Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (4988)

An antique Japanese Kotansu made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Made in a rare design to look like a miniature Kimono tansu. All original iron hardware including the Warabite style handles. Complete with front drawer corners. Straight dovetail joinery with hardened wooden nail construction. An unusual and unique personal storage chest.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 25 1/4" Wide by 14 1/4" High by 13 1/8" Deep.

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware and wiped Urushi lacquer finish. A top full width drawer with two sets of sliding doors. The upper set has a spacious area where the merchant stored his business books and records. The lower set has two small drawers behind the doors and another area for more storage...

Antique Chinese bitong (brush pot) carved of huanghuali wood with mythical chilong creatures. Undulating edges around the rim seem to unfurl. The lower portion is carved with a cusped edge and three low feet. Beautiful grain.

Age: Republic Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 6 7/8" high x 6 1/8" wide

Antique Japanese large wood carving of a fish jumping up a waterfall. Symbolizing strength, perseverance and aspiration, the large koi moves against the raging water which crashes below in a torrent of waves. Above the falls, a calm mist swirls. On either side of the water, tufts of grass grow out of the rocks. Carved of a single enormous piece of keyaki (zelkova Japanese elm) wood and with traces of blue and green pigment. Finely carved with extraordinary movement and depth...

Antique Japanese lady's kimono made with grey-green chirimen silk and white silk jacquard with orange and green embroidery of bamboo and plum blossoms with cranes. Details in wrapped gold thread and use of tiny shibori technique in the leaves and flowers. The front hem of the kimono is decorated with a delicate design of plum blossom in resist and white silk embroidery. The kimono interior is lined with red silk.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 60" high x 48" wide

An antique Hon Kotansu (personal book storage chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Two hinged Biraki doors open to a split level shelf where books and other personal belongings were stored. Two side by side drawers below gave additional storage space for organizing. Straight dovetail joinery with hardened wood nails were used in its construction.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 25" Wide by 19 3/4" High by 12 1/2" Deep

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Original bronze hardware. Two sliding doors open to a storage space with one shelf. Five drawers provide additional storage and organizing areas. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. It would make a perfect nightstand or side chest for any room decor.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 23 7/8" Wide by 20 1/8" High by 13 18" Deep

An antique Japanese small Choba Tansu chest made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Original bronze hardware. Sliding doors where merchant stored business records and books 4 drawers below where valuables money and writing supplies were kept. Straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nail construction. Merchant store name written at the base that ha worn over time.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 22 3/4" Wide by 22 1/2" High by 12" Deep

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (Merchant Chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute style handles and the decorative front drawer corners. Double side by side drawers above with sliding doors and three drawers below made this a functional chest for a merchant to store his business books and records as well as store valuables...

An antique Japanese Katana Small Chest and Stand made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron with cat bronze hardware and Urushi lacquer finish. Upper area holds 4 Katana and lower section has a locking bar with key that secures 4 small drawers where polishing tools and Katana parts were kept. Note: Katana is for example and display purposes only.

Age: Late Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 18 3/8" Wide by 14 3/4" High by 11 1/4" Deep

An antique Japanese Kansai Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hikute style handles. Two sliding doors behind which the merchant stored business books and records. 9 drawers of varying sizes for business storage and organizing...

An antique Japanese tansu chest with Biraki hinged doors made entirely of Paulownia wood. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles. The doors secure two large drawers where kimonos were stored. Constructed using Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails. It would make a functional dresser in today's contemporary home or a side table that would be perfect under a window...

An antique Japanese small tansu chest called Kotansu made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hikute handles. 5 drawers of varying sizes and a hinged door that hides 2 additional drawers where valuables were kept hidden for security. Constructed using Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails. It makes a perfect night stand or side table in today's contemporary home...

Antique Japanese carved wooden ranma (decorative transom). Beautifully carved with blossoming lotus flowers on a background of swirling water. The lotus flowers range in different stages of blossoming, a Buddhist symbol for the different stages of enlightenment. Carved of keyaki (zelkova Japanese elm) wood and framed in brown and gold lacquered wood.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 8 1/2" high x 46 1/2" wide

Japanese seto ware ceramic chawan (tea cup). Made of dark brown stoneware with round body and small round foot. Appealing greenish glaze with drips. Artist's mark on the bottom. With tomobako.

Age: Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 2 7/8" high x 5 1/4" wide

Antique Japanese oribe ware chawan (tea cup). Buff color stoneware with reddish brown translucent glaze. Two areas of thick white crackle glaze with black brushwork motifs give this cup it's traditional oribe appearance. Satisfying weight and shape. Lovely drips and depth. With tomobako.

Age: Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 3 1/4" high x 4 3/8" wide

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...

An antique Japanese display chest known as a Cha Tansu made entirely of Kirinoki. Used in Japan as an all purpose cabinet used to store tea serving accessories for guests as well as serving as a display chest where seasonal or special occasion accents can be shown for all to enjoy. Original bronze hardware. Two large sliding doors hide a large spacious storage area and 5 drawers are used for organizing and additional space. Beautiful curved top corners with dovetail joinery work...

An antique Japanese Sakata Kotansu (Japanese personal storage chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware and Urushi lacquer finish. 5 Drawers with 3 drawers secured by a locking bar...

An antique Japanese Tansu chest called Kotansu made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze and iron hardware including the Warabite handles. Locks feature a Chrysanthemum motif and the door handles display stylized clouds. Two sliding doors open to a spacious storage area and five drawers used for additional storage and organizing. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 23 7/8" Wid...

An antique Japanese Cha Tansu (Tea Chest) made of Suginoki (Cryptomeria) wood and hand lacquered with hand applied Mother of Pearl inlay. The central theme is longevity as the landscape design captures the Pine tree throughout the chest. Foliated accents highlight the front outline and sides. Four sliding doors at the top, 2 sliding doors to the bottom left, a pair of wood hinged doors to the bottom right, and two small drawers along the bottom.

Age: Meiji period (1900-1910)

Dime...

Rare Chinese large and beautifully sculpted terra cotta figure of a farmer. Standing with a long spade and a handleless shovel in his hands, he tilts his head slightly upward as if surveying his crops or checking the weather. He is dressed in boots and a hat and his robe is secured around his waist with a belt from which hangs another tool or knife. Sculpted with the simplified geometric proportions traditional during the Han period but unusually large in scale. Intended for burial, this f...

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. Framed: 21" high x 2...

An antique Japanese chest called Kotansu (for personal storage) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware with straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nail construction. Two sliding doors open to a spacious compartment separated by a center shelf. 5 drawers for additional storage and organizing.

Age: 1910-1920 (Late Meiji-Taisho Period)

Dimensions: 23 3/4" Wide by 18 7/8" High by 11 7/8" Deep

Antique Japanese wood carving of a pair of fu-dogs (shishi) near a waterfall. Playfully, they chase each other over the flowing stream. Clouds billow over head. Carved of keyaki (zelkova - Japanese elm) wood with details in black and red pigment.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 9" high x 28 1/2" long

An antique Japanese tansu chest known as a Kotansu (for personal storage) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Original bronze hardware. Six drawers of various sizes for organization and storage. Two sliding doors with a shelf behind. Constructed using hardened wood nails. It would make a practical side table or a nightstand.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 23 3/4" Wide by 19 1/4" High by 11 5/8" Deep

An antique Japanese Kotansu (small personal storage chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware. Two sliding doors open to a spacious storage area with a split level shelf. 5 drawers provide additional storage and organization. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails. Makes a great side table or functional nightstand.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 24" Wide by 21 1/2" High by 13" Deep

An antique Japanese 3 section kimono chest called Isho Biraki Tansu made entirely of Kiri (Paulwonia) wood. All original hardware and natural patina finish. Top section has two sliding doors behind which lies three small drawers and a split level shelf. The drawers and shelf front have a Kuwanoki (Mulberry) wood trim. The center section features 2 large hinged doors which house 4 kimono trays with Kura on the center shelf. The bottom section has 3 large drawers for additional storage. Const...

Antique Japanese pair of hanging lotus candle holders, each made of bronze and attached in two sections. The upper section is a large inverted lotus leaf with smaller leaves and lotus buds around it's base. From out of the large lotus leaf is a hook. The lower section attaches to the hook with a ring. The candle itself would sit on the small lotus flower platform with smaller leaves and flowers.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 25" high x 8 1/4" wide

A rare Chinese Tang Dynasty marble-glazed miniature ceramic tripod container with lid. The marble technique called jiao you (mixed glaze) was developed during the Tang Dynasty. The marble effect was achieved by first mixing dark and light slip on the surface of the vessel and then creating a design as the slip ran together. The entire vessel was then glazed a transparent green allowing the marble effect to show through.

Age: Tang Dynasty 618 - 907 A.D.

Dimensions: 2" high...

An incredible Tibetan gilt bronze dynamic figure of Vajrabhairava, the wrathful form Manjushri. In Tibetan: dor je jig je, pa wo chigpa. In English: The Solitary Hero Vajra Terror. Vajrabairava is part of the practice of Yamataka (of the Gelug tradition). In this sculpture, Vajrabairava is locked in tantric embrace with his female counterpart. He has 9 faces, the central face being of a buffalo and the uppermost head that of Manjushri. He is flanked on either side by 34 arms, each hol...

Antique Chinese porcelain planter. Circular in form with foliate rim. The body of the planter is decorated with a colorful enamel scene of frolicking horses. A meadow landscape is beginning it's spring time blossoming of fruit trees and willows bear new leaves. Low mountains rise up in the distance and birds fly over a pond. Possibly painted by Lao Sholing who was famous for his depictions of horses.

Age: Republic Period (early/mid 20th century)

Dimensions: 7 3/4" high ...

A Japanese furniture antique tansu chest in 3 sections made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hardware. Top section features 2 sliding doors behind which is a split level shelf and a small drawer in addition to curved top corners. The center and bottom sections each have 3 drawers for spacious storage. The backs of each section has a unique floating panel design to prevent the wood from splitting.

This chest would make a functional dresser for daily ...

Antique Japanese suiseki, a stone for contemplation. The art of suiseki viewing stones emphasizes an appreciation for the natural formations. Each stone tells a story not only of it's geological creation but of it's path through time, how it has been shaped by other elements like wind and water. Viewing a stone such as this, a person can feel transported to a world where the stone is a mountain (or a sleeping dragon) and the viewer is quite small.

Age: Taisho Period (early 20th cen...

An antique Japanese Daruma wooden mold used for making paper mâché dolls. Likely retired from duty and lacquered to preserve its years of production and service. The worn lacquer is a testament to its display and use that extended beyond its useful life and paid tribute to the former artisans that supported the craft. The bottom reveals the three holes used to connect the mold to a turning wheel for ease of applying the paper mache. Knife cuts and natural cracks from wear show how the mold w...

Antique Chinese small rectangular stand. Carved of zitan wood and fitted with an inset marble top. Elegantly arching cabriole legs and finely carved cusped edges.

Age: Republic Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 3 5/8" high x 9 1/4" long x 5 1/4" deep

Antique Chinese small square stand. Carved of zitan wood and fitted with an inset marble top. Elegantly arching cabriole legs and finely carved cusped edges.

Age: Republic Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 3 3/4" high x 7" wide x 7" deep

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. This sam...

An antique low single drawer storage Kotansu (personal chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Original hand forged heavy gauge iron hardware. Constructed using thick wood, straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails. Originally used to store Kimono or personal effects, it would work well in a contemporary home as a base storage unit on a large table or credenza .

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 37 3/4" Wide by 10 3/8" High by 18 3/4" Deep

An antique Hon Kotansu (personal book storage chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Two hinged Biraki doors open to a split level shelf where books and other personal belongings were stored. Two side by side drawers below gave additional storage space for organizing. Straight dovetail joinery with hardened wood nails were used in its construction.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 25 1/2" Wide by 19 3/4" High by 12 1/2" Deep

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware. A pair of sliding doors cover a spacious compartment with a split level shelf with 6 drawers of varying sizes that was used to organize storage. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails.

It would make a great nightstand or side table for any room decor.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 23 3/4" Wide y 23 3...

Antique Chinese small monochrome porcelain vase. Round form with tiny mouth and lovely celadon glaze. Unglazed foot with inset underside glazed celadon to match the body of the vase.

Age: Republic Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 2 3/4" high x 3" wide

Antique Chinese small porcelain monochrome vase. Baluster form with high shoulders and tiny mouth. Glazed a subtle celadon color. A small spot on the shoulder where the glaze did not cover adds character and tells a story of the glazing process. The underside is white with two concentric blue rings.

Age: Republic Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 3 7/8" high x 2 3/4" wide

Antique Chinese small rectangular-shaped hardwood stand. Classical lines and elegantly carved stretchers. Pierced carved aprons.

Age: Republic Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 6 1/8" high x 11 1/2" wide x 7" deep

Antique Chinese monochrome porcelain vase with dripping Flambé (Jingdezhen Jun) glaze. Because the glaze effect is made by the combining of various colors and thus the fusing of different minerals, it is also called Transmutation glaze. Developed through the Yongzheng emperor's interest in antiquities, this type of glazed vessel was often commissioned by the court of Beijing. Artists were encouraged to experiment and develop interesting new glaze effects. This vase clearly exemplifies the l...

Antique Chinese monochrome vase. Brown stoneware ceramic with a rich brown and black mottled glaze. Starting with a lovely cafe au lait rim and dripping down with dramatic hare's fur effect.

Age: Republic Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 7 1/2" high x 3 3/4" wide

A rare antique Sakata Hangai (captain's business transactions chest) made of Keyaki Burl (Zelkova) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. All original Urushi lacquer and hand forged iron hardware including the Hirute style handles. It feature a top drawer and a lift out front security door with lock and key. Behind the door are 5 drawers of varying sizes. In particular is the center bottom drawer that purposely exterior lacquered since it received the most use. This drawer has two covers and origin...

An extremely rare Sado Island Funa Tansu made of Keyaki Burl (Zelkova), old growth Keyaki, and old growth Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. All original Urushi lacquer finish and hand forged handmade iron hardware including the Kakute style handles. The top drawer opens to a 4 compartment design with 2 covers. It was exterior lacquered for a smooth opening. The bottom right side hinged door opens to a small upper drawer and a bottom false drawer front that hides a wooden box for valuables. The lef...

A rare Qing Dynasty Chinese porcelain Buddhist stupa, superbly modeled and enameled with multi-toned flowers and scrolling leaves, a chain of Buddhist lion masks and gold gilt accented jeweled motif on a pink ground. The long, graduated 13-tiered conical spire, symbolic of the of the 13 stages of enlightenment, is decorated with thin floral bands. The Buddhist umbrella is topped with a blue and white glazed canopy on which sits a green treasure vase with red ribbons. All of this sits on t...

A rare antique Sado Island Funa Tansu (captain's chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. All original Urushi lacquer and hand forged hand made iron hardware including the Kakute style handles. Featuring various good luck motifs including the treasure bag, the radish, the pine tree, the bamboo, the plum blossom and the Chrysanthemum. The front has a top drawer, a hinged door and a secret sliding door. Behind the sliding door are two drawers, each with a secret box behi...

An antique Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware. Three drawers with a pair of hinged doors that open to a spacious interior with two side by side drawers. This area was used to store the merchant records and books while all the drawers were used to secure valuables and provide easy access to merchant tools and accessories.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

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

An antique Japanese Isho Tansu in 3 stacking sections made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original bronze hardware. Top section features 2 sliding doors, a hinged door, and three drawers where fashion accessories were stored. The center section has two hinged doors that open to three full drawers while the bottom section features three more drawers for additional storage. Each section can be used separately in different rooms of a house. Constructed with hardened ...

An antique Chobako (merchant storage box) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware and Urushi lacquer finish. Hinged door when opened reveals 6 drawers of varying sizes. In particular is one small drawer with ink stains that stored the inkstone. This chest was an essential merchant accessory used to keep in one place all of the tools and instruments needed to run a successful store.

Age: Edo Period (19th century)

Dimensions...

An antique Japanese Tohoku Kasane (chest on chest) Tansu made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles and the nickel rim Butterfy motif lock plates. Four large drawers used for kimono storage and two small drawers used to store kimono fashion accessories. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 36" Wide by 40 5/8" High by 16 3/...

An antique Kansai Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles. Two sets of sliding doors hide spacious areas where the merchant kept his business books and records. Four drawers were used to keep valuables and merchant tools and accessories. Behind the bottom sliding doors to the right are three drawers where hidden valuables were stored. A secret false floor on the drawer to t...

A rare antique Ryobiraki Choba Tansu (merchant chest with hinged doors) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. All original thick gauged hand forged iron hardware. Shackle lock with working key secures the removable hinged doors that open to a pair of sliding doors and four drawers. A secret button unlatches the left hinged door to open. The spacious area behind the sliding doors was used to store merchant business records and books while the drawers were used to store money,...

Ancient Chinese Archaic Era bronze dou, footed vessel used to contain food. This traditionally dou vessel consists of two pieces. The larger piece is a circular bowl supported on a stem which gradually tapers downward and outward to form a round foot. And the lid which is a shallower round bowl on a shorter stem which is inverted and snugly fitted over the bottom bowl. Two ring handles are attached to the rim of the lower bowl on either side. The surface is intricately decorated with bands...

Chinese hardwood bitong (brush pot). Made of dense and dark hardwood. Simple form with elegantly tapered walls. Cusped edge around mouth and foot.

Age: Republic Period

Dimensions: 8" high x 7 7/8" wide

Antique Chinese box made of solid rosewood with beautiful burl top. Bronze hardware including hinges and round lock. Original finish and nice patina.

Age: Republic Period

Dimensions: 3 1/2" high x 8 5/8" long x 5 1/4" wide

Antique Chinese bronze censer in the form of an ox. Standing with neck low and extended. On his back, the censer lid is made of silver with pierced decorations to allow for incense smoke.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions: 4 1/4" high x 6 1/4" long x 2 1/2" wide