Nagakura Kenichi's artwork is imbued with a primal energy and balance executed with a keen understanding of composition. Each piece combines classic Japanese bamboo basketry techniques with a contemporary artist's sensibility. He steps outside traditional limitations of form, function and material, challenging our concept of customary bamboo. The transition from container to sculpture is further explored in this piece, with expressive curves and a lack of any definable shape...

Two Edo period finely executed Japanese lacquered wood dishes, each decorated with a gold "mon" (family crest), pawlonia, and scrolling foliage set against a brown/black ground. The wood grain is clearly visible. 19th century. Each measures just under 8" diameter. Very good overall condition with only minor flaws. There is a small lacquer drip or imperfection on the back of one. Included with purchase is the original certificate of authenticity dated May 5, 1967 and provided by Z...

Rare oversized Japanese woodblock print ascribed to Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865) titled “Mirror of the Physiology of Eating and Drinking” (Inshoku Yojo Kagami), also known as “Rules of Dietary Life,” and believed to date circa 1850. The print depicts a man seated cross-legged drinking a cup of sake with a bowl of fish in front of him. The cross-sectioned torso shows the functions of the internal organs and illustrates the Sino-Japanese concept of digestion...

The mastery of expression accomplished by Suwa Sozan I is evident in this pair of porcelain children enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Gosai Doshi Okimono (Five Colored Figure of Children). This piece is published in the definitive book “Suwa Sozan Sakuhin Shu” (1971). In the book the photo title is more specific “Gosai Mimiakatori Karako Okimono” (Five Color Figure of Chinese Children Cleaning Ears) and the work is dated to 1913...

A white pidgeon perches on a discarded or fallen roof tile decorated with calligraphy by Miyanaga Tozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 9 inches (23 cm) tall and in excellent condition. I believe this is likely by the second generation.
Miyanaga Tozan I (1868-1941) is one of the most important names in Kyoto ceramics. He was born in Ishikawa prefecture, and graduated from the (now) Tokyo University of Art...

Extra Large Japanese limited edition densely pigmented and textured abstract sosaku hanga woodblock print by Hiroyuki Tajima (1911-1984), aka Kiyoshi Nagai, titled "Half Ruined Wall." Pencil-signed, titled in English and kanji, dated '69, and numbered 32/50 in the bottom margin. Paper: 24 7/8" x nearly 19 1/2" (image: 21 3/8" x 16"). Very good overall condition. There is some wrinkling, soiling, and wear to the large margins of the thick paper...

A rare find, this ceramic figure of a nagual is by the well known ceramic artist Candelario Medrano (1918-1986) from the village of Las Huertas in the state of Jalisco in Mexico. The figure is 8" high, 8 1/2" wide and 3 3/4" deep. The base is roughly 4 3/4" x3 3/4", and is slightly tapered. It is painted in various shades of orange, red, pink, with details on the body in black and white, the base of yellow and green. The face is pink, in human form...

From Kashmir, this copper kashkul, or beggar's bowl, is enameled with two shades of blue and white, is incised along the edges with scrolling designs and the entire copper areas are gilded. The body of the bowl has heavy repousse designs, with enamel in the recessed areas. The two ends of the bowl are decorated with the heads of serpents, their bodies partially wrapped around the bowl. The two heads and rings are brass, with blue enamel decoration...

Antique Raku Ware Tea Bowl Chawan with Red Glaze used for Japanese Tea Ceremony Meiji period (1868-1912) Raku pottery is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremony since as early as the 16th century. Size Diameter 11cm Height 7cm Total Weight 240g Condition Overall good, no cracks. Minor chip can be seen on the fourth photo near the edge.

A truly magnificent vase of pastel blue floral designs on yellow-green body by Miyanaga Tozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 8 inches (20 cm) tall and in excellent condition. It retains the original wooden base. I believe this is by the second generation.
Miyanaga Tozan I (1868-1941) is one of the most important names in Kyoto ceramics. He was born in Ishikawa prefecture, and graduated from the (now) Tokyo University of Art...

A fabulous Koro covered in damascened gold by Ibuse Keisuke enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Nunome Zogan Jungin Koro (Damascene Pure Silver Incense Burner). It is 11 cm (4-1/2 inches) tall, 9.5 cm (3-3/4 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
Ibuse Keisuke was born in Tokyo in 1930, and began his studies of metal arts in 1950 under Unno Takeo. By the late fifties he was exhibiting with the Kofukai (where he would later be awarded) as well as the Nitten National A...

Original antique carved sandstone seated Buddha circa 1500-1700, carved in meditation with crossed legs and arms in the "Bhumisparsa Mudra", set in an arched recess, with two monkey bodhisattvas at his side. Presented displayed on modern wood stand. Dimensions 16.5" W x 22.75" H x 5.25" D - measurements including stand.

Japanese limited-edition copperplate etching and aquatint by Tanaka Ryohei (1933-2019) titled “The Great Ginkgo Tree." Pencil-signed, dated ’04, and numbered 18/100 in the lower margin. Paper size: 19 1/2” x 13” (image: 15 1/2” x 9 1/4”). Never framed. Excellent original condition.

Pair Chinese boxwood carved scroll weights in rare wood bundle motif, 9.5"Lx2.3"x1.8", 9.4"Lx2.1"x1.8"

Igbo Maiden mask ‘Agbogho Mmwo’. H. 42 cm. Old repair to the headdress. Provenance: Private collection Berlin, Koller Auktion 2011 , Private collection Zürich.

Leaping green fish soar up the sides over tempestuous crackled celadon waves crashing over the matte blue of this exquisite Mizusashi fresh water container by Sawada Sozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It comes with a pottery lid as well as a black lacquered lid (Kaebuta). It is 18 cm (7 inches) tall, 13 cm (5 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
Sawada Sozan (1881-1963) was born in Kyoto and graduated the Tokyo School of Fine Arts. He attended the Arts Department...

An early pair of Sioux native American buffalo hide Men's moccasins adorned with panels of red, yellow, green, black and white glass beads arranged in a geometric zig-zag design. Size: 11.5 in. length. Circa 1870.

A carved and polychrome painted Pacific Northwest Coast native American mask, signed by the carver, L. White. Dated 1983. Size: 6.5 on. x 6.5 in.

Japanese shin hanga woodblock print titled "Lake Yamanaka in Winter" by Tsuchiya Koitsu (1870-1949) dated in the right margin "2nd month of Showa 14" (1939). The black ink signature and red seal of the artist are at the lower right. The seals of the publisher Doi Hangaten, printer Itoh, and carver Ikeda are in the left margin. This seal combination was used between 1948-1950. Paper measures 10 1/4" x 15 5/8" (image: 9 7/16" x 14 1/4"). Very good overall condition. There is a slight amount of ad...

Chinese Qing dynasty Qianlong period ribbed guglet vase decorated in fencai famille rose enamels with birds among flowering fruit trees, rockery, and bamboo all set against a white porcelain ground. 18th century. 10 1/4” high. Very good overall condition. The vase is slightly misshapen. There are burst bubbles in the glaze at the rim and scattered throughout that are consistent with production at that time. A fine hairline in the interior of the mouth and a small enamel loss in the blue roc...

Chinese Qing dynasty horizontal silk kesi panel decorated on opposing sides with warriors on horseback preparing to attack the figures at the center shown inside the city wall in a scene from the historic novel “Romance of the Three Kingdoms (San Guo Yan Yi).” Circa 1900. 47” x 18 1/2." Generally good overall condition with some splits/separations evident and typical signs of age. Phoenix, Arizona collection.

A Carved and Gilded Buddhist Reliquary containing a polished pink stone exhibited at the Shimane Prefectural Musuem Arakawa Kisai exhibition in 1974 enclosed in a custom-made wooden box and retaining the loan papers from the museum as well as the original pamphlet. The wood body has been carved in tempestuous waves, lacquered black and gilded, with a polished pink orb inside a flame shaped finial. It is 7 inches (18 cm) tall and in excellent condition.
Arakawa Kisai (dates disputed, rou...

An exceptional boxed set of sake cups made by Seifu Yohei III lined with silver by Nakagawa Joeki (IX or X) enclosed in the original compartmentalized kiri-wood box signed by both artists. Each cup is unique, silver on blue, gold on red, and green on yellow, each stamped by the artist and displaying the celebratory Plum, Pine and Bamboo (Shochikubai) motif. They are 2-12 inches (6.3 cm) diameter each and in excellent condition.
Seifu Yohei III (1851-1914) was the adopted son of Yohei II...

Chinese Song / Yuan Dynasty Moulded Dehua Qingbai Porcelain Box

This covered box was made during the 13th - 14th century, most likely at the Dehua kilns in Fujian province. Both upper and lower parts are decorated with moulded scrolling patterns. The inner and outer surfaces are coated in a very finely-crackled qingbai glaze that has just a hint of blue. The slightly concave base remains unglazed.

Diameter 12 cm. This is a very nice example although there are minor faults: there are mino...

A Native American Iroquois pin cushion decorated in colored glass beads with a bird motif applied on red and pink velvet. Circa 1890. Size: 6 in. x 8 in. Nice original condition.

Iroquois/Mohawk Native American beaded pin cushion in the form of a boot or shoe. Circa 1890. Size: 10 in. x 5.5 In. Excellent condition with beaded glass fringe.

Japanese scrolled painting on paper by Okutani Ichiyo, also known as Okutani Kazuyo, depicting a leafy vine with petunia flowers under the sliver of a moon. Signed Ichiyo with the red artist's seal below. Elaborate silk brocade scroll mounting with lacquer scroll ends. Early 20th century. Scroll: 75 1/2” x 12 3/4” (painting: 50 1/4” x 11 7/8”). Very good clean overall condition with only minor buckling and soiling evident.

Japanese woodblock print triptych by Kunisada, also known as Toyokuni III, (1786-1864) titled "Snow" from the series "Copied Pictures of an Edo Purple Eastern Capital" published by Sanoya Kihei between 1849-1850. The print illustrates a scene from Chapter 30 of Ryutei Tanehiko's 19th century novel "An Impostor Murasaki and a Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)," which is loosely based on the 11th century novel "The Tale of Genji." Depicted is Mitsuuji, Lady Murasaki, and an attendant holding a brazier....

Limited edition Japanese woodblock print by Clifton Karhu (1927-2007) titled "Winter Driveway." Pencil-signed and titled, dated '78, and numbered 19/100 in the bottom margin. Paper size: 12 1/8" x 11 7/8" (image: 9 7/8" x nearly 10"). The print was never framed and is in very good overall condition. There is possibly some faint discoloration to the paper from age. From a Tucson, Arizona collection.

A rarely encountered large format limited edition Japanese woodblock print titled Constellation No. 38" by Joichi Hoshi (1913-1979). Pencil-signed "Joichi Hoshi" and dated '67 in the lower margin. The artist’s square seal is visible in the image above the signature. Pencil-titled in kanji at the left side of the bottom margin and numbered 2/50. Marked with the edition number 2/80. Paper: 30" x 24 1/4" (image: 28 5/8" x 22 5/8"). The print is sun struck and discolored and there is scattered ...

A classic Gu vase of exquisite white porcelain by Miura Chikusen enclosed in the original signed double-wood box. It is 13-1/4 inches) tall, 19 cm (7-1/2 inches) diameter at the rim and in excellent condition. This type of Sinophile work was very popular throughout the Meiji and Taisho periods, and Sencha steeped tea had a profound impact on Japanese culture at the time. For more on that see the book ‘Tea of the Sages: The Art of Sencha’ by Patricia Graham (1998).
Miura Chikusen I ...

Not quite the Easter Bunny, but perhaps close to an Easter Egg, the design on this vase is both classical and modern, reminiscent of Kenzan and his use of patterns and colors, surmounted by a sometsuke underglaze blue dragon among roiling cobalt clouds. The pot dates from the late 19th to early 20th century, classic Meiji period but for the unusually bright and cheerful rows of yellow, blue and green florals on red. The dragon blends with the clouds, with a single gold line delineating his bod...

Antique late 19th century red lacquered wood Hsun-Ok offering vessel from Burma. Size: 27 inches ht. x 15 inches diameter. Probably from Pagan region, with two registers of laid-on decoration below the spire and a series of hand-turned balusters on the pedestal. Minor damage to cover.

Anonymous Korean Joseon dynasty ink and color on silk or fabric minhwa folk painting densely painted with a variety of Confucian vignettes illustrating scenes of filial piety, including caring for infirmed elderly relatives and rescuing them from tigers and other dangers. A large demon mask is at the top. Scrolled format with cream-colored silk mount. 19th century. 83” x 14 1/2" (painting: 69 5/8” x 10 7/8”). Good overall condition. There is staining to the back of the mounting that is ...

Early Showa period Japanese silk woman's formal kimono with embroidered highlights decorated on the bottom of the front with two prominent phoenix birds flying among feathery fans. The clusters of fans and the ends of the long phoenix tails extend around to the back side. The fan motif continues on the front and back of the long sleeves. Five family mon (crests) are at the shoulder area. The lining is mixed red and white silk. Circa 1930s. Measures 48" sleeve tip to sleeve tip and slightly ...

Gold lacquer on wood lidded box, measuring 5 1/2" x 4 1/8" x 2 5/8" high, Meiji or late Edo era in Japan. The decoration is all in gold lacquer, (hiramaki-e or raised lacquer), with varying hues of gold, some in slightly greenish/silver, some more rose gold (birds), most in finely detailed clear gold. The design is delicate and well executed, two small birds, one sitting on a bamboo branch, the other flying overhead. The wood is fairly dark, with visible grain and dark streaks. The design ex...

Two Chinese miniature wood carvings showing scenes of daily life in old China, a court official with his wife and a couple at the dining table. Made in the Tushanwan Workshop in Xujiahui, an orphanage opened 1864 by French Jesuit priests near Shanghai. Hosting an art school, producing wood-carving, stone sculpture, silversmith, embroidery and painting. Please refer to the book (last photo) "Scènes de la vie en Chine. Les figurines de bois de T'ou Sè Wè" by Christian Henriot and Ivan Macaux in...

Japanese Edo to Meiji period bronze mirror (kagami) with handle, decorated in relief with palm leaves and flowers. Inscribed with the Fujiwara Shigeyoshi maker’s mark. Measures 8 1/8” long x 5 3/4" diameter. 19th century. Very good overall condition. There is a tiny nick at the bottom of the handle. From the Sahuarita, Arizona collection of former expatriates to Okinawa in the 1970s. Stand not included.

Sakura blossoms begin to open among the draping branches of a weeping willow soughing in the breeze on this beautiful lacquer box by Inami Kirokusai enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Wajima Nuri Soshun Maki-e Suzuri Bako (Ink Stone Box of Early Spring Design from Wajima). The design is performed over highly polished black, the interior in nashiji with pine saplings in raised design around the ink stone and water dropper. It is 24.5 x 13 x 3 cm (10 x 5 x 1-1/2 inches) and in e...

A garment-hook or belt-fitting in the shape of a horse, made of bronze with green patination. According to the Brooklyn Museum, these belt hooks in the form of a horse come from Lelang, one of three commandaries, or colonies, that the Chinese established in northwest Korea during the Han dynasty and that lasted more than four hundred years (108 B.C.E.–313 C.E.). The horse’s shape is reminiscent of depictions in the nomadic Scytho-Siberian culture of Central Asia. Please refer to a similar pi...

A halo surrounds the emaciated figure of a Rakan (Arhat or Arahat) seated atop a stone draped in billowing robes clutching a nyoi scepter in his bony left fist. The holy figure is chiseled and polished with extreme care and attention to detail. The detail in the carving is striking, as bamboo is notoriously hard and difficult to work. Setting it apart from most bamboo carving is a complex pattern of extremely fine chiseled texture throughout. It comes enclosed in a wooden box signed Raizan and...

A Persian torch stand made of bronze or brass with chased and engraved sheath showing floral decoration and arabesques. Condition: traces of usage. Dimension: c. 25.8 cm high, diameter foot: 15.6 cm.

Large Chinese Qing dynasty celadon charger decorated in the interior with a carved scrolling peony motif. Late 19th century to circa 1900. 15 1/2” diameter x 2 5/8” high. Heavily potted and in very good overall condition. There are some original crazing and production flaws to the interior. From a North Scottsdale, Arizona collection. Please note that the stand is not included.

20" tall Chinese Qing dynasty Qianlong to Jiaqing period (circa 1796-1820) Dehua blanc-de-chine white glazed porcelain Guanyin figure with black painted hair. She stands in bare feet holding a bronze colored vase in her right hand and is dressed in a flowing robe with a veil. A beaded necklace adorns her neck. Her elongated ears frame a serene facial expression with downward gazing eyes. The figure is heavily potted and weighs 11 lbs. Very good overall condition. The left hand has one part...

Japanese shin hanga woodblock print titled "Summit of Fujiyama: The Kengamine Summit" by Hiroshi Yoshida (1876-1950) dated Showa 3 (1928). 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 left. The print is pencil-titled and pencil-signed in the lower margin. Illustrated in "The Complete Woodblock Prints of Yoshida Hiroshi," Abe Publications, color plate #531/. Paper measures 10 3/4" x 16 1/8" ...

An exquisite wooden plate in cinnabar lacquer over black wrapped in a chord bound cloth bag end enclosed in an age blackened kiri-wood box dating from the Edo period. The surface of brilliant red has been worn through with handling revealing the black beneath about the rim and edges. It is 9 inches (23 cm) diameter and in excellent condition. The bottom is a brown tinged black (the brown is a product of oxidation, inherent only with age) upon which are written two characters in red. The box i...

Rivulets of green glaze descend all sides of this sublime storage jar, the bottom raw red Tamba clay dating from the Edo period. About the rim are four “mimi” ears for tying down the wooden bung. The base is slightly concave and burnt to a rock like texture. The vessel is 12 inches (30 cm) tall, 11-1/2 inches (29 cm) diameter and in excellent condition. Tamba is considered as one of Japan’s six famous ancient kilns, along with Seto, Tokoname, Echizen, Shigaraki and Bizen. It is known ...

Japanese Edo to Meiji period ten-sided polygon form Imari porcelain vase decorated in the kakiemon style in polychrome enamel and gilt highlights with a prominent flying phoenix bird on the front and three pawlonia leaf groupings extending around the circumference. Ten alternating geometric and stylized floral bands extend vertically up the sloping neck. An alternating scalloped band is above the foot. 19th century. Stands just over 10” high. Very good overall condition with minor typical...

Japanese shin hanga woodblock print titled "Mt. Fuji From Mizukubo at Evening" by Takahashi Shotei, also known as Hiroaki (1871-1945). Originally published by Watanabe in 1936, this is a post-World War II edition. The artist's black ink signature and red seal are at the lower left. The round 6mm seal of the publisher Watanabe is beside the seal. The paper measures about 10 1/4" x 15 1/4" (image size: 9 1/4" x 14 1/2"). This print is cataloged as #O-17 on the informative website www.shotei.com. V...

A decidedly different version of this theme, a Festive carved wooden Tai (Red Snapper) fish with removable side for sashimi coated inside in gold with bone teeth and inlayed bone eyes. The craftsman ahs gone to great lengths to make this as realistic as possible, from the textures of the skin to the folds in the fins and coloring. Unusually, most dishes in this vein are one sided, however this is equally realistically carved on both sides. It is 47 x 21 x 6 cm (18-1/2 x 8 x 2-1/2 inches and i...

Occupation era original Japanese shin hanga woodblock print titled "Heirin Temple, Nobidome" by Kawase Hasui (1883-1957) dated in the lower left margin Showa 27 (1952). 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 left margin corner beneath the date. Paper size: nearly 15 3/4" x 10 1/4" (image size: 14 3/8" x 9 1/2"). Very good overall condition with very good color. The...

A very rare work by Suda Seika featuring a long armed monkey climbing over the rim in raw terracotta clay, contrasting brilliantly against the blue splashed white porcelain. It is 17.5 x 20 x 10.5 cm (7 x 8 x 4 inches) and comes enclosed in a period kiri-wood box. The first generation Suda Seika (1862-1927) was born the son of a merchant in Kanazawa, then part of the Kaga fief. He graduated the Ishikawa prefectural Industrial Ceramic Research Center in 1880 specializing in decoration, and m...

Magnificent Japanese Red Raku (Aka-Raku) Tea Bowl made during Edo period. Raku pottery is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremony since as early as the 16th century. Size Width 5.2in (13.2cm) Height 2.1in (5.4cm) Weight 8.82oz + Box 6.00oz (250g + 170g) Condition Overall good considering the age. There is a little dent as shown on the pictures due to making process in kiln and this is not the problem to use. Box is provided

Chinese Qing dynasty conjoined porcelain bottle vase with a globular body and long neck covered overall in a finely spotted monochrome tea dust glaze. The glaze extends down the spreading base to the unglazed foot. An old black collection mark is within an unglazed area at the center of the base. 7 1/2" high. Very good overall condition. There are a few potter’s fingerprints and/or faint smudges in the glaze. For a similar vase, see lot 135 from the former collection of Michael L. Vermeer, ...

A set of early wood panels, once doors on a votive shrine, painted with guardian shishi lions (Also called Fu-dogs) in polychrome colors, much worn with time. The doors are of clear grained hinoki (Japanese cypress) and have shrunk horizontally over the centuries, evidenced by the ari (wooden support) which is inset into them. On back one can see clearly the silhouette of the original metal-work. Momoyama to early Edo period, they are 37.5 x 47 cm (15 x 18-1/2 inches) each and would be fabulo...

Chinese Qing dynasty Qianlong period thinly potted deep charger decorated with floral groupings in alternating deep blue and "dan miao qing hua" (fine pale blue pigments) set against a white porcelain ground. A narrow geometric and floral band extends around the interior rim. A few sparse leafy twigs decorate the exterior. There are chatter marks to the unmarked base. An old owner's tag on the base incorrectly states the age as 19th century, however, the piece dates circa 1750. 13 7/8” di...

Antique Japanese pottery teabowl with Sakura and Momiji tree Kyo ware made by the 2nd Rokubei Kiyomizu (1790-1860) about 160-170 years ago. The seal of the potter is stamped on the bottom. Original box is provided. Size Dia. 4.8"(12.3cm) x Height 2.5"(6.3cm) Condition Very good condition. No chips, no cracks.

A serene image of the Goddess of Mercy Kannon found in a natural black stone from the Seta River inset into a hand carved hard-wood base and enclosed in a kiri-wood collectors box titled simply Setagawa-ishi (Seta River Stone). 19.5 cm (7-3/4 inches) tall and in excellent condition.

Japanese Meiji period Artia Imari porcelain charger decorated in underglaze cobalt blue and brilliant polychrome enamels and gilt highlights with a central reserve holding a kirin and butterflies on a white background surrounded by three red-ground floral panels set against cobalt blue. Three underglaze blue leaves are spaced around the exterior. A single spur is on the base. Very good overall condition. There are production imperfections (either burst bubbles or kiln grit adhering) at the r...

Japanese Antique Hand-painted Imari Bowl with Colourful Flower Design Meiji Period (1868-1912) Imari ware has been produced in Hizen area of Saga prefecture of Japan since 17th century. Very nice bowl for Japanese art collector. Size Width 5.4in ( 13.7cm ) Length 5.3in ( 13.5cm ) Height 2.6in ( 6.7cm ) Weight 10.93oz ( 310g ) Condition Overall good. No chips, no cracks.