Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Folk Art (37)

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.

Rare bronze mythical turtle koro or incense burner from the early Meiji Period Ca. 1880. In the form of one of Japan's most famous legends is this mythological giant turtle known as the 'Minogame' or straw raincoat turtle due to the tail resembling a farmers straw coat. The Minogame is regarded as a very auspicious creature in Japan representing long life and good fortune. Sitting on its back is a nest of bronze waves holding a Hoju sacred gem koro or incense burner. 43cm long x 25cm wide x 25cm tall. Ask for shipping quote.

Rare paulownia wood Meiji Period Ca. 1890 herbal apothecary chest, 'kusuri dansu'. Each drawer is labeled with various healing herbal names. Size is smaller than normal, 23" tall x 15"wide x 9' deep. Great condition. 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.

Fabulous almost art deco old Japanese medicine shop kanban or shop sign. Meiji Period C.1900.This sign was made for the Tayama Yakuho Medicine shop in Awakuni the Meiji Period name for present day Awajishima island near Shikoku. The Medicine, Keishintan, was for the stomach. We can translate all the writing on the sign by request. H:16" x W:34" Ask for shipping quote.

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.

Eye-catching gold gilt Meiji Period C.1900 sake shop sign. Kanji characters read `Kiwami no Kotobuki` sake or Ultimate Happiness sake. The carving is in the shape of a sake keg. Excellent condition with minor lacquer wear. Old iron clamps were added in the back. See pictures. Size is 15" tall and 13" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Spectacular Toyokuni Tryptich c.1850 of 3 samurai guards of an imperial palanquin. Colors and facial expressions of these Kabuki actors superb. Excellent condition and framed. No urauchi. Publishers and all info. available. In our US warehouse. 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.

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.

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.

Meiji Period ca. 1880 zen temple meal gong from Tottori Prefecture, Japan. Rich patina from temple candle smoke and oil lanterns. Excellent condition. With striker. Heavy original iron chain for hanging. 22" long x 12" tall and 6" deep. Ask for shipping quote.

Early Meiji Period c.1890 red negoro lacquered Shishi mythical lion head used in the festival dances. In pristine condition with horse hair and gold gilt eyes. Fabulous mingei folk art piece. H:18" x W:14". sk for shipping quote.

A Shachihoko is a sea monster in Japanese folklore with the head of a dragon and the body of a carp. According to the tale, Shachihoko lives in the cold northern ocean. Its broad fin and tails always point up toward heaven, and its dorsal fins have numerous sharp spikes. It can swallow a massive amount of water and hold it in its belly, as well as summon clouds and control the rain. Shachihoko are often constructed in a male and female pair at each end of the roof ridge as protector spirits of the castles against fire and disaster. 31" long x 18" tall. Meiji Period Ca. 1890. Ask for shipping quote.

A pair of Edo Period C.1860 shishi wood lion carvings. Quite playful as one looks back at the other in chase. Excellent detail in the carving and very expressive. Carved out of hinoki cypress. One shishi is missing a claw but otherwise very good condition. See photos. Each 12" long x 5" tall. 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.

Exceedingly rare and unusual bronze temple lantern. Late Meiji Period c.1910. Very large and wonderful configuration with round glass windows on each of the 6 sides. Doors open where an oil wick was placed in the old days. can be fitted for electric light. This japanese lantern exudes atmosphere. 26" tall and 19" inches wide. superb condition.

Very wabi-sabi old Meiji period bronze well bucket. Great conditon. Hand forged bronze nails to attach the ring bar. Lovely patina. 11" tall by 7" wide. Ask for shipping quote. (pair available)