Rather unusual late Meiji (1890s to 1912) netsuke of kagamibuta (“mirror lid”) type with turned wooden bowl and Japanese compass in the center. Clever functional design, the compass actually works, pleasant patina on the bowl. Wonderful example for a specialty netsuke collection. Diameter 2 1/16 inches.

Late Meiji - early Taisho (1910s-1920s) Japanese Kutani ceramic lozenge shaped dish for holding sweets during tea ceremony. Central area is painted with a butterfly on flight over chrysanthemums growing over rocks by a bamboo fence. Nicely potted stoneware body with rounded corners. Wonderful free painting in typical Ko-Kutani (ancient Kutani) style and color palette of blue, green, aubergine, black, tomato red and gold enamels...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print triptych titled "Prospering Pines at South Port" depicting Mitsuuji holding a fan and dressed in a summer kimono covered in Genji incense signs seated on a balcony overlooking pines at Edo harbor. He is accompanied by several beauties. This triptych, published by Fujiokaya Keijiro in 1864, was a collaborative effort of Kunisada (Toyokuni III) and Hiroshige II (Shigenobu)...

Historically significant Japanese Meiji period woodblock print triptych by Kojima Shogetsu (active circa 1870-1904) illustrating the Emperor and Empress in the imperial carriage on the afternoon of February 11, 1889. The carriage and accompanying procession had just crossed the Niju Bridge and was heading to the parade grounds to celebrate Japan's new Constitution. This was the first time in Japan's history that the Emperor and Empress were seen riding together in the same coach...

A rare an Important work by Fukuda Suiko depicting a realizing all white realistic peacock on applied silver background. Very fine detail in every aspect. Pigment is layered to give a three dimensional feeling.
In Japan, Peacocks are associated with the deity called Kannon...

This is a wonderful little censer from one of the great Meiji era satsuma artists. This beautiful piece glows with quality and is like looking at a fine jewel. Signed Shizan on the underside and the remains of an import sticker can still be seen. Condition is excellent. It measures 3 tall and is 3 1/4 wide.

This is an exquisite satsuma cup and saucer set. The work is very finely detailed and difficult to pick up with the camera. Saucer is 4 1/4 inches across. Cup is 3 3/4 inches across at the handle. Both pieces in nearly mint condition and both are signed Matsumoto Hozan.

An antique Japanese 2 section Nagoya Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress), Akita Sugi (Cryptomeria from the Akita region) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original iron fittings. Constructed using mortise and tenon & through mortise and tenon joinery as well as hardened wood nails. There are side horizontal slats for added strength and support. The top sliding door panels were decorated with beautiful flowing grain Akita Sugi wood boards...

This is a fine Japanese Imari bowl purchased a few years ago from a collection belonging to a San Francisco Museum. The inventory numbers on this de-accessioned piece can be seen on the underside of the bowl. The bowl is beautiful and has a wonderful fluted design. It measures 10 across and is just under 4 1/2 inches tall. Condition is excellent.

A well made 19th century Japanese porcelain haisen (sake up rinser on stem foot). Rare Shunga decoration depicting a bondage scene within the bowl. The manner of the painted decoration in comic fashion similar to that found on some shunga makimono. Shunga paintings and prints are rare enough but encountered. Edo period porcelains with shunga decoration are exceedingly rare. Good condition. Height, 4 1/2 inches. Diameter, 6 3/4 inches.

Japanese late Meiji to Taisho period Kutani okimono of a seated bijin reading a horizontal scroll finely executed in overglaze polychrome enamels with gilt highlights set against a finely crackled white porcelain ground. The beauty is dressed in an elaborate kimono and her hair is adorned with gilt hairpins. 8 3/4" high. Late Meiji to Taisho period (early 20th century). Very good overall condition with some wear to the overglaze pigments...

1900's Japanese Bronze Cucumber & Eggplant Paperweight Okimono

It is 1.6 inches (4 cm) tall by and 5.9 inches (15 cm) wide. It is 357 gram.

It has surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of the amount you originally paid...

A very unusual pair of moulded dishes in the form of three bamboo leaves, take, cobalt blue glazed with gilt and iron red Sparrows , Suzume, set against a woven ground in gold. A variant on the popular Sparrow and Bamboo pattern, “Takesuzume”...

Japanese Meiji period "aka-e" (red) Kutani deep bowl finely decorated on the interior in overglaze rust-red and gilt highlights with three cartouches featuring two scholars in a bamboo grove, a bird in flight over foliage, and a spray of flowers, all set against a dense geometric patterned background. The exterior is decorated in three vignettes featuring foliage on rockery, a landscape scene, and a scholar reading a book. The base holds a red three-character "Kutani made" mark...

A rare Edo era Gyosho Tansu (peddler's chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand made iron hardware and original dark wiped lacquer technique finish. Unusual features include the front to back swivel carrying handles and three secret compartment boxes. One box hides to the back of either shelf tricking a thief to think that he/she found the precious treasure...

Pair of Japanese bronze hanging temple lanterns. High level of detail of each section of the lantern form the base to the lotus peddles around the roof edge. Floral designer intertwine creating interesting detail. Complete with original hardware . Pair of hinged doors unlock an open to give access into each lantern. Original patina consistent with age.

Late Edo - Early Meiji Period C. 19th Century

16" wide X 18" high

Very Large size Japanese Arita Imari region Porcelain Trumpet shape Urn or Vase,with Pie crust fluted Rim, 19th C. 1890, 36" high, 12" diameter to 15" wide(pie crust fluted rim), very detailed traveler with horse and attentant, Prince was playing flute while they are resting in the pleasant landscape scenery decorated in the widest central overglaze Cartouches, stories continues 360 degree with very intricate designs repeated around Peacocks. High relief large Pink Peony flower branches on the ...

Japanese Porcelain Blue and White large Hibachi with cut out handle on both side and rounded deep top rim, Ca. 1900, 12" high, 19" diameter outer size, with rounded curved inside to make round top rim, underglaze blue and white design is bold and large, covers entire side with pine tree, steep streams in large scale of natural landscape. The handles on both side is cut out from the main body makes easier to lift and handle the heavy piece of Hibachi. The condition is good, no damages.

Pair Japanese Blue and White Porcelain heavy weight large Hibachis, Ca. 1900, 12" high, 18" diameter(outer measurement), 12 3/4" diameter(inner opening size), very wide flat top rim almost 2 1/2" wide which is decorated with underglaze blue Dragon chasing in the cloud, side panels with mountain scenery with pine trees, water falls inside the Fan shape cartouches. The condition is good, no damages.

Highly detailed unusual Japanese bronze censor of depicting Gama Sennin (toad immortal) sitting atop the censors lid. Three dragons form to make the base. Three protective dragons form the sturdy base. Prominent phoenix is seen just below Gama below the lip of the opening to the censor. Wonderful original condition.
The Japanese legend of Gama Sennin (蝦蟇仙人 "Toad Immortal") is based upon Chinese Liu Hai (劉海), a fabled 10th-century alchemist who learned the secret of immortality...

19th century marine material ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in ball shape carved in medium relief with a figure of seated Hotei leaning on his huge bag with gifts as he watches 2 boys at play. Hotei was a historical Chinese monk allegedly living in Wuyue kingdom in the 10th century and known for his jolly nature and love of children, he is considered to be an incarnation of Buddha Maitreya - the Buddha of the Future. Wonderful quality carving, superb warm p...

19th century small marine material ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in the round with 8 cloth dolls of Zen Patriarch Daruma. This representation of Daruma refers to him stretching after 9 years of continuous meditation, when his legs withered from not moving all those years. Wonderful carving, excellent detailing, beautiful floret surrounds to the holes, superb patina. Signed SHOZAN on the side - the artist is listed on p. 984 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS...

19th century marine material ball shaped ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in the round with a praying mantis crouching among leaves and plants including a chrysanthemum and several hozuki (Chinese lantern fruit), central hole with terminals surrounded by carved florets. Wonderful carving, excellent staining, beautiful wear and warm patina. Height 5/8 inches.

19th century marine material ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved as seated shishi with its mouth open and containing a loose ball, and its front paw on a large ball. Excellent carving - see its ferocious face and hairwork. Beautiful wear, wonderful warm patina, in excellent condition. Signed OSEI on the bottom - the artist is listed on p. 855 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 3/4 inches.

19th century small marine material ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in the round with a bird in flight by a rock and blooming peony bush. Wonderful carving, excellent detailing, pleasant patina, in great condition. Signed GYOKUICHI on the side - the artist is listed on p. 424 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 3/8 inches.

19th century small marine material ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in the round with four arhat - the original disciples of the Buddha identifiable by their halos - in different attitudes. Wonderful carving, excellent detailing, pleasant patina, in great condition. Signed GYOKUICHI on the side - the artist is listed on p. 424 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 3/8 inches.

19th century small marine material ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in the round with a man trying to fish in a stream with a double gourd next to a pine and a woven fence. Ojime illustrates a Japanese proverb “Namazu hyotan kindama” (A gourd against a catfish) meaning useless effort similar to trying to catch a slippery fish with a gourd. Wonderful carving, excellent detailing, beautiful floret surrounds to the holes, superb patina. Signed IKKO ...

Unusual 1900s - 1910s (late Meiji - early Taisho) small Japanese wooden visiting card tray with inlaid multimetal decoration of a Dutchman standing by a pole, one hand raised to his head, the other holding a wide brimmed hat. Wood appears to be kurogaki (black persimmon), wonderful crisp metalwork with different patinas and gilding, beautiful dense hardwood, great patina, in perfect condition. Size 5 5/16 x 4 3/4 inches.

A dish of plain everted form measuring seven suns in diameter and decorated in somenishikide style with a traditional kacho-ga pattern of a pair of Butterflies and a Rock Peony. An auspicious pattern symbolising harmony and prosperity. The reverse decorated with scattered Peony leaf sprigs and the base is plain. The dish dating to circa 1780-1800. The reverse decorated with auspicious stylised Chinese clouds and a four character Fu Ki Cho Sun mark. A single spur mark to the base. The dish meas...

A rare full size Japanese Temple gold gilt ranma. Deep hand-carved relief depicting a floating apsara with an incredible flowing phoenix tail feathers (heavenly being) amongst swirling clouds. A phoenix rising up and through the angel with its head seen leading the way.
An apsara is a female spirit of the clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist culture. They figure prominently in the sculpture, dance, literature and painting of many South Asian and Southeast Asian cultures.
Th...

An antique Japanese Funa Tansu (ship chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand made iron hardware including the Kakute front drawer handles and the Warabite side carrying handles. Construction includes straight dovetail joinery with hardened wooden nails. Lock plates include parallel vertical bars that double as decorative as well as strong security connectors preventing easy removal from the drawer fronts. There are two small drawers behind the hinged door and behind the lo...

A rare example of an Karasu (raven) Samurai menpo (facial armour). Although not as celebrated today, the crow is a mark of rebirth and rejuvenation; the animal that has historically cleaned up after great battles symbolized the renaissance after such tragedy. Yatagarasu as a crow-god is a symbol specifically of guidance.
Known by many different names, Men-gu,Men-yoroiand Katchu-men, the face protection encountered with many suits of Japanese armour is a fascinating topic in its own r...

19th century boxwood netsuke by Nagamachi Shuzan of an actor in a role of Kiyohime turning into a demon. Kiyohime was a daughter of an innkeeper whose advances on a monk were not reciprocated, so her love turned into wrath, and she trapped him under a temple bell, turned into a dragon and melted the bell killing the monk. She is holding a bell striker in her hand and has a very unusual feature for the carver - the mask is inlaid, probably a unique model by the artist. Made in saishiki technique ...

Late Meiji period (1890s -1912) painted wood netsuke of a fully armored samurai, its head wrapped in a scarf, a Japanese sword at his waist and a Chinese looking one in his right hand. Very skillfully carved in a refined version of ittobori (one cut) style. Made in saishiki technique - the wood is covered with gesso, which in turn is painted in bright colors. Great face, in excellent condition. Signed on the back by himotoshi, the signature seems to read MATSUNAGA (alternative reading is Shoei) ...

Japanese antique indigo dye soft Choma Ramie tsutsugaki katabira kimono of echigo-jyofu.There are thin Stain and discoloration and small holes. It is a Kyoho era(1716-1736). Shochiku Umebun's bamboo is reminiscent of flowing water, and there is movement, and a delicate and flowing pattern is expressed throughout. Sprinkling sparrows here and there and adding moving sparrows to bamboo that looks like running water is a good combination of "bamboo sparrow" and "Shochiume" pattern. It seems to be...

19th century netsuke of a puppy wearing a collar with bell, and playing with a bamboo twig with leaves. Superb carving to the last detail - see its double inlaid eyes and raised whiskers. Fantastic sense of its chubby body, clever use of a lighter colored ivory layer as a spot on the puppy’s coat, beautiful patina on excellent quality material. Signed with kakihan (carved monogram of the artist) by CHOKUSAI on the bottom - for information on this brilliant master see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND...