Indian Jain painting. Inks on paper. Western India. 19th cent. or earlier. 51 x 53 cm. Backed onto new paper with losses evident. Can be viewed in central London by arrangement.

Stemming from the philosophy of wabi-sabi—often described as the beauty found in the imperfection and transience of the world—cracks and repairs in a work of pottery are often seen as highlighting the history and importance of a ceramic object. Practitioners of tea in particular are fond of reminding us that works repaired with lacquer and gold such as the one featured here become more resilient and beautiful for having been damaged...

Old Chinese ivory figure of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, in a refined and elegant pose. The body is made out of one piece elephant ivory and finish in a term "cold painted ivory" meaning that the color is applied without any firing to fix and harden it. This method of coloring ivory dates back to the Ming times and was particularly popular in the 18th century. This is probably 19th century piece. Her wonderfully tranquil face and the excellent painting make this a desirable piece...

An antique Japanese Matsumoto Kimono Tansu made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand made iron fittings including stylized Mokko handles with unusual front drawer corner decorative plates. Each side has its main swivel carrying handles where a bamboo pole slipped through and two attendants on each side would easily transport this chest. The two lower hand handles would be used to position and place the tansu. Two small drawers hide behind the hinged door...

Antique Japanese articulated figure of a praying mantis, made of bronze with copper color finish, with fully moving parts, beautifully detailed and life like, signed under wing by the artist Kozan who was famous for his articulated creatures (the Crown Prince later the Taisho Emporer was a patron of Kozan). Late Meiji Period, Provenance: from the collection of the silent film star, Phil Ingram. Size: 4" long

The figures are expertly carved and depict members of the Buddhist pantheon, unidentified by the writer. The material used has a marine origin and is most likely walrus tusk. They are darkened from age and have achieved a pleasing colour. The lotus stands are separately constructed and as they have been produced from a cross-section of the tusk they exhibit the dentine found within...

Japanese sword chest (katana tansu), made all of kiri (paulownia wood), 2 long drawers, iron hardware with square lock plates and warabite shaped drawer pulls, iron corner bracing, Meiji Period (1868-1912). Size: 12 1/2" high x 47 1/2" wide x 14 1/2" deep.

A Very Rare/Fine Pair of Korean Silk-Brocade Woman’s Shoes (당혜(唐鞋)-19th C: Korea, Joseon dynasty, Late 19th century. A pair of shoes with a leather and red and light-yellow colored silk for a royal family’s women, the soles are pig skin, sewing done unbelievably very well done, they’re very rare with a good condition like these ones today...

An antique Japanese Gyosho Tansu also known as a merchant peddler's chest made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Five drawers behind the hinged front door and a sixth drawer below the door. The sides have upper iron cord holding rings and cord holes at the bottom which allowed the merchant to carry this tansu on his back while transporting his wares. All original hand made iron hardware.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 10 1/2" Wide x 27" High x 19" Deep

Probably late 1800s

Decorated with a scene of birds and trees in the Kakiemon palette and style in overglaze enamels on a clear glazed white porcelain background. The base is slightly recessed and the footring is unglazed, exposing the hard, white porcelain paste. The shoulder is carved with a groove design that radiates from the base of the neck and is decorated with a scattered flower design in overglaze red enamel. The base is painted with an underglaze blue fuku mark in cursive script...

An unusually small size Nagoya Mizuya Tansu in 1 section made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. 3 sets of sliding doors with spacious storage behind each set. 4 side by side center drawers and 3 drawers at the bottom for additional storage needs. Narrow depth allows for placement in even the narrowest of hallways.

Age: Meiji Era: (1890-1900)

Dimensions: 43 1/4" Wide by 49 1/4" High by 14 1/4" Deep

Antique Japanese small box made all of sugi (cryptomeria) wood. 5 shallow drawers and one larger drawer on the bottom. Iron rings for drawer pulls.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 17 1/4" high x 12" wide x 14 1/2" deep

Portrait of Kabuki actor, Nakamura Utaemon, issued ca. 1830

Signed Gototei Kunisada on lower left, partial loss of signature, Kiwame seal and publisher’s seal (Heikichi) on lower right, moderate impression and good color

Oban tate-e: 9 5/8 x 14 in.

This is a rabbit clock of the bronze. It is the Meiji era. (1870-1990) There is no damage and it is perfect. It is a rabbit that has the throb feeling. Height27cm(10.6")33cm x 17cm(13" x 6.69")

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...

Wonderful Japanese hirado ware porcelain figure of a dragon fish jumping out of waves, a traditional symbol of transformation, white glazed porcelain with tinge of brown along edges on one side and blue underglazed eyes, Meiji Period (19th century). Size: 12 3/4" high x 9 1/2" wide x 10" deep.

Original example of a Japanese antique isho tansu from the Matsumoto area. Made all of kiri (paulownia) wood with original patina (frame, top, sides, and drawers). Iron hardware includes money bag shaped lock plates specific to Matsumoto tansu, moko shaped drawer pulls and elaborately cut handle back plates and drawer corner bracing. The tansu has 5 large drawers and the lower right hand side has a safe box with 2 small interior drawers.

Late Edo to Early Meiji Period...

This is a large and early Buddhist applique textile, dating to no later than the mid-19th century. The design consists of a double-dorje centering a "yin-yang" emblem, representing the masculine and feminine principles of the universe. The piece is complete and intact with minimal wear as one would expect. It measures just over 30" in diameter. Textiles such as this one are exceedingly rare and seldom found.