Catalog (6162)

Unique Japanese Bronze Usubata (used for Ikebana flower display). Gently sloped open bowl of the large water drop ready to receive a flower arrangement. droplet drops down and bursts out in a well modeled droplet base. Sturdy with original patina consistent with age.

Aft Deco Circa 1930's

Dimensions 12" Wide x 12" High

An incredible pair of Inari (Japanese fox's) made of pottery. Original patina consistent with age. No major damage.
No two Kitsune are exactly alike, and all of them are complex characters! Their high intelligence and boundless creativity make them hard to predict. Foxes and humans lived close together in ancient Japan; this companionship gave rise to legends about the creatures. Kitsune have become closely associated with Inari, a Shinto kami or spirit, and serve as its messengers. T...

Japanese Bronze vase with round base flowing naturally in then up opening ever so gently to the rim. Two small matching rings attached as handles. May be used for a beautiful small flower display. Holds water with no leaking. Comes with original tomobako (box) made of 100% kiri wood and cotton ties. Original patina consistent with age.
Great overall condition with no dents or blemishes.

Signed Tatori Mashihiko

Art Deco (1920's)

Dimensions 5" Wide x 9...

Pair of beautifully hand carved dragon temple corbels. Each is made of solid keyaki hardwood and hand carved with great detail. Original pigment can be seen highlighted in red, gold and black tones. Each dragon is twisting and swirling both looking in different directions. These would have originally been mounted up high within a temple shrine. Hand forged iron mounts are included which can be used to mount or float off a wall for a dramatic display.

Late Edo early Meiji Period ...

An antique Japanese Kyodai (mirror stand) made of Toneriko (Tamo Ash) and Tochonoki (Horse Chestnut) woods. Original bronze fittings and finish. The bottom support panel features a relief hand carving of a flying crane, a sea turtle, a pine tree and bamboo, all good luck symbols representing longevity and strength. The mirror itself swivels to allow for close-up as well as full length views.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho Era (1900-1920)

Dimensions: 24" Wide x 51 1/4" High x 11 1/2" Deep...

An antique Japanese Shinto Shrine (also known as a Kamidana, Yashiro or Omiya) housing the deities Ebisu and Daikoku. The shrine was made from Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) while the deities were hand carved from Tsugenoki (Boxwood).

Ebisu is characterized by the lucky Sea Bream (Tai) fish that he holds under his arm. Sitting on a rocky shore, he looks to the water as a protector of fish, fisheries, seafood, fishermen, sea merchants and anything else that is related. Daik...

A beautiful Chinese Rosewood Etagere display stand hand carved in a faux bamboo design. Reticulated corner feet and floating floor panels. An exquisite example of art imitating nature.

Age: Early Republic Period (1912-1925)

Dimensions: 19 3/4" Wide x 30" High x 10" Deep

An antique Japanese Chobako (merchant box) made of thick Hinoki (Cypress) and thick Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Straight dovetail joinery with hardened wooden nail construction. Original bronze and iron hardware. Two different sized coin slots at the top of the box. Includes a working key.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912) Dimensions: 10 7/8" Side x 12" High x 11 7/8" Deep

An antique pair of Japanese bronze garden temple lanterns with reticulated sides. Hinged door on each lantern allows access to the interior. Four feet allows placement on a stand or pedestal while a top loop allows each lantern to be hung.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions of each: 16" High by 14 1/2" Square

An antique Japanese 2 section Gifu Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Uncommon and rare small size. The sides feature horizontal cross ribs for added strength and durability. Its construction included mortise and tenon as well as through mortise and tenon joinery. Behind the two sets of sliding doors are storage areas originally used to keep business store records and ledgers. 7 drawers total with two additional drawers behind the hinged do...

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant's chest) made of Keyaki Burl (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. The sides of the chest feature horizontal cross ribs for added strength and durability. Constructed using mortise & tenon, through mortise & tenon, and double through mortise & tenon joinery. Use of hardened wood nails. The sliding doors open to an expansive storage space that was used to keep store records and books.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho Era (1900-1920)

Dimensi...

A beautifully hand painted two panel byobu screen depicting a young samurai being prepared for battle. Signed and sealed by artist 仙挙 Senkyo. Painting is of a servant kneels before the samurai helping to assemble the many layers of protective clothing an armor. A wise elder sees to small details making sure each layer is properly fitted and correctly worn. Matsumoto Senkyo, an artist who lived from 1880 to 1932 Senkyo was born in Nakasuji-mura, a village in what is now part of Seiyo ci...

An antique Japanese scroll of a recumbent cat gazing into the foreground amongst the blooming Peony flowers. Hand painted on silk using opaque pigments. Subject was painted in the style reminiscent of the Sung and Ming dynasty images of cats with the unusual exception of its gaze towards the viewer rather than looking up or at the flowers. Both the cat and the Peonies are auspicious symbols in the Japanese culture and often depicted in its art and poetry. It has an artist's chop seal 痴, (pron...

Framed beneath a slender sapling, a wispy figure kneels at the shrine steps hands together in prayer. Beautifully painted details performed with thick pigments on silk. Darkening Cedar trees naturally frame the calming scene. Condition is excellent and ready to display.

Signed Kuniyama (Kokuzan) Possibly the work of Higashiyama Kuniyama (elder brother of the famous artist Higashiyama Kai)

Taisho Period (1912 - 1926)

Dimensions: 69" High x 68" Wide (each)

A pair of Japanese negoro lacquer temple ritual sake offering containers, rich dark red lacquer over a black lacquer with a graceful body and a wishing ball stopper, Gigoshi, with a spiral design. The pair used for Buddhist purification and fulfillment rituals, and show the patina of respectful use.

Purchased in Japan from a Private Collection
Dates 18th/19th Century
Size H 14" x W 6"

An antique Japanese Gyosho Tansu (peddler's chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. The hinged door opens to 4 drawers where the merchant's wares were stored. The bottom drawer was used to keep documents, writing brushes, an inkstone and other business related accessories. Two iron rings on each side used with rope for carrying this chest on a peddler's back. All original finish and hardware with straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Edo Period (1603-186...

An antique Japanese Haribako (traditional tall neck sewing box) made of Kuwa (Mulberry), Kuri (Chestnut), and Kiri (Paulownia) woods. All original finish and hand made bronze hardware. The two upper drawers and the small drawer on the upper neck all have wooden sliding covers to protect the contents within. The hinged cover on the upper neck opens to a small recess where a pin cushion was kept. The center of the neck has a hole where originally a ruler called Shaku used to be held. The tiny...

An antique Japanese Funa Tansu (Captain's Chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original finish and hand made iron fittings. It was constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. The base has an original cross beam support that adds strength and durability to this chest. A hidden secret lidded box hides behind the bottom right drawer with retrieval by way of the back of the bottom left drawer.

Originally used in the captain's quarters of a merch...

A Japanese Tanuki garden statue made of Shigaraki pottery. A perfect good luck mascot for any garden or indoor decor. Entirely hand made and created by a Shigaraki artisan. It wears a straw hat to protect its head from the elements and it carries a Japanese ledger book in its left paw. Known in Japan for its good luck abilities, it is often seen standing outside of restaurants and pubs attracting customers and diners to enter the business establishment. Minor loss commensurate with its age. ...

An antique Japanese Nihon Matsu Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) that was made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original beautiful Urushi lacquer finish and hand made iron and bronze hardware including the Warabite handles. Pine and plum blossom Atari (handle backstops) and lock plates featuring a wealthy traveler's hat, Mino (straw cape), Takarabukuro (treasure bag) and Uchide No Kozuchi (treasure mallet). A natural dark patina developed around all of the metal...

Asian neolithic pottery, bulbous top with a top flange over a trumpet base, soft weathered red designs of swirling patterns on the upper areras and a spade design on lower area, shows patina marks and ware, a dramatic piece.

East Bay Collector
Dates Approximately 1500BC
Size H 11 1/2" x W 9 1/2"

Map of British India c1867, labeled Johnson's Hindoostan & Father India, Published by A J Johnson, New York, hand colored, steel engraved.

Seattle Collection
Date 1867
Size H 18" x W 26 1/2"

A rare antique Japanese Kuruma Tansu (wheeled chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. All original including the finish and hand made iron fittings. Unique all drawer design. Iron rope rings on each corner to help roll this chest from place to place. Mortise and tenon joinery and hardened wood nails used in its construction. Sides and back horizontal ribs for added strength and durability.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1868).

Dimensions: 43" Wide x 40" High x ...

Antique Tibetan Thangka of the blue Tara, Ekajati, a meditative deity expressing female energy of compassion, kindness, and the light of the god source, holding a Vajra and a Ghanta, surrounded by 100 secondary Bodhisattva and other religious figures, beautifully rendered.

East SF Bay Collection
Dates 18th/19th century
Size H 41" x W 32"

An antique Japanese Kasane Tansu (stacked chest on chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original finish and hand made iron fittings. Hinged door hides two small drawers behind. Straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nail construction. Top section has two side carrying handles while bottom section has swivel carrying handles with attached locking pins to secure both sections together.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 36 1/4 W...

An antique Japanese handwoven Ikebana basket used for flower arranging . Hand woven with a auspicious good luck symbol of a bamboo branch with leaves. Beautiful natural aged patina in excellent condition.

The bamboo motif represents tenacity and perseverance, one of the three felicitous friends of winter with the other two being the Plum Blossom (representing beauty) and the Pine tree (representing Longevity).

Age: Taisho Era (circa 1910-1920)

Dimensions: 8" Wide x 17 1/4"...

An antique Japanese Gyosho Bako also known as a merchant peddler's chest with the outer case and hinged door made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and the inner drawers and drawer floor boards made of Hinoki (Cypress) woods. All original Urushi lacquer finish and hand made iron fittings. Side handles swivel up allowing a wood or bamboo pole to slide through so that two attendants can easily transport the chest. Alternatively, the horizontal wooden bar securing a rope in conjunction with the two rope h...

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant store chest) made of Kuwa (old Mulberry) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. All original hand made iron fittings and finish. Two center hinged doors are removable with the hook and loop style hinge design. Front Warabite handles with two carrying handles on each side for positioning the chest and the additional swivel handles used with a wood pole to carry the chest from place to place. Lower right hinged door hides 3 smaller drawers.

Merchant che...

An antique Japanese Katana Tansu (sword chest) made entirely of Suginoki (Cryptomeria) wood. All original hand made iron fittings including the Hirute drawer handles. Some loss to the metal commensurate with its age. Large top drawer stored the Katana, medium drawer stored the Wakazashi and the small drawer stored the polishing tools and extra hardware.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 44 1/4" Wide x 12" High x 12" Deep

Antique historic map showing Commodore Perry first arrival in Japan in 1853 showing survey of " Harbor of Napha" with water depth readings, reef areas and harbor details showing "Junk Harbor", surrounding terrain and structures. The landing site was on Ryukyu Island nowadays called Okinawa, four ships with modern cannons and weapons, one of the ships a steel-hold using coal power. The technology far surpassed the local japanese government which had to largely acquiesce to his dominion. This be...

A rare antique Japanese Kusuri Tansu (herbal medicine pharmacist chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original finish and hand made iron fittings. Includes swivel side carrying handles which when flipped up allowed a wood or bamboo pole to slide through allowing two attendants to carry the chest about. Sliding doors allowed access to a storage area where herbal books, customer notes and prescriptions were stored. Total of 86 drawers make up this tansu.

An antique Japanese Edo era Ko Tansu (personal storage chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original finish and hand made iron fittings. Made with straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. Original used to store daily documents, ephemera, small utilitarian accessories and personal items. Present day uses include using it as a small side table or a bedside nightstand.

Size: 19 7/8"W 14 3/8"D 14 3/4"H Age: early Edo Period (1644-1868)

An antique Japanese low Mizuya Tansu (kitchen chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria). Two sliding doors open to a spacious storage area with a removable shelf. Originally this chest was used for the storage of water jars. Present day uses would include doubling as a stereo cabinet or acting as a beautiful buffet.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1900)

Dimensions: 42" Wide x 33" High x 16 1/2" Deep

Asian archaic clay jar with design of fish nets in soft red hue, clay showing signs of roots, repairs to lip.

East Bay Collection
Dates Approximately 1500 BC
Size H 9 1/4" x W 9"

An antique Japanese Kimono Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Original hand made iron fittings with an open ceremonial fan design on the lock plates and Hirute drawer handles. Recessed hidden side handles on the upper section. The bottom section features slightly exposed side handles serving a dual purpose both as carrying handles as well as locking connections to the upper half of the tansu.

Age: Late Meiji Period (1890-1910)

Dimens...

An antique Japanese Chobako (merchant storage box) made of Kurinoki (Chestnut) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand made iron fittings including the Hirute drawer handles and the Warabite carrying handle. It features unique Cherry blossom escutcheons behind the drawer handles and a coin slot at the top that drops into the top left drawer. The other 5 drawers were used to safely keep small store valuables.

Signed at the base that translates to read: "Made Meiji 40 (1907)...

Antique India hardwood carving of a mythical bird with a hooked beak, hardhat head, pinecone body and tail feathers pointed down. Xanabu Collection
Dates 19th/20th Century
Size H 18 1/2" x W 17" x D 9"

A very rare antique Japanese Funa Tansu (captain's ship chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods with a Urushi lacquer finish. All original hand made iron fittings with strapping over the top, sides and back of the chest. Unusual bottom hinged door design where the right door opens to two drawers behind and the left pho hinged door slides across revealing a small drawer and another pho drawer. This pho drawer is actually a cover that hides a Kirinoki wood pull out box. On...

An antique Chinese Coffer Table made entirely of Elm wood. Originating from the Zhejiang Province it epitomizes fine country furniture. It was designed with Peony drawer panels and patinated drawer pulls with a simple locking mechanism for one drawer. Below the drawers are 3 separate reticulated panels featuring a cloud motif and a pair of spandrels showcasing a scrolling leaf pattern that matches the continuity of the theme.

The finish is an original clear lacquer and the natural wear...

An antique Japanese 2 section Isho Biraki Tansu (Kimono Chest with hinged doors) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. The two doors open to a spacious storage area that houses 2 removable shelves with compartment separators. The bronze and iron fittings are original to the chest. Each section has recessed side handles. The ones on the lower section protrude slightly at act as a locking system when connected to the upper half. Construction includes straight dovetail joinery and harde...

An antique Japanese Tohoku Tansu made of beautiful Keyaki Burl root (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original finish and hand made iron fittings including stylized Kakute handles. The top and sides used a traditional wiped lacquer technique. Raised tea leaf style corners on the drawers which is a traditional design for this region of tansu. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails. Used as a double drawer kimono storage chest.

Meiji period (1868-1912...

An antique Japanese Katana Tansu (sword chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All of the iron fittings are original and hand made including the Hirute handles. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 43 5/8" Wide x 12" High x 12 1/8"Deep

Rare an unusual antique Japanese Kuruma Tansu (Wheeled Chest) made of Kurinoki (Chestnut) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Strength and durability provided by wood structural slats on all sides as well as the top. Split level shelf behind the sliding front doors with two small storage drawers along the front bottom. Both the finish and the hand made iron fittings are original to the chest.

Age: Mid Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 31 1/2" Wide x 27 1/2" High x 17" Deep

A rare antique Japanese Ko Tansu used as a fancy personal storage chest made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. Both original finish and hand made iron fittings including the Kakute handles. Likely a specially commissioned custom made chest by a wealthy individual or family. Unusual features include the sliding three door design of cranes and bamboo, the carved decorative base and the triangular hardened wooden nail construction.

Age: Early Meiji Era (1868-1880)

Antique Japanese boxwood okimono of swimming carp fish with sinuously shaped body and realistically carved scales and details. Lovely soft patina of golden brown color. Good condition.

Age: Meiji Period circa 1900s
Size: 14"L 4"H 4"W

Antique Japanese Bizen-yaki Beckoning Cat known as a Maneki Neko, with left paw raised for inviting happiness and welcoming friends and family. Incised signature on back dating to the Second Year of Genbun, 1737, also shop name of Yamaichi. Good condition.

Age: Edo Period, circa early 18th century
Size: 10.5"H 4.75"W 5"D

An antique Japanese Tohoku Tansu made of beautiful Keyaki Burl root (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original finish and hand made iron fittings including stylized Kakute handles. The top and sides used a traditional wiped lacquer technique. Raised tea leaf style corners on the drawers which is a traditional design for this region of tansu. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 35 1/4" Wide x 9 ...

An antique Japanese Katana Tansu known as a sword chest made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original finish and hand made iron fittings including the Hirute handles. Construction includes using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 43 3/4" Wide x 12 1/2" High x 12 1/8" Deep

An antique Japanese Katana tansu (sword chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Original finish and hand made iron fittings including the Warabite handles. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery with hardened wood nails. Unusual removable wooden 2 part sword holder that floats the swords within the bottom drawer and the two top drawers have a center divider.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 42" Wide x 13 1/4" High x 11 3/4" Deep

Original antique map of Asia dating 1762, with inscription "An Improv'd Map of Asia with all the Discoveries that have been made to The Prefent Time, Univerfal Mag. J. Hinton, Newgate Street".

Provanence of a Seattle Collection
Dates 1762
Size H11" x W 13 1/2"

A rare antique Japanese Gyosho Bako (Peddler's Chest) in a three stacking section set made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. In its original finish it features iron and bronze fittings . Through rope holes at the bottom to allow the stacked sections to be securely fitted allowing the peddler to carry the chest like a backpack. When separated, the top of each section has a surrounding wood border allowing a table-like surface to display wares for sale.

Age: Late Edo Period ((1800-1...

An antique Japanese Sendai Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. The front features a beautiful finish of natural Urushi lacquer with a top and sides finished in a wiped lacquer technique. The Sendai tansu showcases a wide top drawer lock plate that highlights an incised stylized Chrysanthemum blossom with its corresponding leaves. The Mokko style handles also feature Chrysanthemum back plates. It was constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nai...

An antique Japanese Ko Tansu known as a personal storage chest made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original reddish bronze fittings using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails in its construction. The two sliding doors hides a split level shelf with additional storage.

Originally used to store letters, books, documents, writing instruments, and other personal family effects. Present day function includes using it as a bed side cabinet or displaying it as a s...

Japanese deco period wood lacquer letter box, red/orange with a diagonal field of black sprinkled with mother of pearl and Tsugaru Nure texnique, bold design, signed as a dedication on back "Masakazu Chiba",

Dates c1930
Size H 1 1/2" x W 12" x D 9 1/4"

Japanese contemporary sculpture of a large Beetle, intricately detailed in leather and metal.

Dates Modern Contemporary
Size H 2 3/4" x W 10 1/2" x D 8"

Beautiful and striking large Japanese ceramic Tokoname jar, wonderful shape, large kiln fragments, thick ash glaze with unusual subtle blue and yellow striations and free flowing drip lines, Momoyama Period (1573-1615). (The Tokoname Kiln is considered one of the "6 Ancient Kilns" and was located at Tokoname on the Chita Peninsula, bordering Ise Bay.) Size: 19.25" high x 12" wide x 12" deep.

Japanese contemporary large sculpture of an ant, whimsical and charming, formed from leather and incised metal, the perfect modern piece for the new age. Made by Japanese artist" Ko Kono" from Aichi Province, born 1956. Contemporary 21th Century
Size H 4" x W 15" x D 8"

Antique Japanese firman's jacket, hakeshibanten, cotton indigo dyed with sashiko stitching and freehand paste resist decoration (tsutsugaki). Middle back of jacket with round mon holding the red colored hiragana character "ha". Even wear overall.

Edo Period, Circa 1850s

Size" 33"H x 41"L

Korean bulbous vase, blue and white, dating from the 18th/19th century, with a cylindrical lip over a round body with a floral design and a cylindrical foot, the design in a whimsical style of Korean art.

Provenance East Coast NY Estate
Choson Period 18th/19th century
Size H 7" x W 8 1/4" x D 8 1/4"

This is an antique Japanese tall 2 section kimono tansu that was made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. The finish and the hand made iron fittings are all original to the chest. Behind the sliding doors is a storage area with a split level shelf. The bottom section features a hinged door that hides two small drawers. The sides and top of the tansu has a natural Urushi wiped lacquer finish.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 35" Wide x 64" High x 1...