Unusual bamboo flower basket from the Tohoku region of northern Japan. The age is early Taisho Period c.1915. The weave is a wonderful 'yotsume-ami' or same length warp and  More »

Unusual bamboo flower basket from the Tohoku region of northern Japan. The age is early Taisho Period c.1915. The weave is a wonderful 'yotsume-ami' or same length warp and weft with a rich patina. The rim is a 'makibuchi' weave with superb technique. But what makes this basket so alluring are the wide bamboo iserts on the base. Made from 'susdake' or smoked farmhouse bamboo, the entire basket is a work of art and in excellent condition. (h:42cm x w:22cm) Shipping/insurance to usa/western europe $120   « Less

Found in an old country house kura or family treasue store house. The father was a kyogen actor, and otafuku is also known as the character 'oto' in the comic kyogen plays.  More »

Found in an old country house kura or family treasue store house. The father was a kyogen actor, and otafuku is also known as the character 'oto' in the comic kyogen plays. Most Japanese know 'Otafuku' as the bringer of good luck and happiness. The kanji letters mean big happiness. The mask is carved out of japanese cypress and the finish is made from gofun, crushed oyster shell and rice paste which creates a lovely patina. the age is obvious and in immaculate condition. (h:43cm x w:32cm x d:15cm) Shipping/Insurance to usa or western europe ask for quote.   « Less

Rare Japanese lacquered letter box with beautiful raised maki-e maple trees, river and mountains. The scene is from the 'hyaku isshu' the classic 101 ancient great poems. The  More »

Rare Japanese lacquered letter box with beautiful raised maki-e maple trees, river and mountains. The scene is from the 'hyaku isshu' the classic 101 ancient great poems. The poem referred to in this poem is by the venerated Ariwara no Narihara. In the upper right hand corner of the box is the kanji with the first line of the poem, "Chihaya Furu Kamiyo" The river in the lower right hand corner has the last line of the poem, "Kuguru To Wa". Basically the poem says that in the ancient mystical age when only gods lived, to see the Tatsuta River dyed crimson red with maple leaves in a shibori pattern was something even the gods themselves could never see. The makie is executed perfectly with stunning maple leaves and a red flow of the imagination in the middle. A collector's piece. $1200. (h:44cm x w:34cm x d:13cm). Shipping/insurance to usa or western europe $95.   « Less

The mother of all daruma wood carvings. On the back of this Edo Period c.1700 masterpiece is engraved 'Genroku 13' (c.1700) ,'Saigenshin Tsukuri' carved by Saigenshin, a  More »

The mother of all daruma wood carvings. On the back of this Edo Period c.1700 masterpiece is engraved 'Genroku 13' (c.1700) ,'Saigenshin Tsukuri' carved by Saigenshin, a famous zen monk of the time. Also 'Kyosagaju' meaning he was from a temple in the Saga District of Western Kyoto. The Carving is a magnificent flow of lines and expression. Definitely a museum quality piece. A few minor areas where the lacquer has worn away but in astonishingly great shape. $2400. (w:30cm x h:43cm). Shipping/insurance to usa or western europe $300.   « Less

Late Taisho Period bronze flower vase c.1910 by one of the acclaimed masters of the time, Matsuhashi Somei. He lived from 1871-1922 and in a relatively short life produced  More »

Late Taisho Period bronze flower vase c.1910 by one of the acclaimed masters of the time, Matsuhashi Somei. He lived from 1871-1922 and in a relatively short life produced masterpiece after masterpiece for the Morioka Bronze Guild. This style is called "Nanbutekki" and is a lost wax cast bronze. The condition is excellent. $580. (h:24cm; diameter:17cm). Shipping/insurance to usa or western europe $90.   « Less

Superb Taisho Period c.1919 bronze vase in the original box.The inside lid of the box is written "seido kara kusa mon tsubo shiki" meaning a bronze vase in the kara kusa  More »

Superb Taisho Period c.1919 bronze vase in the original box.The inside lid of the box is written "seido kara kusa mon tsubo shiki" meaning a bronze vase in the kara kusa pattern. The date is also written, "taisho mi hitsuji ban shun" meaning the late spring in the year 1919 in the taisho period. Yhe condition is excellent and the shape and design is very art deco. $750 (h:20cm and diameter: 27cm) EMS shipping/insurance to USA or Western Europe $110   « Less

Wonderful turn of the century c.1900 iron garden lantern. The hand forged iron and design throws off a dancing shadow with a light source. In excellent condition. (9" x 9")  More »

Wonderful turn of the century c.1900 iron garden lantern. The hand forged iron and design throws off a dancing shadow with a light source. In excellent condition. (9" x 9") (23cm x 23cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $100.   « Less

This c.1760 painting of a dragon on silk was created by Ryosetsu, who also went by the name Jinensai. A painter in the Kano school tradition, Jinensai was a Shinto priest and  More »

This c.1760 painting of a dragon on silk was created by Ryosetsu, who also went by the name Jinensai. A painter in the Kano school tradition, Jinensai was a Shinto priest and pupil of the priest Ryogetsu. Jinensai was a leading sumi-e artist of the time and followed the styles of Sesshu and Mu-ch'i. Great condition with original box. c.1760. (total scroll size 58" x 15") (total scroll size 148cm x 38cm) (painting size 36" x 11") (painting size 925cm x 28cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $80.   « Less

Antique Japanese Meiji Period, c.1910 bronze suiban flower vessel, signed on the bottom by Watari Unchu. Fabulous repeating geometrical design in raised relief covers the  More »

Antique Japanese Meiji Period, c.1910 bronze suiban flower vessel, signed on the bottom by Watari Unchu. Fabulous repeating geometrical design in raised relief covers the entire piece. Used in the tea ceremony in the 'tokonoma' alcove under a scroll. c.1910. (18" x 12" x 6") (46cm x 30cm c 15"). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $200.   « Less

Remarkable blue Nagashi glaze adorns this lovely Shigaraki tea leaf storage tsubo or jar. Beautiful Hagi under glaze and Meji Period c.1890 patina. Very rare blue pattern  More »

Remarkable blue Nagashi glaze adorns this lovely Shigaraki tea leaf storage tsubo or jar. Beautiful Hagi under glaze and Meji Period c.1890 patina. Very rare blue pattern glaze design; first we have seen. Excellent condition with minor chips or kiln scars on lip. (19" x 15") (48cm x 38cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $300.   « Less