skill of the basket maker. No breaks or losses, just minor wear from usage. There is a bit of dust in the woven areas, which we have not attempted to remove or clean. One of the finest examples of Ik...

Occupation era original Japanese shin hanga woodblock print titled "Spring Evening at the Kintai Bridge" by Kawase Hasui (1883-1957) dated in the lower left margin Showa 22 (1947). The artist's black ink signature and red seal are at the lower left corner of the image. The 6mm circular seal of the publisher Watanabe (used 1946-1957) is at the lower right corner. Paper size: 15 5/8" x 10 3/8" (image size: slightly over 14 1/4" x 9 1/2"). Very good overall condition. Possibly lightly faded. The...

Pair of Chinese porcelain bowls decorated in famille rose enamels with an opposing long-tailed phoenix and five-clawed dragon chasing flaming pearls among clouds over green waves. An orange-red five-clawed sinewy dragon among flames is in the interior well. A six-character kaishu iron-red Guangxu mark is on the base. Probably of the period and circa 1900. Custom stands and a padded silk presentation box are included. 7 3/4” diameter, 3 1/4” high. Very good overall condition with no chips...

This is an exceptionally fine yoni, of great size and beautifully crafted. It measures 22" long, 9" wide, and is 6 1/2" high. Heavy weight, 10 pounds. The workmanship is excellent, all hand hammered and sculpted in perfect form. The top is adorned with raised ridges and lines, and the tail is perfectly flared. The center area is recessed, with a deep channel that extends to the end of the yoni. The yoni is a ceremonial vessel in the Hindu culture, and represents the Goddess Shakti. It is ...

Nice old Navajo bracelet, all hand stamped, on interior also, with applied crescent shapes around the central turquoise stone set in a straight bezel. Interior measurement 5 1/2", opening 1 1/4", outside measurement 6 1/8", and 1" wide band. In good condition, with wear to surface and slight abrasions to silver, turquoise in good condition, shows matrix and smooth shiny surface. Signed sterling on interior, with initials MEG or MEL. From collection of older Navajo jewelry. The interior stam...

Large Japanese Imari porcelain charger decorated in a free-form pattern of underglaze blue geometric, floral, and phoenix bird patterns with overglaze polychrome and gilt highlights. Two white floral areas in the center are raised in slight "moriage" relief, giving the charger a rich texture. The underglaze blue decoration on the back surrounds a six-character apocryphal Chinese Ming dynasty Chenghua reign mark. Japanese porcelains of the Meiji Period were frequently marked with spurious Chin...

An antique flattened flask from Oman once used to fill the powder-pan of a matchlock gun, after 1880 often used as amulets. Made of solid silver beautifully decorated with granulation and filigree work and some gilding. Condition: some traces of usage and wear to gilding. Dimension: 17.8 cm long, weight: 212 g.

A Mingei style sculpture of a sake-sprite (Shojo) making off with a barrel of rice wine on his shoulder dating from the 19th century. This architectural work was likely originally part of a gate, and would have been a welcome sign to thirsty fellows after a day of work. Carved from a single piece of hard Keyaki wood, It is in excellent condition. 28 x 12 x 5 inches (71 x 13 x 13 cm). Keyaki as a wood is known for its hardness, beautiful grain and pest resistance.

A perfect example of the Early Edo Tea aesthetic in this Chatsubo dating from the first half of the Edo period, a splash of black over rust with a white glazed waste from the Seto region around modern day Nagoya. It comes with an ancient wooden bung and wrapping cloth. The pot is roughly 27 cm (11 inches) tall and in overall excellent condition, with typical wear around the foot. No cracks or repairs. Called Koshijiro (White wasted) this style became popular in the end of the 16th century, an...

Miniature Chinese late Qing to Republic period wucai tripod censer with compressed body raised on three tapered legs decorated in underglaze blue and famille verte overglaze enamels with a pair of confronted green and red five-clawed dragons chasing a flaming pearl among clouds and flames set against a white porcelain ground. Two upright loop handles are at the rim. A six-character underglaze blue kaishu form Ming dynasty Chenghua reign mark is on the front of the waisted neck. Late 19th to e...

Hints of the finest powdered gold gleam on the edges of this ghostly white tea bowl dating from the early Edo period. Iron-like freckles pepper the surface which is subtly clouded with soft color. The base is almost entirely covered in glaze, the glimpses of earth worn dark with age and use. It comes wrapped in a silk bag with an age darkened kiri wood box titled Hagi Chawan and named within Kan-no-yuki annotated by Yabunouchi Chikusojochi (1864-1942) 11th head of the Yabunouchi school of tea...

A lovely set of Dingyao Cup and Stand are well preserved.
They are in small sizes but in great condition .

Date: AD960-1127.

Cup width: 7.2cm,
Stand Width:8.1cm.

A custom-made cotton box is included

A set of figurines depicting a courtly Chinese couple by Miyanaga Tozan enlclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Choan no Haru from the Tang period tales. Each is expertly molded and painstakingly decorated in a Kyo-satsuma style signed in gold on the base of each. They stand roughly 13 inches (33 cm) tall each and are in excellent condition. The title calls to mind any number of ancient Chinese poems. The same title was also given to an important book by Ishida Kannosuke published...

A young girl reaches up to steady herself on a branch laden with plum buds, not yet ready to open, as she presses down on the ice with her bright red shoes. This is an absolutely darling image by Chishima Kayo, which came to us as a silk makuri (never having been mounted) painting, which our restorer placed in this natural field allowing the painting to show itself.
Chishima Kayo (b. 1890) was a female artist of the Meiji to early Showa periods. She was born in Saitama and studied init...

A rare set of five tiny Gosu cups for drinking Gyokuro steaped tea from the Shidehara kiln of Sanda in Hyogo prefecture dating from mid to later 19th century (Late Edo to Meiji). Fish circle the cups as they swim among water plants. Each cup is 2 inches (5 cm) diameter and in great condition.
Shidehara was a kiln established in the Sanda district of Hyogo prefecture in the mid 18th century. They created works based on continental styles of Gosu, Sometsuke, aka-e and later celadon. It ...

A refined set of 5 later Edo Sake cups in a hybrid E-gorai style from the Kosobe kiln of Igarashi Shinbei decorated with pale blue designs (gnarled plum trees?) under thick cream colored glaze on very thinly potted clay blended with shiseki for great effect. This is likely the work of the second or third generation Shinbei, both known for their Korai-Utsushi (Korean style) wares. Each cup is 2-1/2 inches (6.5 cm) diameter. They are in surprisingly good condition, with no cracks. There are a ...

Description: A Dingyao Dish was applied with characteristic creamy white glaze.
In elegantly curved rim, the dish was decorated in the center with carved floral pattern.
It was preserved in perfect condition except some burial stains were left on the surface.

Date: Northern Song Dynasty AD960-1127

Width :12cm.

A Custom-made cotton box is included.

Set of four Chinese Qing dynasty porcelain wine cups each decorated in underglaze blue and overglaze iron-red enamel with two four-clawed dragons chasing a flaming pearl. An underglaze blue geometric border is at the rim and blue waves surround the foot. The interior well holds five blue bats surrounding a shou (longevity) symbol. A six-character underglaze blue zhuanshu square form Qianlong mark is on the base. Possibly mark and period. There are faint lightly incised “CHINA” marks to ...

Pair of Joseon dynasty or later Korean wood wedding ducks with subtly modeled feathers covered in layers of oiled stained paper, the heads separately carved and inserted by their long necks into a hole in the body. Each has a typical rectangular recess on the base. The heads have circular eyes and slits in the long beaks. These were traditionally presented by the groom to the parents of the future bride and were displayed during the wedding. The male and female ducks and geese were believed ...

Chinese Qing dynasty ink and color on silk painting of a maiden in a garden setting seated on rockery and holding a flower under a willow tree. The ink inscription at the upper left states the painting was executed in the guimao year (1843) after Ming artist Tang Yin (1470-1524). Signed Wujin artist Tang Luming (1804-1874) and with two red artist seals, "Tang Luming yin" and "Lemin." An unidentified collector’s seal is at the lower left. Framed with UV Plexiglas. 19th century. Frame size...

Remnants of yellow glaze covers this Heishi (Heiji) bottle form from the Owari-Seto area engraved clearly about the neck with three lines. A quintessential Kamakura pot. There is much degradation to the glaze typical of Seto which has withstood a millennium of earthquake, fire, war and abuse. That anything survives so long in Japan is miraculous. It is 9-1/2 inches (24 cm) tall, 6-1/2 inches (16.5 cm) diameter and comes wrapped in old cloth in an old wooden box.

An Edo period image of plums blossoming on thick branches by Kitayama Kangan. Ink on paper in a patterned cloth mounting with beige piping in the Mincho style so popular int eh 19th century and featuring bone rollers. It is 21-1/2 x 78-1/2 inches (55 x 199 cm). Some minor loss to the piping at the top of the scroll, otherwise in surprisingly good condition.
Kitayama Kangan (Ba Moki, 1767-1801) was the grandson of a Chinese émigré. He studied painting under his father Ba Doryo (Also us...

An early and rare Japanese copper plaque showing a bird on a prunus mume twig, worked in dull colored cloisonné enamels, the reverse with green contre-émail. The former owner attributed this artwork to an artist of the "Japonisme Movement". Condition: bubble bursts, a hairline (see photo No. 5). Dimension: 20.3 cm x 20.3 cm x 0.3 cm.

Set of four Chinese Qing dynasty porcelain wine cups decorated in the doucai style in underglaze blue and overglaze famille rose enamels with a butterfly among flowering plants. An underglaze blue geometric border is at the rim. A six-character blue kaishu Daoguang mark (1821-1859) is on the base and the set is probably of the period. There are faint lightly incised “CHINA” marks to the bases for export purposes. About 3 3/8” diameter x slightly over 2 1/2” high. Very good overall c...

A small square gold lacquer Japanese incense container with rounded corners. The lid is decorated with a relief of waves and rocks, inlaid in mother-of-pearl and lead. Interior and base with nashiji, the rims covered with lead. Later tomobako. Dimension: c. 9.5 cm x 7.5 cm x 2.5 cm. Condition: few traces of usage, a tiny chip (see photo No. 2 at 2 o'clock).

Long Chinese Qing dynasty hardwood bench crafted with four panels on the back rest, a curved front apron, and comfortable armrests. 19th century. 74 3/4" long x 29" high (17 1/2" high to seat) x 23" deep (21 1/4" depth of seat). Very sturdy and in very good overall condition. There are some minor separations from our dry Arizona climate. There is a small wood loss and old filled crack at one side of the bottom apron. From an old Tempe, Arizona estate.

A lovely hand formed bowl in the shape of an inverted mushroom with brush strokes (Kushi-me) defining the gills and the bulbous stipe laying like a handle to one side. A speckled yellow glaze (typical of Maiko) covers the sandy clay, with a drape of green and white seeping like milk from one side. It is roughly 21 cm (8 inches) diameter and in excellent condition, stamped on the base Mahiko (In traditional writing the character for Hi is interchangeable with the character for I as is Fu and U)...

Aluminium casted shamanic figure showing a shaman seated and playing the drum H 26.5 cm More information on request

Chinese late Qing dynasty red silk temple hanging or altar frontispiece embroidered in metallic-couched and polychrome silk threads. The lower section features a stand holding a variety of vessels. A pair of bats and a pair of butterflies fly around a censer at the left that is emitting fumes. At the center of the stand, a central vase is filled with blossoming flowers while a vessel behind it contains fruit. A vessel at the right holds a variety of objects. A horizontal panel at the top ho...

Chinese late Qing dynasty Han style lady's jacket with a deep blue silk brocade background woven with bats among clouds. The sleeve bands are embroidered with cranes among branches laden with fruit and flowers set against a white ground bordered with woven ribbon accents. The collar, side closure, and ruyi head-form hem are all embroidered with butterflies and stylized flowers edged in yellow silk and ribbons set against a white ground. Five floral form metal buttons secure the side closure. ...

A nice assortment of eighteen ancient gold beads. Ancient gold beads are made from natural occurring gold which makes it an original old item. Will make a beautiful necklace. Weight: 15.36 grams. Size: See last photo.

A lacquer box decorated with a Rimpa style thatched house under blossoming tree by Kamisaka Sekka dating from the late Taisho period. It is 12.5 x 12.5 x 6 cm (5 x 5 x 2 inches) and is in excellent condition. An identical box which was part of the permanent collection of the Ruth and Sherman Lee Institute along with the original design sketch is visible on page 154 of the book Kamisaka Sekka: Rimpa Master - Pioneer of Modern Design published by the Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art in 2003. ...