Catalog (6165)

An elaborate and intricate Burmese shrine or altar. The shrine proper is encased in clear glass and sets upon a large enclosed cabinet, most likely for storing devotional items. High relief, gilt dry lacquer has been molded in scrolling floral and foliated patterns. Glass "gems" have been further inset into the design for even more opulent style. A pair of emerald green glass panels have been inset on either side of the mirrored central door. The cornice features an armorial crest of a crown and...

Chinese wood carved plaque, created by two grandsons in memoriam of their deceased grandmother for what would have been her 70th birthday. The four large characters are "Peng Hu Chang Chun", which translates to "The flagons of the immortal beings in Penglai never get old". Legend tells that the coastal area of Penglai in the Shandong province of China is inhabited by immortal beings of kindness. The left side calligraphy is signed by the scholar grandsons Huajio Cheng and Junwen Cheng, bowing in...

Large standing gilded wooden Buddha. Dressed in full robes and with his down turned hands at this sides demonstrating the Calling in the Rain mudra, a gesture to bring the rain to nourish the rice fields. Tall pointed ushnisha and extended earlobes frame a face with down cast inlaid eyes and compassionate expression. From Luang Prabang, Laos. On custom metal stand.

early 18th century

81" high (93" high with stand)

Japanese Amida Buddha statue, gold gilt over wood with inlaid crystal third eye. Seated on a lotus throne atop a hexagonal base, carved with smoke and flowers. The left hand mudra showing Varada: a gesture for granting and fulfilling all wishing as well as bestowing mercy and charity. The raised right hand is cradling a golden ball representing enlightenment and everlasting knowledge.
Overall condition is very good, consistent with age.

Early 19th century Edo period

Tall standing Buddha carved of wood and worn from the elements. He stands in Mahakaruna Mudra, with his right arm extending from his hip and his left hand covering his heart in the gesture that symbolizes great compassion. His face is kind with a slight smile and he radiates a peaceful acceptance. Traces of black pigment. With custom iron stand.

16th/17th century

Dimensions: 59" high (71" high including base)

Chinese hardwood painting table. The whole body, except for the top, is carved in relief with lingzhi fungus. The waist, the apron, and the connecting joints are also decorated. The legs are cabriole with block carved hoof feet.

Dimensions: 68" x 28 1/2" x 34" H

Japanese antique finely detailed and articulated patinated copper rhinoceros beetle. During the peaceful time of the Meiji Period, samurai armor smiths turned their attention and skill toward making these exquisite creatures. The individually crafted movable parts of this rhinoceros beetle spotlights the skill needed to create the articulation required in a suit of samurai armor. Wings open slightly to reveal another pair of wings underneath. Even apart from it's realism, the beetle's char...

A rare antique Japanese kuruma tansu (wheeled chest) originally used for storage. Made out of keyaki (elm) wood with hand forged iron hardware in very good original condition. Large sliding panels open to reveal an open shelf on the right side with a hidden storage area under the shelf. The left hand side has an open shelf with 4 drawers tucked underneath. Symmetrical uniform wooden horizontal bracing on the sides and back of tansu. Gorgeous original finish and patina. Unusual to find one ...

Chinese white jade vase carving of Liu Haichan or "Master Sea-Toad", a 10th century Daoist xian immortal, with a string of square-holed coins and his mythical three-legged money toad. Lotus pods, peonies, birds, and waves are carved all around the body of the jade vase. The base is carved wood into reticulated root pattern.

Dimensions: 3 1/2" x 3" x 5 1/2" H (w/o base) 5" x 3 1/2" x 7" H (on base)

Antique Japanese tansu from the Sado Island area, with extensive hand-forged iron hardware plating incised with dedicative Seven Lucky Gods motifs. The 2 section Isho tansu has an all Kiri wood exterior with Sugi sides and top exterior. The chest is composed of 7 drawers in an unusual configuration, with 2 keys. The safe box holds 3 internal drawers its door, above which are two unusual small drawers for seals, coins, and other keepsakes.

Meiji Age c1900

Dimensions: 46 ...

Comprised of solid forged steel head, cut-out stencil family crest of Sada-uji and Matamasa clans.
Ya used in war by the samurai had a variety of tips called yajiri or yanone; these arrowheads were forged using the same steel (tamahagane) and methods as traditional Japanese swords. There are many different kinds of arrowhead and they all have their own special name.
These YaNoNe are very elaborate with saw-cut patterns like Sakura (cherry blossom), Inome (heart shape or boars...

A collection of arrowheads, pierced with the single cherry flower of the Sada-uji and the double cherry flower of the Matamasa family crests. The central arrow with the Sanskrit character for protection by the deity Hachiman, signed Minamoto no Mitsumasa, Nobokuni of Chikuzei. Both clans Sada-uji and Matamasa were in support of the Tokugawa clan.

Yanagi-Ba (Willow Leaf) These YaNoNe are very elaborate with saw-cut patterns like Sakura (cherry blossom), Inome (heart shape or boars ...

Japanese collection of 23 arrows with various shaped heads and a rare set of 8 Ageha swallowtail tips. Forged steel, mounted on steel plates and armature wire. Ya used in war by the samurai had a variety of tips called yajiri or yanone; these arrowheads were forged using the same steel (tamahagane) and methods as traditional Japanese swords.

18th c. Edo p. (1868 - 1912)

Dimensions: 12" x 4" x 12" Height

A ceremonial presentation of Japanese yan one (arrow heads) to the Hachiman deity, performed by the Iwashimizu Hachimangu Temple.
These arrowheads are made the same as swords and other edged weapons as they are folded steel and most are tempered. Yanone were used for battle, hunting, gifts or rewards and for presentations as shown here. There are many different kinds of arrowhead and they all have their own special name. Togari-ya is a simple pointed design. The yanagi-ba, also known ...

A collection of 14 piercing tip arrows, forged iron, mounted on steel plates and armature wire. Ya used in war by the samurai had a variety of tips called yajiri or yanone; these arrowheads were forged using the same steel (tamahagane) and methods as traditional Japanese swords.

Edo p. (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 8" x 3" x 9 1/2" Height

Antique Chinese 6-panel coromandel screen made of hardwood, possibly zitan. Inlaid with scholar items carved of various hardwoods and jade. All panels fit together with the original hooks and pins. In beautiful condition.

19th century

Dimensions: 77" high x 96" long

Antique Japanese group of 6 tsuba (samurai sword hand guards), made of iron. Each tsuba is unique. From top left to right: suksahi tsube with aoi leaves and tiny inlaid gold details, sukashi tsuba with boat with sail in the mist and signed Masayoshi, sukashi tsuba with three gourds aubergine motif, sukashi tsube with boat and sail, sukashi tsuba with pine branch and mist, wangata tsube with two characters. Mounted on a custom antiqued bronze metal stand.

Early Edo Period (186...

A collection of seven types of fruits including mango, persimmon, pomegranate and cherry, star fruits all finely rendered with leaves and branches, hand crafted in repousse silver with hyperealism. Fruit to be displayed with the wish for fertility as they are known for holding many seeds.

Republic period

Dimensions: range from 2 1/2" - 12" long

Antique Japanese Buddhist Womb of the World Mandala Scroll Painting. Dated early 18th century with temple in Kyoto. Central figure of Buddha immediately surrounded by eight immortal attendants. Rows of attendants repeating on surface of painting. Painted in mineral colors and gold ink on silk. Mounted as a scroll with a light blue silk border and copper ends.

Dimensions: 58 ½” x 84” overall, 50” x 54” painting only

Large Japanese religious scroll painting of the bodhisattva of compassion, Quanyin. She holds a willow branch and a container holding the elixir of life. Mineral pigments on paper with gold thread silk border.

Edo period circa 1850s

Dimensions: 105 1/2" x 32" overall

Antique Chinese unmounted scroll depicting a scene of various types of birds including crows, song birds, pheasants, quail, ducks and sand pipers. Painted in mineral colors on silk.

Ming Dynasty (14th - 16th century)

Dimensions: 60" high x 17" wide

An exquisite antique Japanese large box made of keyaki (elm) wood burl and decorated with a design of a bamboo garden gate, tall grasses, chrysanthemum blossoms and the moon. Very high raised maki-e lacquer in gold and red with shell inlay. Tied with it's original tassel and with tomobako. Provenance: from a family living close to Kyoto's Imperial Palace.

Meiji Period (Mid 19th century)

Dimensions: 10 1/4" high x 10" wide x 12" deep.

Pair of Chinese gilt wood panels with openwork carved background of geometric lattice design. Each panel with mirrored high relief carvings of a tall vase with a bouquet of floral elements such as lotus, peony, chrysanthemum, and berries surrounded by fluttering hummingbirds. The body of the vase surrounded by lucky bats, scrolls, and other auspicious objects. Each panel bears a calligraphy inscription in the top corner.

Dimensions: 13 3/4" L x 4" D x 57" H

A very large Japanese lithograph print by artist Masami Teraoka (b. 1936), titled 'Namiyo at Hanauma Bay'. Depiction of a nude geisha floating in the rolling ocean waves, with her kushi comb barely hanging onto her wet hair and holding snorkeling headgear in her hands. With artist signature, chop, and panels of calligraphy inscriptions. The print is embossed with publisher's mark in bottom right corner.

Circa 1985

Dimensions: 45" W x 35" H (frame), 35 3/4" W x 24 3/4...

Japanese framed print by Masami Teraoka (b. 1936), titled "31 Flavors Invading Japan: Today's Special - Ready to Lick". Pencil signed and numbered 235/500 on lower back of print.

Circa 1985

Dimensions: 25 1/4" L x 21 1/4" H (entire frame), 16 1/2" L x 11" H (artwork only)

Double ikat, hand-spun cotton with natural dyes, exhibiting the Wayang keno kneeling figures in threaded in rust brown. Wayang Keno are known as the triad of three Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. This textile is and would have been believed to possess healing properties as the name means "no disease". (Gering = disease, sing = no).
From the Tenganan Pegringsingan village in East Bali. Overall in very good original condition.

Early 20th century

Dimensions...

Very unusual largeJapanese rope embroidery on silk, the image is a pair of phoenixes, male and female, with the moon waxing and waning (full and crest). This is a privileged image made specially for the court. The pagoda shrine is central to the image centered around the imperial Tokugawa crest symbolizing the divine rule from heaven.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 40" W x 62 1/4" H (entire frame), 36 1/2" W x 58 1/2" H (embroidery without frame)

Very unusual Japanese silk and gold thread hand-embroidered triptych of the Buddhist deity Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, in eight armed form seated in meditation upon an open lotus. In her eight arms she holds a staff, a trident, a bow and arrows, a Dharma wheel, and a wish granting jewel held out in front of her body. To the left and right of the central deity are large embroidered Sanskrit characters for meditative purpose. Professionally framed with reverse side of each textile visib...

Rare Antique Japanese kuruma or wheeled tansu chest of drawers, constructed with solid quartered sawn Keyaki (zelkova) hardwood in original red lacquer finish, with decorative heavy iron plates and mounts. The upper section of the piece appears to hold two long drawers behind a locking bar, but is really four drawers. The lower section has two long drawers behind another locking bar, each bar with decorative plating. The safe box door opens to four small interior drawers with bold Keyaki grain, ...

A large figure of 24 armed seated Kannon, gold gilt over wood carving of the bodhisattva of compassion, seated in meditation atop a lotus pedestal, two of her arms clasped in prayer, the other pair of front hands with palms pointed upwards and thumbs touching, in a meditation mudra.
Kannon Boudhisattva, known as Kannon Bousatsu Lord of Compassion, Goddess of Mercy. Kannon worship began in India around the 1st or 2nd century AD and then spread to Southeast Asia, including Japan, China, a...

Chinese porcelain vases with red enamel five clawed dragons with motifs of floral scrolls and waves. These vases are of a highly thin Meiping form with six character mark on the recessed foot.

The meiping was first made of stoneware during the Tang dynasty (618–907). It was originally used as a wine vessel, but since the Song dynasty (960–1279) it also became popular as a plum vase and got its name "meiping". It is tall, with a narrow base spreading gracefully into a wide body...

Rare Chinese eggshell thin Dingyao porcelain bowl, the interior molded with relief details of scrolling chrysanthemums and leaves. The sides of the bowl flare widely from the small and shallow foot and the rim left unglazed.

Provenance: historic Noble family in North Berkeley, whose grandparents were missionaries in Korea in the 19th century.

Dimensions: 7" W x 2 1/2" H

Chinese porcelain planter in a squared form tapering slightly towards the base, incised with imagery of birds perching, grapes and coiling vines, blooming flowers against a yellow enamel ground. The upper and lower part of the planter with bands of archaic scrolls in cobalt blue. The rim has red floral scrolling motifs. The base is marked "China" in red. With dense carved wooden stand of an inverted lotus form.

Dimensions: 8 1/2" x 6" x 6" h (10 1/4" x 7 1/2" x 8 1/4" h on base)

Tibetan repousse copper polychrome mask of Yamataka , a horned yak headed deity wearing a crown of three skulls on its head. Gold gilt ground and painted pigment accentuate the expression of the Yamataka mask.

Yamataka is a violent aspect of the Bodhisattva Manjushri, who assumes this form to vanquish Yama, the god of death. By defeating Yama, the cycle of rebirth (samsara) that prevents enlightenment is broken.

Yamakata, who shares many attributes with Mahakala, ...

Unique double diamond Chinese Lacquer Box from the 18th C. The lid of the box has a gold painted mountain scene with two sages near a mountain stream. The crackling of the lacquer indicates the age of the box. The woven wicker inserts encased in a red painted frame on the 8 sides are in pristine condition. Small gold flowers are painted adjacent to the frames. The interior of the box is a large open space.

Date: 18 Century

Dimensions: 8" X 18" X 13"

Antique Chinese square faceted box made of black lacquered wood with inset rattan panels. The top of the box is decorated with a rural scene of court figures in a garden painted in gold lacquer on a black lacquer ground. The box stands on small feet and cut-out details on the bottom portion of the box are lacquered red. A beautiful overall crackle of the lacquer speaks of the box's age.

18th century

Dimensions: 9 1/2" high x 14" wide x 14" deep.