Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese (98)

A good sized Imari porcelain bowl. Blue underglaze cobalt and Red, green, aubergine and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Good decorative impact. A "crows foot" crack inside the foot is stable and barely at all visible inside the bowl. Minor enamel losses. Diameter, 10 1/8 in. Height 3 3/4 in.

A 19th century Japanese kyodai (mirror stand) comprised of the stand on two drawer chest. Decorated with gold hiramaki-e and nashiji lacquer techniques depicting pines, prunus and grasses in rocky landscape. The prunus blossoms rendered in oxidized silver haku-e with gold details. Engraved metal terminals adorn scrolled elements and the base of the holder. Two metal insets with Paulownia Mon also adorn the mirror holder as well as the two drawer pulls. Gilt mostly worn from the metal ornaments but with noticeable traces on the Mon insets. The Paulownia Mon has been said to rank second only to the Chrysanthemum. The mon was used by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, conferred by him to successful generals and is associated with branches of the Matsudaira clan among others. Kyodai (mirror stands) were an important part of a wedding trousseau. Condition is adequate for a study piece and for a dramatic and presentable decoration. The mirror holder is in relatively good condition, the drawer fronts in reasonably good restored condition, but the sides of the chest with some distress and losses (a worthy conservation project if one is inclined.) With the mirror holder removed, fading (from light and wear) can be observed between the covered area and the rest of the top [see our enlargement 9]. We will be happy to e-mail full size copies of any of our enlargements in response to requests for greater detail. Overall height: 24 3/4 in (62.86 cm). Chest height: 10 1/4 in (26 cm). Length and Width both 10 3/4 in (27.3 cm). Note that mirror holder detaches but will still require a fairly sizeable box to ship safely (shipping and packing extra.)

A Japanese carved and lacquered wood figure of a Buddhist Guardian. (Originally part of a small scale group comprised of at least a central figure and pair of acolytes.) Up to 12 such guardian figures are possible in a temple grouping. Condition is good and presentable with one small loss of wood to one sleeve and some minor lacquer losses. Missing are a nimbus and possibly an ornament atop the helmet. Height: 9 3/8 inch (23.8cm) including a 3/16 (1.9cm) inch high base to which it is affixed.

An attractive Japanese blue and white porcelain soba choko with banana leaf, fence and chidori in mist decoration supported by single blue line all over double blue line. The inside rim with blue and white fret band and the bottom inside with a single flower within double blue line. The glazed foot ring surrounding a wide, unglazed band centering a recessed, glazed center. The white glaze very slightly blue tinged. The decoration exhibits some of those peculiarly Japanese qualities we have also come to very much appreciate in tsuba. Good condition. Early 19th to late 18th century. Height 2 1/2 inches (6.35cm). Diameter 3 3/8 to 3 1/2 inches (8.57 to 8.89 cm)

A fine Japanese blue and white porcelain soba choko with decoration of prunus blossoms on branches rising above an active with breaking waves all over a comb pattern on double blue lines above the foot. A fret band decoration appears inside the foliate shaped rim and a flower head within double blue ring adorns the bottom inside. The clear glaze pools to a lovely pale celadon tone above the prunus and sea decoration and in a glazed recess centered inside the glazed foot ring and broad unglazed band. Uniquely Japanese design elements successfully portray the ephemeral qualities of sakura blossoms against the foil of a rythmic, eroding sea. Appreciating the moment. Good condition: A couple small points of distress on the foot rim appearing to be quite stable and possibly dating to the moment of firing. Early 19th to late 18th century. Height 2 5/8 inches (6.67cm). Diameter 3 1/2 to 3 5/8 inches (8.89 to 9.2 cm)

A fine and early museum quality complete set of five Ko-Imari, Kakiemon style cups or choko. Blue underglaze and green, red, aubergine, yellow and black overglaze enamel decoration of peonies and prunus blossoms in garden landscape with rockery and fence. Traces of rubbed gilt enameled highlights. The choko form saw many uses such as teabowls (also seen in early European ceramics after Japanese examples of the period), large sake cups, and mukozuke. We estimate from the delicate but sure potting, the free hand but care of painted decoration, and color of enamels that these cups are Genroku era - late 17th to early 18th century. Each with blue underglaze spurious six character Chenghua mark in single blue circle inside a narrow ring foot. Very good condition considering age and use with expected light scratching to surfaces from use over the centuries and minor imperfections as would be expected from the period. One with an attractive, old gold lacquer filled stable line from the rim - that bowl also rendering a pleasant resonance when lightly tapped. Diameters are not perfect circles but longest length of each is nearly 4 inches diameter (about 10.15 cm). Height (and foot diameters) similarly varies near 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm). We acquired this set with an old, labeled tomobako in which we continue to store the cups. The label reads "Ko-Imari choko go kyaku, inokuchi" (the last term, inokuchi, referring to the possible use of this five piece set as sake choko.) The box (missing its top) apparently having started its life with the cups, it is understood that the cups are earlier.

A Nezumi Shino covered box or jar. Probably a mukozuke (but for which we are not familiar with examples accompanied by a cover.) White slip inlaid into incised decoration under the warm, gray glaze - conspicuous on the cover but not so much in decoration on the sides of the box where contrast does not succeed as well. A pleasant "swipe" of white slip under the cover provides a bit of a "surprise". The interior of the jar coarsely textured and with a similar, large and broad swipe of white slip from the bottom and diagonally up across three sides. The red body exposed on the foot ridged with three swipes of a potter's knife and an impressed artist's seal along the edge - partially covered by the glaze. Good condition. About 3 3/4 inches square (9.525 cm) and about the same height to the finial handle.

Two small Japanese porcelain dishes used for small side servings or morsels - both decorated with blue underglaze and polychrome overglaze enamels. One with asymmetric floral decoration and gilt foliate rim and spurious Chenghua mark inside the foot. The other octagonal with dragon decoration in the cavetto surrounded by flowering karakusa enclosed within alternating red and blue panels and the verso with geometric patterns. Both about 4 inches (10.16 cm) in diameter and almost 1 inch (2.5 cm) in height. Good condition.

A Japanese lacquer bowed top box with portrait of a Kabuki actor - presumably named in gold lacquer and the role of Daihachi named in a lustrous iron color. All slightly raised work, the portrait is in gray, black, red, flesh tone, browns and gold. Lines including pattern and folds in the figure's attire and hair in his coiffure and sideburns cleanly defined with raised work. Metal along the facing edges of the top and bottom have no doubt contributed nicely to the preservation of the box. Actor portraits being not uncommon in woodblock prints, we have only found one example in lacquer - an important inro sold by Bonhams in May 2011. The present box is not signed and does not enjoy the colorful provenance of the Bonhams' inro. The condition of this box is fair with small losses on corners and edges (see our illustrations), light surface wear and need of a cleaning. The top has a very slight warp mostly along the length so that the facing metal edges do not rest entirely flush on one side (otherwise would not be noticed and probably not surprising with a little shrinkage over time.) There is no wrinkling, no blisters, no peeling at all to the lacquer (solid work.) This should touch up and clean up nicely in the hands of a qualified lacquer conservationist. It was difficult to capture the raised work in our photographs. Our last enlargements are taken close and under direct halogen light at angles that distort the composition and exaggerate wear but which highlight the raised work. Length, 6 inches (15.24 cm), Width 3 3/8 inches (8.57 cm), Height 1 1/2 inches (3.81 cm). Late Meiji, possibly early Taisho.

A Fukagawa five 7/8 inch bread plate. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt Fuji mark in underglaze blue inside the foot ring. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. Priced for each bread plate, there were six available when listed. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa eight and 3/8 inch salad plate. Iris dcoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration including random butterflys. Mt. Fuji mark in underglaze blue inside the foot ring. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. Priced for each salad plate, there were five available in good condition when listed. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa eight and 3/8 inch salad plate. Iris dcoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration including random butterflys. Mt. Fuji mark in underglaze blue inside the foot ring. Late Meiji or early Taisho. A point along the edge with a couple of rim frits. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

Fukagawa 4 1/2 inch diameter fruit or sauce plate (could be used for dessert or hors d'oeuvre.) Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt. Fuji mark in underglaze blue inside the foot ring. This service piece is also consistent with the traditional Japanese "Mukozuke" - appetizer dish or bowl - which could range in shape and proportion from a shallow bowl to a high walled cup-like form. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. Priced for each, there are six available. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

Fukagawa 4 7/8 inch diameter ice cream bowl with everted rim. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt. Fuji mark in underglaze blue inside the foot ring. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. Priced for each bowl. There are now five available (the traditional number for a small Japanese set.) We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available service pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa eight and 7/8 inch open vegetable dish. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt. Fuji mark in underglaze blue inside the foot ring. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa nine inch sauce boat and underplate fired on in the kiln. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt. Fuji mark in oxidized cobalt blue on the unglazed, flat foot of the undertray. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa five and 3/8 inch tea saucer dish. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration including random butterflys. Mt. Fuji mark in underglaze blue inside the foot ring. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Small rim chip (no cracks or lines.) We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa five and 3/8 inch tea saucer dish. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt. Fuji mark in underglaze blue inside the foot ring. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa tea cup and 5 3/8 inch tea saucer dish. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt. Fuji mark in underglaze blue inside the foot rings. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. Priced for each cup and saucer, there are now three cups and saucers available. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa 11 7/8 inch fish service dish. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration including random butterflys. Mt. Fuji mark and Fukagawa Sei in underglaze blue inside the foot ring. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa tea pot. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt. Fuji mark inside the foot ring and Mt. Fuji with Fukagawa Sei in underglaze blue inside the cover. 4 1/8 inches to finial. 7 inches from handle to spout tip. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition save smallest glaze frits on spout tip. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa porcelain creamer and large sugar. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt. Fuji mark inside the foot ring and Mt. Fuji with Fukagawa Sei in underglaze blue inside the cover of the sugar and creamer. About 4 1/4 inches to the finial of the sugar and about 4 inches to the finial of the creamer. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa porcelain 8 7/8 inch soup bowl. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt. Fuji mark and Fukagawa Sei inside the foot ring. Late Meiji or early Taisho. One small chip along the rim (no cracks or lines.) We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa porcelain 8 7/8 inch soup bowl. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt. Fuji mark and Fukagawa Sei inside the foot ring. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. Priced for each soup bowl, there were five available in good condition when listed. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa porcelain 9 1/2 inch dinner plate. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt. Fuji mark inside the foot ring. Late Meiji or early Taisho. One small, "flea bite" chip back of the rim (no cracks or lines.) We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa porcelain 9 1/2 inch dinner plate. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration including random butterflys. Mt. Fuji mark inside the foot ring. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. Priced for each dinner plate, there were five available in good condition when listed. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa porcelain 11 3/4 inch long covered tureen. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration including butterflys inside the cover. Mt. Fuji mark inside the foot ring and Mt Fuji with Fukagawa Sei inside the cover. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa porcelain 7 1/4 inch diameter serving bowl. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt. Fuji mark inside the foot ring. This bowl, together with two other sizes of bowls we are offering separately in the same pattern, formed the traditional Japanese graduated bowl set. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa porcelain 8 3/8 inch diameter serving bowl. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt. Fuji mark inside the foot ring. This bowl, together with two other sizes of bowls we are offering separately in the same pattern, formed the traditional Japanese graduated bowl set. Late Meiji or early Taisho. One chip along the rim (no cracks or lines.) We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A large Fukagawa porcelain 9 1/2 inch diameter centerpiece serving bowl. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt. Fuji mark inside the foot ring. This bowl, together with two other sizes of bowls we are offering separately in the same pattern, formed the traditional Japanese graduated bowl set. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

An Edo period Oribe sake bottle of simple but full proportions and with classically Japanese Zen decoration - austerely yet sensitively placed grass and blooms decoration in iron oxide on the softly crackled opaque off-white glaze ever so slightly scorched in the kiln on two sides where the body is almost slightly exposed and oxidized to a buff tone at those points. The cut foot also glazed save for a crescent reserve around the center where the warm gray body is exposed. The rim and neck glazed green with tinges leaning bluer and oxidizing to a reddish-brown where the glaze has pooled - all with a very slight hint of iridescence to the finely crazed glazed. Five, parallel incised rings around the shoulder before transitioning to the oatmeal colored opaque walls. Anonymous. Good condition. Height 7 inches.

Japanese hand drum used with Kabuki, Noh and Minyo. The hourglass shaped wood body with Makie gold on black lacquer decoration of Ho-o No Tori (phoenix). Capped on either end by stretched hide with black lacquer detailing on the outward facing stretched surfaces and rims and with gold lacquer on the inward facing surfaces - the two hide ends held taught over the cupped ends off the wooden body with orange cord. The lacquered wooden body is in good condition. The stretched lacquered hide ends in distressed condition. Overall length about 10 3/8 inches.

A late Edo iron tsuba with chisled decoration of a pine trunk and boughs on one side and flowering prunus blossom with bamboo on the other side. The three representations comprising the "Three Friends of Winter". The simplicity of the chiseled smooth surface successfully imitating sumi-e painting. Good condition - presenting more nicely than in the lighting used for our photography. Emits a clear tone when tapped. A pleasing piece that would add character to a prospective blade. The seppa-ana has about a 1 1/16 inch by 3/8 inch clearance for a nakago with low shinogi-ji.

Distressed Japanese Iki mask with crystal eyes. Gofun finish over dry lacquer composition. Details including veins, wrinkles and furrows. The surface is in a distressed state with significant losses and some 'alligatored' texture possibly from exposure to elements. Would make a worthy conservation project for someone with the patience to recoat and touch up losses (the missing left ear being most challenging.) Length, about 9 1/4 inches (23.49 cm)

Japanese Genroku era Imari bowl with blue underglaze and red and gold overglaze enamel decoration. The octagonal form with alternating panels on both interior and exterior of flowers and of boat in garden landscape. The cavetto with vase and flowers decoration. Flowers and vine decoration around the foot. Flower head decoration in red enamel inside blue ring within ring foot. The white glaze around the buff colored foot rim burned to a thin dark iron colored ring before the unglazed rim. The condition is incredibly good and with only sparse wear to the gilt enamel decoration. Diameter, point to point, about 7 1/4 inches (18.4 cm). Height, about 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm).

Pair small Japanese blue and white porcelain dishes. Hawthorne style decoration of prunus branches in bloom. Verso with three prunus branches. Blue underglaze mark centered within the foot rim. Fair to decent condition with a few frit like flea bites to the glaze along the rims. No cracks and no hairlines. Diameter each about 7 1/8 inches (18.1 cm)