Catalog (266)

Ultimate iron doorknockers! Two halves of of an iron chryasanthemum, the imperial family creast, creating a full chrysanthemum with heavy iron knockers from the Edo Period, Ca. 1860. Underneath each iron ring is a kanji character: one is "Kotobuki" meaning 'long life' and the other "Fuku" meaning 'happiness.' The chrysanthem is attached to the wood by iron screws. The chrysanthem is 13" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Exceptional Meiji Period wood carving of Daikoku, one of the seven lucky gods, known as the god of abundance. He stands on two full rice caskets and carries a bulging bag of treasures and happiness. 22cm tall x 13cm wide x 9cm deep. Ask for shipping quote.

Important 'Omizutori' festival lacquer plate from the late Meiji Period. Omizutori (お水取り), or the annual, sacred water-drawing festival, is a Japanese Buddhist festival that takes place in the Nigatsu-dō of Tōdai-ji, Nara, Japan. This ceremony is to cleanse the people of their sins as well as to usher in the spring of the new year. Once the Omizutori is completed, the cherry blossoms have started blooming and spring has arrived. Eleven priests, who are called Rengyoshu, are appointed in December of the previous year to participate in the Omizutori festival. Priests are tasked with cleaning the sites for the rituals, making circuit pilgrimages to surrounding shrines and temples, and preparing various goods that are used in the rituals. During the time leading up to Omizutori, the priests are forbidden to speak at all or leave their lodgings, spending 2 weeks prior to the festival in prayer. They eat from special lacquer plates made for the festival. This plate is one of 36 made for that year featuring lotus in maki-e and the Heart Sutra written. 39cm in diameter. Quite thick at 2cm and made of stout elm. Great condition with original box. Ask for shipping quote.

Tranquil sitting Nyorai Zen Buddha on a tiered stand. Wood is hinoki or Japanese cypress. Beautifully lacquered with a gold gilt covering. The Buddha has a jeweled forehead and a swirling leaf backdrop. It sits on a lotus stand. The bottom of the stand is swirling Buddhist clouds. c.1885. (11" x 6") (28cm x 15cm). Ask for shipping quote quote.

Rare paulownia wood Meiji Period Ca. 1890 herbal apothecary chest, 'kusuri dansu'. Each drawer is labeled with various healing herbal names. Size is smaller than normal, 23" tall x 15"wide x 9' deep. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Rare bronze mythical turtle koro or incense burner from the early Meiji Period Ca. 1880. In the form of one of Japan's most famous legends is this mythological giant turtle known as the 'Minogame' or straw raincoat turtle due to the tail resembling a farmers straw coat. The Minogame is regarded as a very auspicious creature in Japan representing long life and good fortune. Sitting on its back is a nest of bronze waves holding a Hoju sacred gem koro or incense burner. 43cm long x 25cm wide x 25cm tall. Ask for shipping quote.

Museum piece. Inscripted on the bell are two dates: Kiei 4 (ca. 1851) and Meiji 28 (Ca. 1895) along with donor names. We are not sure why there are two dates. Also written,it is from Gyoshin-ji Temple in Omi no Kuni which is the Edo Period Ca. (1614-1868) name for present day Shiga Prefecture next to Kyoto. Also written is "prayers for peace donor group founded by Kuzan Gyoin, a monk. Excellent condition and sound. 21" tall x 12" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Museum piece Edo Period Ca. 1880-1900 tea leaf storage jar 'tsubo' from Shigaraki, the famed pottery center outside of Kyoto. Natural wood fired glazes and straw cap. Excellent condition. Quite large. 25" tall and 13" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

A Shachihoko is a sea monster in Japanese folklore with the head of a dragon and the body of a carp. According to the tale, Shachihoko lives in the cold northern ocean. Its broad fin and tails always point up toward heaven, and its dorsal fins have numerous sharp spikes. It can swallow a massive amount of water and hold it in its belly, as well as summon clouds and control the rain. Shachihoko are often constructed in a male and female pair at each end of the roof ridge as protector spirits of the castles against fire and disaster. 31" long x 18" tall. Meiji Period Ca. 1890. Ask for shipping quote.

Simply elegant bronze crane candlestand on a base with baby crane and turtle, the auspicious symbols of happiness and long life. C. 1910, the bronze is "aka do" a rich red bronze. The coloring is natural and not painted on. Finely detailed feathers and tail point to a the top class of bronzemanship. At the top lotus flowers adorn the candleholder. Ask for shipping quote. H:14" x W:7"

Simple elegance envelops this wonderful late Meiji Period C.1910 bronze 'koro' crane incense burner. The piece has two parts; the top consisting of the crane's feathers and head, and the bottom which contains the ash. On the underside of the bottom in relief are the crane's legs tucked under. Typical understated japanese beauty. Used in the tea ceremony. 'Aka (red ) bronze. Not a fake. Excellent condition. H:about 11cm; W:about 18cm. Ask for shipping quote.

Lovely, very art deco 6 panel 'byobu' screen of fans with heian princesses, cranes . Late Meiji Period C.1910. Condition excellent. On gold leaf paper background. Ask for shipping quote from our california warehouse.

Sensational late Meiji Period C.1910 maru obi with lovely hexagons with mokko motif inside couched in pine branches of different colors on a beige silver background. Woven on both sides; folded in half is 194 cm x 2 for entire length. 13" wide. Perfect condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Exceedingly rare and unusual bronze temple lantern. Late Meiji Period c.1910. Very large and wonderful configuration with round glass windows on each of the 6 sides. Doors open where an oil wick was placed in the old days. can be fitted for electric light. This japanese lantern exudes atmosphere. 26" tall and 19" inches wide. superb condition.

Very regal late Meji Period C.1910 bronze buddhist temple altar lantern on a black and gold lacquered wood stand with copper metal fittings. Great condition. Total height 16" by 5" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Very wabi-sabi old Meiji period bronze well bucket. Great conditon. Hand forged bronze nails to attach the ring bar. Lovely patina. 11" tall by 7" wide. Ask for shipping quote. (pair available)

Rare bronze Japanese vase with cranes in exceptional relief flying amongst buddhist clouds. Signed on bottom with stamp. Late Meiji Period C.1910. Gold yellow color achieved by smoking with rice straw repeatedly. 11" high by 6" diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Late Meiji Period C.1910 Shinto Shrine Festival Chochin Lantern. Black lacquer on wood with gold hawk feather crest. Copper metal fittings. Written in bold kanji characters, "Go Shin To" Sacred festival light. Very good condition; no tears. H: 30"; W: 7". Ask for shipping quote.