Vintage unusually small wooden Japanese okimono of a crouching alert toad. Excellent clever carving capturing the essence of the creature. The material is Yakusugi wood - that of Japanese cedar (sugi, Cryptomeria tree) growing on the island of Yakushima and belonging to the trees aged 1000 years or older. Beautiful layered texture, wonderful depiction of its bumpy skin. Eyes are 2-colored glass, the piece is in excellent condition. Length 1 5/8 inches.

Chinese highly carved bamboo brush pot, carved all over with scenes of scholars in bamboo grove and in a pavilion setting with pine trees, stands on three small feet. Size: 8 1/4" high x 6 3/4" wide

寫意葡萄圖 水墨設色紙本立軸 Hanging Scroll of Grapes on Vine / Qi Baishi (1864-1957) Ink and Color on Paper Inscribed and signed with two artist seals. Dimensions: 37 1/2 X 12 3/4 inches 95.3 X 32.4 cm Date: Pre-1957 Condition Report: Hand-Painted, Good Condition Provenance: Property of a MA collection

From our African Collection: An African Benin Bust made in Bronze from the 1960's. 4" at base, 12" h. The kingship of Benin is closely related to Ife. The first king, or Oba, of Benin is traditionally supposed to be a descendant of Oduduwa, the founder of Ife. The most distinctive examples of Benin craftsmanship are the bronze plaques, which adorned the palace walls. As in the artwork of Ife, the craftsmen of Benin produced bronze and copper heads celebrating the power of the Oba...

Kiyoshi Saito
Bunraku (C) (depicting Japanese puppets)
Woodblock print with mica highlights.
Date: 1959
Edition: 92/100.
Size: 23.5 x 18.25 inches.
Signed, numbered, and dated by the artist.
Condition: Excellent. At the back margins: Tape residue and thinning marks as shown.

Ito Nisaburo
The Inns at Arima Hot Spring
Date: 1950s
Size: 18 x 11.5 inches. Full margins (shown in additional photos).
Publisher: Uchida Woodblock Printing Co., Ltd.
Artist's seal and publisher's seal at lower left.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Removed from original folder.

Hasui Kawase
Kasuga Shrine, Nara
Series: Collection of Scenic Views of Japan II, Kansai Edition.
Size: Oban. 15.375 x 10.25 inches.
Date: 1933
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Publisher's 6mm seal (printed 1946-1957).
Reference: Hotei #317.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Slight toning. Excellent color.

Large sized ghurra with two protectors ( H 10 cm) sitting back to back , note the nice small face precisely carved in the middle of rope knot on the front face of the ghurra. H 38;5 cm , wide 7 cm, thick 4 cm. More information on request

From our African Collection: A Senufo Winged Figure,circa 1960. 72" h. The Senufo people, also known as Siena, Senefo, Sene, Senoufo, and Syénambélé, are a West African ethnolinguistic group. They consist of diverse subgroups living in a region spanning the northern Ivory Coast, the southeastern Mali and the western Burkina Faso. One sub-group, the Nafana, is found in north-western Ghana...

A beautiful vintage Chinese silver enameled with filigree and gold washed, fish with a chain, in excellent condtion. Weight:20.7g W:6cm. $155

A beautiful vintage lady's Chinese old jadeite 14k gold ring in excellent condition. Marked. Ring Size 7-1/4 , Jade size H:15mm W:11mm Sold

A hardcover folio containing 40 lithographs after woodcuts by Modern Chinese Artists like Li Hua (1907-94), Niu Wen (1922-2009), Shi Lu (1919-1982) and so on. Published and printed in 1956 by the "Foreign Language Press" in Beijing, first edition. An interesting time document, complete. Dimension: 35.5 cm x 26.5 cm. Condition: little wear to folio, plates fine and clean...

Vintage Japanese sunburst jasper obidome (sash ornament). Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Nice stone, natural lines in the material, beautiful finish, very pleasant to handle. Brass frame with two fittings on the back for a cord. Length 1.6 inches.

An amusing tonkotsu, a container for tobacco, skillfully carved in wood as a man emerging from a basket! His clasped hands pierced to allow a suspension cord, not present. The eyes are inlaid and the base has a mother of pearl signature tablet.

A 20th century production but hand carved.

Approximately 12.5 cm high...

Impressive hand carved and polished Lapis Lazuli carving of Shou Lao, the Chinese deity of longevity, standing with others, including a deer, on a log boat. Presented on a silver wire inlaid rosewood stand, this is a superb piece and comes in its own presentation box. It measures: Long 10" x High 7.25" x Depth 2.5" plus stand. Dates mid 20th C, late Republic/early People's Republic of China.

Paul Jacoulet
La Gerbe D'Anthurium, Angur, Mer du Sud (The Spray of Anthurium Flowers, Angur, South Seas)
Date: July 15, 1951.
Fewer than 150 impressions made. This example has no edition seal visible. Jacoulet's fancy PJ seal is covering another seal on the back.
Size: 18.625 x 14 inches.
Ivy seal. Carver: Maeda. Printer: Honda.
Reference: No. 118 in The Prints of Paul Jacoulet by Richard Miles.
Condition: Excellent color. Light creasing in margins...

Netsuke carved by Ryoshu (born in 1912) - one of the best Japanese netsuke carvers of the 20th century. Netsuke represents a doll of Daruma (founder of Zen Buddhism) enveloped in monastic robe, and his eyes can pop in and out. Perfectly captured facial expression, beautifully incised and etched facial hair and 3 flowering chrysanthemums on his robe. It appears that the artist etched a different design on every piece of this model of his - see the other Darumas by Ryoshu on my site...

Masaharu Aoyama (1893-1969)
Man Cutting Hay by Hand
Date: ca. 1950s.
Print size: Oban. 16.5 x 12 inches.
Signed in pencil.
Aoyama's seal at lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print attached along top edge only to original holiday card.
Condition: Creasing (See last photo).

Mask with black patina, large volume, the design is minimal, the yeyx are highlighted by a double sculpted line. Good age at least mid 20th. Semi-hard wood showing some old traces of insects. Probably Eastern Nepal, Rai, Limbu ethnic groups? H 32 cm, width 20 cm

Mask certainly depicting a horned demon which could be a local representation of an anismist demon or an atypical form of a Nuo theater figure from the minorities of southern China, good age at least mid-20th. Old balck soot patina, good condition H 32 cm

Width: 4.8 cm (1.9 in) Height: 2.9 cm (1.2 in) Depth: 2.4 cm (0.9 in) Japanese carved netsuke of people in a treehouse; natural material; two samurai being served food; signed Ryumin on the base; good condition

Archetype of archaic protector from West Nepal, important erosion, H 42 cm, at least mid 20th more information on request

Feminine Chinese small beaded necklace has two strands of pearl in oval shapes, connecting to a round gold clasp with Chinese symbol. Coral strands are circular and smaller shaped beads, 20th century. Dimensions: 8 in. Long

Length: 4.2 cm (1.7 in)
Height: 1.8 cm (0.7 in)
Depth: 3.2 cm (1.2 in)

Japanese mask netsuke of a fox; natural material; stained and signed

Fujiwara Fuseki
A Scenic Spot in Atami, Mt. Izu Coast
Not dated. ca mid-century.
Publisher: Nisshinbo
Size: The artwork measures 5.75 x 3.75 inches and is attached along its top edge only to a 7.5 x 5.75 inch paper frame.
Sealed by the artist.
Medium: While this piece has the look of a watercolor, the cover states "hand-printed woodblock print".
Condition: Artwork is excellent. Paper folder is toned.
Note: The print features mica highlights.

A Chinese hardwood cabinet with two shelves set inside the cabinet. The design of the cabinet is done in the preferences of Ming dynasty style wood working. Fine molding and paneling has been done to the cabinet. Age: 20th century Size:height 37.75" width 18" length 25.75

This is the top part of a longuer pole fixed on bridge for protection of travellers. Although the carving is rought one can distinguish the minimal face either of a local deityor or also possible of the Sun. Age is circa mid 20th as it is already in my collection since 1992, good condition it is based on an old piece of wood which can be removed. H 40 cm,

Kawase Hasui (1883-1957)
Snow at Nezu Gongen Shrine
Date: 1933.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10.5 inches.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Watanabe 6 mm seal at lower left, indicating a lifetime edition produced between 1946 and 1957.
Reference: Hotei #345.
Condition: Slight toning as seen in margin. Tape residue at top back margin.

Ghurra with finely carved zoomorphic patterns, the top is à ram surmounting a couple of cows. Obvious signs of important use with a very encrusted patina ; presented on a metal stand, H 18 cm

Pair of Old Chinese Dark Cherry Amber Bakelite Faturan Carved Fu & Lu Deities

They are 15.4 inches (39.3 cm) tall by 5.1 inches (13 cm) wide. The figure is about 13.9 inches (35.4 cm) tall by 3.85 inches (9.8 cm) wide. They are 2637 gram measured without stand.

They have flea bite chips at the back, inclusions, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Tested with Simichrome.

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell...

Pair of Chinese Shiwan Pottery Parrot Marked 博云陶坊

one is 12 inches (30.5 cm) by 5.5 inches (14 cm) wide. The other is 10.4 inches ( 26.4 cm) tall by 5.9 inches (15 cm) wide. The total weight is 5.8 Lb.

They have mild skip glazes, surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell...

Mask carved in a very hard wood, the design is minimal. However the lines formed by the nose and the continuity with those located above the eyes evoke the shape of a spider. Note a slot on the right of the mask, however well secured by a metal clip. Far north west of Nepal, Humla region, H 34 cm, W 19 cm, age circa mid 20th.

Vintage Japanese glass obidome (sash ornament) with high relief abstract geometric design. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Beautiful design, wonderful quality glasswork, very pleasant finish. Metal fixture with two loops on the back for an obi cord. Length 1 3/4 inches.

Japanese woodblock print by Kotozuka Eiichi, oban yoke-e, ¡±Snow Scene in Kyoto,¡± published by Uchida, ca. 1950. Early edition, slightly toned on verso, good impression, color and condition. Original folio.

From our African Collection: A Senufo Door from the 1960's. 20 x 48" Among the northern Senufo peoples, doors carved in low relief were signs of wealth and social status. In earlier times they were taken as booty in wars between villages. The designs most often refer to divination, bush spirits and sources of power. The central design is adapted from the scarification around a woman's navel, which symbolizes the order of the universe as set out by the Creator...

Ito Shinsui (aka. Shikuntei)(1898-1972)
Preparing Tea
Date: 1950s.
Size: Chuban. Approximately 9.75 x 7.375 inches (25 x 19 cm).
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Publisher's seal on verso
Signed Shikuntei Shinsuiga. Sealed Shinsui.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent color. Slight creasing and toning.

Kawase Hasui
Mount Fuji, Narusawa
Date: 1936.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Black 6mm Watanabe seal in lower left corner, indicating a lifetime edition printed between 1946-1957. We've marked in red the location of the lightly applied black seal.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10.5 inches.
Reference: Hotei #395.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Pristine. Removed from original folder. Two original drying pinholes at top margin.

Vintage Japanese glass obidome (sash ornament) with domed top and differently colored concentric circles resembling an eye of a fish. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Clever design, excellent quality glasswork, very pleasant to hold. Metal fixture with two loops on the back for an obi cord. Diameter 1.54 inches.

A beautiful vintage angel skin and black coral bracelet, in excellent condition. L:17cm $115

Japanese Woodblock Printer "Nishima, Katsuyuki", Born 1945-, frame size - 16" x 12 1/2" and Image size - 12 1/2" x 8 1/2", "Good Day"(title), already framed by Kanda's B.O.Q. Gallery, signed lower bottom area in pencil, owner purchased in Japan and kept in their home until now. Framed in double mat and black wooden frame with rounded corners, non glare glass front. Introduction of the "Nishijima" and Frame shop information is on the back board, very professionally framed. The condition of fra...

A lavishly decorated Chinese porcelain stool. The top is done in a red based motif with a five clawed dragon flying within the clouds. The body of the vase is decorated with scrolling vines and auspicious motifs scattered around the background, a motif often seen since the Ming dynasty. Age: 20th century Size: Diameter 11.5" Height 16"

A pair of very high-quality Chinese agate ShiShi Lions on rosewood stands. This pair is carved from the same agate stone boulder having blue/grey color tones with soft hints of tans and an impressive surface polish. The carved details are performed with great skill showing wonderful curling hair along with exacting facial features as well as tail and feet accents. They are both displayed on their original carved and pierced open worked rosewood stands remaining in excellent condition. Dates circ...

Netsuke carved by Ryoshu (born in 1912) - one of the best Japanese netsuke carvers of the 20th century. Netsuke represents a doll of Daruma (founder of Zen Buddhism) enveloped in monastic robe, and his eyes can pop in and out. Perfectly captured facial expression, beautifully incised and etched facial hair and 3 flowering chrysanthemums on his robe. It appears that the artist etched a different design on every piece of this model of his - see the other Darumas by Ryoshu on my site. Excellent cle...

A large cow hide blanket, similar to a hide displayed at IES Museum, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. At first appearance, one might think this in the style of western Native America rock art or primitive Australian aboriginal art, due to the abstracted human figure and geometric forms. However, the origin is Ethiopia or northeastern Africa. Extreme dimensions are 72" by 64". The age is difficult to determine. This reminds so much of rock art sprinkled about arid parts of the American west, and Native ...

Eijiro Kobayashi
A High Bridge by Night.
A design influenced by James Whistler and Hiroshige.
Series: Hasegawa Night Scenes.
Date: 1910. This edition 1938-1960.
Eijiro seal at lower left.
Size: Chuban. Approximately 10.75 x 8.0 inches.
Publisher: Hasegawa/Nishinomiya Yosaku. No. 1241 in Hasegawa catalog. Nishinomiya stamp in left margin.
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso. Artist noted in pencil on back.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition...

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Yotsuya
Publisher: Doi Hangaten (Doi seal).
Date: 1930s-1950s.
Print size: Approximately 3.75 x 2.5 inches.
Koitsu catalog no.: TK-DH-205.
Woodblock print tipped along top edge to original, unused 5 x 3 inch holiday card.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

HOLES AND GEARS

Set of a reeling machine's bangboard and gears made of wood. Showa period, mid 20th century, Japan. Board: 26.5 x 16cm (10.43 x 6.29in), Large gear: D 12cm (4.72in), Small gear: D 5cm (1.96in). Such specific holes made intentionally for some usage turn to geometrically abstract when unexpectedly combined with other objects as a part (fragment) as it is, which is interesting and fun.


selected by Jinta

Solid wooden folk art carving of a giant penis. Strapped around it are red and white twisted cotton cords (imenawash) with paper strips (gohei). Penises of this size were donated to Shinto shrines dedicated to fertility, in the hopes of getting pregnant. Or they were carried around during fertility festivals.

Cryptomeria (sugi) wood, red and white cotton, paper

Japan, 20th century

H 24.5 inches (62.2 cm)

Excellent condition

Shamanic mask, with minimalist features, probably representing a demon. Wood, with fine dark brown glossy patina. Nepal, mid 20th century. Height: 28 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition.

Well carved helmet mask of the Bamileke People, Grassland of Cameroon around 1950, former collection of Dr. Heinz Werner Schmitt, Munich/Germany.

Size: 42 cm height. Good condition with great patina and some scrapes and scratches. Great.

The Bamileke are among the artistic elite of the Cameroon Grasslands area. They are ruled by kings, and many of their masks are for royal festivities. Masks like this one belonged to the regulatory society, (Kwifoyn). They are identified...

Paul Jacoulet
Les Jades, Mandchoukuo
1940s~1950s.
Approximately 6.0 x 4.0 inches.
Self-published, one of a series of surimono.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Attached along top edge only to original card.

From our African Collection: A Bamana Tribe Chief's Chair from Mali with a Crocodile Motif. 22" w x 52" h. TYPES OF ART The artistic tradition of the Bamana is rich, filled with pottery, sculptures, beautiful bogolanfini cloth, and wrought iron figures fashioned by blacksmiths. They also have extensive masking traditions, which are used as a form of social control and community education. HISTORY The Bamana are members of the Mande culture, a large and powerful group of peoples in w...

Japanese Composite Inro, having gilt mon decoration and a double gourd form netsuke, together with a small Japanese bronze mirror. Length of mirror 5 5/8 inches.

From our African Collection: A Luba Shield from the mid 20th century. 15 w x 40" h. The Luba people or Baluba are an ethno-linguistic group indigenous to the south-central region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.The majority of them live in this country, residing mainly in its Katanga, Kasai, and Maniema provinces. The Baluba consist of many sub-groups who speak various dialects of Luba (e.g. Luba-Kasai, Luba-Katanga) or other languages, such as Swahili. The Baluba developed a soci...

Daruma standing tall, wrapped tightly in his garment, the tips of his feet just peeping out. The bottom section of his garment is flapping in the wind. This pose is associated with the episode in which Daruma travels to China, crossing the river Yangzi, while standing on a reed.
The figure was molded in a cast in two halves (front and back) and joined before firing. A hole in the back functions as a vent and prevents the statue from exploding while fired in the kiln.
Stoneware with s...

Chinese purple clay yixing teapot. with mark at the base and inside the lid. 14cm wide.14,2cm high. Good condition with two small chipped at the lid.

Height: 3.7 cm (1.4 in)
Width: 1.5 cm (0.6 in)

Japanese netsuke of entwined gourds; probably marine natural material; fine seal carved to the base; signed Shuzan; good condition

A fine, vintage necklace of natural and graduate Italian red coral beads. Largest central bead diameter 12 mm. smallest 4 mm. Clasp: 14K gold marked with goldsmith EKJ and a large Coral Cabochon: 16 mm long x 9 mm. The coral strand necklace is made of 91 pearls and it is 54 cm long. Weight: 36 grams. From the 40/50’s. Excellent condition.

Finely carved pair of reticulated carved floral bookends, each depicting a vase with flowers in it, signed by the artist, towards mid 20th century. Size, Dimensions of each item are 5"H x 4"W x 1.75"D. Condition Report; One bookend with small chip to the corner of the stone base.

Important sized Ghurra, long stick model with rope carving design. Great encrusted thick patina . Local repair with a 3 metal banding around the rotating hole. H 34 cm , Thickness 4.5 cm More information on request