Catalog: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese (327)

A beautiful Japanese studio pottery vase in a mossy green hue with stylized Chrysanthemums scattered about in artistic form. Studio stamped seal at the base.

Age: Mid Century

Dimensions: 12 1/2" High by 15 1/4" Diameter.

A rare large Ainu artisan carved Hokkaido black bear (Higuma) made from one solid piece of Japanese hardwood. Intricate carving to the fur including the underside of the bear. Eyes made of Obsidian. Minor wear.

Age: Mid Century 1950's

Dimensions: 24" Long by 16 1/2" Deep by 14" High

A Japanese cast bronze Okimono of an octopus moving across the sea floor. Its eight legs and large head depicts this true-to-life mollusc in motion. The two large eyes constantly observe its surroundings ready to shoot its ink at any predator.

11″ high x 29 1/2″ wide diameter

Antique Japanese 2-panel screen painting of a lotus pond. Wide lotus leaves and pale pink flowers blossom on the surface of the water. A white heron comes in for a landing near a pair of Mandarin ducks. Painted in mineral pigments on silver leaf.

Age: Showa Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 38 1/2" high x 74 1/2" wide

An old Japanese temple lantern made entirely of bronze. Sacred jewel called Hoju is represented in the finial. Hinged door allows access to the interior.

Vintage Japanese wood carving of the face of Bodhidarma with his fly whisk. Also known as Daruma, the legendary intensity of the monk is expressed in his downturned mouth and heavy eye brows over wide eyes. A popular sign of good fortune for any business. Lacquered details in red, white and black.

Age: Showa period (early-mid 20th century)

Dimensions: 23 1/2" high x 19 1/2" wide x 2 3/4" deep

Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest) from the Sakata area, made of keyaki (elm) wood with kiri (paulownia) wood interior. The upper and lower portions of the chest have drawers of various sizes. In the center is a compartment opened by two hinged doors. To the right of this is a safe box with a door that opens to reveal two small interior drawers...

Japanese scroll painting of a ghostly woman standing in a shoji doorway. Her robes are white, the color of death and her hair falls unkept around her shoulders. Tendrils of flame appear where rays of light shine down at an angle to catch on her sleeve. Painted in mineral colors and ink on silk.
Painted by Obata Chiura (1885-1975), painter and first professor of Japanese painting at University of California, Berkeley. Born in Ibara-cho and raised in Sendai, Japan...

Japanese woodblock print entitled "Moonlit Night at Miyajima" by the artist Kawase Hasui. The Miyajima Torii Gate sands in the still water. A row of stone lanterns shine their light from the water's edge. Tall pines bend over the quiet beach. From across the lake, more lights can be seen. With black 6mm seal. Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Produced during the lifetime of the artist.

Age: 1944-1957

Dimensions: Paper size: 15 1/8" high x 10 1/4" wide

Japanese woodblock print entitled "Moon Over Kiyosume Garden" by the artist Kawase Hasui. Muted tones depict a tranquil lake. A yukimi-dōrō (stone lantern) stands on the edge of the water near a stand of dwarf pines. With black 6mm seal. Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Produced during the lifetime of the artist.

Age: 1944-1957

Dimensions: Paper size: 15 1/4" high x 10 1/4" wide

Japanese woodblock print entitled "Moon at Umagome" by the artist Kawase Hasui. From the series "Twenty Views of Tokyo". Tall pine trees frame a full moon through the mist. A farm house with thatched roof shines light from a single window. Rows of crops are illuminated blue in the night. With black 6mm seal. Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Produced during the lifetime of the artist.

Age: 1944-1957

Dimensions: Paper size: 15 1/4" high x 10 1/8" wide

Japanese woodblock print entitled "Kanetsuke Hall Bell Tower, Okayama" by the artist Kawase Hasui. The bell tower stands high above the other rooftops as the rain falls on the street below. I figure with an umbrella can be seen in the distance walking with an umbrella. The wet street reflects the latticework of a window. With black 6mm seal. Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Produced during the lifetime of the artist...

A pair of Japanese vintage bronze temple lantern. Each lantern is made of 3 sections, the base, the light housing and the crown. The crown has a scalloped rim with heart shaped designs and a beautiful finial...

Japanese modern era lacquer hibachi. Carved of wood in round form with stacking bands of 5 alternating colors called Koma Urushi (literally translates to spinning top lacquer). Inset with traditional copper lining.

Age: Showa Period (1926-1989)

Dimensions: 9" high x 17" diameter.

Antique Japanese small Kutani ware figure of a sleeping cat. Made of porcelain and painted with golden spots. Wearing a colorful ribbon collar with yellow pompoms. Charming relaxed pose and intricate details especially on face. The bottom is left unglazed.

Age: Showa Period (circa 1920's)

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

A vintage Japanese Tansu called Honbako (book chest) made of dark stained Momiji (Maple) and Tochinoki (Horse Chestnut) woods with an interior made of Kiri (Paulownia). Single hinged door secures a spacious area where books were kept and 5 filing drawers where flats and documents were stored. Below the door is one large drawer where valuables were kept. All original bronze hardware.

Age: Showa Era (1950's -1960)

Dimensions: 16 3/4" Wide by 23" High by 13 5/8" Deep

A 2 section Japanese Isho Biraki Kamo Tansu made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware. Constructed using high quality Kiri wood from the Aizu snow country region of Japan known for their slow growth and dense grain. Upper section features 2 hinged doors behind which are 7 Kimono trays and three small side by side drawers. A secret interior wood latch locks the left and right drawers from opening while the left drawer has a secret drawer accessible from the back...

A vintage Japanese Isho Biraki (stacking clothing chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Kaki (Persimmon) woods. All original hardware including the Warabite handles. Upper section features two sliding doors, two drawers and a hinged door all providing space for organizing small items. The center section has two hinged doors that open to four removable Kimono trays where lighter clothes or linens can be stored. The bottom section has two large drawers for additional spacious storage...

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 Japanese Ikebana basket in a cylindrical form woven in a herringbone pattern. 6 vertical bamboo supports with flared feet connected with a lucky turtle weave at the base and a woven coin half the way up the side. The turtle would represent longevity and the coins would symbolize prosperity. With a star crossed base and two ring handles.

Age: Early Showa Period (1930's)

Dimensions: 9" Diameter by 18" High

An antique Japanese bronze Koi (carp) fountain. Depicting a carp breaching the water surface as it attempts to swim up a waterfall. The casting symbolizes true perseverance and tenacity in achieving ones personal goals. Fine details show on the fins, the scales, the barbels and sun-like designs just above the gills.

Age: Taisho Period (1920's)

Dimensions: 11" Wide by 15 1/4" High by 7" Deep

A contemporary Japanese burl hardwood stand designed in a sculptural asymmetric form. Makes a beautiful and elegant side table or table butler.

Age: Early 20th Century

Dimensions: 18" Wide by 28" High by 19" Deep

A vintage Japanese bamboo wall hanging featuring the famous monk Daruma with a proverb attributed to his wisdom. The saying reads Nanakorobi Yaoki or Seven Falls Down Requires Eight Times Up...

A Japanese 2 section Tansu chest called Isho-dansu made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. Original bronze hardware. Upper section features 2 sliding doors behind which is a shelf. The bottom section has 2 large full width drawers for additional storage. Originally used to store silk Kimono, its present day use as a daily dresser works well for the contemporary home.Age: Mid Century 1950-1960

Dimensions: 35 3/4" Wide by 41 1/4" High by 16 1/2" Deep

A vintage Japanese Sado Mizuya (kitchenette for tea ceremony) made of Hinoki (Cypress)...

A vintage mid century 2 section Kamo Isho Tansu made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware including the central Peony flower lock plates on the doors and the arabesque back plates to the drawer handles. Constructed using dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. Behind the hinged doors of the upper section is housed 6 full width Kimono trays and two Obi trays with 3 small drawers for fashion accessories like Tabi, Kami-kazari and Himo. The lower section has 3 lar...

Japanese kappazuri stencil print by the artist Yoshitoshi Mori. Mori developed his distinct style using the kappazuri print technique and grew to fame, exhibiting his work around the world. His distinct style shows how he was influenced by his work as a textile designer and dyer of kimono fabric, a job he had when he first graduated from art school. This print shows figures under a row of lanterns on Nakamise Street in Asakusa. Signed in pencil and unframed.

Age: Showa Period (M...

A vintage Japanese 2 section Tansu chest made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware with straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nail construction. 3 drawer top section and 2 drawer bottom section. Both sections can be separated for use and display in different rooms of a home. Side handles used to carry each section from place to place with the lower section handles serving a dual purpose of also securing the top section in place.

Age: Early Showa ...

A vintage Japanese 2 section Kamo Kimono Tansu chest made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia). All original hardware with maker's name engraved into the main lock plate. Upper section features two large hinged doors behind which are 8 kimono trays for storing textiles. The lower section has 3 drawers for additional spacious storage. Below the bottom drawer lies a false floor cover that hides a secret compartment where important papers and valuables were kept.

The Kamo Tansu originates fro...

This is a vintage large rare Maneki Neko (beckoning cat) made in the Tokoname kiln region of Japan. Entirely hand painted and hand made, it is a very large size to bring an abundance of good luck to its owner. Designed as a coin bank, its original paper coin stopper is still intact. Raising the left paw, it is beckoning family, friends and happiness its way. Its right paw is holding a gold coin bringing also fortune and prosperity upon its owner.

D...

A vintage Japanese Okidoko (Tokonoma alcove chest) made of a dense grain Akita Sugi (Cryptomeria) wood. Originally it was used to showcase Ikebana flower arrangements, special porcelain vases, Japanese sculptures, or seasonal displays. The cabinet hidden by the sliding doors was used to store tea ceremony paraphernalia such as scrolls, tea bowls and Ikebana vessels.

It will work in a contemporary setting to elevate and display any myriad of items.

Age: Mid Century 1950's

Dim...

A vintage 3 section Isho Biraki (Kimono chest with hinged doors) Tansu made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. The top section has two sliding doors behind which is a shelf to the left side supported by a natural Cherry Bark limb. The center section has 2 hinged doors which when opened reveals 3 removable Kimono trays good for storing linens, blankets, sweaters or other garments. The bottom section has 2 large drawers for additional spacious storage. Each section stack...

Japanese woodblock print of a sunset over houses. The sky is bright orange and yellow casting purple shadows on the tiled roof wall around a compound of rural houses. Signed in pencil by Katsuyuki Nishijima (born 1945) and number 34 in series of 500. Has red oval seal indicating early works. Unframed.

Age: Late 20th century

Dimensions: Paper size: 13 3/4" high x 18 1/8" wide

Japanese woodblock print of an alley between houses in old Japan. A small shinto shrine stands outside a wooden kura door. Executed in shades of grays and blues. A sense of depth is created by the light at the other end of the alley. Signed in pencil by Katsuyuki Nishijima (born 1945) and number 23 in series of 500. Has oval red seal indicating early works. Unframed.

Age: Late 20th century

Dimensions: Paper size: 13 1/2" high x 18 1/8" wide

Japanese woodblock print of a traditional store front with a red noren and large sign characters over a tile roof. Signed in pencil by Katsuyuki Nishijima (born 1945) and number 453 in series of 500. Has the oval red seal indicating early works. Unframed.

Age: Late 20th century

Dimensions: Paper size: 13 3/8" high x 18 3/8" wide

A Keyaki (Zelkova) root burl bonsai stand with twisty gnarly roots supporting a flat surface. Beautiful original patina.

Age: Mid Century (1950-1960's)

Dimensions: 14 1/2" Wide by 13" High by 12 3/4" Deep

A Japanese Netsuke hand carved from Tsugenoki (Boxwood). Depicting a moon viewing rabbit, its paws, eyes and ears are very well detailed. Artist signed at the base.

Age: Mid Century

Dimensions: 2" Long by 1 1/4" Wide by 1 7/16" High

A four panel Japanese Byobu (hand painted screen) of Wisterias over a gold/bronze-ish ground leaf painted with a Rimpa gnarly Wisteria branch. Mounted with silk border.

Age: Mid Century

Dimensions: 78 3/4" Wide by 36 1/4" High by 22" Deep

A stunning large antique Japanese lacquer bunko (document box). Decorated all over with raised blossoming white rhododendron. Charming details of the leaves show where they have been nibbled appreciatively. Very unusual and beautiful use of takamaki-e lacquer technique. Signed on the underside of the lid by 源十郎 Genjūrо̄. Considered the representative lacquer ware artist of the Showa era, 吉田源十郎 Yoshida Genjūrо̄ (1896-1958) exhibited at the Bunten, Teiten, Shinbunten and...

An original limited edition Kiyoshi Saito woodblock print entitled Chapel France that was made in 1960 and numbered 11 of 120. Deep purple hues border a silvery road which visually leads to the bare branches of a tree in winter. The focus then turns to a somewhat distant church in the background which is this prints main theme. Saito then layered this print with textured paint adding a depth unlike most of his other prints. With watermark and stamped artist label on back stating “self-carved...

Woodblock print of a maiko. She sits in profile, dressed in a flowing kimono decorated with a colorful fan motif. Here ornate obi is embellished with details in gold leaf. In the background is a design of waves in blue and white on a dark gray ground.

Jun-ichirô Sekino traveled widely, not just throughout Japan but also in America, Mexico, Africa and Europe. He started making woodblock prints early in his middle school days and was prolific until his death in 1988 at age 74. He...

An original limited edition Kiyoshi Saito woodblock print entitled Flower and a Girl (10) printed in 1971 and numbered 14/80. Rare print in a low edition of a girl in profile viewing a colorful flower.

Print size including title: 21 1/4" High by 14 7/8" Wide. Total size including border approximately 24" High by 18" Wide.

Woodblock print of a maiko playing cards. Seated with her back toward the viewer, displaying her richly embroidered obi with flying cranes, she looks over her shoulder and demurely displays the card in her hand, the ace of hearts. The background is decorated with a pattern similar to that of her obi, flying cranes and swirling water with applied flecks of gold leaf on a yellow ground.

>Jun-ichirô Sekino traveled widely, not just throughout Japan but also in America, Mexico, Afri...

Untitled woodblock print of a mountain village and two figures by Jun-ichirô Sekino (1914-1988). A monochromatic rural scene depicting a row of buildings against a backdrop of trees. In the foreground is a man with net and a boy carrying two buckets on a pole across his shoulders. A lovely example of Sekino's interest in patterns (especially rooftops) combined with his appreciation for people in their familiar surroundings.

Jun-ichirô Sekino traveled widely, not just throughout ...

An antique Japanese Todana Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Original iron hardware including the Warabite handles. Eight drawers and a pair of sliding doors allows for spacious storage. Original used in Japan as a family multi-purpose storage chest, it would function well as a buffet or sideboard chest.

Age: Showa Era (1930's).

Dimensions: 47 5/8" Wide by 33 3/4" High by 17" Deep

A Japanese ranma (transom) with a Hinoki (Cypress) frame and an Akita Sugi (Akita Cryptomeria) wood hand carved bamboo and plum blossom theme in a highly detailed three dimensional relief. Most likely mounted in a wealthy Japanese home or a fancy Ryokan (country inn). Its main theme is a majestic Plum Blossom tree (known as Bai) accented with Bamboo (Chiku). The ranma was often mounted above the Fusuma sliding doors between rooms to allow the air to circulate freely. This allowed each room...

A vintage Japanese Ranma (transom) made of Kusunoki (Camphor) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. Hand carved in deep relief depicting an auspicious Plum Blossom Tree with Bamboo and Irises. Celebrating the change of seasons from winter to spring, it shows many flower buds ready to bloom with a few blooming in all its beauty.

Age: Late Taisho through Early Showa Era (1926-1950).

Dimensions: 67 1/4" Wide x 16" High by 2 3/4" Deep

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)

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

Japanese bamboo and wisteria branch gourd-shaped basket, beautifully woven, with open container for holding floral arrangement at largest node. wisteria branch base.

Circa 1930s
Size: Height 17" Width 13" Depth 8"

A Japanese ranma (transom) with a Hinoki (Cypress) frame and a Kusunoki (Camphor) wood hand carved Chiku Bai theme in highly detailed three dimensional relief. Artist signed Tosho Nakajima. Most likely mounted in a wealthy Japanese home or a fancy Ryokan (country inn). Its main theme is a majestic Plum Blossom tree (Bai) accented with Bamboo (Chiku).

The ranma was often mounted above the Fusuma sliding doors between rooms to allow the air to circulate freely. This allowed each room to s...

Japanese Silver box from the Taisho period c1920. The decoration has a inscribed leaf design with a hardwood interior and bottom, good condition.

Provenance Zelig Collection

Dates Taisho c1920
H 2.75" x W 5.375" x D 4"

An antique Japanese Ko Tansu known as a personal storage chest made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. Traditional wiped lacquer finish and original bronze fittings complement this piece. It features a hinged door that houses a compartment with a removable shelf.

This style of chest would make a great bedside stand or an elegant side table in any room of the house.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1926)

Dimensions: 21 3/4" High x 23 1/4" Wide x 12 5/8" Deep

Beautifully painted pair of herons amidst willow trees and embankment. Soft color palatte with gold leaf background. Black lacquered wooden frame with bronze embossed metal hardware. Good Condition

Circa 1950s

Dimensions: 71"L x 36"H

A woodblock print by the artist Karhu. The print is labeled "Wealth & Happiness". The full narrative is "Wealth & Happiness come to Those Who Don't Deserve Them". Clifton Karhu became one of the most successful contemporary Western artists working in Japanese woodblock style.
Karhu lived permanently in Kyoto, Japan, where he was the head of the Kyoto branch of the renowned Japan Print Society.

Print is signed and numbered 52/100

Date: 1976

Dimensions: 26" ...

A woodblock print by the artist Karhu. The print is labeled "Fish of Fortune". The full narrative is "Don't Let Go of the Fish of Fortune". Clifton Karhu became one of the most successful contemporary Western artists working in Japanese woodblock style. Karhu lived permanently in Kyoto, Japan, where he was the head of the Kyoto branch of the renowned Japan Print Society. Print is signed and numbered 41/100 Date: 1976

Dimensions: 26" X 8.25"

A woodblock print by the artist Karhu. The print is labeled "Hurry to Study". The full narrative is "Hurry to Study wih Age the Spirit Slows". Clifton Karhu became one of the most successful contemporary Western artists working in Japanese woodblock style. Karhu lived permanently in Kyoto, Japan, where he was the head of the Kyoto branch of the renowned Japan Print Society. Print is signed and numbered 12/100 Date: 1976

Dimensions: 25.75" X 9"

A woodblock print by the artist Karhu. The print is labeled "Negligance". The full narrative is "Fight the Enemy, Negligance". Clifton Karhu became one of the most successful contemporary Western artists working in Japanese woodblock style. Karhu lived permanently in Kyoto, Japan, where he was the head of the Kyoto branch of the renowned Japan Print Society. The print is signed and numbered 23/100. Date: 1976

Dimensions: 25.75" X 8.25"

A woodblock print by the artist Karhu. The print is labeled "Bigger Fool". The full narrative is "The Bigger Fool is a Fool Who Hires a Fool". Clifton Karhu became one of the most successful contemporary Western artists working in Japanese woodblock style. Karhu lived permanently in Kyoto, Japan, where he was the head of the Kyoto branch of the renowned Japan Print Society. The print is signed and numbered 37/100 Date: 1976

Dimensions: 24.5" tall X 9" wide

A woodblock print by the artist Karhu. The print is labeled "Avoiding Stepping". The full narrative is "As You Would Avoid Stepping In Shit, Ignore Fools". Clifton Karhu became one of the most successful contemporary Western artists working in Japanese woodblock style. Karhu lived permanently in Kyoto, Japan, where he was the head of the Kyoto branch of the renowned Japan Print Society. Print is signed and numbered 17/100 Date: 1976

Dimensions: 26" X 9.25"