Splashes of earthen color decorate the deep sides of this large open dish by Living National Treasure Tamura Koichi enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The bowl is 15-1/2 (39 cm) diameter, 4 inches (10.5 cm) tall. The box is worn but still sturdy, and the bowl is in perfect condition. Koichi graduated from the Tokyo University of Fine arts Where he later taught), and took up an apprenticeship under (later) Living National Treasure Tomimoto Kenkichi...

Enigmatic green and red florals capped by ascending butterflies alternate with bird images in the cathedral-like windows on the side of this large vessel by Kyoto artist Yamazaki Koyo enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The vase is 13-1/2 inches (34 cm) tall and in fine condition, dating circa 1950. Koyo (1890-1979) studied under Kiyomizu Rokubei VI, and was displayed consistently in many National and Local Exhibitions...

A beautiful miniature Japanese Old Ivory Netsuke Frog Sumo Wrestler. In it's excellent condition H: 1-1/8" Signed

A beautiful old Japanese netsuke with mouse play on the top of a drunk cat, very elaborate and cute. In excellent condition L:7/8" Signed. Sold to Pleasanton

Japanese sosaku hanga woodblock print depicting a pavilion on Peony Point (Botan-dai), Pyongyang, Korea and is No. 28 from the series "One Hundred Views of New Japan" by Hiratsuka Un'ichi (1895-1997). The artist's red ink Hiratsuka Un'ichi seal is at the lower right. The black ink title and artist's red "Un" seal is at the upper left. Known to date to 1940. Paper size: 9 7/8" x 12 5/8" (image: 8 7/8" x 11 7/8"). This print was never framed and is in very good overall condition...

A wonderful kabuki Isho Ningyo of the actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX performing as the lion dancer in the performance of Shukyo Kagami Jishi in March 1893 at the Kabukiza Theater in Tokyo. He wears the traditional flowing red wig. Beautiful details abound here with handsome, sumptuous brocade. The pose and high quality of this dramatic masterpiece indicates it was done by an important Ningyo master. Height: 17 inches, 43 cm.

Japanese early 20th century bronze water lily design vase. By artist, BOKUZEN. Comes with TOMOBAKO, or original artist signed wooden storage box. The vase measures 11 1/8" tall by 7" wide at the widest point.

Ohara Shoson (Koson)
Title: Crow on a Snow Covered Branch
Date: 1910s ~ 1920s
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo
Size: 11.25 x 5.5 inches.
Reference: Newland, Amy R."Crows, cranes & camellias" p. 196.

A rare creped woodblock print by Koson. Creping was popular in the early 20th century due to superior durability.
Condition: Unframed. Excellent. This print appears to be as fresh as the day it was made. It is an absolute knockout...

Gorgeous art deco Tamekichi Mitsui III signed Kutani plate. He received his artist's name Tamekichi III in 1961 from his teacher, and was soon afterward commissioned to create a plate for Edwin Reischhauer's visit in 1962. He was a favorite of the royal family who bought numerous pieces in 1976. Also from 1979-1988 Japanese Prime Ministers took his works abroad as gifts during state trips. He was a professor of art in Washington D.C...

Japanese Fukagawa porcelain vase decorated with the double arched bridge (Nijyu-bashi) of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Singed by the artist、Zippo Araki (1872-1944), in underglaze blue beside his two red seals. This bridge was the one of first place to have electric lights from gas lights in Japan. Mt. Fuji logo of Fukagawa on the base, with inscribed original wood box (tomobako). 8 1/4" (hight) x 7 1/8" (width)

Japanese antique cha tansu (tea chest) made of dark hardwood, many open shelves with decorative cut out areas, compartment on top right with sliding panels, larger compartment on the bottom with hinged doors, 2 small drawer on the bottom right, Taisho Period. Size: 45" high x 46" wide x 14 1/2" deep.

A very elegant Japanese sand-cast iron tea kettle and brazier (furokama, fuuro-kama) of unusually small size (making water for one person). The round brazier (Furo) has an opening on each side; the kettle with a tapering top is finely cast with romping horses, loose ring handles and delicately shaped top with simple knob. The brazier with cast mark 'Nanbu, Morioka, sei(?) mitsu(koi) dou. Nanbu and Mizusawa of Morioka in Iwate prefecture (northern Japan) has been famous for cast iron wares...

From our Japanese Collection, a fine and very attractive mid-century silk thread composition depicting a Shinto shrine nestled within a treed riverbank, with a foot-bridge and boats in the foreground. The composition uses rich but tasteful shades of burgundy, brown, cream, dark green, a touch of soft pink, and other subtle earth tones. The piece evokes a relaxed charm.

Size and Condition: Framed dimensions are 25 inches wide, 19 3/4 inches tall...

9.5 feet long hand-painted Japanese carp banner (Koi-nobori) for Boy's Day. Here on this banner, a mighty little boy named Kintaro, is hitching a ride on a carp. Kintaro may be a creation from a theater play (jyoruri and kabuki) of the Edo period – although he is said to be a childhood figure of the 10th century samurai, Sakata no Kinsuke - he is extremely strong and still a popular hero figure for Japanese boys...

Japanese obi, nagoya style, painted with two noh masks on soft satin silk. The base color is a gentle pink/wisteria color with earth-tone. Taisho/Early Showa.

Artist: Kawase Hasui
Title: Daimotsu, Amagasaki
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo, 6mm seal.
Date: 1940. The 6mm seal was used between 1946 and 1957.
Size: Oban, approximately 15.5 x 10.25 inches.
Condition: Pristine. Unframed. Never displayed. The two left margin pinholes are the original state.

Japanese Hakata ningyo, unglazed clay doll of a young samurai (wakashu) with a dancing fan. This doll may have been modeled after a character in Kabuki (played by all males) or Takarazuka (played by all females)...

Japanese uchikake (wedding gown) with a colorful design of flowers and birds done in the Tsujigahana-zome (dye) style. The old Tsujigahana dye technique was used on the clothing of the Muromachi to Momoyama period elites. Inside the tie dyed area, flowers and birds were painted with blue, purple and black ink. Tsujigahana-dye was short lived and completely vanished by the early 17th century because of its extreme complexity. This gown is very beautiful with many woven metal threads;...

Here is a quintessential piece by Master Mashiko Potter and Living National Treasure Hamada Shoji (1894-1978) enclosed in the original signed and stamped wooden box. The subtlety of the wide faces is a pleasant contrast with the rich iron frame of the narrow sides and top. A cluster of leaves in a zen circle underscored or shaded by tapering rails under heavily crackled clear glaze, a snowy white belt running across the scene is what we see. However there is more to this vase, a subtle textur...

A charming baluster form vase decorated with a ring of drying fish by Katsuo Seiryudo (1907-1984) in the original signed wooden box. The hirame (flat fish) are unglazed except for an iron like underglaze used to draw the details, and shiny black dots for eyes. The contrast between the unglazed fish and white ceramic is unexpected and pleasing, in that ordinarily it would be opposite. The vase measures roughly 8-1/2 inches (21.5 cm) in diameter and height, and bears the artists cartouche-like sta...

A large cloth, silk brocade, lined with cotton with ties on one side. Dimensions: 104 1/4” long x 45” in width (2.65m x 1.14m). There are four 26” panels sewn together (sewing machine), each panel is decorated with a pair of phoenix birds one parched on a paulownia tree and the other on a rock. Although the fabric is of high quality silk, it actually is older than it appears - you need to handled gently. The gold sparkles when it is hit by lights. The color is not red. It is mo...

Matsue Hariko Tawara Ushi, Paper Mache Ox Carrying Rice Bales from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. Ca. early 1970's. Made by H. Kimura. L.3.375"(8.5cm) x H.2"(5cm) x W.2.375"(6cm.) Matsue paper mache dates back to the Edo Period (1600-1868) and has a robust charm. In this rural area, the Ox signifies a good harvest. Matsue is known in the West as the long-time Japanese home of writer Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904.)

Matsue Hariko Koma, paper mache horse from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. H.3.25"(8.5cm) x L.3"(7.5cm) x W.1"(2.5cm). Ca. early 1970's, made by H. Kimura. Painted paper, straw tail. Matsue paper mache dates back to the Edo Period (1600-1868) and has a wonderful robust charm. The horse, in this rural area, is a symbol of good harvest. Matsue is known in the West as the long-time Japanese home of writer Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904.)

Tsuchi Ningyo, Clay Doll. Kintaro with Giant Carp. ca. early 1900's. H.4.25"(11cm) x W.3.375"(8.5cm.) Signed on bottom "Yano." Body is 100% intact and in good condition, but most of the paint has flaked off of the fish. The origins of this doll are unknown, as clay dolls were produced all over Japan since the early Edo period (1600-1868.) Most were influenced by the Fushimi Dolls made in Kyoto, and large production was even made in the far Northeast of the Tohoku region (such as Tsutsumi, Miyagi...

Hirosaki Hato Bue, Clay Pigeon Whistle from Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. Painted clay; L.6"(15cm) x H.4"(10cm) x 2.5"(6.5cm.)ca. 1970's. Condition very good, small paint chip on left eye (see enlargement #3.) The hato bue has been a popular folk toy of Aomori, and other regions of Japan, since the Edo Period (1600-1868.) In particular, it is said that the fuedal lord of the Hirosaki district allowed local roof tile- making potters to use the fuedal kilns to make additional functional wares and f...

Kubi Furi Tora; Bobbing Head Paper Mache Tiger from Nishi-Oodera, Okayama Prefecture. H.6.5"(16.5cm) x L.6.25"(16cm) x W.2"(5cm.) Painted paper mache, ca. early 1970's. Excellent condition WITH ORIGINAL BOX. Paper mache folk crafts were popular in Nishi-Oodera since the mid-late Edo Period (1600-1868.) This particular style of tiger with high hip, curled tail, heavy black stripes, and fierce countenace has been produced since about 1897. This tiger image has been sold in the Inland Sea region as...

Akebi Hato Guruma, Vine Pigeon on Wheels; Nozawa, Nagano Prefecture. L.4.75"(12cm) x W.2.375"(6cm) x H.2.5"(6.5cm.) ca. 1972, woven akebi vine. The region of Nozawa has long been known for vine weaving craftsmanship, producing utilitarian items like hats, baskets, and teapot trivets. Vines were sourced from nearby mountains and then bleached naturally in local hot springs. In the late Edo Period (1600-1868,) during the Tempo Reign (1830-1844;) these techniques were used to begin creating folk to...

Kawase Hasui
Kankai Temple, Beppu Hot Springs, 1927
Publisher: Bijutsusha. One of only eight Hasui designs published by Bijutsusha. Bears the red "Rumi" publisher's seal.
Size: Oban, approximately 15.0 x 10.25 inches.
Condition: Unframed. Excellent. A small (2 mm) hole in the dark green foliage has been invisibly repaired by a conservator. Short green dash in grey upper right sky.
A lush landscape format print and a rare design. Beppu is among Japan's most famous hot spri...

Takamatsu Yomeiri Ningyo; Clay Bridal Trousseau Dolls from Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku Island. Set of 5 depicting auspicious images: Happy Couple, Dog, Rabbit, Ebisu with Tai (Sea Bream,) Dog with Tai. H. .75" to 1.125" (2cm-2.75cm) x W. .875" to 1.375" (2.25cm - 3.5cm;) painted clay, ca. 1972. Condition notes: .75cm paint chip on back of Ebisu, paint chipped away on fish of Dog with Tai figure. Others all in excellent condition. Takamatsu Yomeiri (Bride entering marriage) Ningyo (...

Paper mache Daruma Dolls from Tamashima district of Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture by Ono Ichi, ca. 1972. Pair or single, smaller (FI-8b): H. 4.875"(12.2cm) x W.3.5"(9cm.); larger (FI-8a): H.5.25"(13.25cm) x W.3.375"(8.5cm.) Painted paper mache. These dolls were made in 11 sizes ranging from 11 - 45cm. The small one here is the second smallest size made, known as "9-go", and the larger is an "8-go" size. Condition notes: The larger Daruma is intact but there are cracks in the paper and a number...

Kogo (Incense Container) by Kawai Takeichi; Kyoto, 1972. Dark green glaze. 2.25"(5.75cm) square x 1.75"(4cm) high. This piece was acquired on a visit to the Kawai pottery on August 9, 1972 and has had one owner since then. Kawai Takeichi (1908-1989) is the nephew of legendary Mingei (Folk Craft) Movement potter Kawai Kanjiro (1890-1966;) who along with Yanagi Soetsu, Hamada Shoji, Bernard Leach, and others were the first-generation leaders of this movement. Kawai Takeichi began his apprecticeshi...

The inscription on the back reads: Inori (Meditation) by Kinugawa Masayoshi (born 1912 in Higemi, Hyogo) of the Bijyutsuin Inyuu art organization. Japanese Two Panel Screen painting of Kannon Bodhisattva, the Goddess of Compassion and Mercy. The painting is a masterpiece, using the technique whereby minerals and semi-precious stones are ground into the paint, creating the most spectacular effects. Also, gold and black lacquer add highlights. This marvelous piece will stand out in any environmen...

Yamakawa Shuho (1898 - 1944)
Premonition of Snow, 1927
Size: Oban, approximately 15.0 x 10.5 inches.
Publisher: Bijutsusha
Condition. Unframed. This print has had tears and toning professionally restored.
An intriguing bijin image with an unusual title.

A beautiful early 20th C. Japanese black ink stone in excellent condition, marked. L:6" W:4-3/4"

A colorful Japanese Art Deco man's juban (under kimono), comprising a crazy quilt pattern of wonderful period hand-woven silk crepe fabrics in rich colors of indigo, red, green and purple, and brown, circa 1930, decorative trim and frog clasp, hand stitched, blue silk lining. Measurements: Sleeve tip to tip-48", shoulder to bottom hem-49"; A beautiful example of Art Deco fabrics in fair condition with frayed silks and lining fading, easily restored. Taisho or early Showa period

This is an antique men's silk juban, an undergarment worn under a kimono. For today’s standards, it is very odd to see such an extravagant hidden personal item.

During the Edo period, which ended in 1868, common people were not allowed to wear silk. The growing economical power of merchants came along with social disorder and corruption. Tokugawa government issued many sumptuary laws to limit the spending of the general people on luxury items. One way to avoid the punishment was to...

Artist: Uchima (Aohara) Toshiko (1918-2000). Aohara would marry the renowned artist Ansei Uchima.
Scene: Girl in Costume.
Image area: 5.5 x 3.5 inches. A woodblock print tipped at the top to original cardstock.
Bears the "Aohara" seal.
Publisher: Kyoto Hanga-In.
Condition: Excellent.

This is an antique men's silk juban, an undergarment worn under a kimono. For today’s standards, it is very odd to see such an extravagant hidden personal item. During the Edo period, which ended in 1868, common people were not allowed to wear silk. The growing economical power of merchants came along with social disorder and corruption. The Tokugawa government issued many sumptuary laws to limit the spending of the general people on luxury items. One way to avoid the punishment was to spend t...

Toshi Yoshida (1911~1995)
Depicting: Snow scene
A woodblock print tipped at the top to a Japanese Christmas card from the early 1950s. Please photo of the inside of the card.
Signed "T. Yoshida"
Condition: Excellent.

Hiratsuka Un-ichi (1895 ~ 1997)
Nihonbashi Bridge in Tokyo (aka. Night at Nihonbashi Bridge)
Date: 1946
Card size: Approximately 6.0 x 4.25 inches.
This woodblock print is the front cover of a Christmas/New Year card signed in pen by the artist at the inside.
Reference: Collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

A beautiful Chinese old silver dish with embossed twin fishes, in excellent condition. Marked. Weighs 68g. D:4" (10cm)

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Matsu (pine) motif; Japan, early 20th C. L.8.5"(21cm) x W.4.0"(10cm) x H.1.75"(4.5cm.) The pine symbolizes "evergreen" and was a popular motif for celebratory occasions such as weddings and New Year's. It is one of the "Three Friends of Winter," which also includes plum and bamboo. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world. Well-known examples in Asia come from Japan, China, Korea, and Indonesia. In Europe; countri...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Hi No De Tsuru (Rising Sun Crane) motif. Japan, early 20th C. L.7.0"(18cm) x W.3.75"(9.5cm) x H.1.625"(4cm). The Crane symbolizes long life, as does the Tortoise, in many Asian cultures. In Japan, it was a popular traditional motif for celebratory events such as weddings, New Year's, and birth. This particular example shows the rising sun, a symbol of Japan, behind the crane. The sweetmaker has written "Hi No De Tsuru (Rising Sun Crane)" on the side of the sweet mo...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Momiji (Japanese Maple) motif. Japan, early 20th C. L.8.125"(20.5cm) x W.3.0"(7.5cm) x H.1.75"(3.5cm.) This kashigata displays 2 Japanese maple leaves. As seasonality was often a concern in Japanese confectionery tradition, this image would have been a lovely inference to the autumn season. The sweetmaker has marked the side of the mold "mo mi ji" (Japanese Maple) in katakana characters. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture ar...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Biwa (loquat fruit, Eriobotrya Japonica) motif, Japan, early 20th C. L.8.125"(20.5cm) x W.4.374"(11cm) x H.1.5"(4cm.) The image on this mold shows a bunch of loquat fruit, known as "biwa" in Japanese. Biwa are indegenous to SE China, and the Japanese name may refer to the oblong shape of mature fruit that resembles the shape of the musical instrument, lute (also "biwa" in Japanese.) In olden days, a type of cough medication was made from the syrup of the fruit. The...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Japanese Imperial Army Emblem, early 20th C. L.6.375"(16.25cm) x W.3.625"(9.25cm) x H.1.5"(4cm). This unique kashigata features an emblem of the Imperial Japanese Army; the Star over two crossed swords, with a hammer and chain. The overall outline shape is that is a war fan.This item shows how even nationalism came into the designs of Japanese sweets in the Imperial era at the end of the 19th century and in the early 20th century. The back is stamped with the sweet...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Take (bamboo) motif, Japan, early 20th C. L.7.375"(18.5cm) x W.4.375") x H.1.375"(3.5cm.) This mold features a bamboo stalk with two groupings of leaves, and the sweetmaker has written "sa-sa-ba" (bamboo leaves) on the side of the mold. Bamboo's resilient nature makes it a symbol of resilience in hard times and was a traditional symbol used for many celebratory occasions, such as births and weddings. Along with the pine and plum, it is one of the "Three Friends of ...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold) with image of Jou (old man from the Noh play "Takasago.") Early 20th C, Japan. L.7.75"(9.5cm) x W.3.375"(8.5cm) x H..75'(2cm). Bottom portion of mold only. The image of Jou, the old man raking leaves and the companion of Uba, is from the ancient Noh play "Takasago." Alone or accompanied by Uba, Jou is a symbol of a long married life and fidelity. Such sweets could have been used for marriages and New Years. This mold lacks the top cover to press the sweet, but the c...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold) with double Kiku (chrysanthemum) motif, early 20th C., Japan. L.8.75"(22.5cm) x W.4.25"(10.5cm) x H.1.75"(4.5cm.) This mold has two chrysanthemum blossoms, a symbol of beauty and abundance in late fall and winter. On the side, the sweetmaker has written "an iri no natsume" (sweet red bean paste filled jujube) to indicate for which of type of sweet this mold was used. On the back is carved the sweet shop's name, "Bai Getsu" (Plum Moon.) This is the name of a famous s...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold) with a dynamic image of a minogame (mino = "straw rain cape," kame/game = "turtle/tortoise.") Early 20th C., Japan. L.13"(33cm) x W.5"(12.5cm) x H.1.125"(2.75cm,) 1 piece paddle type mold. Some minor insect damage to back of mold (see enlargements 4 & 5.) The tortoise is a symbol of long life in Japan, and in Asia in general. In Japan, the image of a tortoise ("kame") of especially ripe old age shows seaweed growing on its shell, which resembles the farmer's straw r...

A Beautiful Ode to Longevity by Watanabe Gashin, born 1944. Watanabe Gashin is a renowned calligrapher who has won many awards for his Japanese calligraphy. In this unique work, he spells out the joys of each decade, from the age of 60 to the age of 111. Frame: 36.5 x 18 inches, 93 x 46 cm; Calligraphy: 25 x 12 inches, 63.5 x 30.5 cm.

A fine Carved Ivory Netsuke of a man carrying the moon on his back signed Giyoku Seki a masterful piece. Measuring 2.5 inches 5.5 centimeters.

Yuasa Koufuu is an accomplished Japanese calligrapher. She is the recipient of many honors and prizes in Japan. Her style is very graceful and reminiscent of the famed Edo Period master, Rosetsu. In this delightful piece, Yuasa Koufuu describes the beautiful scenery in a mountain river. Frame: 20 x 14 inches, 51 x 35.5 cm; Artwork: 13 x 9 inches, 33 x 23 cm.

Fine Japanese miniature garden kit, all made with natural material, ca 1940-1960, original wood box. We used a simple cardboard box as a tray with small black pebbles under. You can created/draw water if the sand is used instead. The dimension of the box are 15 3/4” x 7 3/16” x 3 5/8”. Fence: 9 1/8 long (flattened for storage) x 3 3/4” high. Board with a frog: 5 1/8” long. Please ask for other measurements.

This tsumugi (raw, knobby silk, similar to tweed) purse was purchased at the well-known Kyoto antique textile shop Nakamura Chingiriya in 1972. It is unused and still has original box. H.6"(15cm) x W.6.25"(16cm.) Snap closes on one side, with eyelet for a hand, shoulder, or waist strap on the other. Indigo dyed folk materials and an elegant purse design make it suitable for kimono or jeans.

Kawase Hasui
Moon at Nakanoshima, Sapporo 1933
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Bears the 7 mm seal, indicating a printing between 1957 and 1989.
Condition: Unframed. Very good. Slight toning and professionally reinforced left margin.
- A rare appearance of a horse in a Hasui print.

A beautiful old Japanese silver cup with the original wooden box in excellent condition. Weight:42g D:7.5cm

Japanese antique buddhist priest's robe, made all of woven silk, blue ground with gold medallions with cranes and pine bow design, sewn in panels, original white and purple cord on sleeves, late Meiji Period. Size: 60" high x 77" wide.

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Kiku (chrysanthemum) motif; Japan, early 20th C. L.5.875"(15cm) x W.3.0"(7.5cm) x H.1.75"(4.5cm.) The chrysanthemum is a symbol of late fall and was also a popular motif for celebratory occasions. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world. Well-known examples in Asia come from Japan, China, Korea, and Indonesia. In Europe; countries such as Germany, Holland, and England have a rich history of cake mold production....

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Cherry Leaves motif; Japan, early 20th C. L.8.5"(21cm) x W.5.0"(12.75cm) x H.1.5"(4cm.) As a symbol of spring, the cherry is often depicted in blossoms. But in this case it is the leaves that are featured. There are actually sweets that are wrapped in cherry leaves. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world. Well-known examples in Asia come from Japan, China, Korea, and Indonesia. In Europe; countries such as Germ...