Catalog (249)

Very rare Daruma scroll from Futo Sanjin better known as Kanokogi Takeshiro, (1874-1941). He was mainly a western style - painter, studied in France before returning to Kyoto to establish his own school. In his later years was a juror for the esteemed Bunten and Teiten Art expositions. This painting is all the more remarkable because this was a rare stab at the classic zenga ink paintings. This Daruma is a classic in itself. C.1920. Ask for shipping quote.

Delightful 'Koi' celadon carp flower vase from the early 1950's. Two koi swimming with a free abandonment. The design and execution of the fish is immaculate. Lovely graceful lines and gentle feel. Perfect condition. H: 29cm x diameter:26cm. Ask for shipping quote.

Outstanding and rare Meiji Period C. 1880 buddhist temple water bowl. Fabulous bronze work with mythical dragon handles and elephant tripod feet legs. Both sides of the bowl have mythical elephant faces with vine like runners in great relief. The rim is rimmed with lovely circle diaper. Ask for shipping quote. H:9" x W: 23" x Depth: 15"

Brilliant folk art piece. A clay 'Fushimi Ningyo' sumo doll from the 1930s. Fushimi Ningyo dolls were sought after souvenirs by visitors to Kyoto. Fushimi Inari being one of the must see great shrines of southern Kyoto. The detail of the arms and fabulous facial expression make this a collector's piece. Excellent condition with normal age wear on the head and top knot. H: 11" x W:6 " . Ask for shipping quote.

Fascinating Taisho Period C.1920 tea ceremony bronze tripod incense censor. Almost art deco in design and feel. The Murashi-do bronze was dipped in hot oi at firing to create the mottled patinated colorings. The handles are elephant heads. The highlight of the piece is the very rare and exquisite square mouth and lid. The lid is adorned with a shishi lion which covers the hole the incense smoke wafts out of. Simply superb. To date we have never seen a square mouth incense koro. Ask for shipping quote. H:about 12cm; W:about 13cm

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.

Signed on the bottom, KANINKOSO, this bronze 'koro' incense burner is from the Showa Period 1950-1960. The main body has a flock of cranes in supurb relief, as well as a lid with a hexagonal turtle diaper and a turtle on top.

Very rare Taisho Period, C.1910 bronze carp garden water spout. The detail on the bronze fish scales and the waves about the tail are exceptional. We have seen many a fake of late and this is the real deal. There is a tiny pipe from the bottom that opens through the mouth to allow a water flow. Ask for shipping quote. Condition excellent. H: about 24cm x W: about 14cm

Very lovely black lacquered 'suzuri bako' writing box with mother of pearl inlaid leaves and swirling gold gilt vines on the cover. Inside is a silver ink pourer and ink stone and brush. The lacquer work is exceptional. C.1930 early Showa Period. The bottom has a few scratches but the visible top and sides are in excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Exceptional carving of Kannon Bosastu or Bodhisattva the goddess of compassion and mercy. She holds a lotus in her left hand symbolizing purity and ability to rise from the mud to transform into a beautiful flower. She stands on a stand of lotus pedals with large lotus leaves. To the side are buddhist clouds. Painted in the Edo Period c. 1860, some of the colors have worn away and the right foot is chipped off. Hinoki wood. Comes in paulownia wood box. Ask for shipping quote. H:19cm x W:28cm

Fabulously elegant set of ten Kutani ceramic plates in dated box, c.1914. The motif on the plates are plum blossoms and plum branches shooting to the full moon. Irregular edges adorned with gold vines makes this a museum set of desert plates that would cause a stir. One would skip dinner to get to them. Ask for shipping quote. 17cm x 17cm.

Exceptional Late Edo Period C.1860 zen buddhist traveling altar usually carried by samurai. In a small wooden 'zushi' or wood altar with hinged doors, inside is Fudo-Myo, the immovable king carved out of wood sitting on a carved stand of lotus flowers. He symbolizes compassion with firmness. He holds a sword and he has the power to crush all obstacles and troubles. Ask for shipping quote. H:11cm x W:8cm

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"

Wonderful Japanese cypress wood carving of Amida Buddha from the Edo Period c. 1860. The halo is delicately carved and remarkably intact. The serene expression of the face is of tranquil bliss. The stand is surrounded by lotus petals. The left hand has some finger damage. Ask for shipping quote. H:14" x W:7".

Unusually large Zen Buddhist temple candlestand c. 1950. A crane standing on a mythical turtle, the auspicious symbols of longevity and happiness. Very good condition. Ask for shipping quote. H:29" x W:5"

Fabulously textured burl wood tea ceremony flower vase. Bamboo insets on both the bottom and top hold flowers. Late Taisho Period c. 1930 okimono. Usually placed in the Tokonoma or alcove with scroll above. Perfect condition. Ask for shipping quote. H:15" x W:6"

Sensational Mokubei (lived 1767-1833) scholar figurine in polychrome enamels. Famous as a potter working for the Lord of Kii and later the Lord of Kaga where he opened his own kiln. He used to stick his head far into the kiln during firing to ascertain the temperature of the heat by the sound of the fire. Later because of this he lost his hearing and changed his name to Robei, 'which means deaf. His figurines were highly prized for the sencha tea world. This scholar sits with brush and book. Ask for shipping quote. Excellent condition. H:9" x W: 8"

Striking Showa Period c.1930 negoro lacquered tray. Negoro lacquering techniques were developed in the Edo Period at Negoro Temple in Wakayama Pref. putting on layers of black lacquer then covering with red lacquer and burnishing until the black rubbed through. The motif are old coins in raised relief of lacquer. Ask for shipping quote. L:14" x W:9".