Catalog (266)

Exceptional large keyaki wood mask covered in negoro lacquer, C.1890. Aged and worn which adds to the character and allure. Tengu is a legendary creature found in Japanese folk religion as a supernatural being. It is a Shinto kami or god spirit of the forests and mountains; a vigilent protector of forests. Associated with the mountain buddhist and shinto ascetic practices of Shugendo. 19" and 13" wide. Ask for shipping quote. Original carving.

Very rare and unusual zen buddhist temple lantern in original kiri (paulownia) wood box. Dated on the box, Showa 3 (1929). Bronze with rice paper lining. Electrical light was added. Wonderful condition with a few bronze spots. Ask for shipping quote. H:51cm x Diameter :33cm.

Spectacular Meiji Period maru obi c.1900. Woven on both sides with a jacquard loom, the blue/green dyes make this a superb example of a Kyoto style obi. The motifs are fans with pine, plum, bamboo, chrysanthemum and cranes; all auspicious symbols of happiness and good fortune. Excellent condition. Can be made into table runners or hangings. Total length: 394cm woven on both sides. W:31 1/2cm. Ask for shipping quote.

Superbly executed ceramic monkey eating a berry with a whimsical expression of innocent delight. As an okimono or if incense was placed in the hollow cavity, would make a great incense burner as the scented smoke would exit holes in ears. Late Meiji or early Taisho Period, C.1900-1920. Great condition. H: 10" x W:5". Ask for shipping quote.

Sensational bronze egret `Koro` incense burner from the Taisho Period C.1915. Used for the tea ceremony. Delicately balanced on two legs, the egret seems to bee feeding or looking for its feed. The movement in the sculpture is fantastic. In very good condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Rare and exceptional Meiji Period C.1900 bronze 'usubata' flower vase with a dragon stand. The bronze cup sits in the dragon' s open mouth. The fine relief work on the dragon is superb. The dragon 's are glass. Excellent ondition. height 14"; diameter 10". Ask for shipping quote.

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.

Superb Edo Period C.1860 bronze incense burner with silver repair on bottom. The incense burner rests on tripod legs with elephant head motif as well as two elephant handles with rings. The relief work on the rim is superb as well as the body relief. The best feature is the Edo Period repair with real silver on the bottom. Comes in original 'kiri' paulownia box. H:5" x Diameter: 9". Ask for shipping quote.

Exceptional Taisho Period C.1920 bronze tea ceremony ikebana flower arrangement boat. hanging on tripod hand forged bronze link chain, the boat would welcome visitors to the tea ceremony hut. Perfect condition. W: 12" x W:5". ask for shipping quote.

Regal 'Seiji' celedon flower vase in signed original paulownia wood box. The vase itself is a masterpiece of 1950's seiji pottery by one of the best, Einosuke. Very elegant feel and subtle lime green shades. Stands 13" tall and a diameter of 10".

Exceptional tea ceremony ceramic sweets box from the Taisho Period C. 1925. Natural dyes used to achive the stunning art deco alternating striped look. We have it on a tansu and it fills the room. Sits on 3 delicate legs and the top has a glazed pull to open the lid. 5" wide x 3 1/2" deep x 2 1\2" tall. Ask for shipping quote.

Unbelievable, rare Edo Period C.1860 large shop sign 'kanban' for liver medicine. It was believed if a little boy cried too much his liver needed some help. Fantastic thick hinoki wood carving ornamentation with layers of black lacquer. Stout legs and finely detailed buddhist clouds in bronze around the frame. Great condition. Great entrance way museum piece. H:140cm x W:90cm Ask for shipping quote from california warehouse. Piece disassembles.

Lovely Art Deco bronze flower vase from the early Showa period, C.1930. Base has a rim of jewel-like elegance in fine relief. The top rim also has a wonderful diaper motif. Very good condition. Ask for shipping quote form California warehouse. H:9" x Diameter: 8"

Exceptional art deco signed Gyokusen-do hand-hammered copper flower vase with the famed foundry's seal on the bottom. Showa Period c. 1960. This vase has a rare Mt.Fuji pattern throughout. Hand hammered copper 'dochu' is a very diffiult technique to achieve. Superb vase in perfect condition. H:9" x Diameter: 9". Ask for shipping quote.

Lovely pair of mixed metal quail on a black lacquered table. By the acclaimed master metal worker, Seifu. Signed and in excellent condition. In original paulownia box. Ask for shipping quote. H:8" x W: 15".

Museum piece with extraordinary history. This altar table was one of 4 pieces we acquired at auction from the private residence of the 14th and final Daimyo (Lord)of the Tokushima Han (clan) Hachisuka Mochiaki of Awa Province on Shikoku Island in central Japan in the Edo Period. He lived 1846-1918. Hachisuka Koroku, his great grandfather, was one of Hideyoshi's (the 2nd Shogun) top generals in early Edo Period and Hideyoshi awarded the Hachisuka the province of Tokushima in Awa (Shikoku) and they ruled it throughout the Edo Period until the Daimyo system was abolished in the Meiji Period in 1868. Quick to see the direction in which the wind was blowing, he pledged loyalty to the Imperial forces. In 1869, with the hanseki hokan (Abolition of the han system), he was appointed Governor of Tokushima Prefecture. In 1872, Hachisuka went to Great Britain and attended Oxford University. After returning to Japan, he was chief advisor to the Meiji Emperor. In 1882, Hachisuka was envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to France, and received the title of kōshaku (marquis) under the new kazoku peerage system. After returning to Japan, he served as a member of the House of Peers, Governor of Tokyo Prefecture, President of the House of Peers, Minister of Education, and Privy Councillor. He died in 1918, and his grave is located in Tokushima. The condition is excellent with minor lacquer wear on the top. The intricate carvings in gold gilt on wood are of: mythical kirin, turtle, cranes, peonies and vines all symbols of longevity and purity in Buddhism. H:51cm x W: 33cm. 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.

Stylish and very art deco Showa Period C.1930 bronze hanging lamp. The top has undulating waves in the cast and is attached to the body by rings. The the top lip of the main body has holes at intervals and the main body has almost what looks like kanji japanese characters with rice paper covering. We have never seen a bronze lantern in this style. H:37cm x W:24cm. Ask for shipping quote.