Sometime around the year 1600 the first Takatori kiln was constructed at the foot of Mt Takatori in Fukuoka. This tradition was based on styles created by Korean potters brought to the shores of Japan during its colonial expansionism of the late 16th century. A favorite of the Kuroda lords of the time, its production and use was closely guarded until later in the 19th century when the domain system was abolished, freeing it up to be more widely used...

This is a Japanese antique indigo dy sakiori noragi hanten of paper, Hemp, cotton. It is an item from the Edo to Meiji era. This item was made in Sado region of Japan. It is a wonderful sakiori noragi haten, which is woven with very finely twisted indigo dye, hemp yarn and paper twist. The rubbing of the thread due to use has a warm touch. And the indigo dye lumps seem to look into the very beautiful sea. It does not stain or damage...

A 7.5" mirror pair of silver wired Inaba vases, unsigned. Each blue black chrome rimmed vase is decorated with a scene of red crowned cranes at the seaside.

Condition: There is a bruise to the back of one vase at the shoulder, no other chips, hairlines or repairs.

Pair Japanese Brass/Bronze Hibachi, late 19th century Meiji, with high relief design of travelers in beautiful landscape setting, elephant handles on both sides, 8 3/4" high, 9 7/8" diameter on top rim, 12 1/2" diameter include handles. There are some wear and tear from usage with some minor dents but no major damages. Compacted ash on the bottom remain for both Hibachis.

Antique Japanese warrior doll, 20" Empress Jingyo ningyo(doll) set. Clad in armor is a beautiful young widow, Empress Jingo doll with her faithful minister, Takenouchi no Sukune, holding her baby Ojin. Over time, many of the baby dolls were lost or intentionally thrown away by later generations, probably because of the lack of historical understanding. An old Samurai holding a baby is simply inconceivable and uncharacteristic of a Samurai warrior...

There is no visible image of God in the Japanese Shinto religion. For this reason, people naturally find the spirit of God in their surroundings. From the ancient times, God was said to dwell in pine trees and as a result, we find many Meiji fukusa today that are decorated with pine trees. Many of them have their roots in Noh play...

During the Meiji period there were only five potters ever to be awarded the prestigious designation of Imperial Court Artist: Ito Tozan, Seifu Yohei III, Miyagawa Kozan, Itaya Hazan, and the artist whose work is featured here, Suwa Sozan. This mizusashi for tea ceremony is made of the finest “kinuta” celadon that Sozan was well known for—having recreated and perfected the technique used by the Chinese Song Dynasty potters...

A Japanese erotic ebony netsuke of Okame with ivory-eyed holding a large mushroom. Engraved Tomotsugu signature on the mushroom. Edo period 18-19th century Sizes: 4,5 x 3 x 2 cm Condition report: Good condition

An antique Japanese Shinto shrine, made of solid hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood. Center doors do open and close to give access to the interior. Would make for a beautiful home shrine.

Date: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 40" tall X 38" wide X 21.5" deep

A long dish of elliptical form moulded with petals decorated with a dense hagi-karakusa ground and an oval reserve containing a simple flowering Apricot, ume, growing from a rock. The reverse decorated with Karakusa sprigs, and a spiral Fuku within a double square. The dish dates to the early Eighteenth century circa 1700-1740. The dish is in good condition with no chips, cracks or restoration. It measures 20.3cm in diameter, 10xm at its widest and stands 4.5cm high

Height: 5.8 cm (2.3 in) Width: 2.7 cm (1.1 in) Depth: 2 cm (0.7 in)
Quality Japanese carved netsuke of a young woman holding a garland of flowers over her head; finely detailed, natural material; textured and stained throughout; signed to the base; good condition

Japanese early 20th century art deco bronze swan. The swan is done in a silver and gold finish. Beautifully designed and executed by artist, JOSHIN. Signed JOSHIN on the bottom. The swan measures 8 3/8" tall, by 9" long and 3 1/2" wide. Comes with box.

Charming antique Japanese small bronze box in the form of Bodhi Darma (Daurma) as he sits meditating, wearing his trade mark expression intense concentration, nice details, a box most likely used for seal ink, Meiji Period. Size: 2 5/8" high

A finely potted dish decorated with a pattern of scattered shibagaki, bundles of brushwood, which would have formed part of a decorative garden hedge, with boughs of Plum blossom. This pattern was made for the domestic market and would have been particularly appropriate for the celebration of the New Year. The design is referencing the strong winds and storms of early spring. The dish is decorated in a combination of underglaze blue and “Kakiemon” enamels, over-glaze blue, green...

Antique Japanese fukusa (gift cover), Yuzen-zome (paste regist dye) on silk kabe-ori (coarse crepe silk), early 1900s.

For a man to be a well balanced nobleman, there were requirements to be filled. 'Kin Ki Sho Ga', the four accomplishments of gentlemen, were chosen at an early time in China, practicing Kin (koto, music instrument), ki (go, Chinese chess), sho (calligraphy) and ga (painting)...

Unique antique Japanese doll set of warrior dolls (musha ningyo) for the Japanese Boy's Day. 17 3/4 inches tall empress Jingo with her faithful minister, Takenouchi no Sukune, 12 inches tall holding prince Ojin (Oh-jin), the future 15th Japanese emperor who later became known as "The God of War".

Boy's Day in Japan was traditionally held among Samurai and aristocrat families in the Edo period...

Dark brown patina bronze sculpture of a praying mantis.

The praying mantis (in Japanese, kamakiri) is considered an auspicious symbol.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912)
Height: 0.79 in / 2.3 cm – width: 1.18 in / 3.5 cm – depth: 3.15 in / 8.8 cm

Height: 3.7 cm (1.6 in)
Width: 2.5 cm (1 in)
Depth: 2.2 cm (0.8 in)

Japanese lacquered wooden netsuke of a seated boy; minor wear to the lacquer; good condition