Leather tobacco pouch with embossed and faded polychrome stained decoration of Buddhist Apsara, the pouch well worn. Ornate repousse metal dragon clasp and fastener on the verso engraved with decoration of an active sea. A chain with similarly decorated metal slide, depicting a dragon in relief with incised and stippled details, secured to an ivory and metal kagamibuta netsuke - the metal face again decorated with repousse dragon among flames against clouds with pearl...

An ominous row of black crows in silhouette cry in unison from the stormy insides of this gassaku bowl made by Kiyomizu Rokubei IV and decorated by Kikuchi Hobun, enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Color has infused the glaze, evidence of age and use and lending to the malefic atmosphere. It is 20.5 cm (8 inches) diameter and in fine condition, stamped on the base Rokubei and signed on the side Hobun...

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...

Interesting boat-shaped water vessel with birds-like spout, standing on four feet. Made of brass with brown patina and decorated with floral motifs in relief. Similar examples of this type of kendi in the "Tropenmuseum Amsterdam". Condition: traces of usage. Dimension: 33.4 cm high, 34 cm long.

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...

Japanese Meiji to Taisho period vase in the form of a gourd tied in a bow at the mid-section with a braided and tassled rope. The signature appears to translate as Tsunemo. 7" high. Weighing 2 lbs. 8 1/2 ounces, the vase is very heavy for its size. Early 20th century. Very good overall condition with a nice patina. From an old Tucson, Arizona estate.

A small round gourd: polished, cut and decorated inside with delicate fronds in gold on black maki-e. This is superb. It is 3 inches diameter (7.5 cm) and in perfect condition, enclosed in a quality old kiri-wood box. .

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...

A large baluster form Sumidagawa vase decorated in slips of green and black glaze over crackled red with a three-dimensional tokage (lizard) crawling down the side. The detail on the creature is superb, from the textured body to the white claws with which it seems to grip the sides of the slippery surface. On the backside is a raised gourd shaped stamp reading Ishiguro Koko (One of the most prominent Sumidagawa potters)...

A nice Tibetan 108 wooden prayer beads with two leather counters from Lhasa. The wooden beads are made from the wood of the Bodhi tree where Buddha received his enlightenment. Size: Total length 44cm. Bead diameter. 1.2cm. Condition: All original.

Hotei bows deeply, showing an unusual moment of respect from the surly sage. An unusual bronze image by Oshima Joun enclosed in the signed wooden box. The face is at once relaxed and respectful, one hand wrapped around a gnarled walking stick supporting the heavy bag on his back. All facets are rounded, with a soft, tight orange-peel surface typical of Tokyo school bronzes. The image is roughly 5 inches (12.5 cm) in all directions, and in excellent condition...

A Chinese brush or ink cake rest in scroll shape. Made of porcelain, beautifully painted in the Qianjiang Palette, showing a river landscape. The sides with some gold paint. Base with four unglazed feet. Dating to the late Qing / early Republic period. Condition: gilding with little wear. Dimension: 8 cm long x 3.3 cm wide x 1.8 cm high.

A tripod koro with custom silver lid and rosewood stand by Miura Chikusen II enclosed in a wooden box dated early Autumn 1920 signed by Ume, the mother of the second generation head of the family who died young that year. The white porcelain is roughly 15 cm (6 inches) tall on the stand, 10 cm (4 inches) diameter. 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...

 

A large bronze vase on rosewood stand featuring a dragon rising into three dimensional form from the murky surface; signed on the base Shinsui. The fearsome creature appears like a wraith, points of its armored body writhing through the dark patina. The stand itself is a work of art, exquisitely carved with four cut through diapers, on each corner of which is a squat leg, a large floral dial carved through in the center...

An antique ivory necklace made in China during the 19th or early 20th Century. Condition - the original string has possibly been replaced and there is the usual age related cracking and "yellowing" but no damages or losses. 38.5cm (15.2inches) long; approx 100gms(4oz);95 beads. Please note - purchasers from outside the European Union will require a CITES Certificate and may also require import documentation within their own country...

This small intricately carved stone shoes were probably given as a gift of well wishing. 3 inches in length, they were carved from unidentified soft stone, not hard jade. There are numerous cracks and chips from age, but the shoes retain their original carving detail.

An antique Guardian mask used to ward off evil hand carved from a rough slab of hardwood. It is 14-1/2 inches (37 cm) tall and in fine condition. Usually hung under the eaves of a house, it shows weathering typical of age. Late 19th to early 20th century.