Catalog (268)

The mother of all daruma wood carvings. On the back of this Edo Period c.1700 masterpiece is engraved 'Genroku 13' (c.1700) ,'Saigenshin Tsukuri' carved by Saigenshin, a famous zen monk of the time. Also 'Kyosagaju' meaning he was from a temple in the Saga District of Western Kyoto. The Carving is a magnificent flow of lines and expression. Definitely a museum quality piece. A few minor areas where the lacquer has worn away but in astonishingly great shape. $2400. (w:30cm x h:43cm). Shipping/insurance to usa or western europe $300.

Museum quality early Edo Period C.1690 buddhist temple dragon carving out of zelkova (keyaki). Just spectacular. 4ft. long and 2 feet tall. Excellent condition with minor age wear. See photos. Ask for shipping quote from California warehouse.

A museum piece. Dated Manji 2 (ca. 1659) April Auspicious Day. Large, heavy bronze shrine lantern with hoju embossed under the top petals. Beautiful diaper patterns on the panels. Originally used as an oil lamp. Very good condition. 15" wide x 22" tall. Ask for shipping quote.

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"

Very rare and unusual wood tiled village shrine from Dema - mura village in Mie Province. Dated the year of the tiger C.1818 the shrine houses gods and happiness. Signed on the back with the date and maker, Fujiwara Shokichi. Cypress wood with a bronze lock on the doors to the inner chamber. Remarkably good condition with minor wear on the back ridge of the roof. See Pictures. Ask for shipping rates.

Magnificent, very rare wood Bugaku dance mask depicting the Dragon King, Ryo-o. Mounted on a round frame covered on silver leaf paper. Ca. 1820. The mask has a bristling moustache and beard, 4 teeth and a hanging moveable chin piece. The top has a dragon carved. All was lacquered. A similar mask is on exhibit at the British Museum. Bugaku is a courtly ritual dance which has survived in Japan since the Heian Period, Ca. 794-1185. In the Edo Period it was popular with Samurai and he intellectual middle classes. 20" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

One of the best examples of Japanese bronzes we have seen in an increasingly sparse market, this beautiful piece is worth a second look. Deep, rich Meiji Period (c.1867-1912) bronze with carp swimming over waves in raised relief on one side; geese frolicing among grasses, also in raised relief on the other side. Handles come out of baku's (bad dream eaters) mouths. Absolutely stunning. c.1890. (10½" x 5½") (27cm x 14cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $90.

Turn of the century antique Japanese bronze flower vase. Thick rings create an art deco feeling. Beautiful lines and rich coloration. c.1900. (9" x 5") (23cm x 11cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $80.

Uniquely figured diamond shaped bronze 'suiban' flower vessel for ikebana flower arrangement. Lovely Meiji Period c.1885 bronze featuring hexagonal diaper pattern representing tortoise shells and long life. Ever since the Nara Period, stylized tortoise shells have been a popular diaper design in Japanese art. Very rare design for a suiban flower vessel; most are rectangular. Excellent condition. c.1885. (18" x 13") (45cm x 32cm).

Outstanding craftsmanship has produced this fabulous bronze Buddhist Daruma-san. Rich patina and old Meiji Period bronze c.1880 have created a classic piece. Daruma is revered in Japan for bringing Buddhism to Japan and then his undying determination to achieve liberation and realization. c.1880. (15" x 6") (37cm x 16cm).

Beautiful antique Japanese knarled root made of cherry wood. Used in the tea ceremony for bamboo basket or vase ikebana display. Late Meiji Period c.1895 with rich patina and fabulous asymetrical flow. Excellent condition with very tiny minor original wood splits on surface but these nicely add rather than detract. c.1895. (20" x 18" x 15") (50cm x 46cm x 38cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $200.

Wonderful antique Japanese tea ceremony tray to serve sweets. Meiji Period c.1890 made of persimmons wood with rich patina and undulating edges. Inscripted on the tray in flowing japanese characters are the kanji reading 'sei ogi-zo' meaning realized sage and the maker's signature which we can't read. Excellent condition. c.1890. (15" x 7") (38cm x 18cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $35.

This antique Japanese Edo Period c.1840 red bronze utsubata flower vase is actually a Japanese proverb, "Hyotan Kara Koma". Literally, 'a horse from a gourd' meaning "the unexpected can be wonderful". The base of the vase is a wisteria wrapped gourd with an old man climbing on it. It was made so his head can move. On the underside of the top vase is a horse in raised thick bronze. Gourds are regarded as a lucky charm in Japan. Beautiful patina. c.1840. (10" x 11") (26cm x 28cm). Ask for shipping quote.

Wonderful antique Japanese red bronze tea ceremony flower vase with cricket playfully leaping over tufts of grasses in raised relief. Signed 'Masanori Saku' made by Masanori on the original box along with the kanji 'Ho' or cricket and the characters, 'Ju Do Cha Bin ' tea ceremony vase. perfect condition. Meiji Period, c.1885. (8½" x 9")(22cm x 23cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $100.

One of the finest examples of Kamakurabori carving techniques we have seen. The chrysanthemum in raised relief on the tray is fabulous and the many layers of lacquer have created a Meiji Period c.1900 masterpiece. Excellent condition. (14" x 9") (36cm x 23cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $55.

Just superb Edo Period zen buddhist travelling altar or zushi. The rounded contoured roof and the outstanding metal work on the door and hinges indicate a high level samurai or retainer. Thick black lacquer and fine gilt on the inside. The roof dates the piece to late edo period c. 1860. The altar on the inside has 2 pillars and a cross beam with painted buddhist symbols. Request shippng quote. (H:12"; W:8")

Fantastic Meiji Period c.1885 earthenware storage jar from Shigaraki, one of Japan's pottery and cermics centers In Edo (17th, 18th) and Meiji Period 1868-1912. Wood fired in a 'nobori gama' climbing kiln, the natural ash glazes produce startling textures and patterns. The Shigaraki clays have 'choseki' or white stone which means long life. This tea leaf storage jar has a beautiful green glaze down the entire jar. Ask for a shipping quote. (H:30cm; diam.:23cm)

Extremely rare and hard to find Edo Period c.1860 byobu screen in good condition and featuring tigers frolicing in bamboo. One of a pair most likely as the other six panel screen had the hanko. This screen has been repaired a long time ago and we challenge you to find the repairs. All and all, a museum piece that fits handsomely over a couch.