Catalog (267)

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"

Exceedingly rare late Meiji Period C.1900 gold and black lacquered wood buddha stand with lotus leaves and buddhist clouds in carved relief. Negoro lacquer rim in back half with some wear, but otherwise in perfect nick. 20" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Very unusual pair of shinto shrine brass lamps with the imperial family chysanthemum crest. Showa Period c.1930, each lamp has an electrical socket for a bulb. Great condition and can be papered with old washi rice papaer on request if so desired. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Elegant, large art deco bronze murashi-do vase. Signed on the bottom by Hokusekinin. Richly patinated colors in the classic bronze technique unique to japan of dipping hotly fired bronzes in oils to create this magnificent mosaic. Very rare size and shape; 16" by 16". 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".

Unusually large ca.1935 iron tea pot made for the hearth 'irori' in old japanese minka farmhouses. Stamped with the famed Nambu Iron Foundry in Tohoku Northern Japan, the inscription reads, 'Tetsubin Nambu Seido' iron teapot made at the Nambu Foundry. What makes this tea pot special besides the size is the 'arare' (hail) pattern of raised protrusions. Very art deco. 47cm tall x 43cm wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Beautifully carved sunflowers steeped in a deep crimson lacquer. C. 1945. Brazier initially used as a hand warmer, it would make a lovely flower vase. H:7 1/2" by 12" in diameter. 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.

Superb late Meiji Period C.1900 bronze lamp that used oil and wick. Absolutely spectacular bronze craftsmanship and detail from floral vine lattice on the door and side panels to the treasure symbols in fine relief around the base. H:49cm; diameter:30cm. Condition excellent except for a missing bell or two on the protruding eaves. Ask for shipping quote.

Stunning Ca. 1935 garden or indoor iron lantern in the shape of a humble tea ceremony hut. Excellent condition. 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.

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")

Superbly executed ceramic monkey eating a berry with a whimsical expression of innocent delight. As an okimono or if incense was placed in the hollow cavity, would make a great incense burner as the scented smoke would exit holes in ears. Late Meiji or early Taisho Period, C.1900-1920. Great condition. H: 10" x W:5". 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.

Superb Meiji Period c. 1900 zen buddhist temple ramma featuring chrysanthemum and leaves carved in fabulous relief. Carved out of cypress wood with gold gilt lacquer, the piece is large at 49" wide and 12" tall. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Wonderful hexagonal latticed bronze hanging lantern with electrical bulb. Very art deco. Each panel has glass behind the lattice work to throw off an ambient light. 12" tall by 10" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Smashing pair of zen temple buddhist cloud carvings form the late Edo Period/early Meiji Period c. 1870. Carved out of cypress wood and with gold gilt. Slight wear due to age on a couple of spots but adds character (see photos). Condition very good. One is 10" tall by 12" wide the other slightly smaller. Ask for shipping quote.

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.