A fragment of washi with mending patches, whose ground paper as well as mending patches are kakishibu (persimmon tannin) dye for waterproof and sturdiness. It has several layers of old recycled washi. The original usage is not clear. Late 19th to early 20th century (Meiji). 40cm x 40cm

Additional photos of this fabulous Accordion book of 12 paintings by Kimura Seiun enclosed in a wooden box titled Atami Dan Ko-gasatsu and dated early Spring of Showa 4 (1929). The introductory page is written by Zen priest Hashimoto Dokuzan of Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto. The paintings are each signed with various names used by Kimura, mostly Seiun or Ren. The introductory and concluding pages are both dated 1929. It is 28 x 14 cm (5-1/2 x 11 inches) and in overall outstanding condition...

Toshi Yoshida
Heirinji Temple Bell
Date: 1951.
This edition later from original blocks.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.75 x 10.75 inches.
Toshi Yoshida seal and block-signed signature.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Top back margin corners have paper residue.

An open tsubo covered in highly unusual gloss glaze with a colorful floral spray by Kawai Kanjiro enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 24 cm (9-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Kawai Kanjiro was a true artist by nature, and together with Hamada Shoji, set a pattern of study for modern potters...

HAND TAMED JIZO

Lovely Japanese stone carving figurine of Jizo Bosatsu (Jizo Bodhisattva) that is so handy in size, H 16 x 8 x 7cm (6.29 x 3.14 x 2.75in), early-mid 20th century, in generally weathered condition as is due to aging...

Kawase Hasui
Starlit night, Miyajima
Souvenirs of travel, third series.
Date: 1928.
Size: Approximately 15.0 x 10.125 inches.
Hasui signature and seal lower left.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Watanabe "A" seal in right margin, indicating a first edition.
Reference: Hotei No. 140.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Paper toned at left and top margin edge. Top back margin has residue.

Kawase Hasui
Spring Snow, Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto
Date: 1932.
Size: Oban 15.0 x 10.5 inches.
Hasui signature and seal lower right.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten. Carver: Harada. Printer: Yokoi.
Edition: Early postwar (1950-63).
Reference: Hotei No. 276.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Top margin partially trimmed. Toning at lower left corner. Slight margin creasing.

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Yotsuya Araki Yokocho
Date: 1937.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.75 x 10.5 inches.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten.
Carver: Harada. Printer: Yokoi.
Early postwar edition (1950-63).
Bears the Doi watermark.
Artist's signature and seal at lower left.
Reference: Koitsu catalog TK-DH-18.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Never displayed.

Nishimura Hodo
Hirosaki Castle in the Spring
Date: 1933.
Size: Oban. 15.625 x 10.5 inches.
Publisher: Takemura Hideo. Stamp in left margin and label on back.
Sealed by the artist at lower left.
Edition: First and only.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Upper portion toned where not covered by former matte.
Note: RARE - The only other example we could locate is in the Honolulu Museum.

A beautiful Shino Chawan by one of the best Japanese artists of the 20th century, Yano Keisen, made 70 years ago. His ceramics were part of the wedding of the Japanese Emperor Akihito in 1959 and since then part of the imperial household.

It comes with its originally signed and sealed wooden box without chips or cracks.

Yano Keisen was a Japanese Asian Modern & Contemporary artist...

Ohara Shoson (Koson)
Egret on Snow-covered Willow Tree at Night
Size: Koban. Approximately 7.25 x 5.0 inches.
Date: 1930s.
Shoson seal lower right.
Made in Japan stamped on verso.
Reference: AS.10 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Paper at top back corner.

Fantastic Seto Chawan made by greatest Kitaoji Ronanjin 70-80 years ago.

Rosanjin (1883-1959) They say adversity is the mother of invention, and Rosanjin can be said to epitomize that expression. Born during the tumultuous first half of the Meiji period in the cultural center of Kyoto, he was adopted at age six by a woodblock carver...

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.

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.

BRONZE VASE

Old Ikenobo style. Early-mid 20th century, Japan. approx. D 24.3 x H 33cm (9.56 x 12.99in)...

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...

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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...

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

Kohiki glaze tea bowl made by Living National Treasure Arakawa Toyozo (1894-1985) The mark of the potter is painted on base...

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...

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.

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
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
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.

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...

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 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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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...

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. However, many Japanese lacquer craftsmen did not adopt t...

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. Works with these signatures had similar...

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. Works with these signatures had similar s...

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)
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. Works with these signatures had similar style and at times ...

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. Works with these signatures had similar style and at times depict...

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

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

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

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 intricate brushwork on ea...

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. It has a black body with a white throat and cheeks and a partial...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kawase Hasui (1883-1957)
Moon at Magome
Date: 1930.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Printed during the artist's lifetime with Watanabe 6mm (used 1946-57) at lower right.
Reference: Hotei #165.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Two pieces of tape at top back margin.
"The scene conveys the rustic 'poetic' charm of Magome, the area where Hasui lived." - Narazaki
Magome was the co...

Kawase Hasui
Rain in Maekawa, Soshu
Series: Selection of Views of the Tokaido
Date: 1932.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.125 x 10.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. This design often has in either lower corner a black 6mm Watanabe publisher's seal nearly invisibly on a black background, which would indicate a lifetime edition. We could not locate one, though the paper appears adequately old.
Artist's signature and seal at lower left.
Reference: Hotei #223....

Andrew Kay Womrath (1869-1939)
In collaboration with Yoshijiro Urushibara (1888-1953)
Venice at Night
Size: Chuban. Approximately 11.625 x 8 inches.
Edition: 3/50 OR 33/50. Numbered in pencil at lower left.
Date: ca 1920s.
Signed "A Kay Womrath" in pencil.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Foxing nearly entirely in margin. Margin blank at lower left.
Note: An example of this night scene is paired with its daytime version in the Smithsonian ...

Kawase Hasui
Title: Kawaguchi
Date: 1950s ~ 1960s.
Size: 5.75 x 3.75 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo
Hasui seal lower left.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print tipped along its top edge to original blank card.
Condition: Excellent.

Attributed to Kawase Hasui (We're not certain)
Mt. Fuji From Hara (Hara no Fuji)
Date: 1930s.This edition early postwar.
Size: 5.75 x 3.75 inches.
A woodblock print tipped along its top edge to an original card.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.