Catalog (51)

Exceptionally elegant red vermillion lacquered zen buddhist temple sutra table in its original signed and dated box. Dated Keio gannen 8 (c.1865) the tapered legs and metal fittings on the table top indicate this was made for a rich temple. 37cm tall and 53cm wide the very top is in its own cotton wrapping. Condition very good. (see pics). h;34cm x w;49cm. Ask for shipping quote.

Very rare and unusual bronze buddhist temple hanging lantern from the Taisho Period or late Meiji. The latice work on all the panels is exceptional. One panel is hinged at the top to open. (can be papered and lighting source added upon request) 12" tall by 7" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Exceptional pair late Edo/Early Meiji Period C.1870-1885 heavy bronze zen buddhist temple altar oil lamps. They both have the crest with the kanji meaning metal or gold. Rich patina from many years in temple candle and oil smoke. Excellent condition. Each lamp comes in 3 parts. H:50cm x diameter 15cm. Ask for shipping quote.

Elegant gold gilt Meiji Period c.1900 Zen Buddhist Altar Inner Mirror meant to reflect the soul. Beautifully carved buddhist clouds and waves. Holds a bevelled round mirror. Back is thick black lacquer. Ecellant condition. 11" by 11". Ask for shipping quote from California warehouse.

Tranquil sitting Nyorai Zen Buddha on a tiered stand. Wood is hinoki or Japanese cypress. Beautifully lacquered with a gold gilt covering. The Buddha has a jeweled forehead and a swirling leaf backdrop. It sits on a lotus stand. The bottom of the stand is swirling Buddhist clouds. c.1885. (11" x 6") (28cm x 15cm). Ask for shipping quote quote.

Elegant lacquered wood zen buddhist sutra book reading stand. Perfect for a kitchen recipe book. 60cm tall x 42cm wide x 27cm deep. Great 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).

Regal pair of bronze buddhist temple altar lamps with hexogonal middle sections. Quite rare. Showa Period C.1945 they have electric bulbs and are lined with rice paper. Perfect condition. h;35cm x 15cm wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Late Taisho Period C.1915 buddhist temple bronze altar lanterns with intricate zen cloud patterns and lattice work. The bronze work is immaculate and the cratsmanship without flaw; typical Taisho Period work. The oiled rice paper lining the inside of the main body is gone but the condition of the pieces is excellent. H:23cm x W:13cm. Ask for shipping quote.

First of its kind we have seen with a carving on the table top. A kannon , goddess of mercy is riding a dragon carved into the top and lacquered. Exceptional. Copper metal fittings. Some wear as expected with this age c. 1850. Ask for shipping quote.

A pair of lovely gold lacquered zen temple lotus offering stands Ca. 1930. Very good condition with minor wear. see picture. Height; 11" x Diameter of 5". Ask for shipping quote.

Very rare Ca. 1910 bronze zen temple dragon spout used in front of the temple entrance. Water from the dragon's mouth would run into a stone tsukubai where vistors to the temple would purify mouth and hands before entering the sacred space. Very good condition. 14" tall; 9" wide; 11" deep. Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.

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.

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.

Museum piece with extraordinary history. This altar table was one of 4 pieces we acquired at auction from the private residence of the 14th and final Daimyo (Lord)of the Tokushima Han (clan) Hachisuka Mochiaki of Awa Province on Shikoku Island in central Japan in the Edo Period. He lived 1846-1918. Hachisuka Koroku, his great grandfather, was one of Hideyoshi's (the 2nd Shogun) top generals in early Edo Period and Hideyoshi awarded the Hachisuka the province of Tokushima in Awa (Shikoku) and they ruled it throughout the Edo Period until the Daimyo system was abolished in the Meiji Period in 1868. Quick to see the direction in which the wind was blowing, he pledged loyalty to the Imperial forces. In 1869, with the hanseki hokan (Abolition of the han system), he was appointed Governor of Tokushima Prefecture. In 1872, Hachisuka went to Great Britain and attended Oxford University. After returning to Japan, he was chief advisor to the Meiji Emperor. In 1882, Hachisuka was envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to France, and received the title of kōshaku (marquis) under the new kazoku peerage system. After returning to Japan, he served as a member of the House of Peers, Governor of Tokyo Prefecture, President of the House of Peers, Minister of Education, and Privy Councillor. He died in 1918, and his grave is located in Tokushima. The condition is excellent with minor lacquer wear on the top. The intricate carvings in gold gilt on wood are of: mythical kirin, turtle, cranes, peonies and vines all symbols of longevity and purity in Buddhism. H:51cm x W: 33cm. Ask for shipping quote.