Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese (133)

An Early Japanese Bronze Mirror, Kagami, Circa 1600. (No.1) This bronze mirror (kagami) was almost certainly made in the Momoyama period. It has a turtle (minogame) as a central boss, pierced for a cord. It also features a pair of cranes, their beaks touching the head of the turtle as in the act of kissing. This beneath a splendid pine tree. Under the turtle is found the inscription 'Tenjō' (?) possibly meaning Heaven.

Approximately 10.4cm diameter...

Manufactured specifically for export to Europe sometime during the first half of the 18th century. The cutout, rather small in this case, is to allow the bowl to fit comfortably under the chin when the barber is wielding the razor. Barbers at that time also provided a service to the medical profession by bleeding patients and these bowls are sometimes called 'Bleeding Bowls'...

An old Nanban hanging flower vase, kakéhana, in its original inscribed box. The vase is in fine undamaged condition and has a good old patina. The inscription literally translates as “Nanban hanging flower vase”. The applied decoration is perhaps a depiction of a Buddhist rosary. 19th century.

Approximately 12.8 cm high...

A Japanese Kyo-yaki bowl decorated with acorns and oak leaves in thick gosu blue enamel. The moulded stoneware body is probably from a Seto kiln. Meiji period.

Approximately 14.5 cm diameter, 5 cm high...

A JAPANESE EXPORT DISH, LATE 17TH CENTURY.

This fine dish is decorated with designs taken from Ming Chinese Wanli 'Kraak' wares and came about as a result of a disruption of Chinese production during a period of unrest. Dutch traders who found their Chinese trade stopped resorted to ordering from Japanese makers. The Japanese versions of these Kraak style pieces are usually thicker than the very thin Chinese Kraak wares and this has ensured their survival in often pristine condition...

A FINE ARITA KO-SOMETSUKE DISH, 18TH CENTURY.

The shallow dish with a slight foliate edge decorated with a central roundel of shochikubai, pine ; plum and bamboo, set against a ground of scrolling ivy. Within the foot-rim is found a four-character fuki-choshun mark.

Approximately 18.4 cm diameter. Perfect condition...

AN OLD JAPANESE PAINTING OF MONJU BOSATSU.

Monju Bosatsu - Manjushri Bodhisattva of Wisdom. The painting appears to have great age and even though not in the best of condition it still has a compelling presence. It is painted on a composite sheet of thin paper, the joins can be seen as angled lines across the sheet and mounted as a kakemono. The painting is signed with a single seal impression in gold.

The painted area is approximately 106cm by 40.5cm...