Catalog (11)

This small, double-doored black lacquered shrine contains a carved and gilded sandalwood image of a Bodhisattva sitting on a lotus throne. The gilding is original and is worn from age and use. There are also some losses to the lotus leaves. The two doors are attached by small gilt bronze hinges and a brnze ring is affixed to the top for attachment to a garment belt. Acquired in Kyoto, Japan in 1973.

Height: 4 in., Width: 2 in., Figure height: 3 in.

The seated Buddha image has traces of gilding darkened from years of candle and incense smoke. The mandorla is thin metal repousse. There are chips, wear and losses to the lacquered wooden case.

Height: 9 ¼ in.

Exterior is covered in black lacquer with silver rims encircling both the bottom and lid. The interior of the lid is decorated in very finely-painted gold and silver lacquer with a scene of fish swimming among seaweed. A small rectangular red lacquer signature in seal form is seen on the left margin of the painting. The base of the box is also signed by the artist in gold lacquer. The interior is covered overall with sprinkled gold. Good condition with minor wear and tarnish to the silver rim.

Diameter: 8 in., Height: 4 ¼ in.

Classic Japanese Mingei folk art figure probably from a Buddhist altar or rural roadside Shinto shrine. The forearms are missing. It is darkened from incense and candle smoke. Acquired in Japan in the early 1970s.

Height: 7 ¾ in.

In the style of Ogata Korin, this tall-sided tray is lacquered black over a wood core. The decoration is rendered in raised lacquer in the Rinpa School manner after Korin. It displays a gnarled stump of a plum tree sending out shoots with blossoms and buds raised in gold lacquer, as well a inlaid flowers and buds in iridescent abalone mother of pearl. There are separations visible in the lacquer where the side walls join the base and a horizontal crack in the wood base visible in the lower third of the scene. These are particular visible on the underneath side. There are also various small nicks to the rim from use.

Width: 11 1/4 in. square, Height: 2 3/8 in.

Carved, lacquered and gilded wood. There are losses to the right hand and both feet, otherwise, it is in good condition. Acquired in Japan in the early 1970s.

Height: 12 ¼ in.

This figure has old losses to both forearms. The features are worn and it is blackened overall from incense and candle smoke, but it has a pleasant, soft patina. A metal nimbus was originally attached to the back with a small strip of metal that still remains. Acquired in Kyoto in the early 1970s.

Height: 6 in.

This lacquer box of square form has three slightly raised gold lacquer family crest designs on the lid. The well-polished black lacquer covers the interior and exterior of the box which is of a finely constructed wood core. The lid has a slight lip extending from the lower edge. The crest designs are very well painted and incorporate a very fine raised gold stippling in areas. It is in very good condition with only minor wear and no damage to any of the corners.

Height: 3 ½ in., Width: 3 ½ in. square

The lacquered case opens to reveal a molded earthenware figure of Fudo Myoo, one of the 'five great kings of ligh.” The ceramic figure has an old, restuck break horizontally across the top of the base, otherwise it is in very good condition. The figure sits neatly into a carved recessed part of the interior base of the case. The case is lacquered a brownish black and is in good condition. Acquired in Kyoto in the early 1970s.

Height: 3 ¾ in.

A molded clay Buddha image encased in a lacquered wood shrine with a gilded interior. A small bronze ring on top allows attachment to the obi sash of an individual's kimono. There are some losses to the lacquer normal wear from use and handling. Acquired in Japan in the early 1970s.

Height: 3 3/8 in.

This carved wood box is lacquered in a deep red tone and in brownish black on the leafy area. The interior and base are lacquered in black. There are various nicks and scuffs from use and age. The interior retains its shiny finish, while the exterior had acquired a soft luster from age and wear. Acquired in Kyoto, Japan in the early 1970s.

Length: 6 in., Width: 4 ¼ in., Height: 2 ½ in.