Japanese Ginbari Cloisonne Vase from the Showa Period, circa 1930-1950s. Red body with plum blossoms on a branch. The red color used on the vase is known as, akasuke and is thought to be the most difficult color to produce and only the most skilled artisans can successfully produce its ruby red color. To create its color, gold is mixed with a glass like substance and is applied to the object and fired at a low temperature. It measures 5" tall, 1.25" opening, 2" base...

Japanese Ginbari Cloisonne Vase. Showa period, circa 1930-1950. The body of the vase is red with a pink chrysanthemum amongst white peonies with a green orchid. The red color, known as akasuke, is difficult to produce. Only the most skilled artisans can create the rich ruby red color and the transparent element where the motif on the vase shows through the glaze. Excellent condition, no scratches or dents. Manufacturer's stamp on the base. It measures 8.5" tall, 2.5" opening, base 2.75" base...

A magnificent and detailed noh mask known as Shojo, which is used specifically for the play that contains the same name as the mask. Shojo originated in China as a mythical beast and was imported to Japan as a sake loving creature. In Noh theater, the play is performed for festive and auspicious occassions where the character is dressed in a colorful noh costume and wearing a red wig. Depending on the school of Noh, a jar with a ladle at times are used for the performance...

Toshi Yoshida (1911~1995)
Depicting: Night snow scene
Print size: 5.5 x 4.0 inches.
A woodblock print tipped at the top to a Japanese Christmas card from the 1950s.
Bears the Yoshida seal.
Condition: Light foxing at roof on left. Inside of card has tears.

Takahashi Shotei (Hiroaki)
Onward to the Sea-gall
Date: 1939-40
Publisher: Shobido Tanaka
Shotei.com no. ST-40.
Globe's Catalog No: C-562
Size: 6.0 x 4.0 inches.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Very good.

A stunning Globular Bizen vase like burnished bronze covered by a dusting of ash by living National Treasure Yamamoto Toshu enclosed in an artist signed wooden box. The style is called Sangiri, and Toshu has pulled it off to perfection here, the keen characteristic suiting this artists work. It is likely an older (pre-war) work boxed later. The vase is 7 inches (17 cm) diameter, roughly the same height...

An amazing wood sculpture of a standing lady looking at a mirror while fixing her hair. Sculpture was done by Owa Sakunai (1894- active 1987) originally Sakunai was a farmer in Nagano and did sculpture as a hobby. Sakunai received the opportunity to study at the Academie Julian when he was 65 years old. After his study in France, he submitted many of his works to the Nihon Bijutsu-in exhibition. The work shown may have been submitted to an exhibition during the 1960s - 1970s...

Namako glaze runs down, creating rivers flowing around the horns on the sides of this massive pot by Suzuki Kenji (1935-2010). Looking within one sees the volcanic explosions where the glaze pooled, bubbled and burst in the center. The vessel is 18 inches (45.5 cm) tall, roughly 13 inches (33 cm) square and weighs 20.5 kg (45 pounds). It is in fine condition. By size and structure it would be acceptable for display either inside or out...

Japanese 2-panel screen painting depicting a scene of a samurai standing with armor on but with a nuns head cloth and with monks beads in his outstretched hand, behind him are three beautiful warrior women wearing beautiful brocade underneath their armor and nuns head cloths with blossoming plum branches, each has a bow and arrows. Painted in mineral pigments and ink on paper. Painted by Kitamura Meido (1896-1962), known for specializing in human subjects...

A large sculptural vase by Eiraku Zengoro XVI (Sokuzen, 1917-1998) enclosed in the original signed wooden box dating from the 1950s, an era when Japan was redefining its own views on art. This is an excellent example of work from that time. Born into traditional tea ware, Zengoro XVI was with the rest of his compatriots, experimenting with new ideas and new forms, unafraid of a dawning new era. This piece is 35.5 cm (14.5 inches) tall, 17 cm (7 inches) square and in fine condition...

Kawase Hasui
Temple in Snow
Date: ca 1930s.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Size: 7.25 x 5.0 inches.
Condition: Excellent. Tipped at top edge to original sheet.
This print does not appear in Kawase Hasui: The Complete Woodblock Prints. We could find only one other example.

Kawase Hasui
Winter Moon Over Toyama Plain, 1931
Publisher: Doi Hangaten.
Carver/printer: Harada/Yokoi. This seal combination indicates an early post-war edition. Its pre-war use has also been widely debated.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10.5 inches.
Condition: Slight ripple at top margin. Otherwise excellent.

Japanese Noh performance mask of Ko-omote the youthful beauty, made of carved wood with painted features. Size: 8 1/4" high x 5 1/4" wide.

Ainu carved wooden doll of woman in traditional Ainu dress. H.12.25"(31cm) x W.4"(10cm.) Finely sculpted features show elements of Ainu traditional apparel & appearance; mouth tattoo, head band and kimono with traditional patterns, and large beaded necklace.

A pair of men-tori gourd shaped sake flasks by Living National Treasure Kondo Yuzo enclosed in the original signed wooden box. One flask is decorated in blue with bamboo and the characters Sei-Fu (pure wind). The second is dated in blue and pink with pomegranates with the inscription “For the use of Yuzo, October 27, 1976”. Both are signed on the base. It is likely these came from the artists own personal collection. Each stands roughly 5 inches (13 cm) tall. There are two fractures vis...

Toshi Yoshida (1911~1995)
Depicting: Snowy street
Print size: 5.5 x 3.75 inches.
A woodblock print tipped at the top to a Japanese Christmas card from 1953.
Bears the Yoshida seal.
Condition: Excellent.

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Berry motif; Japan, early 20th C. 6-piece sweet mold. L.13"(33cm) x W.1.75"(3.5cm) x H.0.375"(1cm.) Condition Note: Bottom piece of mold only. No top cover. 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. Materials such as wood, ceramic, glass...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Kame (turtle) motif; Japan, early 20th C. Paddle-type mold to make 4 pieces sweets. L.13.75"(35cm) x W.2"(5cm) x H.1"(2.5cm.) The turtle symbolizes long life in many Asian cultures and was a popular motif for celebratory occasions such as weddings and New Year's. 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,...