Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian (72)

Kishi school neko tora tiger in the bamboo. Painted with ink and pigments on silk. Signed and sealed. Circa 19th C. Edo era.

In the 18th century, the activities of Maruyama Okyo (1733-95): Maruyama School painting and Matsumura Goshun (1752-1811) are well known. The Maruyama school had an easy-to-understand and decorative painting style based on sketching, and had a great influence...

Tosa school painting depicted a pair of crane with turtle. Painted with ink and pigments on silk. Signed and sealed.

Tosa Mitsuzane was a Japanese artist active during late Edo period(1603-1868) in Japan. He was the eldest son of Tosa Mitsusada (1738-1806). After his father’s death, Mitsuzane succeeded his father’s position retained artist by the Tokugawa shogunate. He worked on wall paintings at Edo castle...

Bird and Flower. Painted with ink and pigments on silk. Signed Ohshin and sealed. It is attributed to Maruyama Oshin (1790-1838).

Maruyama Oshin (1790-1838) was a son of Oju, the grand son of Okyo, who was adopted into the main branch of the family in order to devote himself to painting and eventually become the family's next head. He was excelled at various subject of paintings such as bird and flower, figure and landscape...

Plum Tree. Painted with ink on paper. Signed and sealed.

The piece has been restored and remounted, so some traces of restoration are present, otherwise it is in excellent condition. It is accompanied by a paulownia wood storage box, which is slightly damaged.

Painting: W8 5/8” x H37 3/8” (W22cm x H95cm)
Scroll: W13 5/8”x H67 3/4” (W34.5cm x H172cm)

A beautiful set of three hanging scroll painting depicted bird and flower in Autumn and Spring, and one of the seven lucky gods "Fukurokujyu", who bestows good fortune, wealth, and longevity. Signed and sealed. The signature reads tosa no kami(official court rank) Tosa no kami (a governor of Tosa Province)) fujiwara mitsusada.

Fujiwara Mitsusada (1738-1806) also known as Tosa Mitsusada was born as the second son of Tosa Mitsuyoshi. In 1754 he was retained as a court painter...

Large rinpa school painting depicted Deer. Painted with ink and pigments on a fan. Sealed...

Snow covered bamboo. Painted with ink on silk. Signed and sealed.

Suzuki Shonen (1848-1918) was a Japanese painter from the Meiji(1868-1912) to Taisho periods(1912-1926). Born as Suzuki Hyakunen's eldest son, he learned painting from his father from an early age. Shonen became a teacher at the Kyoto Prefectural Painting School in 1898. He was good at portrait painting and received awards at national industrial exhibitions, etc...

A SET of three hanging scroll painting depicted beautiful cherry blossoms in the mountain waterfall and crane in the cloud. Painted with ink and thick pigments on paper. Signed Kano Tan'en and sealed. It is attributed to Kano Tan'en.

Kano Tan'en(18th C.) was born as the second son of Kano Tanjo(1696-1756)...

Sekkei Sansui-zu (landscape with snow). Painted with ink on paper. Signed and Sealed. It is framed without glass.It is dated on 1875 on the painting.

Some insignificant light marks, traces of damage that has been restored before, are present on the painting itself, otherwise the piece is in very good condition...

Iron metal rod. Painted with ink on paper. Signed Seiki and sealed. It is a type of weapon, a thick iron rod with warts on it. In pictures of demons, it refers to the stick that demons are holding in their hands. In Japan, there is a saying, "Kanabo for demons". If you equip a strong demon with a powerful weapon, a metal rod, it will become even stronger. This is a parable about someone who is already strong and becomes even more powerful by having something added to them. It is also a parable ...

Highly collectable clay art doll called Miyoshi doll, which is also known as Miyoshi-deko (clay figure) featuring forty-seven ronin. The doll usually has a peculiar gloss all over them, especially on their faces. It is a simple but has a hint of beauty expressed by a Japanese traditional techniques handed down from generation to generation.

The origin of Miyoshi dolls is said to date back to 1630, when Chuemon Osaki came to Miyoshi, found some good clay in Yamaga (now Yamaga-cho, Miyoshi ...

A fine 18th Century Kano school painting depicted peony flowers. Behind the scene is a stream. It is painted with pigments of green (rokusho), which has been richly used. The combination of red and white flower symbolizes good fortune. This subject was painted in life size and a very good example of Kano school peony painting.

It is in good condition with patina. A highly decorative piece.

Painting: 20 7/8” x 43” (53.0cm x 109.0cm)
Scroll: 26” x 76 1/2” (66.0cm x 194.0cm)...

A seated figure of otafuku. She enjoys the secret moment beneath. It is rare to see an otafuku erotic art figure of this scale. It is made with great expression and charm. Her kimono is finely decorated with local flora. A highly recommended piece for erotic art collector. Circa late Edo –early Meiji period, 19th Century. It is in fine condition.

H 8 7/8” x W 9 3/4” x D 8 3/8” (H 22.5cm x W 24.5cm x D 21.0cm)

An exquisite bird and flower painting features a Java sparrow rests on a branch in resurrection lily. Circa early Edo period, early 17th Century. This delicate painting is executed on paper with ink and pigments. The both Java sparrow and the flower are not native to Japan, but they were imported as early as 17th century from China, when the artist was a official painter to the Tokugawa shogunate. Little is known about the artist: Kano Koi (-1636), identified as such by a seal at lower left, he ...

A beautiful image of a massive swimming carp - a noble fish. Finely painted on silk with ink. The signature reads shikibuno sato yusen hironobu. Kano Hironobu(1778-1814) was active in the late Edo period. He inherited the hamacho kano family and became a court painter. In 1808, he granted an important title Hogen, which was given to extraordinary artist.

There are some light marks and crease present, otherwise the piece is in good condition. It is accompanied by a paulownia wood storage...

Samurai Helmet depicted respectfully displayed on the stand. Painted on silk with ink and kindei, which is gold pigments. The kabuto was an important part of the equipment of the samurai, and played a symbolic role as well, which may explain the Japanese expressions, sayings and codes related to them. The Signature reads Tosanomori Mitsuzane (The load of Tosa) and sealed. This scroll has unique mounting such as the fabric “black takeyamachi” has been positioned on top of the scroll with do...

Kano school painitng of wild horses resting by water enjoying the spring scene. Painted with ink and light pigments on paper. Decorated with gold speckles. The painting is in reasonable condition with some marks, foxes and creases present due to its great age. There are some marks on the mounting. This painting is specially priced for celebrating Chinese new year (year of horse).

Painting: 22 1/4” x 57 1/8” (56.5cm x 145.0cm)
Scroll: 28” x 77 1/4” (71.0cm x 196.0cm)

A traveling wooden shrine “zushi” or "Nenjibutsu" with enclosing a finely curved wooden sculpture of shichimen Daimyojin (Heavenly Lady from Mount Shichimen). The wooden case is decorated with red lacquer and metalwork. Some loss of lacquerer and pigments are visible, otherwise it is in good condition.

H 2 7/8” x W 1 7/8” x D 1 3/8 (H 7.0cm x W 4.5cm x D 3.2cm)

A Chinese painting depicting a teacup and a teapot under a plum tree. Painted with light ink on paper. The painter Hu Teimei (1848-1899), he was born in Anhui prefecture as a son of a painter Yin Hu. He is specialized in literature painting such as bird and flower, landscape painting. This painting is painted at Okayama castle in 1884, Okayama castle used to be called bird castle due to the colour of the outside wall (black). These 4 Chinese character means “A precious spring worth more than ...

A tiger sits tensed on a pine tree. The fearsome advance of the beast is suggested by the powerfully hunched shoulders, the placing of its feet, which all emphasize the animal's size and strength. Painted with ink on silk. The signature reads Ganryo and sealed. Kishi Ganryo (1798-1852) was a Kyoto based painter active during late Edo period, 19th century. He was trained under Kishi Ganku, who was a noted Japanese painter of the late Edo period and founder of the Kishi school of painting. Kishi...

Antique Japanese Bijin-ga depicting young woman in light summer kimono comforting herself with a uchiwa fan, resting in a decorated armrest. Her elegant form is expressed by the combination of detailed painting skill of the artist and beautiful colourful pigments. Circa mid Edo period, 18th -19th Century. Painted with ink and pigments on silk. Signature and seal reads Kagen, yet the artist remains unidentified.

There are some light marks present due to its great age, otherwise the piece ...

Antique Japanese hand painted illustrates Nara-ehon style book. Circa 17th Century or older. Painted with ink and pigments on paper. Nara-ehon was produced from the Muromachi period through to Edo period. They are usually featured Japanese old tales and Noh songs. Here in this album include eight different scenes of rustic farmers engaged in agriculture in Muromachi period, ceremonial customs of samurai couple and landscape. It could have been a personal painting collection in ancient times. The...

An album of twelve erotic pictures, Edo period, 18thcentury. Painted with ink and pigments on silk. The each image is exquisitely depicted throughout the year with some seasonal changes in the scene. The paintings bear a seal, which is quite rare as artists usually remained anonymous when they executed Shunga pictures during Edo period. The seal is recognized as Shunsho school. The inscription on the cover reads “jyunikagetsu emaki ikkan” meaning twelve months painting album - first volume. ...

Taoism guardians known as the embodiment of Good Fortune (Fu), Prosperity (Lu), and Longevity (Shou) finely curved and kept in a Zushi, a miniature shrine decorated with gold leaf and handmade silver work. Circa 19th Century. The guardians are often kept as personal daily worship at household and decoration. Signed Shugetsu. The seal reads Hara. It is attributed to one of prominent doll make artists, first Hara Shugetsu. It is in fine condition.

Hara Shugetsu was born in Sakai in Osaka. He...

The painting depicted court musicians playing divine music called Bugaku. Bugaku is a Japanese court music accompanied by dancing. Here one of the players plays shen (a bamboo instrument first produced in China in 7th century) and the other one sounds a massive drum with mitsudomoe crest (three comma-shaped figures in a circle). Bugaku carries a ritualistic implication and is usually played at the start before dance performance begins. Bugaku purifies the stage. Painted with ink and pigments. Si...

A female dancer dressed in massive and splendid Noh attire. The painting is attributed to Iwasa Matabei (1578–1650), a renowned Japanese painter who is often considered originating ukiyo-e genre painting. As is often the case with this artist, these two paintings do not bear his signature or seal, however the depiction of the figures with rich cheeks and long jaws shows typical expression of people of high social rank during medieval periods, which he exaggerated the expression was originated ...

A male dancer dressed in massive and splendid Noh attire. The painting is attributed to Iwasa Matabei (1578–1650), a renowned Japanese painter who is often considered originating ukiyo-e genre painting. As is often the case with this artist, these two paintings do not bear his signature or seal, however the depiction of the figures with rich cheeks and long jaws shows typical expression of people of high social rank during medieval periods, which he exaggerated the expression was originated fr...

A samurai and his retainer helping his load to dress in armor. Painted with ink and pigments on silk. During Warring States period (sengoku period), samurai had a specialist retainer who can put armors on them before going to a war. The specialist stylists were familiar with armor and well aware of the order of dressing up so that samurai did not waste their time to join the war. Signed Hogan Eishin and sealed. Kano Yasunobu (Eishin) (1613-1685) was a brother of Kano Tan'yu (1602-1674) and K...

The painting depicted a samurai met an old man at night. In Japan there are many legendary tales of ogre extermination where samurai fights with ogre to protect people and their town. Some folklore says that the ogre turns into human and attacks people go around. Here, the samurai was prepared for the fight by the torii, which is a traditional Japanese gate commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the profane to the sacred. Whil...

Unique Zen ink wash painting depicts scroll and bamboo broom representing Kanzan and Jittoku. Kanzan and Jittoku were Zen eccentric monks thought to have lived at a monastery on Mt. Tendai in China during the Tang period (618-907). They had a thorough knowledge of Buddhist philosophy. Kanzan often depicted holding a scroll, presumably of his poetry, while Jittoku holding a broom, indicating his position as a scullion at a monastery. Their unconventional appearances have often been painted by Zen...

A group of samurai won a victory in a battle. Hanging scroll Circa Edo period, 17th century. Painted on paper with ink and pigments. The samurai on the far right is holding a stand with the head of their enemy’s general. In Japanese history the enemy's head was to prove the samurai's feat in a war. If the opponent defeated was in a higher position, the better rewarded. There is an inscription on the scroll reads Tosa Mitsuoki hitsu, means painted by Tosa Mitsuoki. Tosa Mitsuoki (1617-1691) was...

An antique okinawan incense container decorated with a lacquer and inlayed mother of pearl depicting a dragon appearing from clouds. Circa 19th Century. Mother-of-pearl inlay, which is known Raden in Japan was first introduced to Japan during Nara period (710-784). The technique was popularly used with lacquer for artworks such as instruments. It is in good condition with tiny loss of inlayed mother of pearl. The piece accompanied a poulownia wood store box.

L 3 3/8” x D 7/8” (8.5cm ...

An ukiyo-e folding screen depicts a group of ladies preparing for Japanese Star festival called Tanabata festival, which takes place on the 7th day of the 7th month of the year. Painted on silk with ink and pigments. On the right panel depicts a beautiful woman sitting at the coffee table preparing to write her wishes on the colorful piece of paper. As part of the custom, the wishes are to be hanged on a bamboo tree in the hope that they become true. The other ladies are depicted on the other pa...

This scene may have been depicted from a national treasure “Hikone Byobu six panel folding screen”. The screen has been collected by the Hikone castle museum located in Shiga prefecture in Japan. The screen has been very well known for not only the quality but also as a representative masterpiece depicting the custom of the early Edo period showing early-modern Japanese history. In this painting depicts a young robust courtesan with her western puppy. Her kimono is decorated with a special t...

Superb Kenzan ware decorated with designs of overlapping fans depicting an early winter scene with a house gate by pine trees covered with a rice straw mat as well as Japanese old poems on the interior and with stylized Japanese pampas grass design on the four sides. Edo period. In the interior decoration dated "gen-bun ni-sai" means 1737. The winter scene depicted here shows a great ancestral wisdom has been performed since 17th century, where the rice straw mat called “komo-maki’ is used t...

Japanese hand scroll painting, late Edo – Meiji period, 19th - early 20th century. This 11 meter long fantastic painting comically depicts a group of well-endowed men measuring the strength each other and humorously showing off their thingies. This painting is called "toba-e", which is comical scroll pictures considered as the oldest form of manga (cartoon) in Japanese history. Tobae was originally made by Toba Sôjô Kakuyû (1053-1140), usually depicting animals (frogs, rabbits and monkeys)...