Rare Japanese Meiji period woodblock print triptych of the Tokyo-Ueno/Yamashita Train and Ueno Station from the series “Famous Places in Tokyo” by Utagawa Kunitoshi (flourished 1847-1899) dated 1st month of Meiji 22 (1889). The triptych is bound in the original folder and has not been exposed to sunlight. "Enlightenment" prints of the 1880's - 1890's promoted modernization and illustrated the westernization of Japan. The Japanese built their first railroad in 1872...

Description:

A yellow-glazed censer was in archaic Ding shape.
Being applied on the surface with drum-nails and archaic ram masks for decoration, the pottery censer was stand by three squeezed lion's feet.
The tint of the glaze was in beige yellow when the body clay revealed inside the censer was in beige grayish.
It was in perfect condition with minute frets and crackles which also verified it's old age.

Date: Yuan Dynasty, 13th century...

Description:

A Cizhou covered bowl was applied on the surface with ivory-white glaze.
Characteristically, against the white surface, abundant floral motifs were painted on with darken brownish slip.
The bowl was excavated rarely with the original cover, all in perfect condition.
By keeping the intact condition from excavation, the bowl owned all the characteristics to verify it's authentication.

Date: Jin Dynasty, 12th/13th century...

A whimsical Yixing pottery figural group depicting a mature and a young rat in hollowed, half log with a cache of three peanuts. Marked with two impressed seals. Out of our comfort zone with this category (perhaps another's gain) and assuming it likely is a later 20th century item. About 4 1/2" (11.43cm) high, 6" (15.24cm) long, and about 3" (7.62) wide at the base. Condition is excellent.

An unusual 17th to early 18th century Screen featuring a koto harp and candle stand behind a screen under blossoming prunus, a spry group of pine in front and rushing water beyond. Incredible veining in the gold. Like much of Japanese art, the viewer is asked to interpret the scene as they see fit. Perhaps the remnants of a night of poetry and music under the plum blossoms. Perhaps the lonely Michizane playing to the moon, alone in exile with thoughts longing for Kyoto...

This Imari covered bowl, though matching our listings 1065543, 1065548 and 1065550 for form and decoration, is a little larger in size. In excellent condition, it is just out of a diplomatic estate. The bowl is about 4 7/8" (12.38cm) diameter and 2 5/8" (6.67cm) high. The cover is about 4 1/2" (11.43cm) diameter.

Pair of Imari covered bowls. Condition for both is very good (one with minute enamel loss inside the bowl and one the other with an almost imperceptible minute craze inside the foot.) Part of a group just out of a diplomatic estate. With slight variation, the bowls are between approximately 4 1/4" (10.8cm) to 4 3/8" (11.1cm) diameter and 2 5/16" (5.9cm) height. The covers are about 4" (10.2cm) diameter...

Three Imari covered bowls. Each bowl with a tight hairline from the rim - one of these issuing from a small chip (see enlarged views.) One cover with craze lines inside the foot - one line showing through the other side. Part of a group just out of a diplomatic estate. The bowls are between approximately 4 1/4" (10.8cm) to 4 3/8" (11.1cm) diameter and 2 5/16" (5.9cm) height. The covers are about 4" (10.2cm) diameter...

A set of five Imari covered bowls. Condition for all is excellent. Part of a group just out of a diplomatic estate. Japanese porcelain sets traditionaly came in groups of five. Four was considered bad luck and larger sets were generally odd numbers. With slight variation, the bowls are between approximately 4 1/4" (10.8cm) to 4 3/8" (11.1cm) diameter and 2 5/16" (5.9cm) height. The covers are about 4" (10.2cm) diameter...

A stunning Suzuri bako covered in gold lacquer and minutely detailed with scenes of the 53 stations of the Tokaido. Mountains and ocean views, famous temples and castles are all populated by travelers in various shades and degrees of gold. It is decorated inside entirely with fronds over gold nashiji. A superb work of art that would have taken months or perhaps even years to complete. The box measures 33 x 25 x 14 cm (13 x 10 x 6 inches) and is in overall fine condition...

A long bamboo incense case with dark wood lid carved exquisitely with blossoming lotus and calligraphy. The deteriorating leaves rise from the bottom, blossoms spreading their petals to the sun. Above three lines of calligraphy descend to meet like the squirreling rays of late summer light. The piece is 20-1/2 inches (51.5 cm) long and in perfect condition, enclosed in a cloth sack and kiri-wood box. It is signed (Japanese reading) Fusui(lotus water)Sanjin Koku (carved by Fusui, man of the m...

Description:

A Jizhou tea bowl was applied with dark brown nearing black glaze on the surface.
Uniquely and characteristically, a leaf motif was decorated on the surface.
By greasy-feel quality of the characteristic Jizhou glaze, the surface was covered with slight burial adhesives when subtle crackles were rendered in the glaze underneath.
By also convincing look of the body clay which revealed at the bottom in soft quality, the foot ring was surrounded by shallow wall.
...

Bright colors decorate this life-like set of Porcelain Okimono in the style of Chinese fruit by Suwa Sozan (no box). This set dates to 1931 and is published in the book Suwa Sozan Sakuhin Shu (1971), p. 85. A bursting pomegranate, Persimmon, Bunch of Grapes and Buddhas Hand, with a fifth piece, a fig, missing from the set. Please note there are a few chips in the edges of the leaves of the fruit (circled in the photos). Each piece is roughly life-size the Buddhas hand is 15 cm (6 inches) long...

Three fine 20th century Japanese lacquer trays. Each with boats and pine decoration in gold tones upon a dark brown ground. The trays gradually bowed and of square shape but with slightly curved sides and raised on four, shaped feet. 11 1/16" x 11 1/8" (about 28cm square). Reasonably good condition with some light abrading easily enough cared for by a specialist.

Together with another, 19th century tray (bottom portion of a box now missing its cover) with beautiful cranes decoration. 11 3/...

Oversized Japanese limited edition sosaku hanga woodblock print by Tadashi Nakayama (b. 1927) titled “Butterflies and Trumpet” featuring Nakayama’s daughter’s face in profile beside a trumpet with butterflies in flight around her. This image is pencil-signed “T. Nakayama,” numbered 45/95, and dated 1985 in the bottom margin. The bottom margin edge also contains the title and original purchase price of 270,000 yen. The red Nakayama seal is verso. A color illustration of this image ca...

A colorful work by Ueda Manshu (1869-1952) enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Nangokufushu (Taste of a Southern Wind). A boy rides the back of an Ox through a marsh, he happy and dry and the beast happy in the cool water. One can also be reminded of the Zen tales of the Ox-herd, and connotations of enlightenment. Very much in the Taisho style with equal effort on the background as on the fore. The pigment on silk work has been remounted in a gold threaded pale brocade with bei...

Japanese limited edition sosaku hanga “kappa-ban” (stencil print) by Yoshitoshi Mori (1898-1992) titled “Goro in the Rain” (“Ame no Goro”) dated 1980. This boldly colorful kabuki theater image features an actor portraying Soga Goro, one of two historic samurai brothers who avenge the death of their father. In this image, Soga Goro is dressed in fine clothing and holds an umbrella though no rain is evident. He is apparently travelling to the pleasure quarter to visit a courtesan. ...

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 box has served its purpose well, protect...

Description:

A black-glazed Cizhou censer was characteristically decorated on the the surface with striking russet strips.
Supported by three squeezed feet on the bottom, the censer owned a round body which extending upward to a wide mouth.
The mouth was framed with a flat band of rim which in everted slope.
It was well preserved in perfect condition and owned the very characteristics for authentication.
Please see pictures for more details.

Date: Song/Jing Period...

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. He s...

Description:

A thin, white-glazed dish was decorated on the surface with vibrant motifs of a galloping horse among flowers and weeds.
By the rice-white glaze, it was revealed with the light grayish-tinted body clay on the rim.
With characteristic shape, the tear-dropping glaze, the dated and exact design of the motifs, and the obvious incursions(which in sore's-like condition under magnify glass) happened to the glaze, the dish can be fully verified its authentication.
It was...

Indonesian, or more specifically West Java, stick puppet - Wayang Golek. Familiar with these from an exhibition at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco some years prior, we acquired this puppet, from a Maryland antiques market, due to its apparent character and whimsical decorative quality. Not our usual interest, we recognized the obvious hand craftsmanship and age. There is some wear to the puppet's garment (including some small holes and tears to the robe) and some distress to the face (some...

A fine Japanese Rimpa school lacquer box. Grasses and floral decoration in gold lacquer on a black ground. A once silver or pewter tone crescent moon adorns the cover - indicating a night scene. Original silk brocade lining. Edo period. A fair bit of distress - mostly on corners and edges. An early box and a promising restoration project in the right hands. Length: 6 1/2 in. (16.51 cm), Height: 4 in. (10.16 cm), Depth 3 3/4 in. (9.53 cm)

Arrow vase of rectangular sectioned, lozenge form tapering from the broad, flared foot toward more gradually flared rim. Typical tubular decorative devices flanking the neck. The rim apparently polished down a little and reglazed (perhaps trying to match the caramel colored glaze found inside the foot.) Some loss to one of the tubular devices and less consequentially from the foot where glaze overflow was also ground flush. Otherwise acceptable and presentable condition. 19th century. Height 7 3...

Flames of red flash form the bird resurrected on the side of this large Cloisonne vase by the Ando company of Nagoya; Japan’s premier cloisonne studio. The color is hard to describe, seeming to be lit from within. A combination of wire and wireless design using gold wire with silver rim. Ando mark on base, the vase measures 37 cm (14-1/2 inches) tall, 32 cm (12-1/2 inches) diameter and is in excellent condition. It comes enclosed in a fine, custom made kiri-wood box.

Description:

One nice brush washer was made from one block of precious Zitan wood.
By purplish black tint, the rare wood piece was preserved very good without any defects and free of any restoration.
It was well carved in beautiful round shape with inverted mouth rim by decent proportion.

Date: Late Qing periods, late 19th century.

Width:12cm.

AN OLD CUSTOM-MADE SILK BOX IS INCLUDED.

Description:

A Longquan jar was found rarely altogether with an original cover.
By the charming chrysanthemum form, the Longquan ware was applied on the surface with beautiful celadon glaze when characteristic incursion effects have resulted.
Wired crackles were also caused due to age.
Grayish body clay was revealed at the inner side of the cap and at the foot ring when darken firing tint were rendered within.
It can be perfectly used as a personal tea caddy by its adequa...

18 cm long set of Kanzashi with five Bira dangling from a branch to which is caught a court cap, possibly dragged from the wearers head during a horse race, or perhaps flung off in a passionate moment. For someone interested we have a museum quality collection of combs and hair pins which I would prefer to sell together in accordance with the previous owners wishes. Birakan (bira Bira Kanzashi) were hair pins used by all classes of society and were one of a woman’s most prized possessions. ...

Description:

A Cizhou jar was rarely found altogether with an original cover.
In simple and slender oval shape, the jar was applied with russet glaze which reflected with dazzling and characteristic sheen.
At the inner side of the cap and at the bottom, the rough buff-tinted body clay was revealed.
It can be perfectly used as a personal tea caddy by its adequate size.

Date: Yuan/Ming periods, 14th/15th Century.

Height: 8.5cm.

A CUSTOM-MADE SILK BOX IS ...

Description:

A Cloisonn Enamel covered box was preserved in nice condition.
Well fitted with each other, the covered box was used to be as a tea caddy or storage box for incense powder.

Date: Qing Dynasty, late 19th century.

Height: 8.1cm, Width: 6.3cm.

Condition: Very limited old defects on the surface.

A gilt brass tiara, decorated with kingfisher feathers, cornelian beads and 3 ivory heads. China, late Qing, 19th century. Dimensions: 18x5 cm. Condition: the feathers heavily worn.

Ink on paper image of a skull befitting one of the most well known and outspoken Samurai/swordsmen of the 19th century, Yamaoka Tesshu, remounted in an olive grey border patterned with vines with wood rollers. The scroll measures 15 x 75 inches (37.5 x 190 cm) and is in fine condition but for some minor staining below the signature.
Yamaoka Tesshu (1836-1889) was a student of military arts and famous calligrapher. Born into a samurai family, Tesshu began studying swordsmanship from a ve...

A dry ink on paper image of mushrooms growing up along a garden stone dated 1874 by Tani Nyoi (1822-1905). The scene is signed Nyoisanjin, and dated the second month of 1874 hemmed in by origami cranes on cream satin in a field of rough pale green silk and features dark rosewood rollers. The style is very much in the literati tradition predominant during the early Meiji. The dry vigorous strokes evoke a sense of fleeting solidity, as if wind were about to blow the light paper away. And certa...

Description:

A lovely bronze statue was in legendary subject of Laozi(or Lao-tzu)Riding Ox.
In small size but was well cast and was carved nicely, the statue obtained enduring old darken patina when brownish metal sheen revealed underneath.

Date: Late Ming or Early Qing periods, 16th/17th centuries.

Height: 8.6cm.

Description:

A peach-bloom glazed water basin was in nice shape.
Well glazed in gradient tints, the basin was revealed with finely-grained body clay at the foot ring when darken firing effects was resulted within.
It was used for some time. Crackled wires were yielded inside the basin.

Date: Qing Dynasty, 18th/19th century.

Height: 7.3cm, Body Width: 10cm.

8 3/8" high Japanese treebark vase decorated on the front with a landscape motif. Tree-bark (Jitaisome Jippo) is a form of ceramic cloisonne in which the colors are done using lacquer rather than enamel. Using lacquer to cover the porcelain jar to resemble treebark, the wires are set into the lacquer to form the designs and the cells are filled with lacquer and polished. This lacquer is not fired. Dates from the Taisho to early Showa period. There is a very worn unidentified stamped mark on the ...

Variously colored momiji leaves in enamel blow past the under-glazed cobalt lattice of manjirushi on this large bowl by Takahashi Dohachi dating from the first half of the 20th century. The bowl is 21 cm (8-1/2 inches) diameter, 9.5 cm (4 inches) tall and in perfect condition, enclosed in a fine custom made kiri-wood box.
The Dohachi Kiln was established in Awataguchi by the retainer of Kameyama fief, Dohachi I around 1760, and the name Dohachi was brought to the forefront of porcelain b...

A published set of 10 Zen Scrolls by Jikihara Gyokusei and Shibayama Zenkei showing the 10 stages of enlightenment through the parable of the bull and the ox-herd. Ink on paper in blue silk border with wood rollers. Each scroll measures 44 x 188.5 cm and all are in fine condition but for a few tiny holes in the top of one border (see close-up). The scrolls were photographed in the order taken from the box, and are not necessarily in the correct order in the composite photos. This set of scro...

Description:

A Huanghuali wood scholar stand was built in a very fine look.
In simple and plain form, the wood stand was preserved with enduring old patina that darken to be nearing as a Zitan piece.
Whatsoever, under close inspection, the characteristics of the rare Huanghuali wood grains and the ghost-eye-like knarl marks were obviously found.
The Huanghuali piece was structured by traditional craftsmanship of tenoned skill without using any metal nails.
Still k...

A bronze stag and rider. The rider a bearded and robed scholar - silver inlay adorning his attire. The deer with inlaid spotting - "splashes" of silver and copper. The two together forming an incense burner. Ca 1800. Overall height 7 in., Stag only height (to highest point) 6 3/16 in.

The censer having been over cleaned at least once in its history. Two hands detached from the rider and missing. A retaining pin would loosely secure the rider to the stag where the two are sympathetically pier...

Description:

A Junyao censer was in lovely size and was thickly applied with moonlight-white glaze on the surface.
Incursions had happened to the glaze in obvious look.
Iridescence condition caused from long time of burial was reflected in the glaze.
It can be a decent and rare piece despite its excavation condition.

Date: Song Dynasty, 11th/12th century.

Body Width: 8.4cm, Height: 6.8cm

A CUSTOM-MADE SILK BOX IS INCLUDED.

Description:

A handled cup was in unique marbled glaze.
In shining brownish tint and darken strips, the cup was delicately mold in very thin wall and was intentionally to copy the metal wares of the periods. It was not uncommon for ceramic production of that periods.
Persian cultures had influenced the Tang's by the flourish trading traffics between the middle and near eastern nations.
Three spur marks were found underside at the flat base when crackles were yielded in the gl...

Description:

A bronze sitting Buddha was well cast by well rendered carving craftsmanship.
In very good metal material, the ancient bronze figure was coated with darken patina and reflected with retrospective sheen.
He was preserved in perfect condition only with some casting holes on the back.
He was well depicted in details and showed a grandeur look despite the small size.
An old collection wood box is accompanied.

Date: Tang Dynasty, 8th/9th century.

H...

Cement mortar block print pencil-titled "Poem 71-82" (indicating production in 1971) by Maki Haku (1924-2000). Limited edition print numbered 40/202. Pencil-signed in the lower margin. The artist's square red seal is at the lower left corner of the image. This print features the highly embossed ideographs characteristic of Maki's work. The designs were created by inscribing on wet cement. Paper size: 12"V x 8 3/4"H (image size: 10 1/2"V x 7 1/4"H). Very good overall condition. The top back margi...

A fine, 20th century Fukagawa Seiji vase. Delicately decorated with bird in branch and lightly colored blossoms all against a pale blue background. Rim crisply defined. Fuji and four character mark inside broad foot ring. Good condition. 9 1/2 inches tall (24.1 cm)

Description:

A wood brush pen was carved as a stalk of a tree branch.
Nicely rendered carvings were preserved in very good condition when darken patina was yielded on the surface.
By a good size, a brush pen can be the indispensible addition to the collection of Chinese scholar items as it was always being a hard to find item.
And when it was made by nice hardwood material.

Material: Suanzi or DaYei Zitan wood.

Date: Qing Dynasty, lat...

Description:

A glass brushrest was in beautiful mountain view.
Well mold and was preserved in perfect condition, it was a nice scholar item for resting a brush pen.

Date: Qing Dynasty, late 19th or to early 20th century.

Length: 15cm. Height: 7.4cm.

Description:

A rock crystal carving was well depicted as a Guanyin holding a baby.
By characteristically dated features on the faces of the deity and the baby, the figures were well carved on the robes with affluent lines.
The benign facial expression of the Guanyin and the smiling face of the baby were well rendered by excellent traditional craftsmanship.
The rock crystal here was not in pure transparent look. But it was what we can only expect of a pie...

Description:

A Zitan brush-licker was in vibrant form.
By traditional designs on the patterns of the sea waves, this wood scholar dish was surrounded on the rim with scrolling water.
Purplish oxidation was happened to the surface when grayish deposition was found within the crevices.

Date: Qing Dynasty, 19th Century.

Length: 11.3cm.
Width: 8.5cm.
Height: 3.5cm.

A CUSTOM-MADE SILK BOX IS INCLUDED.

Description:

A black-glazed Cizhou tea bowl was in decent conical shape.
It was decorated inside the bowl with striking radiating partridge-feather mottles and was stand by a well-shaped foot ring which revealed with off-white body clay.
On portions of the glaze, there

Description:

A Junyao dish was in charming bluish tint when strokes of purple splashes were on the side for decoration.
By nice curving of the surface, and the well defined foot ring, the dish was supposed being used as a brush-licker for adjusting the moisture of the brush hair.
Enduring through the long age, the foggy incursion in beige tint was yielded on the rim and along the rising portion by obvious characteristics.

Date: N. Song Dynasty,960-1127.

Width: 11....

Description:

A miniature bronze Tibet piece was well gilt and was uniquely in solid form.
Well preserved with the bright gilding on the surface when some flaking had happened to the face.

Date: 19th century.

Dimensions: 3.2cm x 2.2cm x 1.9cm

Weight: 31 grams.

Description:

A natural stone was intriguingly in basin look.
Well designed and firmly sitting on a natural rootwood, it became a perfect water basin for scholar use.
Greasy old feel was yielded on the surface of the stone when the rootwood was in old look too.

Date: Qing dynasty, 19th century.

Width on the bottom, 12.5cm. Height: 8.4cm.

A METAL DIPPER IS INCLUDED.

Description:

A small Junyao cup was well glazed on the surface.
The thick glaze was rolling down on the outer surface and stopped in half way to reveal the rough-feel body clay.
Obvious circular molding scars were left on the body clay when the foot ring was well shaped and stand in somewhat everted angle.
Crackles and incursions to the glaze were observed for easy verification.
One small splash of purplish tint was yielded in the cavetto.
That was always a focus for...

Description:

A Jianyang tea bowl was applied with rarely-seen white slip.
Nicknamed as "Butter Bowl" by local collecters by it's yellowish white tint, the bowl was revealed with black-tinted body clay at the bottom.
It was preserved very well when all the necessary characteristics were owned for authentication.
Not easily seen in the documentation, but some are in the Museum of Fujian Province.

It was really a museum piece especially for collection and study of Jiany...

An attractively enamelled turquoise earthenware bottle vase depicting two cranes in flight. The base is signed with a name and Kyoto. We have a cup with identical decoration carrying a Kinkozan signature. This item was made in Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912). Condition - there is very good old restoration to the top 4cm (1.5inches) of the neck (please see enlargement no. 7). 26.5cm (10.5inches)high.

19世纪末 日本陶制松石 ...

Description:

A Ding-Typed porcelain censer was applied with darken brownish nearing black glaze.
Well crackled, the glaze was reflected retrospective sheen for verifying the enduring age.
By shallow profile and stand with three nicely mold feet, the censer was added with two arched loops on the mouth rim.
The paste revealed inside the censer and under the bottom was in light-buff tint and was in soft –feel quality.
A dimpled glaze condition was on the side. It was cause...

Description:

A Cizhou tea bowl was in good elm bowl's shape.
Well glaze on the surface with russet slip and therefore the intriguing firing effect, the bowl was well shaped on the foot ring with steep wall.
Buff-tinted of the clay, and all other obvious characteristic like the retrospective sheen of the glaze proved the bowl an ancient one.

Date: Jin Dynasty, 12th/13th century.

Width on the mouth rim: 6cm, Height: 5.3cm.

Description:

An ivory pendent was carved in double gourd form.
Nicely patinated and in good quality, the ivory pendent was adapted with another ivory bead on top for a nice decoration.

Date: Qing Dynasty, late 19th century.

Measurements: 6.2cm x 3.6cm x 1.5cm.

Description:

A gilt silver plaque was well decorated with motifs of QiLinSongZi, a most popular Chinese metaphor of the fairy animal Qilin sending child to the vowing family.
By characteristic Chinese scenes of pagoda, plum trees, Qilin and the figure riding through the water waves, the picturesque scene was well carved and chiseled by excellent craftsmanship.
It was a piece most likely a buckle on the cloth belt. There're old drilling holes on four corners for sewing thread.