Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Wood (117)

An antique Japanese transom (Ranma) made of Hinoki (Cypress) wood. Hand carved image of a crouching tiger moving with stealth and grace in a bamboo forest. Pronounced wood grain adds depth and movement to the image.

In Japan, the Ranma was placed above the Fusuma doors to provide air circulation in both rooms that it shared...

Antique Japanese root wood hibachi. Natural form with lovely burl and curling rim. The bottom has Japanese sumi ink writing, most likely a dedication.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 5 1/4" high x 10 3/4" long x 8" wide

Japanese antique wood block print of the sumo wrestler, Unryū Kyūkichi (Unryū Hisakichi) with beard and wearing a keshō-mawashi (ceremonial apron-style belt). Unryū Kyūkichi was in the makuuchi league since 1852. Name used from 1850-1865. He retired in 1865. Signed by Kōchōrō Toyokuni ga and date seal between 1851-1853. Framed print.

Age: Edo Period

Dimensions: Framed 19" high x 14 1/2" wide. Image: 13 1/2" high x 9 1/8" wide

Japanese antique wood block print of the sumo wrestler, Tsuneyama Gorojin wearing keshō-mawashi (ceremonial apron-style belt). Gorojin was in the Makuuchi league since 1843. Name used from 1842-1856. He retired in 1859. Print by Kuniyoshi Utagawa and dated 1852 (year of the Rat) or 1853 (year of the Ox). Framed print.

Age: Edo Period

Dimensions: 20" high x 15" wide (framed). Image: 14 1/4" high x 9 3/8" wide

Antique Japanese surimono woodblock print by Hokkei (1780-1850) entitled "The Chomonju - Snake and Melons". A snake entwined with a tray of melons. The poem above speaks of how the snake will become a dragon which will make clouds of white cherry blossoms in the mountains. Snakes and dragons are closely associated with water. The poems alludes to a wish for rain and the blossoming of Spring.

Dimensions: Unframed: 21.2 cm x 17.7 cm. Framed: 15 1/4" x 15 1/4"

Antique woodblock print triptych by Toyohara Kunichika entitled "Kabuki Drama of Mount Bandai Eruption with Magic Lantern Slides", dated September 1888. In this scene, the Kabuki actor Onoe Kikugoro V hangs on to the breaking pieces of a house as the ground shifts and lightening cracks. Two months prior to this famous performance, the volcano Mt. Bandai erupted causing massive destruction and loss of life in Fukushima Prefecture. The play was originally set at Mt...

Antique Japanese craftsman's block. Made of keyaki (elm) wood and carved with two fan-shaped handles. Thought the term dai usually refers to plane blocks, this block also functioned as an important tool or surface for a serious artisan. It is unusual in that it is carved with a rectangular opening on the underside, a customization possibly to help hold it in place while in use.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 8" high x 7" wide x 10 3/4" long

An antique Japanese corbel apprentice sample of a Shishi made and hand carved from one solid block of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. Beautiful art sculpture that resonates the Japanese and Buddhist spirit. It would also make a wonderful plinth.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 9 3/4" Wide by 13 1/2" High by 8 3/4" Deep

An antique Japanese Taiko drum and stand made of Keyaki (Zelkova), leather and hand forged iron hardware. The leather on both sides is decorated with the Mitsudomoe (Tomoe) symbol represented in Shinto shrines dedicated to Hachiman, the God of war and archery. The image displays natural wear from years of practicing and performances...

An antique Japanese large Taiko drum made of lacquered hardwood and leather with hand forged iron nails and holding rings. It would make a great side table adding an optional round glass top. When struck, it carries a thunderous sound that would reverberate in any room.

Age: Late Meiji/Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 30" Diameter by 28 1/2" Long

Antique Japanese woodblock print by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. This print from his famous Suikoden Series depicts one of "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden". Based on the Chinese semi-historical novel, the Suikoken prints depict the adventures of the 108 rebels who sought refuge in the area of Liangshan Marsh. These rebel heroes, also brigands and bandits, were compelled to protect the poor and downtrodden...

Antique Japanese woodblock print by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. This print from his famous Suikoden Series depicts one of "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden". Based on the Chinese semi-historical novel, the Suikoken prints depict the adventures of the 108 rebels who sought refuge in the area of Liangshan Marsh. These rebel heroes, also brigands and bandits, were compelled to protect the poor and downtrodden...

Antique Japanese woodblock print by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. This print from his famous Suikoden Series depicts one of "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden". Based on the Chinese semi-historical novel, the Suikoken prints depict the adventures of the 108 rebels who sought refuge in the area of Liangshan Marsh. These rebel heroes, also brigands and bandits, were compelled to protect the poor and downtrodden...

An antique Japanese Kanban signboard of a Sake (rice wine) brewery maker. Hand carved out of a hardwood and finished in a gold gilt with black lacquer in the back. 2 stylized opposing birds and an arrow hitting a bullseye target decorate this sign that was made to depict a celebratory sake cask.

Age: Meiji Era (1900-1910)

Dimensions: 24" Wide by 25" High by 4 1/4" Deep

Antique Japanese woodblock print, framed oban diptych entitled "The Story of the Strong Woman Takashima Oiko of Omi Provence" from the series "A New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures" by Taiso Yoshitoshi (1839-1892). In the scene, the strong-woman, Takashima Oiko leads Saeki Urinaga, the sumo wrestler home in order to strengthen him for an up coming match. Printer: Tsunajima Kamekichi.

Age: 1889

Dimensions: diptych print: 14" high x 19" wide...

Antique Japanese woodblock triptych print of a large samurai battle scene by the artist, Yoshitora Utagawa. Active during the late 19th century, Yoshitora Utagawa was best known for his dynamic battle scenes as well as prints of samurai, firemen, kabuki actors, beautiful women and foreigners. He was born in Edo but the exact year of his birth and death are unknown. He studied with the great print artist, Kuniyoshi Utagawa but later left his school and changed his name to Mosai...

An antique Japanese temple carving of a flying dragon protecting a sacred Hoju while flying through the tumultuous clouds. Hand carved from one solid piece of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. Beautiful three dimensional high relief detail.

Age: Edo Period, circa pre 1850s)

Dimensions: 53 1/4" Wide by 26 1/4" High by 5 1/2" Deep

A rare antique Japanese temple carving of a mythical sea turtle swimming among the rough ocean waves. Hand carved from one solid piece of Kuwanoki (Mulberry) wood, its three dimensional deep relief was carved on both sides. With large wisps of sea algae trailing on the back of its shell, the Kame (turtle) is a Japanese symbol of longevity signifying 10,000 years of long life. Fine detail and craftsmanship are evident especially in the claws, the scales and its head...

Antique Japanese jizai-kagi in the form of swirling clouds. In a Japanese home, water in a kettle or pot is heated over an irori (sunken hearth)...

Antique Japanese wood carving of a pair of celestial maidens. From the group of heavenly beings known as Tennin in Japan, these beautiful female figures, Tennyo, or Apsaras, are similar counter parts to the western angel. These crowned women, floating in intricately carved swirling clouds, represent heavenly attendants of the Buddhist realm.

With custom metal stand

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: Total size with stand: 5 3/4" high x 9 1/2" wide x ...

Antique Japanese jizai-kagi in the form of a catfish. In a Japanese home, water in a kettle or pot is heated over an irori (sunken hearth). The jizai hook hangs from a strong ceiling beam. From this, a long device is suspended with a hook on the end that can be adjusted up or down by moving the jizai-kagi. This unusual jizai-kagi is carved of kayaki (zelkova elm) wood and has patination from hearth smoke. A portion of it's original iron chain is still attached.

Age: Edo Period (1...

Antique Japanese jizai-kagi in the form of a whale. In a Japanese home, water in a kettle or pot is heated over an irori (sunken hearth). The jizai hook hangs from a strong ceiling beam. From this, a long device is suspended with a hook on the end that can be adjusted up or down by moving the jizai-kagi. Often these are carved in the form of a fish. This unusual jizai-kagi is carved of kayaki (zelkova elm) wood with traces of black lacquer and patina from hearth smoke. A portion of it's...

Japanese antique water pump used by a brigade of firemen to put out fires. From the writing, the pump was used in December, Meiji 7 (1874). Other writing states "Edo", most likely referring that the fire company was operating during the Edo Period and/or in the city of Edo, Japan. A 3 character mark says 雲龍水 unryūsui ("cloud-dragon-water", the name for this type of pump). Below this is another group of characters: the top 3 read right to left 細工所 saikōsho or saikōdokor...

An antique pair of architectural corbels of mythological elephant baku’s are commonly placed under the eaves of Japanese Buddhist temple and Shinto Shrines to ward off evil spirits. The baku devour dreams and nightmares and protector against evil. The baku cannot be summoned without caution, however as ancient legions say that if the baku is not satisfied after consuming the nightmares, he may devour ones hopes and dreams. The open mouth is to scare off demons and the closed mouth baku shelter...

An antique Japanese cane made from bamboo with a carved image of an Oni fishing. Oni are a kind of yōkai, ogre, or troll in Japanese folklore. They are typically portrayed as hulking figures with one or more horns growing out of their heads. They are conceived of as red, blue or green-colored wearing loincloths of tiger pelt and carrying iron kanabō clubs. The cane is signed.

Date:

Dimensions: 36" tall X 1"

Japanese antique carved wood relief of cranes. Beautifully carved and in excellent condition.

Date: Meiji age c1900

Dimensions: 17" long X 5.5 " wide

The Japanese Norimono Palanquin is completely covered in a rich chestnut woven bamboo. The roof has a slight curve and a section of the roof can lift up for entry. The sedan is trimmed in black lacquered wood in a double lined grid pattern contrasting with the woven material. The three outer window openings provide shade covering of reeded sudaris with black wool borders and copper mounts. The sudari is held erect with copper L-shaped hooks. The sliding doors open to the interior of latticed wor...

An antique, Japanese boxwood lacquer comb with two kanzashi hair pins decorated with niello silver & mokoume-gane etched cat on gilt. The fine toothed comb is hand carved with floral motifs and a man walking over a bridge. The reverse side shows a house surrounded by mountains. Wooden combs in Japan were once believed to have shamanic qualities. Women would brush their black hair thinking that the combs would gather each strand’s spiritual energy. In later years, they were used to create elabo...

A delightful Japanese wood tray in the shape of a lotus leaf. Chiseled Katabori with raised veins and stem and stippled leaf rolled back on sides. The back of the tray is as detailed as the top with an intricate pattern of veins and curved stem. The tray is used in the tea ceremony.

Date: Meiji Period circa 1890

Dimensions:12" X 9" X 1"

A rare, large architectural Buddhist temple carving of a Dragon (Ryu), with reverse glass painted eye. The high relief carvings show the dragon's body coiled behind clouds of smoke and waves. Its serpentine body reveals his 3 appendages with classic three claw anatomy. The relief is solid keyaki "zelkova serrata" wood with the original red patina. The dragon which symbolizes the heavenly realm has control of rain, fire, and earth. Dragons are the powerful embodiment of yin and yang and are se...

Antique Japanese ranma, or transom, carved with two rabbits jumping over waves.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

50" L x 20.25" H

Antique Japanese ranma, or transom, carved with two rabbits jumping over waves.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

50" L x 20.25" H

Antique Japanese framed abstract print, signed Takeshi Hara (1942-present) in pencil, number 36/60, titled "Strokes 74-1". Hara was born in Nagoya, Japan in 1942 and graduated the Oil Painting Dept. of Tokyo National University of Fine Arts in 1967. He later went on to become a professor in the Dept. of Painting at Tokyo Zokei University until he retired in 2008. He describes his works as deeply rooted in traditional Japanese culture and imagery; For example, his prominent "Strokes" series draws...

Antique Japanese hardwood ranma (transom), ornately carved with a descending plum tree (ume) branch, bearing flowers in bloom.

Size: 73.5" L x 1" D x 20.75" H

Japanese mingei hinoki water wheel. Complete 11 spokes with paddles used as a functional water wheel. Iron piston protrudes from the central hub for rotational function.

19th Century

Size: 47 1/2" x 6"

Japanese woodblock print of two beautiful ladies at the ocean, with a basket full of shells they've collected. With calligraphy in right margin.

Size: 7.25" W x 9.5" H (artwork only)