Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian (170)

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.

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.

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.

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

Lovely late Meiji Period C.1890 Imari hand painted ceramic vase. One side has phoenix and ikebana flowers, the other side a hawk and more flowers painted in great detail. Colors from natural pigment glazes. Great patina. Top lid has amythical shishi lion. Perfect condition. 32" tall by 13" 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.

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.

Lovely serene buddhist Jizo bodhisattva diety with almost a knowing smile breaking. Carved out of granite in the Late Meiji Period. H:32cm; W:19cm; depth 13cm. Ask for shipping quote.

The epitomy of wabi-sabi is on display with this Edo Period Ca.1860 wood Kannon Bodhisattva carved out of cypress. In its original box, the lovely patina and equanimous, buddhist compassionate expression is a treasure. 38cm tall x 13cm wide x 8cm deep. Ask for shipping quote. great condition.

A brilliant set of 5 gentlemen from the Edo Period C.1850 by Kunisada I, one of the masters of the time. He was given the name Toyokuni III by his famous teacher Toyokuni in 1844. Fine detail and colors still very vivid. Framed in 3D out away from the surface would make a spectacular piece of art. H:28" x w:29". Ask for shipping quote.

Very rare and exceptional Late Edo/Early Meiji Period C.1880 bronze buddhist temple lantern. Originally held a small dish for an oil lamp. Thick heavy bronze that has oxidized with time to produce a lovely blue/green patina. On tripod legs with fantastic vine motif on the main body panels. Hinges on door still work. Lost wax cast. Just lovely. Height: 50cm x diameter:22cm. Excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Exceptional lacquered traveling altar with a bodhisattva riding an elephant inside. The carving is finely detailed and unbelievable. Late Meiji Period C.1900. Copper metal fittings on zushi. Excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote. Height:9" by 4" (when closed).

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.

Epic Edo Period Ca. 1860 keyaki wood (japanese elm) money box with hand forged, thick iron metal fittings. The stamp of the maker, "Shimizu" is branded on the inside. 13" long x 5 1/2" tall x 8" deep. excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Exceptional and rare thick earthenware ceramic ebisu and daikoku masks that have slots on the top of their heads for money. Holes on the back to hang but piggy banks would have to be broken to get out the money. Great expressions and beautifully made folk art. 11" high by 10" wide. Ask for shipping quote.