Old Japanese doll resembling the Kuge (aristocrat) from the Heian period (794-1185), 16 inches tall. This doll was probably one of the zuishin (imperial guard) dolls for the Hina Festival (Girl’s Day in Japan). His long face mostly resembles the Kyoho-bina which is the imperial pair dolls from the mid Edo period (1603-1868). Considering the quality, size and time (late Edo), this doll must have been made for someone special...

Late Choson period, ca. 1900

Deep circular box with shallow, slightly domed lid extensively inlaid with silver overall. The box is decorated with “double happiness characters on two sides with the portion in-between filled with stylized butterflies and foliage with a continuous floral band encircling the lower portion. The top of the lid is inlaid with auspicious symbols surrounded by bands of butterflies and foliage. The side of the lid has a fretwork design...

POTTERY OIL LAMP HOLY LAND – ROMAN “HERODIAN DYNASTY”
SECOND TEMPLE PERIOD
37 BC – 70 AD
Time of Jesus and King Herod the Great

Measurements:
Length: 8.5 cm
Width: 6 cm

Condition: Intact with nice earthy patina

Found in Bethlehem south of Jerusalem, Holy Land

A lamp such as this might have lit homes during the time of Jesus...

Ca. 1920

An overall design of plum blossoms and buds on a rich blue background. The base and mouth are rimmed in silver. There is no maker’s mark, but similar works with generally the same pattern were produced by the artist Hayashi Tanigoro in the Taisho period, 1912-1926. Very good condition, having only a very small dent in the edge of the silver rim.

Height: 8 ¼ in.

Ca. late 1800s

Scene of geese on a flowering stream bank. Though unsigned, the design is very well executed in mostly earth-toned enamels. There are some faint stress lines of discoloration in one area under the enamel, otherwise the condition is very good.

Height: 12 in.

Japanese Kesa, buddhist priests' robe, silk brocades, excellent condition. Circa early 1900 to 1940. Dimensions: 46" x 75"

Japanese Kesa, Buddhist priests' robe, "ro" summer silk. 44 1/2" x 77", the color changed evenly to a tannned tone. There are some stains in the front and back, and the handle and the folding lines in the back are soiled.

Japanese Kesa, Buddhist Priests' Robe, soft brocades with silk liner. The liner has some discoloration and is soiled. 46" x 77 1/2"

Ca. late 1800s.

Skillfully painted on the interior with a scene of a mountainous landscape with waterfalls and scholars’ residences, loosely in the manner of the late Ming/early Ching artist, Wang Jian.

The transparent glass is slightly grayish in tone and the vase’s interior has been evenly ground to create a frosted background to the painting. The artist was probably a professional snuff bottle painter.

Interior painting is completely intact...

Two waterfowl in a marsh, issued ca. 1910

Signed Koson with seal, published by Daikokuya ca. 1910, fine impression, color and condition

Overall size: 14 3/8 x 7 1/8 in.

Bird in willow tree, issued ca. 1910

Signed Koson with seal, published by Daikokuya ca. 1910, fine impression, color and condition

Kakuban: 9 3/8 x 10 in.

Ink and mineral pigments on silk

Interior of a fan maker’s shop with craftsmen at work, ca. late 1800s

Unsigned, very good color, good condition, small repair to backing on upper right margin, retaining a portion of its original silver mounting paper probably from being mounted as a framed panel.

Overall size: 13 x 17 ½ in.; image size: 10 ¾ x 16 ½ in.

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.

Noh drama performer, dated ca. 1900

Underdrawing for a woodblock print or a study for a painting

Ink on mulberry paper portraying an actor wearing a mask, painting details are noted in Kanji and Katakana characters, description of painting is written in Kanji characters on reverse and showing through on front, backed with old mulberry paper, centerfold, good condition

Shita-e: 10 ½ x 15 in.

Scene of a takara bune treasure ship with corresponding New Year’s related poem, no. 29 from a series illustrating various treasure ship designs, issued ca. 1900

Good impression and color, light mica dust in paper, minor wear, some paper thinning, light soiling on verso

Overall size: 7 x 9 ¾ in.

Various designs for textiles, issued ca. 1900

Good impression and color, very minor soiling, center fold

Album leaf: 9 x 13 ¾ in.

Design of a kite with a takara bune (treasureship) design with a poem, probably designed as a New Year’s greeting, issued ca. early 1900s

Printer’s information on lower left (no. 41), good condition

Shikishiban: 9 ¼ x 9 ¼ in.

Portrait of Kawarazaki Gonjuro as a wandering monk (Komuso) issued ca. 1860

Signed Kunisada Ga, good impression, color skip on grey robe, thumbnail size paper loss mended on upper right corner.

Oban tate-e: 10 x 14 ½ in.

Portrait of a courtesan with her young attendant, issued 1830s

Signed Gofukutei Sadatora on lower left, fair impression and color, some thinning and wear, small nicks to edges reinforced, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 8 7/8 x 13 in.

Three figures with bonsai and other vendors, issued 1855

Signed Toyokuni (III) on lower left, good impression and color, lower margin trimmed into publisher’s seal, some wear and light soiling, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 9 ¾ x 14 ¼ in.

Portrait of a Kabuki actor, no. 7 from the series “Juni ka getsu hana awase” issued 1880

Signed Toyohara Kunichika in upper right and titled in cartouche in upper left, dated Meiji (1880), good impression and very strong color, very light soiling on upper margin, slight creasing to upper right corner, very light soiling on upper corners on verso, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 10 x 14 5/8 in.

Portrait of a Kabuki actor, no. 6 from the series “Juni ka getsu hana awase” issued 1880

Signed Toyohara Kunichika and titled in cartouche in upper left, dated Meiji (1880), very good impression and color, very light soiling near bottom, upper corners lightly creased, very minor wear, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 10 x 14 ½ in.

Scene from a Noh play, issued ca. 1920

Signed Kogyo with red artist’s seal, fan shaped publisher’s seal, very good impression and color, small areas of faint soiling.

Oban yoko-e: 10 x 14 ¾ in.

Scene from a Noh play, issued ca. 1920

Signed Kogyo with artist’s seal, fan-shaped publisher’s seal, very good impression, color and condition, remnants of attachment paper on back of four corners.

Oban yoko-e: 10 x 14 ½ in.

Diptych—two chuban prints originally joined in an album depicting a scene from the Osaka Kabuki stage, issued ca. 1865

Yoshitaki was one of the best known designers of Osaka actor prints from the 1860s to 1880s.

Both signed Yoshitaki Ga in red cartouches, very good impression, color and overall condition, old album backing paper intact.

Each print size: 9 ¾ x 7 in.

Album leaf illustrating “antique” textile designs for Tang Dynasty China and later, printed ca. 1900

The characters beside each design describe the motif and type of fabric.

Very good impression and color, vertical center crease, minor wear, remnants of old backing.

Overall Size: 9 ¾ x 14 in.

Scene for “Tokyo Daily Newspaper” with “Tokyo Nichi-Nichi Shinbun” inscribed in the banner at top, issued ca. 1890

Yoshiiku was noted for his prints included in the popular illustrated newspapers at the time.

Signed Ikkeisai Yoshiiku on lower left with artist’s seal ca. 1890, very good impression and strong color, vertical center crease, various areas of moderate soiling, slight backing tape residue on upper left corner, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 9 ¼ x 14 in.

Kunisada (1786-1864) collaborating with Hiroshige (1797-1858)

From the series: “Kannon Reigen Ki” (Account of the miracles of Kannon) issued 1859.The larger image by Kunisada depicts a miracle performed by Kannon...

Shini-e (memorial portrait) of three individuals, including their names and dates of death, issued ca. 1860.

Very good impression and color, light soiling and wear, small loss to upper-right corner, upper corners reinforced, two very small holes in right side, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 9 ½ x 13 ½ in.

Two young women caring for silkworm cocoons

Signed Kunitoshi Ga in a red cartouche with date: 1881 and publisher’s information in yellow cartouche, good impression, excellent color, very light soiling, upper corners thin with remnants of paper attachments, not backed, margins trimmed right and bottom.

Oban tate-e: 9 ½ x 14 in.

From the Birds and Flowers series: “Sho-utsushi shiju-hattaka” issued 1858.

Signed Sugakudo, with two seals beneath the signature, censor’s seal and publisher’s seal, left margin; good impression, evenly toned, thin corners, light staining, two upper corners with glue remains from attachment, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 10 x 14 ¼ in.

Face mask of almost flat shape, with rectangular protruding forehead, long triangular nose, pierced-through rectangular eyes and mouth. Wood, with fine dark-brown patina. Animal hair has been affixed with black resin, to represent eyebrows, moustache and beard. Old rope still attached to the mask. Himalayas, 19th century, probably even earlier. Height: 10 1/4" (25,5 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand that enhances its strange beauty...

A Fine Mother of Peal/Tortoise Shell Inlaid Lacquer Low Table: Korean, Choson Dynasty, late 19th Century, This rectangular low table is lacquered with dark brown over all, and top decorated with a confronted large four-clawed dragon and a long-tailed phoenix inlaid in tortoise shell, twisted wire and mother of pearl, and amid clouds enclosed in a diamond-form border It is in fine condition without any typical damages. Measures 39 1/4” x 27” w...

This elaborate woman's dress bodice is from Afghanistan, formerly Baluchistan. The fabric was first elaborately embroidered with an applique of thin strands of braids. Then it was heavily decorated with coins and beads.

A etremely rare Kanton enamelled gilt-copper European-subject snuff bottle. Qianlong mark and period ( 1736 - 1795 ). Provenance : From an old Austian Family collection, in the past sold at the famous Austrian Auction house Dorotheum and according to Dorotheum`s expert Mrs. Dr. Jorinde Ebert this rare piece at least was for the past 150 years in this family collection. The spoon is lost. H : 2,6 inc ( 6,8 cm )

A Rare and Fine Bronze Mirror: Korean, Koryo Dynasty, 12th-13th Century This is an unusual small round bronze mirror, cast in the center with a pierced knob encircled by wide flat ring, well molded with a pair of swimming fishes in waves, each pursuing a catching fish through water waves around the central knob. It is in good condition with a natural dark green patina over all surface. It measures 4 1/8” (10.5 cm) in diameter

This early 20th century ivory carved beauty is 10 3/4 inches tall, 2 ½ inches wide and 2 inches thick. She wears a simple and elegant robe and holds a bouquet of flowers. The black metal stand is a later custom made piece. The statue is in excellent condition.

Late 19th century Chinese fan shaped ivory carving with stand. One side depicts a well known battle scene from “ A Tale of the Three Kingdoms”; the other side presents an etched picture of two dragons. It is in excellent condition. It is 4 5/8 inches high (7 ¼ inches with stand), 10 ¾ inches wide and half of an inch thick.

A Very Rare and Fine Jingle-Bell Libation Cup: Korea, Three King Domes Periods (Silla period), 5th-6thcentury This is a so called “a jingle-bell libation cup-vessel. It probably could have been used for a ritual ceremony in Silla or Kaya periods. This is an extremely rare Jingle cup with an inside pierced high ring foot, cut and opened high footed stem like a pedestal bowl with natural ash and lead glaze on the body...

Statue of a "lohan" (Buddhist holy man) standing on a tall rounded base, his hands originally holding an implement (now gone). Votive box open at the back (lid missing). Wood, with large remnants of black and red lacquering, and gilding on face and hands. China, 18th century. Height: 18" (45 cm). Obvious signs of great age, otherwise very good condition.

This doll is modeled after Kanpei, a samurai from the “Chushingura (Kanadehon).”, the story of 47 samurai who took revenge for their lord was shamed in public and forced to commit seppuku (suicide). It is based on the true story that occurred in 1701. Kanpei is portrayed as a handsome playboy who was deeply occupied with his girlfriend, Okaru, at the time of emergency for his lord...

Sessho was a student of the legendary Tani Buncho. His paintings were collected and much appreciated by Emperor Meiji. He painted this gorgeous flower painting in a deliberately straightforward manner in order to take focus away from his superior technique and have you consider only the beauty of the subject. Silk Canvas and Mount. Mount: 72 x 25 inches, 182.5 x 63 cm. Painting: 44 x 20 inches, 112 x 50.5 cm. cf. C.H...

An Unusual large and Fine Inlaid Celadon Oil Bottle: Koryo Dyansty,12th century A rare and large Koryo Celadon Inlay Oil Bottle, this is unusual large oil bottle inlaid in white slip with 3 cranes flying amid stylized cloud wisps between 2 double wide bands on the shoulder and medium body, it is covered overall with transparent sea-green grey glazed color. It is in very good condition without any damage except a small part of the bottom near the foot ox...

14 Original Woodblock Prints by Ogata Gekko, Japan's First Internationally Acclaimed Artist, beautifully housed in this handsome volume, The Floral Art of Japan, published in 1899. Cover is in Good Condition, but the prints inside are the most pristine, well preserved 19th Century prints we have ever seen. Book prints like these are generally exposed to less light than most prints, thus better preserving their colors, but this copy of this book is quite exceptional even by those standards, makin...

Yoshitoshi Tsukioka's Very Scarce (only about a dozen known copies) Book with Six Full Oban Size Prints, The Flowers of Japan and the Art of Floral Arrangement (First Edition). This is the best known existing copy of this book. Because the prints are in a book, they have been exposed to almost no light, so the colors are more vivid than anything you will ever see. Because there is no color loss, this is a unique opportunity to see what antique Japanese woodblock prints must have looked like when...

Joseon Dynasty Ton-kwe (Korean Coin Chest). Coin chests are highly prized by collectors, as their purpose required that they be the largest, heaviest, and most well constructed piece of furniture in the home of an aristocrat. Paper money did not exist in Yi Dynasty Korea, and the coins were of very small denominations. They had to be strung together in large quantities to have any worth, so a strong money box was obviously a necessity. This is a very heavy and likely the most impressive authenti...

This striking black and gold Japanese antique shop sign is from a Meiji Era (1868 - 1912) headquarters for a drug store chain. It dramatically declares that this shop carries the best elixirs for vitality, the best remedies for high blood pressure, and the most expedient cures for fever. 17.5 x 41 inches (44.5 x 104 cm). Excellent Condition.

A warm grained Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) two piece Yonezawa Isho Tansu (clothing chest from Yonezawa) finely constructed of pine (matsu) and highly desirable paulownia (kiri). 42 x 34 x 16 inches (107 x 86 x 41 cm). Very Good Condition. This chest is from Shonai, a region of Yonezawa that makes chests that are highly prized for their combination of understated Japanese design with a sense of tradition.

In keeping with our tradition of bringing you Rare and Fine Japanese Antiques that you can't find elsewhere, we present this 19th Century Elm Wood Japanese Rice Mill, a striking conversation piece for any home or office. 51.5 x 70 x 29 inches (131 x 178 x 74 cm). Excellent Condition.

An especially fine Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Gilded and Red and Black Lacquered Butsudan (Japanese Buddhist Altar) with an endless variety of luxuriously designed details, hidden drawers within secret compartments behind hidden panels, marvelously rendered images and elaborately carved sculpture. All other butsudan pale in comparison with this rare, museum quality showcase piece. This piece would have taken the maker close to 2 years to complete. 65 x 44 x 27 inches (166 x 112 x 69 cm). Excelle...

A Large and Fine Kesi of “Boys Play”: Chinese, 19th Century, This is framed professionally and well preserved, the silk tapestry finely woven with boys at play in a landscape ground including a group of imitating the emperor, kite flying, studying in the pavilion, playing catch, playing music, teasing, playing with crickets, playing blind boy’s bluff and etc, all below swirling clouds and under blue sky woven, executed predominantly in shades of red, grey, pink, black and white, aube...

Silver Repousse Censer with Dragon Ears, Figurines, and Fu Lion Finial, Circa 1920's

It is 6.25 inches (15.5 cm) tall, and 7.5 inches (19 cm) wide.

It is in good condition with no repairs, cracks, or chips, except the dragon ears are loose, a dent at the side of the lid, and the lip of the lid is also slightly bent (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 unha...

This is a classical form Song dynasty small longquan or celadon dish with moulded appliqué twin fish in the centre and an everted flatten rim. The dish is glazed with an uneven sea green or aquamarine glaze with crazing instead of the standard green colour.

There is no repair or restoration. Minor abrasion on the base and a small stone pits covered with the glaze near the cavetto which does not affect the aesthetic of the dish (picture 2 at 12 o’clock). Overall, the longquan dish i...

Large Makuzu Kozan Studio Vase with Relief Fans, Rings, & Garden Scenes, Meiji Period (1868-1912)

It is 15 inches (38 cm) tall, and 7.5 inches (19 cm) wide.

It is in good condition with no cracks, except manufacture defect of firing cracks that has been repaired by the manufacture, missing the small rings, and chips at the fan holder (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 fr...

Okutani Shuseki (1871-1936) was born in Osaka and lived in Kyoto for most of his life. His artistic lineage is among the very best. He, along with Yamamoto Shunkyo and others, studied under Mori Kansai, who was the pupil and adopted son-in-law of Mori Tetsuzan, who was one of Maruyama Okyo's best pupils. Like all painters of the Mori family school, Shuseki's nature paintings are remarkable for their unsentimental naturalism, showing his keen interest in the essence of nature. He won prizes...

Okutani Shuseki (1871-1936) was born in Osaka and lived in Kyoto for most of his life. His artistic lineage is among the very best. He, along with Yamamoto Shunkyo and others, studied under Mori Kansai, who was the pupil and adopted son-in-law of Mori Tetsuzan, who was one of Maruyama Okyo's best pupils. Like all painters of the Mori family school, Shuseki's nature paintings are remarkable for their unsentimental naturalism, showing his keen interest in the essence of nature. He won prizes...

Okutani Shuseki (1871-1936) was born in Osaka and lived in Kyoto for most of his life. His artistic lineage is among the very best. He, along with Yamamoto Shunkyo and others, studied under Mori Kansai, who was the pupil and adopted son-in-law of Mori Tetsuzan, who was one of Maruyama Okyo's best pupils. Like all painters of the Mori family school, Shuseki's nature paintings are remarkable for their unsentimental naturalism, showing his keen interest in the essence of nature. He won prizes...

Okutani Shuseki (1871-1936) was born in Osaka and lived in Kyoto for most of his life. His artistic lineage is among the very best. He, along with Yamamoto Shunkyo and others, studied under Mori Kansai, who was the pupil and adopted son-in-law of Mori Tetsuzan, who was one of Maruyama Okyo's best pupils. Like all painters of the Mori family school, Shuseki's nature paintings are remarkable for their unsentimental naturalism, showing his keen interest in the essence of nature. He won prizes...

Getzuzan inherited from his renowned father an effortlessness with the brush, shown here in the easy curves of the robe and face of the 12th Century Zen master, Taikobo, and the gentle washes that are used to compose the soft landscape that is the lovely place where he meditates and fishes. Gekko had several students who achieved fame, but he always favored his son. Getsuzan paintings that are available for sale are very rare. 45.5 x18 inches, 115.5 x 45.5 cm, unmounted

A prominent Japanese dealer is currently offering a Kawabata Gyokusho painting of similar size for $21,500. You can find this painting online. Kawabata Gyokusho is considered the last great representative of the Shijo school of Japanese painting. His work is quite delicate, making use of Japanese technique in a realistic manner. He had many pupils who later became well known. His paintings are in the permanent collections of many major museums, including Oxford's Ashmolean Museum, New York's Met...