Golden threads are woven into a home for the large three-dimensional spider crawling over the scrolling edge of this caramel-colored dish dating from the Meiji era. It comes enclosed in an age darkened wooden box titled Akahada Kashibachi (Akahada Sweets dish). It is roughly 16 x 18 cm (6 x 7 inches) and in excellent condition. The clay is consistent with the sandy texture of Akahada, however the color is quite unusual.
Akahada Pottery began in the Momoyama period (1573-1603)...

A large exquisite vessel by Miura Chikusen III enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hakuji Chokoku Unryu-e Kabin (White Porcelain Vase Carved with Clouds and Dragons), the box signed by both Chikusen and the woodworker (Sashimono-shi) Hosai. It retains the original rosewood stand, presumably made by Hosai. The vase is 37 cm (14-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition. It dates from between 1921 and 1931...

A very rare pair of porcelain vases decorated with Plum Pine and Bamboo by Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan I enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Makuzu Gama Seika Shochikubai no Shuku-ga Kabin (Makuzu Kiln Plum Pine and Bamboo Celebratory Image Vases). Bamboo rise up majestically, the blossoming plum branches wrapping opposite each other, with baby pines growing on the back. All traditional symbols of celebration...

MAP OF RIVER

Edo period's hand drawing map capturing the certain area of Kitakami river in Iwate, Japan, approx. 42 x 31.5cm (16.53 x 12.40in). Washi Japanese paper, in creased and stained condition as is. The last two photos were shotten up through the natural light...

A vibrant bowl in the shape of an aubergine decorated with soaring cranes and clouds by Heian Isso enclosed in the original artist signed wooden box, the inside of which is decorated with a wispy poem by friend and compatriot Otagaki Rengetsu. The bowl is large at 26 x 29.5 x 7 cm (10 x 11-1/2 x 3 inches) and is in excellent condition. This is a very interesting piece, clearly made by Isso, but the box decorated by Rengetsu, showing the depth of their friendship and artist relationship...

An elephant with pagoda on its back forms this three-piece koro incense burner from the Kairakuen Feudal kiln of the Tokugawa family stamped on the belly with the Kairakuen seal. It is magnificently sculpted, standing 31 cm (12 inches) tall and in excellent condition. It comes in a wooden collector’s box. Inside the lid is a long verse detailing the origins of Kairakuen pottery written and attested to by important Meiji to Taisho period pottery legend Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan I...

A fabulous mid Edo period bronze brazier with satin luster made up of a basin supported by four small rabbits with two small gourd shaped handles suspended from a belt of archaic designs. The top is a large dome pierced with geometric designs known as incense clock patterns and featuring a large hinged circular opening in front. It is 22 cm diameter, 34.5 cm tall (8-1/2 x 13-1/2 inches) and in excellent condition...

A set of five small porcelain tea cups made by Takahashi Dohachi with decoration design by famous literati artist Tomioka Tessai. Each cup is 5.5 cm diameter, 4 cm tall and all are in excellent condition. They come in an age darkened wooden box titled Dohachi Saku Sometsuke Sencha Chawan.
Tomioka Tessai (1837-1924) was a scholar artist trained from age seven in the traditional Confucian manner...

A breathtaking pair of 19th century (Meiji period) sake cups decorated with hawks stored in silk pouches and enclosed in a red lacquered period wood box. In the basin two hawks, one perched in a pine accented with inlayed mother of pearl, the other soaring high overhead, are depicted in minute detail in raised gold designs. Opposite waves crash over rocks speckled with solid gold lichen. The cups are 10.5 cm (4-1/4 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.

An accordion album featuring calligraphy and paintings by various well known Zen priests of the first half of the 20th century. Including the opening there are 30 pages. The book is 22 x 31 cm and in overall fine condition. The opening pages are by Kutsu Deiryu (Izawa Kanshu 1895-1954, head priest of Kaiseiji), the famous protégé of Nakahara Nantenbo. It is followed by;
1. Daruma by Goto Zuigan, 1878-1965, Myoshinji, Daitokuji
2...

Pine Tray with Kintsugi gold and silver lacquer repairs featuring an intricate depiction of a butterfly in silver and gold maki-e flying around a pool formed of the natural dark and light wood grain...

A stunning delicate cup made from a hollowed egg-shell. Inside is matte-black with patches of gold gilding, while outside the silhouettes of pines and a soaring Hototogisu (cuckoo) are deftly brushed with shiny black lacquer. The imagery instantly calls to mind Japanese poetry, which extols the song of the cuckoo, a harbinger of Spring and warmer weather. There is also something melancholy about the cuckoo call, as they are always deep in the forest, out of sight and alone. This is simply a p...

A rare large piece of Edo period Fushina Yaki pottery in the form of a parallelogram shaped box decorated on all sides with landscapes, including what is likely a view of Matsue castle, home of the Matsudaira clan. On hte lid cranes soar between garden rock formations. Inside a SEa Turtle, said to live 1000 years, occupies the center. Called a Jikiro, these types of large containers were used for serving and storing prepared foods. More commonly associated with tea, large works like this from...

Large Japanese Meiji period rounded square form black lacquered wood deep tray decorated in gold and polychrome accents with three birds among flowers and bamboo above a stream at the bottom. The rim is gold. 14 3/4" square with a lip nearly 2 1/4" high. Late 19th to early 20th century. Very good overall condition with only a few fine scratches on the back and a few tiny dings on the top edge. From the collection of a Japanese woman in Tucson, Arizona.

This is the pinnacle of production for imperial artist Seifu Yohei III, a large Taihakuji porcelain vase with carved designs enclosed in the original signed wood box. Museum quality would be an understatement. Seifu III was known to have made few large works, so this is a very important piece, and Taihakuji was his most appreciated style. Here we see two pheasants in a blossoming tree overlooking a large crag, with clouds brimming about the rim, all in carved relief. It is signed on the base D...

Cranes rest in the boughs of a massive blue pine overlaying the white clouds billowing on the pink tinged body of this large vase by Seifu Yohei III enclosed in a signed wooden box annotated by Seifu IV. An identical vase held in the collection of the Ashmolean is visible on page 19 in the book Sandai Seifu Yohei (Seki Kazuo, 2012). Seifu III was known to have made few large works, so this is a very important piece. It is signed on the base Dai-Nippon Seifu Zo. It is 46 cm (18 inches) tall, 26...

A small Nabeshima plate or bowl decorated with three stylized chrysanthemun medaillons among radial motifs. The back showing the "shippo" pattern with ribbons and foot ring with comb pattern in underglaze blue. Condition: fine, minimal wear, no restorations, hairlines or chips. Dimension: diameter: c. 15.5 cm, 3.5 cm high.

Two Sometsuke tea containers decorated with scholarly scenes and lengthy calligraphic prose by Seifu Yohei I enclosed in a double wood box (ni-ju-bako) annotated by the fourth generation Seifu. They are 6.5 cm square, 13 cm tall. One has a some damage to the inner rim, a chip in the lid and a nick in the glaze of the bottom corner. Repairs can be performed at cost if desired
Seifu Yohei I (1803-1861) founded the Seifu dynasty in Kyoto. He was born in powerful Kaga-kuni, modern day Kan...

Japanese mid-century sosaku hanga woodblock print by Kiyoshi Saito (1907-1997) titled "Winter in Aizu" from a series by the same name. Signed in black ink at the lower right and with the artist's red Kiyoshi seal above. Unlimited edition dating circa 1960s. Paper size: 11 9/16" x 17 1/8" (image: about 10" x 15 1/4). Very good overall condition and color with full margins. The print is very lightly sunstruck and there is a small faint browned spot in the center bottom by the margin. There ar...

First edition Japanese shin hanga woodblock print titled “Hawk on a Snow-covered Branch” by Ohara Koson (1878-1945), also known as Shoson, published by Watanabe in 1926. The Watanabe “A” seal (used 1924-1930) is located at the lower left margin. The artist's signature and seal are at the lower right section of the image. Paper: 15 1/8" x 10 1/8" (plate: 14 1/4" x 9 7/16"). Very good overall condition. There is a small archivally repaired tear at the upper left. The upper edges of t...

An unusually large vase by Seifu Yohei III with carved cloud designs covered in mottled red flambe glaze. The box is titled Dawn-cloud-glazed Vase, Made by the former Seizan (alternate name used by Seifu III) dated Late in the Year of the Earth-Horse in the Taisho era (1918), attested to by the 4th generation Seifu. He has employed the Teishitsu Gigei-in seal of the third generation on the lid. There is a large, broad repair to the foot in colored lacquer, so it is likely the vase was never o...

Japanese pencil-signed first edition shin hanga woodblock print titled "Kagurazaka Dori" (Kagurakaza Street after a Night Rain) from the series "Twelve Scenes of Tokyo" by Hiroshi Yoshida (1876-1950) dated Showa 4 (1929). The jizure (self-printed) seal is in the upper left margin. The artist's black ink brush signature and red seal is at the lower right corner of the image. The print is titled in English and pencil-signed in the bottom margin. The left margin contains the date and title in Jap...

Japanese shin hanga woodblock print titled “Tasogare” (aka Dusk or Twilight) by Yamakawa Shuho (1898-1944) depicting a beauty in dressed summer kimono holding an uchiwa (non-folding fan) from the series “Four Images of Women” published by Bijutsusha in April 1928. This is the oban edition with gaufrage and mica highlights. The Shuho signature and red maple leaf seal are at the upper right. Plate: 14 1/4” x 9 3/8” (visible paper size: 14 5/8” x 10 1/8”); frame: 21" x 16 5/8." ...

Japanese dai-oban size shin hanga woodblock print titled “Mt. Rainier in Winter” by Toshi Yoshida (1911-1995) dated 1972. The print is dated and titled in English and Japanese at the lower left margin corner. The artist's black ink signature and red seal are at the lower right corner of the image. The print is pencil-signed in the lower right margin. Plate: 11 3/4" x 19 1/2" (visible paper size" 12 3/8" x 20 1/4"); frame: 19 1/2" x 27 1/2." Framed with archival materials. The print has...

Oversized abstract mixed media print on heavy embossed paper titled "Yin-Yang" by Taiwanese artist Liao Shiou-ping (born 1936) dating circa 1980. Pencil-signed, numbered 7/50, and pencil-titled in Chinese and English in the lower margin. Very good overall condition with minor soiling and paper discoloration to the front, sight creasing and toning of the edges, and toning to the back. Paper size: 29 7/8" x 22". In the 1970's, Liao was invited by the Japanese government to set up a printmaking w...

Modern limited-edition Japanese etching by Takahiko Hayashi (b. 1961) titled “The Wind Filled with Roots, Countless Small Beginnings” dated 2001. Pencil-signed, titled in kanji, and numbered 45/50 in the bottom margin. Paper: 25” x 23” (frame: 26” x 23 1/2"). Very good overall condition. Floated on an archival mat in a shadow-box frame with UV glass. The wood moulding has a coppered finish. From a Tucson, Arizona collection.

A young girl, her hair loosely bound, drifts off into a fond memory with a smile as she brushes a letter, the reem of paper draped from her left hand, the bamboo brush idle in her right. Incredible detail from the Kinkozan Kiln in Kyoto stamped on the pale clay of the base. It is 18 cm (7 inches) long, roughly the same height and in excellent condition. Better known for Kyo-satsuma style pottery works, this is a rarity.

A pale glazed Kyo-yaki ceramic figurine of a rabbit by Takahashi Dohachi III decorated across the back with a poem by the poet-nun Otagaki Rengetsu. The poem reads:
Usagira ga Rabbits
gamanoho-iro no kegoromo wa Fur robes the color of cattails...
kamiyo nagara ni ki kae zaru ran. Remain un-changed since the age of Gods.
This was crafted by a professional potter, the brushwork by Rengetsu, much crisper than normal thanks to the smooth surface and higher grad...

This little guy is just about the cutest thing I have ever seen. A tiny mouse rests atop a bulging white radish, bristling blue leaves in full detail attached as if pulled fresh from the ground. Dating from the 19th century (later Edo to early Meiji period), it comes enclosed in an age darkened wooden box titled Daikon Nezumi Futamono (Radish/Mouse Lidded Receptacle). I confess in over 25 years dealing in Japanese art and antiques I have never seen one like it. It is in excellent condition. ...

Small figure in urushi lacquer. Unusual model of a doll wearing large dress with details of flowers in mother-of-pearl and gold leaf. It suggests the gosho ningyo, which may have served as a model. Techniques of lacquer : golden background kinji, gold lacquer, silver lacquer, kanagai, kirikane, maki-e , nashiji. Unsigned. Japan Edo (1603-1868) 18th century. Height : 5,4 cm.

Small Kagamibuta, the walrus tooth bowl, the shibuichi plate decorated with an eagle. Restoration on the bowl. Edo Japan (1603 - 1868). Late 19th century. Diameter : 3 cm

A wispy bearded sage clutches his staff, robes draped loosely about his emaciated frame as he peers ahead in interest, a curious smile on his wizened visage. The figure is beautifully crafted with a slightly textured patina and signed on the base Seiko. Slight wear to the base reveals the pure gold of the underlying bronze. It is 36.5 cm (14-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent original condition.

Large scalloped edge Japanese Imari charger with fan shaped decoration, featuring phoenix bird, flowers, foliage, with gilt details. Very large, measures 17" in diameter, 2" deep on nice foot. Back has spur marks from firing, under glaze blue decoration on edge. The charger is fluted, with scalloped edges, under glaze blue design with red and green enamel decoration in fine detail. A flying phoenix bird is at the top, with gilded details, over a large fan with floral and foliate designs thro...

Japanese Bizen figure of a standing Shishi, Foo Lion or Dog, well sculpted, with very fine details depicting his fur, teeth, claws, and other white glaze spots outlining his tail and facial fur, his large eyes with dark shiny glaze. Anatomically correct. He measures 8" high, 8 1/2" wide, and 5" deep, and is quite heavy, though body does appear to be somewhat hollow, as there is a hole for releasing the pressure when firing. His stance is fierce, his body well muscled and powerful, and he was ...

Japanese Edo period thickly potted Seto stoneware circular form dish with raised edge designed to hold lantern oil. The cream-colored crackle glaze dish is decorated in copper brown in the fukizumi (blown ink) style with a central fish laid over a jar. These dishes were fired in stacks and six spur marks are barely visible in the interior. A Japanese label remains attached to the back. Early to mid-19th century. 8 3/8” diameter x 1 1/8” high. Good overall condition with some typical small ...

Flowers of the four seasons blossom in a cacophony of color over the entirety of this Kutani vase signed from the pre-eminent Kaburaki (Kaburagi) studio dating from the opening of the 20th century. The imagery is exquisitely performed with over-glaze enamels on a sheer white ground. The vase is large at 19 cm (7-1/2 inches) tall and is in excellent condition, with some wear to the gold rim. It comes enclosed in an old custom made kiri-wood box.
Kaburaki, along with Yoshidaya, were the pree...

An image of the sleeping Shojo (sake Sprite) by the 12th generation Sakaida Kakiemon enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Taihaku Shojo Bori Okimono. The ordinarily playful figure is performed in pure white, a serene look upon his sleeping face creating an almost holy feeling, the ladle fallen at his knee, leaning against a barrel of sake, the empty jar the only color. The image is 31 x 21 x 16 cm (12 x 8 x 6 inches) and is in excellent condition. Sakaida Kakiemon (1878-1963) w...

A silver rabbit and large solid bronze figure of the young god O-kuninushi no Mikado by Oshima Joun on a black lacquered stand enclosed in the original signed and red lacquered wooden box with separate compartments for the table and figure. Here we see O-kuninushi seated beside his bundle of belongings, hand extended in benevolence to the meek creature. The box is titled O-kuninushi Go-Zo, Go Okimono, Tobu Oshimia Joun Sakku followed by a ka-o signature. Inside is written the characters SoNeK...

A set of five porcelain tea cups by Ninnami Dohachi decorated with bamboo and poetry by Nukina Kaioku (Suo) enclosed in a superb custom period kiri-wood box with rosewood edges. Each cup is 2 inches (5 cm) tall, 2-1/2 inches (6 cm) diameter. There are old gold repairs to two of the cups, otherwise are in fine condition.
Nukina Kaioku (1778-1863) was born into a samurai family in Awa, on the island of Shikoku a patron of the Hachisuka clan. In frail health, he was excluded from the stri...

Vintage Japanese Showa period ink and color on silk scrolled painting of an autumn landscape with mountains in the background and tiny horses and figures in the foreground by Kawashima Baikan (1902-1977). Black ink signature and red artist’s seal at the lower right. Signed tomobako wood presentation box. Mid-20th century. Painting: 17 5/5” x 20 1/8” (scroll: 54 1/2” x 26”). Very good overall condition.

A breathtaking Taireiji pottery vase by Kiyomizu Rokubei V enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Chrysantheum in raised relief grow ghosly white on the soft pink surface. It is 32 cm 12-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition. Taireiji was the most important development by this innovative artist, and pieces are exceedingly rare.
Kiyomizu Rokubei V (Shimizu Kuritaro, 1875-1959) initially studied painting and decorating technique under Kono Bairei, one of the foremost painters...

An incredible Flambe glazed vase by Kiyomizu Rokubei V on a black-wood stand enclosed in a massive red lacquered storage box heavily inscribed and signed by the artist. I rarely use the term, but this is Museum Quality, or perhaps I should more rightly say this unprecedented piece should be in a Museum! It is 55 cm tall (22 inches), 41 cm (16 inches) diameter. There is a firing flaw in one side (see close-up pictures). Less a box than a cabinet, inside the door is a long inscription which des...

A delicate white flower blossoms on the pink surface of this exquisite vessel by Kiyomizu Rokubei V which comes wrapped in the original stamped cloth sack and enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Taireiji Kabin. The vase is 22.5 cm (9 inches) tall and in excellent condition. Taireiji was the most important development by this innovative artist, and pieces are exceedingly rare.
Kiyomizu Rokubei V (Shimizu Kuritaro, 1875-1959) initially studied painting and decorating techniq...

A stunning large bowl decorated with overlapping palm leaves by Kiyomizu Rokubei V enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 24 cm (9-1/2 inches) diameter, 11 cm (4-1/4 inches) tall and in excellent condition. It certainly expresses the design skil and painting abilities of this important artist.
Kiyomizu Rokubei V (Shimizu Kuritaro, 1875-1959) initially studied painting and decorating technique under Kono Bairei, one of the foremost painters in Japan in the Meiji era. After gra...

A voluminous ink landscape built around two scholars viewing the cascade dropping into the canyon on this huge scroll by Tanaka Hakuin enclosed in the original signed wooden box dated Meiji 45 (1912). Performed with rich black ink against the sheer white paper, the mountainous crags and leafy forms built up in layers of gray and black. The scene is mounted in patterned silk with white piping in the Mincho style popular among literati painters in the era, and features huge bone rollers. It is ...

A full 7 piece Steeped Tea Sencha Tea Set by Kiyomizu Rokubei enclosed in the original age darkened wooden box titled Seika Sansui Chaki. There are five cups, a teapot with lid, and a cooling dish. Each piece is decorated with a unique scene and poem, no two are alike. They show the mastery of brushwork this important potter, originally trained as a painter, possessed. The cups are 8 cm (3-1/4 inches) diameter and all is in excellent condition.
Kiyomizu Rokubei V (Shimizu Kuritaro, 187...

Japanese Meiji Cast Iron Tetsubin with Signature - Hailstone Pattern

The cast iron tetsubin (teapot / kettle) is of course the central feature of the tea ceremony. This example was made during the Meiji period (1868 - 1912) or possibly a little later, the pattern to the upper part of the kettle known as the hailstone or nail head pattern. It has a copper cover that is a perfect fit. There is a signature to the right of the spout and there also appear to be seal marks to the base. To the inte...

Koi frolic, splashing gold and silver waves as they leap and battle for the top of this stacking food dish dating from the later 19th century. The design is striking! Outside is polished black loaded down with gold and silver maki-e with applied kirigane cut gold squares. Inside is festive red. The box (assembled) is 25 x 23 x 38 cm (10 x 9 x 15 inches). Some minor dings but overall, very nice condition for something which has seen use.

Maki-e Cranes soar and a gilded tortoise takes refuge on a rock on this magnificent sake set made of wood covered in lacquer with elaborate maki-e and applied gold designs. About the edge of the stand is a solid silver rim. The scenes are depicted with powdered gold and applied gold kirigane on red and black grounds. This is of the highest quality. The largest cup is about 12.5 cm (5 inches) diameter. The cups come in a red lacquered kiri-woood box with a padded silk pillow between each cup...

A sake set in the shape of a cha-usu tea powder grinding stone consisting of 7 pieces, each uniquely decorated with various creatures. The widest is a large sake cup decorated with cranes upon which rests the hai-dai stand, forming the base of the grinding stone. The cover is in the shape of the grinding stone itself, and forms a deep cup decorated inside with a hawk. Inside this are found three concentric cups decorated with crows, a carp and sparrows. The red grinding handle is in fact fil...

The comic-strip dog character Norakuro waves from the cockpit of this ceramic water-dropper (for grinding ink) in the shape of a war-plane. A waterdropper (suiteki) is filled with water and used to drip water onto a stone when grinding ink. This Suiteki has a wingspan of roughly 9.5 cm (just less than 4 inches). Norakuro is a black and white dog enlisted as a private in the “Mokenrentai” (Fierce Dog Brigade), an Imperial army of white dogs fighting in a war against the Monkey Army. In th...

A water bucket shaped earthenware vase finely painted with micro calligraphy in Kanji (Chinese characters), paper slips and chrysanthemum flowers in moriage technique. Base with "Kutani" mark. Dating to Taisho period or later. Condition: minor wear to gilding and colors, interior with few traces of usage. Dimension: c. 22.3 cm high, diameter: 8.2 cm, weight: 500 g.

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,...

An ancient pine and youthful bamboo rise in gold against a striking red background on this scroll set by Hirai Chokusui dated Mid-summer of Taisho 2 (1913) an enclosed in the original signed double wood box titled Ro-matsu Fu-chiku (ancient Pine, Wind in the Bamboo) Kindega Kenpon Sofuku (Gold Painted Silk Pair). The elegant scene is painted with gold on the finest red silk with gold border extended above and below with a deep solid Ichionji of burgundy wine wrapped in a field of azure washed ...

An original Edo period kōsatsu public proclamation dated Tenwa I (1681) detailing the laws against Christianity, rewards for turning in a Christian to the authorities, as well as punishment for the offenders. Of cypress wood with sumi ink, and a hand-forged iron loop for suspension from a post or gate. The signboard has a shallow peaked “roof” to protect the calligraphy from the rain. However decades in the weather have caused the original surface to wear and bake away the surface, leavi...

Early Edo Myochin Signed Nimai Do with Nanban influence featuring gilded kusazuri and sode laced with blue chord dated Genwa 3 (1620). There are rows of Prominent rivets all about with nobori-kiri crests on the top of the munaita. Comes with an old wrapping cloth dyed with the same crest. The Hon-kozane Kusazuri are removable, attached to two leather belts suspended from iron tongs about the waist. The takahimo shoulder straps are wrapped in leather. The shaped horn clasps are extant but on...

A rare and stunning set of Kinrande sake cups by the elusive Nakamura Shuto I enclosed in the original compartmentalized signed wooden box dating from the late Meiji to Taisho period. Crisp designs of shishi lions frolicking among peonies in genuine gold are expertly applied to the brilliant red outside, while inside landscapes of plum, pine and bamboo blossom in minute detail in Sometsuke blue on white. The artists seal is deeply impressed inside the foot ring. Each cup is 5.5 cm (2-1/4 inch...

Golden cranes soar among clouds etched into the surface of this solid silver Japanese hanging incense burner (Tsuri Koro) dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. Inside is an ash-cup suspended in a triple-hinged gimble which keeps the ash pot upright no matter the angle of the ball itself. On the side is impressed the official Kokuin which reads Jungin (pure silver). The cranes have a soft golden sheen and are likely gilded or damascened with gold. It hangs from three silk chords ti...

First edition pencil-signed Japanese shin hanga woodblock print by Takeji Asano (1900-2002) titled "Rain in Shinnyodo" in the lower margin and dated Showa 28 (1953) in the lower left margin. The artist's black ink signature is at the lower left corner of the image and the artist's name/signature is in pencil at the lower right. The left margin also bears the seal of the publisher Unsodo, the carver Okura, and the printer Shinmi. The "gei" watermark is at the lower left margin corner. This is a f...

A bronze bell dated Kanbun 10 (1670) which would have been suspended in front of a Shinto shrine worship hall, and struck with a knotted rope to awaken the gods to listen to one’s prayers. Inscribed in the surface around dials of lotus flowers is: An auspicious day in the 7th month of Kanbun 10, followed by the names Honda Yasutoki Ko and Hiramoto Sukeyuki opposite a dedication to the god of water the Hachidairyu-jin followed by a place name near Awazu in modern day Shiga prefecture. The Hac...