Catalog (6165)

Antique Japanese Todana Tansu made from Hinoki (Cypress) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Originating in the Kansai region of Japan it features sliding doors covering a shelved storage area with 6 drawers. Featuring mortise and through tenon joinery as well as hardened wooden nail construction, it was used as book storage and a multi function tansu in a Japanese home.

Present day uses include using it as a small console chest or bureau.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimension...

Antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant's storage chest). Made with keyaki (zelkova elm) wood frame and front. Sugi (cryptomeria) wood sides and top. 2 large sliding panels open to a large compartment. Below this are 4 drawers of various sizes. Iron hardware includes warabite shaped drawer pulls. Deep reddish wiped lacquer finish.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 37" high x 35 1/2" wide x 18" deep

An antique Japanese bamboo Ikebana basket in a stylized Baluster form with bi-color bamboo intertwined with mature bamboo featuring dark nodules in a diagonal cross-hatch pattern. Each square of the pattern measures 1 3/8" and they are not tightly woven though they are in scale with the size of the basket. The handles were created using twisted stalks that were integrated free-form into the basket. Open mouth with twisted rope lip.

The base has a low foot with a three slat star patte...

Antique Japanese kogo box (for incense). Round in form and made of lacquered wood. Decorated with a scene of a garden gate and a wild thicket of grasses, vines and flowers under a full moon. The gate and flora are made with maki-e lacquer and shell inlay while the full moon is made of silver. The interior and bottom of the box is covered with gold nishiji on a black lacquer ground.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 3" wide x 1 5/8" high

An antique Japanese Kasane Kimono Tansu (stacking chest on chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. Hand forged iron hardware.

Originally used for the storage of Japanese Kimono, it functions well in today's home as a pair of nightstands, a daily dresser drawer or a beautiful accent piece in any room decor.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

36 1/2" Wide by 40 1/2" High by 17" Deep ...

Antique Chinese silk robe fragment richly embroidered with butterflies and flowers. Two large butterflies with beautifully elongated and swirling wings fly amidst a profusion of densely embroidered flowers. In the center, a flower bunch is embroidered using the forbidden stitch technique in shades of pink. Edged with golden Buddhist symbols. Framed.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions: Framed size: 26" high x 40 1/2" wide. Textile size: 15 1/2" high x 30" wide

An antique Japanese Isho (clothes) Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hike handles. The lock plates feature a Plum Blossom knob and a full moon back stop. Features 5 large drawers and a hinged door that hides 3 small drawers. Side swivel handles allows for a wood pole to pass through allowing two persons to carry the tansu from location to location. Two small carrying handles on each side allows for placement...

An antique Japanese chest called Tohoku Kasane Tansu made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute style handles. Good luck symbols on the handle backplates showing the Sho Chiku Bai motif (longevity, tenacity and beauty). Four large drawers for spacious kimono storage and a hinged door behind which are two small drawers where valuables were hidden away.

Age: Early Meiji period (1870-1880)

Dimensions: 38 1/4" Wide by 40 1/8" High...

An antique Japanese tall Kasane Tansu (kimono storage chest) made of burled Keyaki (Zelkova), Kura (Mulberry), Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles and the full moon lock plates. Upper section has a pair of sliding doors, a lift-out door and 6 drawers of varying sizes where Kimono fashion accoutrements were kept. The bottom section has 5 large drawers where the Kimonos were stored. Constructed using straigh...

A mid century 3 section Isho Biraki Tansu (Kimono chest with hinged doors) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Kaki (Persimmon) woods. All original bronze hardware. Top section features four sliding doors which open to a split lever shelf and two small drawers. Below this are 3 side by side drawers. The center section has two hinged doors that open to reveal 4 removable Kimono trays while the bottom section has two large drawers. The sections can be separated for use in different rooms of a house. ...

An antique tall Kasane Tansu (stacking Kimono chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron and bronze hardware. Upper section features a pair of sliding doors, a lift-out door and 6 drawers of varying sizes while the bottom section has 5 large drawers, a small drawer and a hinged security door that hides two small drawers where valuables were kept hidden away. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Meij...

An antique Japanese Tansu called Kotansu (personal storage chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles. Unique double upper drawer merchant chest style in a smaller footprint. A combination of 6 drawers of varying sizes and a pair of sliding doors that hide a convenient storage area. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. It would make an elegant side chest or night stand.

Age: Meiji Period ...

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. It is comprised of 8 drawers of varying sizes and a pair of sliding doors that hides a spacious area where store records and account books were stored. Side handles were used to carry this Tansu from place to place. It would make a great side chest for any room decor.

Age: Taisho Era (1912-1920)

Dimensions: 29 3/4" Wide by 29 1/4" High by 14" Deep

Antique Japanese Bizen ware ceramic figure of Daikoku, the god of wealth and one of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichi-fuku-jin). Daikoku is seen here seated on top of three large bags of rice. With his right hand he holds his wish-granting mallet over his head. With his left hand he holds a bag of precious things. Bizen ware pottery is made of the reddish brown clay with high iron content that is found in the area around the village of Imbe in Bizen province. This sculpture also has a chop impre...

Antique Japanese finely woven ikebana basket with tall handle. Tightly woven with very thin strips of split bamboo and intricate knot work. Formal, even shape. Signed by the artist.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 19 3/4" high x 10" wide x 9" deep

An antique Japanese Tansu chest made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. Original hand forged iron hardware with an age old replacement lock on the bottom drawer. Hirute style drawer handles. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery with hardened wooden nails. With two side Warabite carrying handles.

Used by a merchant to store valuable small items and money.

Age: Early Meiji Era (1870-1880)

Dimensions: 29" Wide by 13" High 12 1/4" Deep

Antique Japanese carved wooden figure of a fu-dog (fu-lion) guardian. Traces of paint and gold guilt remain. The underside has writing in ink and a translation which reads: "This pair of Foo-lions was donated to the gate of Myoken Nichiren Shrine in Noma village of the province of Sesshu (near Osaka) on the date of 9th May, 7th year of Genroku ra. (1694 AD) by Gendo Ujihiro Inoue for his memory of accomplishment of repeating "Nichiren" prayer 300 times."

Dimensions: 10" high x 9" ...

Japanese antique 15 ken (plates) jingasa hat for a ashigaru foot soldier. Made of iron with large rivets and edged with oxidized silver. Comes with a custom metal stand. The samurai class in feudal Japan, as well as their retainers and footsoldiers (ashigaru), used several types of jingasa made from iron, copper, wood, paper, bamboo, or leather.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 23" high (including stand) x 15 1/4" wide

Antique Japanese wooden horse saddle frame, lacquered and inlaid with shells in chrysanthemum motif with Soroban (abacus beads) mon, bronze hardware, Edo Period (late 18th/ early 19th century). Size: 17 1/2" high x 21" wide x 26" deep.

Very interesting Indian Miniature Painting of a popular subject, Baz Bahadur and Rupmati, the last king of Malwa and his HIndu courtesan (r.1555-61) before its absorption into the Moghul empire,here the lovers are hunting at night, depicted as a green-gowned woman holding lantern spotlighting group of deer with the king as an archer having just used his bow standing behind her. In background a boat on a river and also a a tiger is hunting deer, some losses to pigment overall wear, Moghul Style...

Antique Chinese blue cloisonne pair of vases with red and dark blue flowers amid scrolling vine. Scallop design on base and middle register. Beautiful scrolling pattern on interior of mouth of vase. They measure 5" wide at mouth 6" 1/8" tall.

A Blanc de Chine figure of a seated Kwan Yin holding a ruyi scepter on one hand and a fuzi or a wisk on the other. The distinct detailing of the hair, accessories, facial features and the flowing robes done on a simple white porcelain base is the distinct elements of blanc de chine or dehua porcelain. Age: 18th/19th century. Size: Height: 7" Width: 3.5" Length: 5.5"

Beautiful Chinese serpentine carving of a standing maiden, carved of light green jade with subtle white striations, she stands with one arm behind her and another hand in front holding the sash of her long, flowing robe, Republic Period (c1940) Size: 8 1/2" high

Chinese antique carved flourite mineral of smiling Buddha on a wood base. This piece has beautiful green, purple and white striations . Age: Republic Period. Size: 6" length x 5.5" height x 4.75" depth.

Antique tansu made from kiri wood, with heavy iron hardware, kakute shaped drawer handles, a locking bar to keep the three middle drawers secure, iron locks with flower design on two bottom drawers, one small and one large, and one small drawer with a kan or ring-shaped drawer pull. Meiji age c1880. Size: 33.5" height, 31" length, 16" width

Antique Chinese hardwood cabinet, with 20 drawers for storing herbs and spices. The upper portion has a beautiful open display space with lovely carved panelling. The wood has a distinct, attractive grain with a warm glow. Size: 50" height, 35" width, 18" depth

Antique Chinese robe made from beautiful red silk with auspicious designs of clouds, its interior lined in light blue silk. Its sleeves, collar, and bottom are lined in deep blue silk, with gold thread butterflies and flowers, and bordered with pink, white, yellow, and green auspicious motifs with a blue background. The back of the robe features a large bulb-eyed goldfish at its top and along its bottom are several birds done in coiled, gold thread. Size: 37" height, 62.5" width

Chinese porcelain dish with cobalt blue glaze clouds and puffs of smoke, and red flying dragons along the outside and the inside center. The mark on the bottom reads " Great Qing Jiajing period made". Size: 1.5" height, 7" diameter

Antique Japanese Nabeshima ware bowl with cobalt blue design of chrysanthemums in bloom and "comb" design along the foot. Provenance sticker from Japanese antique dealer Shiota in San Francisco. 19th century. Size: 6.25" diameter, 2" height

Small Chinese jadeite carving of a melon with flecked shades of white, light green, and apple green, carved with the vine curling down its backside and a lingzhi motif at the top of the vine. Pierced through the top to be worn as a pendant. Size: 1.25" x 1/2"

Chinese jadeite pendant, carved into a bottle gourd with two delicate chimeras climbing along the sides. Greyed green coloration of the bottom and lavender white at the top. 18KT gold fixture at the top to hang as a pendant. Size: 1.25 " x 1/2"

Antique Japanese bronze vajra, an important symbol in Vajrayana Buddhism, Hinduism, and Tantra religions. The name vajra means both thunderbolt and diamond, as it is a symbol of brute strength and indestructibility. Its center piece represents the center of the universe with lotus pods blooming outwards to extend the five pronged weapons. The five prongs represent the "Five Poisons" which prevent humanity from reaching enlightenment. The dual ends represent the phenomenal world (Samsara) versus ...

Chinese porcelain brush pot, of a cylindrical form with a raised lip and base. Imagery of a crane flying low over rolling waves and clouds carved in relief. The underglaze is a light yellow over the front and insides while the foot is unglazed and recessed with a chop.

Dates from the 19th/early 20th century Dimensions: 2.25" W x 5.25" H

A Chinese gourd shaped water dropper in the form of a tiny tea pot with a hinged lid, cast with motifs of scrolling vines in low relief, with a long, prominent spout, with tripod feet. The base is imprinted with a foliate motif. With original patina.

Dimensions: 3" x 2" x 3 1/2" H

Pair of Chinese blue and white porcelain cups, with small hand carved hardwood wood stands. Each cup has a calligraphy inscription with two chops, imagery of flying cranes and a house below a pine tree. Each cup is signed with two character mark on the foot.

17th/18th Century

Dimensions: 2 1/2" x 1 3/4" H (each)

Korean round lacquered container with shell inlay motifs of scrolling vines and lotus petals. The lid is topped with a pointed finial, lifting away to the red lacquered interior. The base is black lacquer with inlay sides and delicate inlay along interior rim.

19th Century

Dimensions: 3 1/4" W x 2 1/4" H

Japanese woodblock print of a nude kneeling woman combing her hair, titled " Combing in the Bath" by Torii Kotondo (1900-1976). From his "12 Aspects of Women" series. Signed with red chop, and publisher's seals in left margin. With original storage folder.

Dimensions: 12" W x 19" H (entire print) 10 1/4" W x 16 1/4" H (artwork only)

Antique Chinese small bronze censer in the form of a recumbent qilin. Possible used as a brush rest or for burning incense. Open on the bottom, the incense smoke would have come up through the qilin's open mouth. Subtle details include incised scales and a single horn.

17th Century: Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644)

Dimensions: 3" high x 3 1/4" long

Antique Japanese figure of seated Quan yin, made of carved cinnabar lacquer. She is seated on a lotus throne and holds a scroll in her hands. Her robes are carved all over with floral and Buddhist motifs. Her facial expression is serene, befitting her role as goddess of compassion.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 6 1/4" high x 3 1/2" wide x 3 1/4" deep

Antique Chinese pair of large joss stick incense holders. Made of porcelain in bell form. Decorated with painted designs of dragons, lingzhi and scrolling vines in red-orange overglaze standing out against a dramatic black ground. Each joss holder has four large dragon medallions, two on the top portion and two on the bottom. Around them is painted a variety of scrolling foliage. The interior rim of the upper portion is painted with a pattern of lingzhi mushrooms.

Age: Qing Dynast...

A Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Japanese Kannon Biraki Tansu (Wedding Kimono Chest) made of beautiful aged Kiri (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) wood. The top section has two hinged doors with a special lock from the inside that secures the inside of the door.

When open the doors reveal two large drawers where the bride's kimono were stored. The bottom section has two large drawers and a hinged door that hides two small drawers where valuable hair ornaments and other treasures wer...

An antique 3 section stacking Isho Biraki Tansu (Kimono chest with removable storage trays) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Constructed using dovetail Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails. Original nickel plated hardware with Chrysanthemum designed lock plates and angled Warabite handles. The top section features sliding doors behind which are two small drawers to the right and a shelf to the left. The center section features two large hinged doors behind which hides 4 remov...

An antique Japanese Kimono Tansu made fo Keyaki (Zelkova) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. Urushi lacquer accentuates the beautiful wood grain. Unusual rare deep design that was specially custom commissioned to be made by a tansu maker. Three large drawers with a security hinged door featuring a dragon motif that hides two small drawers for valuables as well as a secret hiding box. All original hand forged iron hardware with construction using straight dovetail Japanese joinery and hardened woode...

Antique Japanese cotton futon cover, dyed indigo (now faded due to antiquity), and then dyed used a paste resist technique with pastel blues and pinks to create a large Sakura emblem at the very top of the textile, flowering roses, and two rivaling komainu or Japanese lion dogs. Minor damage due to age. Meiji period (1868-1912) Size: (futon only) 62" height, 49" width (entire board) 84" height, 72" width

Antique Chinese pair of ceramic roof tiles in the form of flying horses. Galloping through swirling clouds with back legs kicking. Glazed yellow with black details.

Age: Qing Dynasty

Dimensions: 9 1/2" high x 10 1/2" long x 5" wide

Wonderfully life-like box in the form of a turtle, made of painted porcelain, the shell lifts off as the lid of the box, the turtle raises his head with a slight smile, great attention to detail, Chinese, early 20th century. Size: 3 1/4" high x 9" long x 5 1/2" wide

Antique Chinese Song Dynasty ladies sleeping pillow. The pillow is decorated with black swaths on the top of the cushion, the sides are modeled with arabesques and other shapes. It shows some signs of age. It measures 4.5" deep 7.5" wide at top 4" tall, base: 4.5" by 3.5" Song Dynasty: 960-1279

An antique Japanese Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the full moon lock plates and the Kakute style handles. The backplates of the handles feature the auspicious Sho Chiku Bai (Pine, Bamboo, Plum Blossom) motif. Side carrying handles to each section with rare connecting pins to secure both sections together. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. Age: M...

Japanese woodblock print by Toshi Yoshida entitled: Shirasagi Castle. Signed in pencil. Beautiful color and impression. Great Condition Size of image: 9 1/5" wide x 6 3/4" high Size of paper: 10 1/5" wide x 8" high

Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest), original dark brown translucent lacquer finish, made of sugi (cryptomeria), iron hardware, one shelf on interior of slider compartment, Meiji Period (1868-1912). Size: 43" high x 37 1/4" wide x 15 1/4" deep.

Chinese Scholar's Hat Chair, Jumu, elmwood with translucent red lacquer, late 18th century early 19th century. Size: 21.5W 17D 38H, surface wear to finish and exposed wood.

Pair of Indian Miniature Botanical Prints with Lily Bulbs on border margins, lily in central panel of one, tomato in other, gold leaf in background, newly painted images on manuscript paper 18th-19th century, waterstained and patched areas. Print Size: 6" Width 9.75" Height, framed.

Beautiful Kutani ware porcelain standing figure of Kannon Bodhisatva (Quanyin), she stands in a relaxed pose with flowing black robes decorated with feathers, she has elaborate gold jewelry and crown with a small buddha in headdress, carefully sculpted and painted from her lovely face to her toes which rest on lotus leaves, late Meiji/early Taisho Period. Minor repairs. Size: 17 1/2" high x 5 1/2" wide

Beautiful Korean stacked clothing cabinet "Yi Chung Nong" in 2-sections with elm wood and inlaid hardwood design, and brass hardware, top section has a row of 3 small drawers on the top, with 2 sets of opening doors. Chosun Period (circa 1900). Size: 57 1/4" high x 38 1/4"" wide x 16" deep. top section: 25" high bottom section: 32 1/4" high

Chinese antique rock crystal snuff bottle, carved with pair of children playing on one side and twisting pine and rock on reverse. Nicely carved. Stopper made of orange agate. 19th century. Size: 3 1/4" high.

Japanese antique indigo work coat, sashiko stitched indigo ikat sleeves, reinforced shoulders with black cotton, beautiful thick woven indigo cotton fabric, vents in under arm area edged in black cotton, Meiji Period. Size; 39" high x 45" wide

Delicately carved round jade box with scene of duck and duckling in a pond. There is a rectalinear border. It measures 2.25" wide by 1.5" tall.

Antique Chinese tall vase, beautiful dripping flambe glaze in purples and reds with hints of green, inside has light green glaze, Qing Dynasty (19th century). Size: 16 3/4" high x 8" wide

Beautiful ink painting of sumie grapes. There is an inscription and cartouche. It measures 24.25" wide 88" tall overall, the image measures 15.75"wide 58.25" tall.

Impressive zenga painting of a Zen master's staff with a poem in the surrounding background, signed Tokuhon. Age: 19th century. Size: Length: 73" Width: 15.15" with good hardwood ends: 17.3".