The Japanese matchlock was introduced to the Japanese by the Portuguese during the Sengoku period. Originally called teppo, it was known as the name tanegashima where its origins was founded.
The tanegashima rifle where used by the samurai class and their foot solders (ashiguru) and within a few years of the introduction of the munition it completely altered Japanese warfare. This long rifle gun has an octagonal russet iron barrel with a flat sighting plain on top and a bore of 3/4”...
Introduced to Japan through the Portuguese in 1543. Intended for use by mounted samurai, these pistols where called horsemen cannon's (Bajo zutsu).
They proved however to be totally impractical weapons to fire, since the rider had to ignite a piece of chord to the lock, while aiming the chamber and at the same time controlling his moving horse. None the less, owning a pistol remained a symbol of a samurai family's power, rank, and wealth...
Of Steeply conical form with a bulbous top. This jingasa is constructed of hide and cloth, shaped in a mold, lacquered in reddish brown lacquer, with a gilt rising sun mon on the rounded apex.
The samurai class in feudal Japan, as well as their retainers and footsoldiers (ashigaru), used several types of jingasa made from iron, copper, wood, paper, bamboo, or leather...
The netsuke is made in the shape of a matchlock pistol. It is composed of different material such as wood, brass, and iron. Constructed during the Meiji period for export to the European market. Mounted on a custom iron stand.
Meiji Period 19th Century
Size: 3.75" L x 1" W x 1.5" H
(4.75" H on stand)
Unusual original Japanese flint lighter netsuke. Constructed of iron and brass, this piece would have been used to create a steady fame in less then perfect conditions. The striker would create contact friction and create a spark igniting the fuel source. Firearms at this time required a flame in order to ignite the fuse. Original russet patina with all parts still intact.
Edo period (1603-1868)
Size: 2" L x 1" W x 1.5" H
Antique Japanese isho tansu (clothing chest) from the Sendai area, made with all Keyaki (elm) wood front with dramatic grain and translucent lacquer finish, elaborate thick iron hardware including moko shaped drawer pulls and ornate raised scrolling vine lock plates with floral mon, large drawer on top, three shorter drawers, two small drawers and a safebox on its right side, which also has ornate iron lotus mon and opens with a ring pull...
A functionary yumi rattan bow string holder is an essential munition of an archer. Material is wooven rattan in spool shape used to wrap sinew string, strapped with leather and horn. The horn contains powdered rosin used as dry lubrication. Mounted on a custom iron stand.
19th Century
Size: 9" L x 4.5" W x 1.5" D (12.5" H on stand)
The mask is of dark brown russet lacquer finish and the interior is smoothed lacquered red. The high jaw his two protrusion hooks for strapping the cords, underneath the chin is a vent hole. The mask is fitted with yodare kare of three row of false scale lace and blue silk.
19th Century Edo Period
Size: 6.75" L x 3" W x 8.5" H (12.5" H on stand)
With a sturdy foot firmly grounded, the upper rim of this piece rises and falls, somewhat reminiscent of a mountain path. Combined with the plum blossoms floating on the white background, these elements together suggest balance and harmony.
Oribe is a visual style named after the late-16th-century tea master Furuta Oribe (1544-1615)...
This extremely rare incised Eagle effigy Aztec pipe was found by the famous Dr. Allen Hefin in western Mexico on 5/25/63. This piece is flawless in every way except for a tiny nick on the bottom of the stem. The patina is wonderful. It is 7" long and the bowl is 1" wide. This pipe is classified as a Michoacán procedentes and only a handful are known to exist. Three Aztec pipes were sold at Sotheby's auction on March 23rd, 2015 for $12,176. None were near as nice as this one...
Diameter approximately 38.3 cm. There are cracks at the center. Crackle-glazed. Some soft chips at the rim. In good condition.
A Very Fine and Large Blue and White Prunus Double Gourd Vase.
Finely decorated with flowering Prunus on a cracked ice ground.
Chinese L19thC.
Height: 17 1/4" (43.8 cm).
Condition: excellent, perfect.
No chips, cracks or restoration. Two firing blemishes on foot.
A Chinese nephrite pendant (珩)with double dragon head, Waring State style, late Qing Dynasty. Length: 3-5/8" (9 cm).
Hand coloured print of Marquis Cornwallis receiving the 2 sons of Tipu Sultan as hostages after the battle and seige of Seringapatam in1792. Pub. by Haines, London 1796.35 x 25 cm. mounted on card. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.
23 different Indian mica paintings in 2 paper albums, each with ink descriptions beneath. Undated, estimated to be mid 19th century. Each painting 17.5 x 12 cm. Good condition. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide
A rare Vietnamese Annamese 15th century blue and white bowl with dragon chasing flaming pearl motif, good condition with small restoration on the rim, please see picture for detail, size: 13 cm diameter, 8 cm height.
Statue of Buddha Amithaba, in monk's robes, sitting on an elaborate lotus throne, his hands in meditation posture ("abhaya mudra"). Gilt bronze. China, Qing Dynasty, early 19th century. Height: 24.5 cm. Old accident (restored) on the left side of the top of the head, otherwise very good condition.
Chinese Qing dynasty incense burner bronze censer. Xuande mark. 12,5 cm mouth rim diameter. 18 cm wide from handle to handle. 6,7 cm high. censer has been cleaned and has smooth dent ( please see at the pictures ) no crack, no repair.