Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 9.75". This is an example of the "Naruko-kei" tradition of Miyagi Prefecture. The artisan is Takahashi Teruyuki, who was born on January 13th, Showa 15 (1930.) It is not dated, but was most likely made during the 1970's or 1980's. For a brief story of "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our weblog, which is accessible through our Trocadero homepage.

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 7.5". This is an example of "Yamagata-kei" tradition of Yamagata Prefecture. The artisan was Okazaki Shouichi, who was born in Showa 3 (1928) and passed away at the age of 67 on April 15th, 1995 (Heisei 7.) It is not dated, but was most likely made during the 1970's or 1980's. For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our weblog, which is accessible through our Trocadero homepage.

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 9.25". This is an example of the "Tougatta-kei" tradition of Miyagi Prefecture. The artisan is Yuda Sadao. It is not dated, but most likely made in the 1980's. For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our weblog, which is accessible through our Trocadero homepage.

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 24". This is an example of kokeshi made at Akiu Onsen (Akiu Hot Spring) in Miyagi Prefecture. It is one of the older kokeshi-making sites in Tohoku (NE Japan.) It is a large doll, standing 2 feet high! The artisan was Satou Noboru, who was born on June 10th, 1932 (Showa 17.) It is not dated, but was most likely made in the late 1970's...

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 5". This is an example of the "Yajiro-kei" tradition of Miyagi Prefecture, with a lesser classification of Shiraishi, the city where the artisan is located. The artisan is Ougura Katsushi, who was born on November 22nd, 1947 (Showa 22.) It is not dated, but was most likely made during the 1980's. For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our weblog, which can be accessed through our Trocadero homepage.

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 9.5". This is an example of kokeshi from Aomori Prefecture, the northernmost prefecture on the main island of Honshu. It is classified as "Tsugaru-kei", Tsugaru being the old name for this region, with a lesser classification of "Nuruyu," the hot spring area where many Aomori kokeshi artisans are located...

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 5.25". This is an example of the "Nambu-kei" tradition of Iwate Prefecture. It was made at Hanamaki Onsen (Hanamaki Hot Spring) by an unidentified artisan. The wood used is "keyaki" (Zelkova-Chinese Elm.) It is not dated, but was most likely made during the past 20 years. This particular tradition of kokeshi is unique in that there is no painting, as in all other traditional kokeshi of Tohoku (NE Japan.) The wood is left bare...

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 5.125". This is an example of the "Naruko-kei" tradition of Miyagi Prefecture. This particular shape was called an "ezuko" (Basket child) in the local Miyagi vernacular. The artisan was Oyama Kesaki, who was born on March 25th, 1940 (Showa 15.) It is not dated, but was most likely made during the 1980's. For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our weblog, which can be accessed through our Trocadero homepage.

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 17". This is an example of the "Naruko-kei" tradition of Miyagi Prefecture. The artisan was Moriya Kazuo, who was born on Septemeber 4th, 1928 (Showa 3.) It is not dated, but was most likely made during the 1970's. For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our weblog, which can be accessed through our Trocadero homepage.

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 16.75". This is an example of the "Naruko-kei" tradition of Miyagi Prefecture. The artisan was Akiyama Tadao, born on November 7th, 1932 (Showa 17.) It is not dated, but was most likely made during the 1970's. For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our weblog, whch can be accessed through our Trocadero homepage.

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 13.5". This example is of "Tougatta-kei" tradition, generally made in Miyagi Prefecture. But, this particular artisan, Ouhara Masakichi, lived in the city of Noboribetsu in Hokkaido. Ouhara-san was born in 1907 and passed away on June 8th, 1982 (Showa 57.) The doll was made in November of Showa 51 (1976.) For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our weblog which can be accessed through our Trocadero homepage.

Water tumbles from steep dark hills into a roiling sea of clouds on this painting by Japanese artist Fukuda Kodojin (1865-1944) enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The erratic brushwork and radical form of this scroll typify work by the unusual self taught Nanga artist. Three tiny huts cluster on the edge of dark forest, a few paddies scratched from the rugged earth, their seeming insignificance a testament to the artists great love of nature...

A quaint hand-carved image of Minogame (a sea turtle) supports this antique bamboo pipe tap dating from the second half of the 19th century, the rich dark wood highly polished from a century of fond handling glows like satin. The turtle is a symbol of longevity in Japan, and often is depicted in celebratory situations. Here the creature has been chiseled out of a solid chunk of wood, head raised over the top of its shell...

Swirling eddies decorate the rim of this gorgeous vase of huge dark hollowed vine, golden minnows swimming up the sides of the natural current made by the winding wood. A very unusual piece which exemplifies the Japanese awe and care for nature. Minor burls and burs in the wood act like rocks under the swift moving water, the pattern rolling over them in a raucous rush...

A discreet masterpiece are words which could easily describe this gorgeous chunk of antique burled vine root carved and polished to a subtle sheen in the shape of a two tiered vase inset with bamboo pots. The piece rises from pebbly textured burl, abundant with character, like a clay pot which collapsed during firing. The second level appears to float above the first on tendrils of smoke. A startling effect. This piece truly captures the Japanese sense of respect for the natural world...

A male peacock struts proudly before a gorgeous plume of color on this mid 20th century hand painted screen signed and stamped Yushin. The colors are slightly muted, in a typical Japanese way, the background awash in mottled silver-gray, presenting the brilliant greens and blues of the birds fabulous attraction. It is bordered in a wooden frame covered in Negoro lacquer, unusual green over red, matching the painting perfectly...

A beautifully written tea room scroll by 19th century calligraphist and seer/soothsayer Yokoyama Marumitsu (1780-1854) bordered in pale green brocade and featuring bone rollers. The calligraphy is very expressive, dark lines varying dramatically in width as they curl down the wide sheet. The signature line reads A 72 year old man Kiosanjin Marumitsu making the scroll date to 1851 by Japanese age count(Kiosanjin was one of his many literary names)...

Dragons writhe across the face of this astounding free standing temple which was a long time display piece in a Butsudan Shoten, an example of the finest work available for Japanese altars. The piece is more than 60 years old, as the current owner of the store (third generation) mentions it has stood there for as long as he can remember. It is entirely hand made; each piece of wood finely shaped and lacquered, each bit of metal hand etched before assembly...

A young woman in rare western dress gazes across this early to mid 20th century Bijinga scroll signed Ikko (Furutani Fujio, b. 1891) enclosed in a period wooden box. Her bright western dress and short hair must have made quite an impression in conservative Japan. The silk painting is bordered in green brocade embellished with flowering vines, extended with beige and features bone rollers. The scroll measures 21-1/2 x 52-1/2 inches (54.5 x 133 cm), and is in fine condition. Fujio was born in ...

One of the most interesting vases I have seen by this potter, quite striking in appearance, with brick colored dashes struck briskly through the dark molasses of the vase. Under the glaze we can see the artists signature Jomon rope impressions pressed into the clay. The Jomon pattern (the Jomon were ancient peoples of Japan whose pottery was typified by rope impressions) is what Tatsuzo is most famous for. The vase stands 10-3/4 inches (27.3 cm) tall, and is 4-1/4 inches (11 cm) across the sh...

Here is a fine squat jar form vase, the deep red clay covered in fish-eyed tenmoku glaze by Living National Treasure (Ningen Kokuho) Shimizu Uichi (1926-2004), enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Iron red shows through with startling effect like meteorites in a dark night sky of blue and brown. It measures 6-1/2 inches (16.5 cm) tall, the same diameter. Shimizu is known for the soft persimmon red temmoku (iron oxide) glaze, as well as crackled white and celadon glazes. This is an exc...

A black-tailed white crane braves tempestuous seas before the massive orb of a blood red rising sun in this sensational late Edo period Kano style scroll. From the right a sinewy tree loaded with exaggerated fruits hangs precariously from the green face of a sheer cliff, its wild branches running helter-skelter through the dark sphere. Mist retreats beyond the horizon, regrouping for another night. A very unorthodox scene, each wave scratched out with soft gray, foam flying from the bird and ...

An extraordinary scene unravels in this raucous tumbling Literati scroll by Kyotos Shirakura Niho (b. 1896) enclosed in the original signed wooden box. An inscription in the box lid names the scene The Hermitage West of Kamo (River) called Taka-Ike-Kyo. A solitary man looks up from his reading toward open ground, his thatched hovel lost in a jumble of bamboo flanking the steep falls rushing white through the foliage. The vibrant work harkens to the radical Taisho period, when Nanga and Japane...

An unusual modern art vase in robbins-egg-blue dating circa 1970 enclosed in the original signed wooden box by Kyoto artist Kumakura Junkichi (1920-1985).. The blue metallic glaze flows down the sides leaving a distinct pattern in the smooth surface, collecting in oil drop pools around the thickened base. Notches cut in the surface are turned out at various points to allow the insertion of flowers and twigs on all surfaces. One could make a variety of very interesting arrangements with this a...

Here is a rare and fabulous Muromachi to Momoyama period (16th century) 42 plate koshozan kabuto signed by Haruta Tokisada, a famous armor craftsman of Nara active during the later Muromachi. The shape is exquisite, slightly bulbous in back, with a relaxed center just lower than the front. Three clusters of silver clouds are incised in damascene in the Mabizashi (visor), above which are 12 large hoshi rivets fastening a decorative iron plate to the front of the hachi. The fukigaeshi bear a fo...

Smooth black lacquer covers the mirror like surface of this wooden boat inlayed with mother of pearl down the sides, hiding under the low roof a brass tray for flower arranging. The prow is flecked with gold and the roof decorated with karakusa maki-e designs in black on the flecked surface. The tiller is removable for cleaning. It is 28-1/2 inches (72 cm) long, the ship dating to the opening of the 20th century. There are some minor chips in the lacquered corners in the stern, however overa...

A blossoming cherry occupied by two Birds of paradise spreads its arms over blue water flowing across the gold ground of this fine two panel screen by Kano Takanobu (d. 1794). The scene is depicted with mineral pigment on paper and gold foil. The artist has chosen a softer than traditional approach to the tree bark, almost boneless, all written with washes of dark color like that of the Rimpa school. The blossoms themselves are painted in slight moriage gofun, each heart shaped petal unique. ...

A lovely late Edo to early Meiji period square footed dish decorated with autumn grass and crosshatching in underglaze iron with a charming lacquer repair in one corner featuring a crescent moon expertly rendered. The dish has been formed on a cloth covered pattern; impressions remain visible in the surface through blanks in the thick white glaze. It was made with fluted corners, with 4 pressed on loop feet. The dish was dipped in glaze from one side, then held on edge, allowing the glaze to ...

SOLD. Butterfly Collectors! Both early 20th buttons White Porcelain Satsuma lotus shape self unglazed shanks. A)Multi color red yellow blue green purple lotus shape floral 1 3/8" across and
B)Butterfly 1". Both are multi color hand painted with lots of gold. SOLD, no price, no info.

A collection of huts glow softly huddled in the protection of towering rocks in this lovely winter landscape by Akamatsu Unrei (1893-1958) enclosed in the original signed wooden box dated 1928, which itself is in turn enclosed in a protective red lacquered wooden box (nijubako). A true master of the genre, Unrei was born in Osaka, and apprenticed under Koyama and later the famous Nanga-ka Himejima Chikugai. At a relatively young age he exceeded the talents of his forbearers, finding a new way ...

A pair of ancient iron tongs for working charcoal within the furo during the Japanese Tea Ceremony enclosed in an ancient wooden box titled HiBashi, Todaiji Kawara-Kugi, or charcoal tongs, Todaiji, Roof Tile Nails. One of the nails shows deterioration in the center where it rusted on the surface between the tile and the roof. The hand forged nails are just over 9 inches (23.5 cm) long, folded over on the flattened ends to form the head. The polished rusty surface, and the manner in which the ...

A fine Edo period portrait of a sinewy middle aged samurai proudly seated before a pair of swords, a table upon which rests an ink stone and book at his right elbow. Exquisite detail in the figures face and fine lines and shadows in the clothing are reminiscent of portraits by the great artist Watanabe Kazan. The portrait is signed Higashiyama Giryo and dated Tenpo 3 (1832) and the epitaph is signed Raijo. The portrait appears to be of a samurai named Kanda Hojo. The artist Giryo is likely a...

A noborigama (multiple chamber climbing kiln) ascends the right side of this wildly brushed Autumnal Nihonga screen signed Takuji, which dates from the late 1920s or 1930s. Drastically contorted thatched buildings are shaded by a massive leafless tree which dominates the center of the scene. A few remaining leaves dangling after winters first frosts, shine with gold about the edges. The back ground is a milieu of rich blues and blacks, shaded with the ghosts of winter trees, the whole awash w...

A framed calligraphy fan painting by important Edo period poet Kawano Tetsuto (1825-1867), published in the book Shijin Kano Tetsuto (1932). The ancient paper fan is mounted in a field of gold flake bordered with black lacquered wood, the frame measuring 11-1/2 by 23-1/2 inches (29 x 59.5 cm). There is one spot of damage to the flecked gold mounting in the lower right (see photos). Tetsuto was an influential poet and scholar of the late Edo period, trained in the arts under Yoshida Kakusen an...

A square bottle vase by one of the most sought after and influential of all Japanese ceramic artists, Kawai Kanjiro (b. 1890), enclosed in the original kiri box signed by the master, which we have had authenticated at the Kawai Kanjiro Memorial Museum (now endorsed on the top by his daughter, Kyoha). The pale crackle glazed vase dates circa 1935, and is decorated with flower like dabs of rust and cobalt typical of this period, with dark iron fading out from the square mouth and base. As would ...

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 gentleman standing in courtly robes takes advantage of a warm spring night to get in some reading. Standing on the balcony he puts light to a hanging lantern, illuminating cherry blossoms wrapped in evenings misty veil beyond the rail. This is an excellent example of Meiji period Yamato-e signed Saiho which has been fully re-mounted in quality patterned brocade, and retaining the original bone rollers. The watercolor and pigment on silk scroll measures 18-1/4 by 76-1/2 inches (51.5 x 194 cm...

Here is a very rare early Edo period Ni-mai-do Gusoku prominently displaying a Christian cross like symbol on the front and back of the chest plate in gold. It has a simple kabuto of 6 vertically joined iron plates falling from a circular peak, with a three lame Shikoro. Displayed on front is a wooden crescent moon maedate covered in textured gold (likely a later reproduction). The mask is an unusual Hanpo with a very small mouth in the Momoyama style. The Sode consist of five pieces, the lo...

A very unusual unglazed small tea pot decorated with various nuts and seeds all in three dimensional relief, featuring a mushroom shaped lid dating from the later 19th to early 20th century. Known as Banko in Japan, the kilns which produced these items were also responsible for the Sumidagawa pottery so popular in the west. This piece has 8 seeds about the shoulder, including peanut, pumpkin and sunflower. The spout is in the shape of traditional Japanese sweets rolled in a leaf, and the body...

There is incredible detail in all aspects of this huge bronze sculpture of a jacketed monkey and his elder handler resting on a bronze base signed Shojun (also read Katsunori), dating from the mid 20th century (1935-1965). Taking a break between performances, the aged man pulls out his pipe and tobacco pouch, his wizened countenance seeming as if speaking some soothing words to the creature, perhaps otsukare-sama. A chain runs from his wrist to a collar around the animals neck. It is signed o...

This is a SATSUMA TWO PIECE BOX from a WASHINGTON, D.C. Estate. The size overall is 3 1/8" in Diameter X 1 3/8". The Top is Painted with a CLASSIC JAPANESE WOMAN motif; also, the Interior and Back are Painted. See the jpgs that show more detail. EXCELLENT CONDITION ca. 1895- 1900

This is a superb Bunraku puppet of the historical figure Minamoto Yoshitsune, one of the lead characters from the Tale of the Heikei and legendary fighter in Japan. The doll is incredibly mobile. Head moving up and down, his eyes open and close and move left to right. His eyebrows can be raised and lowered, and mouth opened or closed, all from toggles inside his kimono on the extended neck piece. The puppet is in perfect condition and stands 43 inches to the top of his topknot, complete with ...

One of two paintings currently offered by the highly sought after literati artist Fukuda Kodojin (1865-1944) featuring an erratic image of the full moon seen through bristling pine performed in thin ink on paper and enclosed in the original signed wooden box dated 1925. The brazen brushwork will rattle images of the subtleties of Japanese art, and yet the scene is at once calming. It is bordered in caramel cloth extended with soft brown, featuring bamboo knurl rollers and measures 13 by 59 inc...

Offered here an ink landscape on paper by the eccentric and highly sought Japanese artist Fukuda Kodojin (1865-1944) dated 1919. Birds fly over the stubble of harvested rice fields, while odd thatch-roofed huts sprouting from wind beat grass focus our attention on the dark forested left of the scene. The vigorous brushwork and complexity of the scene belie the typical scenes of cold winter death, and seems to intimate a hidden energy busy at the task of Preparing for spring. It is set in an u...

The character Take (bamboo) is struck with six brisk strokes of dark ink on this Chagake tea scroll signed Mitsuhiro (Karasuma Mitsuhiro, 1578-1638) and dated 1631. The calligraphy is exquisite. Mitsuhiro was born the son of Karasuma Mitsunobu (1543-1606) and, like his auspicious father, was a well known poet and songwriter accomplished in calligraphy. The paper is, as might be expected, repaired in several places and has marks and yellowing consistent with age, however is still supple and ea...

A surreal ink on cloth landscape by Kyoto artist Nakanishi Koseki (1807-1884) bordered in rich blue patterned silk and featuring radical flaring rosewood rollers. Soft ink tones and heavy washes of gray clash with the brisk strokes and jagged lines of the painting, creating a vivacious scene. The stamps on this match those on the next listing, a second scroll by Koseki. This scroll measures 19-3/4 by 76 inches (50.5 x 194 cm). There is one hard crease crossing the scroll above the large lowe...

This is a BEAUTIFUL NIPPON PUNCH BOWL with STAND from a Maryland Estate. Circa 1920's the Two Pieces are Hand~Painted predominantly with Purple and Yellow. The BOWL Measures 9 1/2" in Diameter and is 10" tall; the STAND measures 3 1/2" X 5 1/2" approx. In EXCELLENT Condition and one of the FINER Examples of NIPPON work

A pair of brightly colored Mandarin ducks nestle down under cover of dried lotus in this

An incredible amount of work went in to the burl-like lacquer finish of this early 20th century three-drawered calligraphy box. All surfaces excepting the bottom are covered in the unusual mottled finish known as wakasa, made by spattering on layers of various colored lacquers which are then rubbed down to a smooth, marbleized finish. Just when one thinks the artist has finished, the process is repeated. This small piece of furniture is the finest example of this technique we have come across...

Pine boughs laden with snow shelter a pair of foraging raven in a spectacular scene reminiscent of paintings of the Kyoto school masters which decorates this Meiji period cloisonn・vase. The unusually tall tapered form swells at a tight shoulder to close about the wide neck wrapped with a band of darkly patinated silver. Silver wire defining the color is so thin as to be almost invisible. On the copper colored base drift three blue and white snowflake dials, the color matching that insi...

A superbly detailed story Ranma carving, likely from an altar, in which five figures reside among golden maple and cherry blossoms. On the left a colorful figure dips water from the cascading blue waters of a steep fall, a man in priests robes behind him. Three other gentlemen in white robes watch from close at hand, a bundle of sticks, perhaps for making tea, perched in the foreground. Each figure is meticulously carved and painted, the entire scene gilded in gold. The carving comes enclose...

An incredibly detailed mid to late 19th century Izushi-yaki Hakuji (white porcelain) image of a samurai and his lover enjoying a moment together; the robes, accessories and musculature being extremely well shaped. The pair are made of solid white clay, sculpted in the style and with the attention to detail typical of Hirado ware however the glaze is more textured than work expected of that region, indicative of Izushi. There are several chips: the mans left foot, tobacco pouch and right finger...

A fantastic large tsubo vase by ceramic artist Teramoto Mamoru (1949-present) enclosed in the original signed wooden box. In spite of its size (almost 15 inches (37cm) tall), it is surprisingly light, and the colors are phenomenal. The slightly grooved surface is scored with primitive lines arching upward, filled with slip before firing. The artists signature is on the base of the piece, which is about 15 years old. Mamoru was a student of Matsumoto Saichi of Kutani, and has received numerou...

A superb later 19th century (Bakumatsu-Meiji period) celadon image of a Rakan enclosed in a high quality wooden display box. The rather brutish features harken back to older styles seen in Korea and early Edo Japan. A stand has been carved to fit the base of the deity and slides into the box, and the figure stands6-3/4 inches (17.5 cm) tall. It is in excellent condition. The Rakan (also Arhat Arahat, Arhant) is a perfected one, or a being which has overcome the three poisons of desire, hatre...

This Imari dish is 18 5/8 inches in diameter, probably with the original "tomobako" box dated "the third year of Ansei", 1857. The design is divided into three repeated sections with Karako boys. The enameling is of good quality, underglazed blue with gold in a lovely soft tone which can only be found on pieces as old as the Meiji period. The date shown on the box is 3 years after the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in the black ship demanding the opening of the county. It brought the end...

 

The 1000th piece to be loaded in the catalog! Offered is an 2 18th century (Edo period) Japanese Kano School 6 panel seasonal screen of pigment and applied gold on paper. Egrets gather about a snow laden willow along a stream, flowers blossioming under the snow indicative of the strength and endurance of nature. Clouds of applied gold leaf fill the scene, with open areas covered in a sprinkling of powdered gold mixed with tiny gold squares. Truly fine detail. The painting is bordered in dar...

A magnificent and seldom found set of Ao or Blue-Bizen Tokkuri Sake decanters dating from the Edo period enclosed in an ancient kiri-wood box. The hand-turned pieces are in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks. The undecorated clay of each pinched vessel is an unusual shade of blue/gray, thus the name. Each piece measures roughly 6 inches (15 cm) tall. An exceptional and highly sought after addition to a collection of Japanese ceramics.

A brilliantly textured Oni-Hagi bowl dating from the early 20th century by Deika (Sakata Deika XII, died 1934), the radically fissured surface ruptured by exploding inclusions; the scars connected by cracks in the glaze giving the appearance of constellations written into a yellow sky. Outside the bowl is an earthy beige, mostly eclipsed by pale white. Inside the basin is the same earthy color, while all the walls are like salt foam. Surrounding all of the scars is a gray mist, accenting and ...

A lovely set of Taisho period studio pottery Tokkuri sake decanters; the very thin walls made of fine clay covered in earth-toned glassy glaze crackled along drip edges. A bundle of twigs alongside a kindling hearth are painted in iron on the side, with a grinding bowl and pestle of dark clay in raised relief. Along the base of one is the artists stamp reading Hozan. The base diameter is 2-1/4 inches (5.7 cm) and they stand 4-3/4 (12 cm) tall. Hozan was a popular ceramic artist active in the...