Tsuchiya Koitsu
Nikko
Date: 1937
Size: 5.75 x 3.75 inches.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten (seal lower left).
Koitsu seal and title at lower right.
Reference: Koitsu catalogue TK-DH-122.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Some fading. Paper residue at top back corners. Fox spot at top margin.
Note: We know this example to be early as it was acquired along with a heretofore unknown Koitsu design.

Exceptional signed Suzuki Kenji Kiyomizu pottery vase. He was born ca.1935. He studied under the famed master Kiyomizu Rokubei VI from 1959. He won many prizes including the prestigious Nitten Prize in in Showa 42. 23cm tall x 17cm wide x 12cm deep. Ask for shipping quote.

Kawase Hasui (1883-1957)
Rain at Omiya
Date: 1930
Size: Oban. 16.75 x 12 inches.
Date: 1930. This edition later.
Publisher: Shobisha (Acquired original blocks from Kawaguchi and Sakai).
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Reference: Hotei #215.
Condition: Crease at top center margin (photo). Light toning. Top back margin has tape. Framer's pencil note in back bottom margin.

An unusual woven basket of bamboo strips and roots in the shape of a cocoon or bird nest dating from the 20th century. It can be used flat on a table or even better suspended on the wall or pillar. It is 43 cm (17 inches) long and in excellent original condition.

The cormorant prepares to take flight, wings extended, captured in bronze in a moment of excitement, the shapr eyes focused ahead. Captivating realism with simple Art-deco overtones signed below the tail. It is 32 x 36.5 x 25 cm (14-1/2 x 13 x 10 inches) and is in excellent condition. The cormorant, known in Japanese simply as U, is a migratory bird native to the east Palearctic with a range from Taiwan to the Russian Far East...

Beautifully Framed Zen Buddhist Painting of a Pair of Cranes Flying Past the Moon by the Famous Korean Jeju Island Monk, Ko Chang Nyul aka Jung Kwang Sunim aka the Mad Monk (1935-2002). The third photo here is from a prominent dealer's "sale" going on right now on Jung Kwang paintings, where you will see the prices are several times higher than mine. This other gallery has been in business for over forty years and has sold to many of the major museums...

San Idelfonso blackware jar, burnished finish with abstract designs, early unsigned piece, in the style of Maria Martinez (1887-1980), beautiful condition and good size. Measures 6" diameter, 4 3/4" high, opening is 3 3/8", bottom is 3 1/8" diameter. Fairly thick walls, evidence of hand finishing in interior, bottom has spots where it looks like felt buttons were once attached. Classic designs of feathers, circular shapes, all very precisely done, this was crafted by a highly skilled artisan...

Kondō Yuzō is one of the more recognized names in the world of modern Japanese pottery of the 20th century. Though known mainly for his sometsuke creations (blue and white porcelains), he did not settle on this style until well into his potting career that lasted nearly seven decades. The pieces shown here then would be from an earlier period and are evidence of his competency with varied styles and glazes—not just the ones he is most well-known for...

The painting is depicted of two beauties in between plum blossom trees and is dated 庚辰年夏 1940 summer (民國29年). Ye Darong, courtesy name as Xiangfu, son of Ye Manshu who was also a famous painter from Shanghai. Size: 20.5 (52cm) inches long.

Balinese antique pair of Dwarapala temple guardians. Carved of stone, these figures once guarded a temple entrance, a warning to humans and negative energies not to pass. Their ferocious appearance is a warning that only those with good intentions will be ushered through and guided to ascend a higher path.

Age: Mid-century

Dimensions: left: 23" high x 11" wide x 9" deep. right: 24" high x 11 1/2" wide x 9 1/2" deep.

Yuki-boshi (snow hat) or yuki-kabuto (snow helmet) made of palm tree fiber and vegetable indigo dye cotton inside. It has washi painted with Paulownia oil for waterproof, between outside and cotton indigo lining. It is from Shonai region in Yamagata prefecture in Tohoku district. It is said it was worn by "matagi", a hunter. The second half of the 19th century. In good condition with belts inside are left, which is rather rare. 40cm x 57cm

Sakiori obi for an everyday kimono. It is handwoven of cotton and silk strips of old kimono and cotton yarn for warps. Some wefts are from kimono with kasuri. In excellent condition. 20th century. W:16.5cm, L:2m92cm

This model is a faithful representation of the American privateer ship built in New York at the beginning of the 19th century. The model is of exceptional quality. It may be that it was built from a kit from the 70s but the multitude of excellent details leads me to believe that it is a unique work created from scratch by a virtuoso model maker. Although we know of many models of the "Prince of Neuchatel", none equals this one...

Tsuto made of rice straw which is used for containing ceramic plates. It has a small wooden tag "12 plates". In old age, there was no plastic cushioning material so that rice straw was used much for it and for other crafts. In good condition and very few scraps which is usual for old crafts made of rice straw. The first half of the 20th century. Diameter:24cm, H:26cm

Saito Hodo (aka Nishimura Hodo)
Street in Front of Restaurant
Date: 1920s-30s.
Size: Oban. 19.75 x 13 inches.
Publisher: Takemura Hideo.
Signed "H. Saito" by the artist.
Medium: Japanese watercolor.
Condition: Excellent.
Note: Paintings and woodblock prints variously signed "H. Saito" (Saito Hodo) and "Nishimura Hodo" were published by Takemura Hideo. They are very likely by the same artist...

Saito Hodo (aka Nishimura Hodo)
Street After Rain (雨後の街)
Date: 1920s-30s.
Size: Oban. 19.75 x 13 inches.
Publisher: Takemura Hideo.
Signed "H. Saito" by the artist.
Medium: Japanese watercolor.
Condition: Excellent.
Note: Paintings and woodblock prints variously signed as "H. Saito" (Saito Hodo) and "Nishimura Hodo" were published by Takemura Hideo. They are very likely by the same artist...

Ide Gakusui
Heron in Rain
Date: ca. 1950.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.25 inches.
Artist's signature and seal lower right.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Round, red 6mm seal lower left, which is consistent with a first edition (produced 1946-1957).
Embossing is featured on the snowy egret's body. Please see enlargement 2.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Adhered to board via contact sheet.

Saito Hodo (aka Nishimura Hodo)
A balcony scene with falling cherry blossoms
Date: 1920s.
Size: Oban. 15.25 x 10.25 inches.
Publisher: Takemura Hideo.
Signed "H. Saito" by the artist.
Medium: Japanese watercolor.
Condition: Faint matte line.
Note: Paintings and woodblock prints variously signed as "H. Saito" (Saito Hodo) and "Nishimura Hodo" were published by Takemura Hideo. They are very likely by the same artist...

Saito Hodo (aka Nishimura Hodo)
Two women walking on a spring night
Date: 1920s-1930s.
Size: Oban. 15.5 x 10.25 inches.
Publisher: Takemura Hideo (label on back).
Signed "H. Saito" by the artist.
Medium: Japanese watercolor.
Condition: Excellent.
Note: Paintings and woodblock prints variously signed "H. Saito" (Saito Hodo) and "Nishimura Hodo" were published by Takemura Hideo. They are very likely by the same artist...

Coxcomb decorates the deeply carved surface of this box covered in green and red lacquer outside, gilded with gold inside in the Kamakura-bori carving tradition. It is 22 x 25 x 5 cm and comes enclosed in a period wooden box. Kamakura-bori is a type of lacquer ware made in the area around the ancient capital city of Kamakura in Kanagawa prefecture. The tradition is based on carved lacquer wares imported from China during the Kamakura era...

This beautiful chawan (tea bowl) is a Raku ware made by famous Kyuraku Kimura. It was made about 40-50 years ago. The seal of Raku is stamped on the bottom.

It comes with its originally signed and sealed wooden box and an appraisal of the Daitoku-ji Temple, Kyoto. This temple is very famous for its knowledge about chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony). Tea ceremony items with a signature and an appraisal of the Daitoku-ji Temple have a high evaluation for collectors.

Also, the...

Circa 1950s-60s, double fruit rock crystal snuff bottle with superb clarity and craftsmanship having apple green jadeite stems for stoppers. Presented on a nice hardwood stand. In perfect condition, just the bottle measures 3" long x 1.75" high x 1.25 wide".

Kawase Hasui
Great Buddha, Kamakura (Hase Daibutsu)
Date: 1930s.
Size: 5.875 x 3.75 inches.
Hasui oval seal at lower right.
Reference: Hotei Hp-53
Condition: Back of print has paper residue at top.

55" tall by 30" in diameter. Dated Showa 25 ( 1950) . From Muneatsuji Temple in Gifu Prefecture. This Temple is connected to the Rinzai temple of Myoshinji in Kyoto. (Full translation of what is written on the bell is available). Made by Fujiwara Sadaatsu. Inscription says it was made for world peace.

A classic mid 20th century Dry-lacquer vase by Kawai Masazo enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Rankaku (crushed egg shell) on cream colored lacquer alternating with highly polished black. This work truly encapsulates the freedom for form which artists were seeking in the post war period. It is 45 cm long and in excellent condition. Kawai Masazo was born in Osaka in 1928, graduating the Osaka Municipal School of Art and Design. In 1948, at just 20 years old, he was awarded the Mayo...

Saiho-hinagata (or hinagata), the sewing sample which is a miniature sample to learn sewing. It was invented by an educator for saving time and textile using a special measuring rod. It was practiced in a girl's school from Meiji 7, 1874). Reduced scales were one-third in the beginning and one-quarter, one-half, one-fifth etc. The sewing technique was exactly same as the real size in details. Saiho-hinagata was designated as a significant tangible folk cultural asset. They learned not only kimon...

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Twilight at Hira
Date: 1936.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Edition. First. Watanabe D seal at right margin (used 1931-41).
Artist's signature and seal at lower right.
Reference: Koitsu catalog TK-DH-18.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Reference: TK-WN-7 in Koitsu catalog.
Condition: Print is fully adhered to slightly larger board. Two marks above boat. Slight soling in sky. Fr...

Iwai-Bandori which is a backpack pad for carrying household items on wedding, made in Shonai region in Yamagata prefecture in Tohoku. It is made of cotton rags. In good condition. The first half of the 20th century. L:110cm, W:28cm

An elegant celadon receptacle with custom made black lacquered lid by important female potter Suwa Sozan II titled Seiji Mizusashi and enclosed in a wooden box annotated by the third generation head of the family. The Taru shape (a traditional bound shallow wood bucket) is surmounted at the rim with lily pads upon which rests a tiny frog. In the center of the base is her circular stamp. It is 24 cm (9-1/2 inches) diameter, 12 cm (5 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Suwa Sozan (1...

Toshi Yoshida (1911-1995)
The Friendly Garden Triptych - Pine, Bamboo, and Plum
Date: ca. 1980.
Size: Each panel measures 21.25 x 11.75 inches.
Publisher: The Yoshida Family Studio. Issued by the Franklin Mint.
Signed and sealed by the artist in the image.
Signed in pencil in Japanese in the margin.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Top back margins have original tape residue. Slight toning.

An exquisite image of an emaciated man, the prominent bones about the eyes softly glowing pale white over the hollow cheeks. The mask is of the Yase-otoko type, and is signed on the back by the maker Iwasaki Hisahito in a carved seal above the eye. Superb craftsmanship!
Iwasaki Hisahito is a well known Mask carver currently 78 years old and still going. He was born in Oita prefecture, but moved to Nagoya then Yokohama at a youthful age. All processes are done by hand, from carving the w...

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.

Kawase Hasui
Fisherman at Sunset
Date: 1930s. This edition 1950s-60s.
Approximately 5.5 x 3.75 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Artist's oval seal at lower left.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print tipped along its top edge to original card.
Condition: Excellent.

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Four Small Woodblock Prints
Titles: Kiyomizu Temple, Arashiyama, Kawaguchi Lake, and Kintai Bridge in Iwaki
Date: 1940s-50s.
Size: Approximately 3.5 x 2.25 inches.
Publisher: Shobido Tanaka.
Koitsu catalog nos. TK-SB-50, TK-SB-51, TK-SB-52, TK-SB-53.
These woodblock prints are tipped at the top edge to the covers of blank bridge tallies.
Condition: Excellent.

Kawase Hasui
Man Fishing on a Moonlit Night
Date: 1930s.
Size: Approximately 6 x 4.125 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Hasui oval seal at lower right.
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso.
Reference: Hotei #Hp-38.
Condition: Margin corner at upper left repaired by conservator.

Clearly this a very early ghurra showing greatly achieved carving art combined with thick crusted patina and significant signs of wear. The sculpture motifs represent on both side of the ghurra a scene of churning, supported by an interlacing which could represent snakes which it is however difficult to formally identify as the deposit is important and hides the details. The front and back sides of the ghurra are symmetrical H 31 cm, , width 9.5 cm , Thickness 3 cm

Ohara Koson (Shoson)
Egrets
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.25 inches.
Date: 1926. This edition 1946-1957.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Watanabe 6 mm in lower left corner of image.
Shoson signature and seal.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Reference: S14.4 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Features embossing on the birds' bodies.
Condition: Back of print has toning. Two original drying pinhole...

Kohiki glaze tea bowl made by Living National Treasure Arakawa Toyozo (1894-1985) The mark of the potter is painted on base.
It can been seen exactly where he held the bowl while applying the white slip.

In perfect condition with two boxes (inner signed inner box and outer black lacquer box).

Size
Height 9cm
Width 15cm

Arakawa Toyozo (1894-1985) was a highly esteemed Japanese potter who made significant contributions to the revival and preservati...

Boro hanten noragi made of cotton with stripes and plain which are vegetable indigo dye. It has two layers of cloth and sashiko all over. The shape of sleeves is "makisode. The frist half images are inside out. The first half of the 20th century. 128cm x 87cm

Kawase Hasui
Hiraizumi Konjikido (Hall of the Golden Hue)
Date: 1930s. This edition 1950s-60s.
Approximately 5.75 x 3.75 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Titled at lower left.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Print is attached along its top edge to original blank card.
Condition: Excellent. Note: This design is similar to Hasui's Hp-47 in the catalog. We attribute this unsealed print to Hasui because we've previously sold a sealed example that ...

Kawase Hasui
Nissaka
Date: 1930s. This edition 1950s-60s.
Approximately 5.75 x 3.5 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Hasui oval seal at upper left.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Print is attached along its top edge to original blank card.
Condition: Excellent. A rarely seen design.

Early 20th century hand carved kava bowl, Tonga or Fiji, with four tapered round legs, and a stylized head on one side with holes for attaching a cord for hanging, very deep and satiny patina, chisel marks over much of the surface, hard wood with nice figural elements. Within the culture it is referred to as a tanoa. Measures 14 3/4" across and is 5 3/4" high. Note that the bowl is our of round, the smaller dimension across is 14 3/8" and the legs in back are slightly higher, so the front hei...

Rare large bronze temple dragon spout. Kurama Temple in Northern Kyoto has a very similar one at the entrance to the temple with water running from the dragon's mouth into a large granite water basin where people can purify mouth and hands before entering the temple. Ca. 1950. 30" wide; 3ft tall and 18" deep. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.

1950s-60s Smokey Rock Crystal of a Shi Shi dog with its tail fanned out upright which is also the stopper. Measures: Length 2-1/2" x W 1-1/2" x H 2"

Japanese sosaku hanga woodblock print depicting an alert dog lying in rest set against a lacquered patterned background titled "Dachshund (A)" by Kiyoshi Saito (1907-1997). Signed in white ink and with the artist's red seal at the lower right. Circa 1950s. Unlimited edition. Paper size: 11 1/2" x 17 1/4” (image size: 10 3/16" x 15 1/8”). Very good overall condition. There are three small areas of tape residue on the back upper edge at the center and corners.

Important and rare mask carved in wood fungus, of the tinder fungus type (fomes fomentarius), of rounded triangular form, with perforated oval eyes, incised mouth and nose in relief, probably added. Length: 30 cm. Height: 18.7 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition. NOTE: the tinder fungus is a parasite which grows particularly on the birch tree. This tree is highly venerated by numerous cultures with a shamanic tradition, because it is supposed to harbor deities...

silk meisen lined kimono with dots which are double kasuri, both warp and weft are katazome dyed(stencil-resist-dye). In excellent condition except for a spot in the front panel, but it is folded inside and unseen when it is worn. Mid 20th century. 122cm x 151cm

One of a kind art deco Ca. 1935 wood stand for incense burner or object. Thick wood and old Negoro lacquer indicates even an older time period. Condition good with some age wear. see pictures. 12" high by 12" wide with a depth of 7". Very rare. Ask for shipping quote.

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Maiko Sea Shore
Date: 1936.
Size: Chuban. Approximately 10.75 x 7.75 inches.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten.
Printer: Yokoi. Carver: Harada. This combination of seals indicates an early postwar edition.
Reference: TK-DH-23 in Koitsu catalogue.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Back has one tape remnant at top right and a small foxing spot. Slight fading.

Beautifully engraved Japanese silver (.950 standard) cigarette case, early to mid 20th century, maker unknown, stamped with sterling and .950 standard, originally for cigarettes, now useful as card case. Measures 4 5/8" wide, 3 3/8" deep including latch and 3/8" high. Very fine quality silver, not unlike the wonderful master metal workers of the Meiji era, with lush designs of bamboo plants on a background of woven design. Fine etched band around the bamboo design on both front and back, jus...

Copper frog pitcher by Los Castillo, ca 1965, silver plate over copper on spout and interior, and on section of arched handle where frog is seated, signed on bottom, green stone frog seated on lip of spout, with 5 frogs inlaid with stone mosaic on the body of the pitcher. An iconic design by Los Castillo, the arched handle with frog is wonderful form. Measures 7" wide including handle and spout, 10" high, and is roughly 6" in diameter. Copper has a deep rich tone, handle is slightly lighter ...

BRONZE VASE

Old Ikenobo style. Early-mid 20th century, Japan. approx. D 24.3 x H 33cm (9.56 x 12.99in). Slight deformation and scratch at the top rim as is as seen.


selected by hotoke




* Please understand that EMS shipping fee is additionally charged, and also confirm our Sales Policy before purchase, since your order will be assumed to have fully acknowledged our Sales Policy under any circumstances. Thank you.

Mask used for household protection against evil spirits, with an unusual elongated form. Wood, age patina. Nepal, Gurung ethnic group, first half of 20th century. Height: 32.8 cm. Mounted on a custom stand. Some abrasion, otherwise very good condition.

Kawase Hasui (1883-1957)
Zentsuji Temple, Sanshu
Series: Collection of Scenic Views of Japan, Kansai edition.
Date: 1937
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Watanabe 6 mm seal at lower right, indicating a lifetime edition produced between 1946 and 1957.
Reference: Hotei #334.
Condition: Tape at top margin. Upper left image edge has slight tonal difference.

Kawase Hasui (1883-1957)
Snow at the Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji no yuki)
Date: 1951.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Black 6 mm seal at lower left, indicating a first edition (1946-57).
Hasui signature and seal at lower left.
Size: Oban. 15.25 x 11.25 inches.
Reference: Hotei #560.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Back margins have tape residue. Two small bumps at lower margin edge repaired by conservator. Slight fading.

Helmet mask with three faces, Ekoi, Cross River, Nigeria.  Height 62 cm. Mid 20th century. Partly covered with antelope skin. The headdress and the three figures are attached on (partly new) wooden pins and can easily be removed for transport. There is old rodent damage to the figures. Ex Ursula Voorhuis (1932-2021), The Netherlands. A (heavy) stand can be included. More pictures available on request.

Hardwood group depicting a horse rider surrounded by a kneeling figure and two drum players. H. 19 cm. First half of the 20th century. Some missing parts on the kneeling figure. Ex coll. Ursula Heijs Voorhuis (1932-2021), The Netherlands. Ex Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, Germany.

H. 85 cm.  Mid 20th century. Artist: Tage from Kpwazang (?) Provenance: Norfolk State Museum Marc Assayag, Montreal, Canada Srdjan Sremac, The Hague Auction: Dorotheum Vienna, ‘Tribal Art’, March 2022.

A very rare group from Ketu, Benin, probably used as a divination tray or as a display piece for an important Babalawo. Diameter 52 cm, H. 30 cm. Mid 20th century. The hand of one figure has been replaced. Ex coll. Ursula Voorhuis (1932-2021), The Netherlands Ex Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg Guy van Rijn archive: ao-0102485-005 with comments from Ursula Voorhuis and Hans Witte. The scene depicts the consultation of the Ifa oracle by a woman. The Babalawo (father of the secret) or orac...

Colorful altar from the Ketu region in Benin. Carved all around with a maternity figure and 3 other figures. At the back there is an opening with a tin frame. Probably this part was originally covered by a small door. H. 40 cm, D 30 cm. Mid 20th century or older. Ex coll. Ursula Voorhuis (1932-2021), The Netherlands. Guy van Rijn archive: ao-0104491-001. Hans Witte commented about this object: this form is typical for the Oshumare shrines from Ketu. The colors red-white-yellow point to th...