Catalog (1374)

Late Meiji to early Taisho (1920s) Japanese Kutani porcelain obidome (sash ornament) with enamel decoration of various flowers. 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 design, good quality painting with gold and other enamels, bar on the back for an obi cord, pleasant patina. Marked on the back bar with 2 characters reading KUTANI. Length 1.7 inches.

19th century staghorn netsuke of a bat resting on an old roof tile. The tile face has raised characters reading TODAI-JI - it is one of the Seven Great Temples located in Nara, and is the headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism. Typical stag antler texture to the material, superb quality stippling and staining perfectly imitating the rough texture of a ceramic tile, extraordinary rich patina. Signed MASAHARU on the inside of the tile - this artist known for his original and clever designs ...

Early Showa period (1930s) Japanese kogo (box for incense during tea ceremony) of turned wood, top and bottom are lacquered with concentric circles of different colors. Elegant object in Japanese taste with overwhelming simplicity, two parts fit perfectly, beautiful surfaces, in excellent condition. Diameter 1.9 inches.

Vintage Japanese wooden okimono carved in a shape of a doll of Zen Patriarch Daruma enveloped in his monastic robe. Good size and unusually fat sculpture carved out of chosen matsu (Korean pine wood), its face done in ittobori (one cut) style characteristic of Hida school with clever use of wood colors and structure to add to the charm of the piece. Excellent sense of volume, pupils are inlaid with metal, beautiful patina. Signed on the back with 2 characters that can be read as KOKUEI. Height 3...

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with milky white body and multicolor brocade pattern. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece, in perfect condition. Height 0.68 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with black body and of numerous white flowers and beautiful ribbed leaves. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece - see finely textured petals and yellow centers of the flowers and fine structures of the leaves, in perfect condition. Height 0.6 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with numerous cherry flowers and a crescent moon, silver foil flakes background. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece - see finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.64 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with cherry red body and 2 clusters of white flowers and beautiful ribbed leaves. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece - see finely textured petals and yellow centers of the flowers and fine structures of the leaves, in perfect condition. Height 0.65 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead of flattened ball shape with inlays of a butterfly and cherry flowers. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece, in perfect condition. Diameter 0.78 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with bright red flowers floating in a stream, fine gols foil flakes background. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece - see finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.64 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead of flattened ball shape with black body and 2 pairs of sunflower and face designs. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece, in perfect condition. Diameter 0.81 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with two flowers on stems with prickly leaves - appear to be some species of a thistle. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece - see finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.76 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with numerous white flowers. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece - see finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.64 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with pink body and twisted ribbons forming a brocade pattern. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece, in perfect condition. Height 0.65 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with multicolored flowers and long scrolling vine. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Beautifully made piece - see the white veining of the vine and air bubbles at the center of each flower, in perfect condition. Height 0.75 inches.

Late 19th century Chinese / Tibetan mala - Buddhist rosary consisting of 108 Chinese lapis lazuli beads and 4 jadeite ones that serve as spacers dividing the prayer beads into groups of 27 each. Traditionally Buddhist rosary of 108 even-sized beads is used for mantra recitation. The thread represents the continuity of the buddhadharma piercing the 108 worldly passions. The mantras are recited to accomplish the four karmas or enlightened activities of pacifying, enriching, magnetizing, and destro...

Late Qing Dynasty Chinese soapstone sculpture carved as a court lady holding a basket with fruit. Wonderful precise carving, beautiful tranquil face, elegant flow to the lines of her robe. Cream colored soapstone with red patches, great warm patina, marked with two carved characters on the bottom, in excellent condition. Height 3.64 inches.

Excellent good size 19th century true Baltic amber whole uncut nugget of superb butterscotch color. Beautiful warm honey color typical of amber that was exposed to light for many years after being taken out of the sea, Rich surface texture, very pleasant to hold. Length 3 3/4 inches (9.5 cm), width 2 1/4 inches, weight 58 grams