Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Folk Art (36)

Absolutely fabulous bronze square-mouthed almost art deco flower vase in the original paulownia box, dated April, 1847. The kanji on the box reads: Koka 4 Nen Teimi Shigatsu, meaning 1847 in Edo Period in the 4th month (april) of the zodiac calendar. Hirota Gensho Motomu Nari meaning the piece was commissioned for a Mr. Hirota Gensho. On one side of the Kiri box is written: Sentoku Kabin, meaning it was a flower vase fired and colored with rice straw smoke. All 4 sides of the vase have a geometric design motif in relief extending to the top underside. Ask for shipping quote. H:20cm x W:25cm x Depth:25cm

Lovely Negoro lacquer'Yuto' water pot from the Meiji Period, Ca.1900. Natural cylindrical body carved out of cypress wood and flush fitting cover all with beautiful negoro lacquer finish. Copper metal fittings. Slight tiny wear on the handle corner. (see picture). H:12" x W: 12" x diameter 8". Ask for shipping quote.

Almost art deco iron lock plate from a kura (treasure house ) door. Shaped like a "Takara Bukuro" or mythical treasure bag that has all treasure magically inside. Ca. 1890. Iron. In traditional Japan, most wealthy houses had a small house in back with thick walls and heavy door called the 'Kura' where all the family heirlooms were stored. 12" wide; 9" tall. Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.

Finely carved Meiji Period Ca. 1900 Zen temple keyaki elm dragon carving. Fitting between the beams, it is masterfully carved. Length:35"; H:12"; depth: 3". Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.

Wabi - sabi Japanese Ryokan entrance way wood lamp from the end of the Taisho Period ca. 1930. Each side with fine shoji lattice work. H: 17"; W: 15"; depth:14". Ask for shipping quote.

Very quintessential Japanese hanging bronze garden lantern from the Taisho Period, Ca. 1912-1926. Elegant blue-green oxidized bronze patina from years of use. Excellent condition. Papering and electric can be added on request. 11" tall by 9" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Beautifully symmetrical granite stone buddhist stupa. Late Taisho Period Ca. 1920. excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote. H: 17" by W: 41/2".

Wabi sabi large bronze tea kettle made of thick aka heavy bronze. Late Meiji Period with old bronze patches on the bottom. Still holds water for boiling. 13" tall by 11" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

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.

Pair of zelkova elm temple 'Baku' bad dream devourers. 22cm long by 12cm tall and 7cm deep. Extremely well carved and very good condition. Ca. 1890 late Meiji Period. Ask for shipping quote.

Rather art deco huge buddhist temple gable. C.1910. Cyprus wood. 4ft. tall by 2ft. wide. see pics for condition. Shipping from CA warehouse.

Very rare 'Noshi" celebration wood carving. Noshi is an ornament attached to gifts and presents offered on festive occasions in Japan like weddings, births etc. This carving is a jizaikagi used on a hearth pot holder with iron fittings and bamboo pole. This would hang over the irori hearth and hold the pot above the coals. 61" long by 13" wide. great condition. Shipping from CA warehouse.

Rare pair of Taisho Period, C.1920 clay Shinto Inari foxes. One has a scroll in its mouth, the other the Hoju sacred gem. Very good condition. 13" high by 7" wide. Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.

Fabulous Taisho Period c.1920 iron lantern. Repapered and electric source added. Very art deco. 10" tall by 9" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote from California.

Expertly executed noh mask carved out of cypress wood. Okina, among all Noh masks, the Okina (old man) mask is considered particularly sacred and has been at times treated as the embodiment of god, bringing longevity and prosperity to families. C.1920. In silk bag. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Rich patina Late Taisho Period C.1920 bronze garden lantern. In the Yukimi snow lantern style. Each panel has an auspicious Japanese symbol: pine, plum, bamaboo and grasses. Great condition. 25" tall by 16" diameter. Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.

Two Taisho Period c. 1920 gold lacquered shop sign characters reading: Book Shop (Sho Ten). Wood with copper fittings on the back to hang. Good condition. 11" by 11". 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.