Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian (170)

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.

Breathtaking antique Japanese cloissone vase from the Ando Factory. In the original signed box, the characters read 'shigyokuju yoran kabin' meaning purple jewel glaze orchid flower vase, and 'Ando ShippoTen Tsukuri' made by the Ando Cloissone Company. The purple is striking and the musen wireless orchids fantastic. What drew us to this piece is the wonderful shape of the vase itself. Has the Ando mark on the base. Excellent condition. c.1920. (9" x 9") (23cm x 23cm).

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.