Oversized, humorous Japanese limited edition woodblock print by Clifton Karhu (1927-2007) depicting the smiling, cross-eyed artist standing under a torn umbrella in the rain holding a broken shoe. This print illustrates the Zen saying “Hibi kore kojitsu” (Every day is a good day). The print is pencil-signed, titled “Every Day,” dated ’88, and numbered 57/100 in the lower margin. Paper size: 25 1/8”V x 9 1/8”H (image about 23 1/2” x 7 7/8”)...

A fine ivory colored celadon by the first generation Kato Keizan enclosed in the original signed wooden box and containing the original exhibition pamphlet in which the vase is featured from the 1956 Takashimaya Department Store Exhibition marking his 50th year of working with clay. This vase was chosen by the artist for his exhibition pamphlet, making it, at least in the eyes of the artist, one of the more important pieces he had made at that time...

Description:

A white-glazed incense burner was supported by three squeezed and applied foot.
While being decorated with iron-oxide spots on the surface, the incense burner was nicely applied with two curved loops on the rim.
It was turn-wheeled when molding scars were easily observed on the body.
The belly was clamped into as gourd shape and make it in a unique look.

Yuan Dynasty, 13th century.

Height: 8.4cm.

Condition: Perfect.

A simple but elegant 18th century Chinese nephrite jade seal paste box of pale celadon color. Subtle, small russet inclusions appear one each inside the bowl and inside the cover. A larger russet inclusion appears along the outside of the bowl. in Short and tapered cylindrical form rounding to the crisply defined broad ring foot...

 

Han style primitive but good model of a Bixie with piercings behind the head, behind fanged teeth, and within the hind legs or tail seem intended for mounting securely as a pendant or fashion accouterment (the neckline appearing suited as a guide for silk cord.) Well carved relief features for eyes, brows, snout and bite. The forefeet and tail with incised features and the tail folded under where subtly ribbed. The double tipped wings in slight relief with incised border...

 

Description:

A Qingbai ewer was well mold in decent look.
In rice-white tint of the glaze from which infiltration of incursion was observed, the ewer was applied with arched handle and two loops.
Whitish body clay was revealed at the bottom when darken firing tint was yielded along the rim.
Minute incursions were happened to the mouth rims.
It was rarely found a Qingbai ewer with a melon-shaped body.

Date: Southern Song/Yuan periods, 12th,13th century...

This purse would have had a shoulder strap attached and would have been used by an adult female of the Chinese Yi ethnic minority group. All hand stitched with cross stitching embroidery and other techniques, hand made cording (string) knotted across the bottom. The bag is lined with home spun had woven fabric made from "fireweed" plant. Back is unadorned.

piece is 12.5 inches across. light soiling from use.

Description:

A Yueyao water basin was in form of a squat turtle.
Well applied with characteristic greenish celadon glaze on the surface, the basin was sit on the flat bottom which was un-glazed and was revealed with the grayish-tinted body clay.
It was preserved in perfect condition and was well cleaned by ex-collecter intended for practical use.
Minute old frets and incursions were found on the glaze when slight crackles were rendered...

Description:

A pair of Qingbai porcelain ducks or water fowls was nicely mold.
By luting from two halves in the middle, the fowls were depicted vividly in details as well as in postures.
Iron brownish slip was decorated to the eyes and the beaks.
Due to age, icy crackles were rendered in the glaze when burial earth was amid within.
The pairs were sat on square platforms from where marks of cloth paddings were observed at the bottom...

A stunning box covered entirely in mother of pearl upon which is the crescent moon in lead under maki-e gold florals. Inside Rimpa style dear rest in lead and gold maki-e on a ground of red-tinted Nashiji. The box is in excellent condition, likely dating from the mid 19th century. It measures 22 x 24.5 x 5 cm (8-1/2 x 9-1/2 x 2 inches).

A nice carved curling pig dragon with a bird head terminal to the crest. Hongshan styles have been copied through out different dynasties. It is hard to date this piece, probably early 20th century. Will make a nice pendant. Size: H.5cm, W. 4.5cm.

Rare Edo period Japanese namazu-e (earthquake fish picture) woodblock print featuring a giant human-like catfish playing a samisen beside an oni (demon) who is seated casually reading a book. In Japanese mythology, it was believed that giant catfish living underground caused earthquakes with their thrashing movements. A series of namazu-e were published anonymously in Japan shortly after the Ansei earthquake hit Edo (now Tokyo) in 1855...

Rare Japanese woodblock print kakemono (vertical diptych) by Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) depicting Onoe Kikugoro V as Nikki Danjo, the archvillain of kabuki roles, transforming himself magically into a rat. The kabuki play “Meibuku Sendai Hagi” (“The Disputed Succession”), deals with an assassination attempt on Tsuruchiyo, a child who had inherited the position as head of a Semdai clan. A stolen scroll containing a list of assassination conspirators is in Nikki Danjo’s mouth...

A finely b/w Meiping shaped vase, decorated with figures under the tree. Qing dynasty 19th century in perfect condition. High: 25cm.

A pair of Japanese polychrome Imari porcelain bowls with subtly shaped rims. Alternating dragon and floral reserves on a patterned red ground centering three friends of Winter (pine, bamboo, prunus) medallion. The verso with karakusa around a raised foot ring surrounding a broad, unglazed band around a small, glazed center. Good condition...

Another pair of Japanese polychrome Imari porcelain bowls with subtly shaped rims. Alternating dragon and floral reserves on a patterned red ground centering three friends of Winter (pine, bamboo, prunus) medallion. The verso with karakusa around a raised foot ring surrounding a broad, unglazed band around a small, glazed center. Good condition. Each about 5 3/4 inches diameter (14.6cm) and about 2 inches high (5.1cm). A little more hoist than might be expected - together with the foot these chi...