Edo Period Musha-ningyo of Minister Takenouchi no Sukune and Attendant. Superb large-scale Edo period example (circa 1800) of Musha-ningyo warrior dolls for the Boy's Day  More »

Edo Period Musha-ningyo of Minister Takenouchi no Sukune and Attendant. Superb large-scale Edo period example (circa 1800) of Musha-ningyo warrior dolls for the Boy's Day display. Takenouchi is depicted kneeling and holding the baby Ojin in his arms. He has an unusually animated and well-rendered face, with fine gofun lacquer and painted features. Both figures have rich silk brocades in near mint condition. Height: 15 inches, 38 cm.   « Less

A most unique pair of Chinese Pig Skin Trunks, obviously painted by a Japanese screen artist who made these wonderful decorative, rare creations. Featuring a marvelous crane  More »

A most unique pair of Chinese Pig Skin Trunks, obviously painted by a Japanese screen artist who made these wonderful decorative, rare creations. Featuring a marvelous crane and flowers of wonderful magical colors. Late 19th to early 20th Century. 22w x 9.5h x 13.5d inches, 56 x 24 x 34 cm.   « Less

Okame, the Goddess of Mirth, is commonly paired with Usobuki in Kyogen theater. This is a rare and old pair of Okame and Usobuki ceramic figures. We have the original receipt  More »

Okame, the Goddess of Mirth, is commonly paired with Usobuki in Kyogen theater. This is a rare and old pair of Okame and Usobuki ceramic figures. We have the original receipt from Things Japanese 20 years ago. We are asking the same price as the price on the receipt from 20 years ago. 6 inches (15 cm) tall.   « Less

Museum Quality Early 18th Century Edo Period (circa 1700) Gilded Japanese Sculpture of Amida Nyorai Buddha. Seated cross-legged in the lotus posture, hands joined in the  More »

Museum Quality Early 18th Century Edo Period (circa 1700) Gilded Japanese Sculpture of Amida Nyorai Buddha. Seated cross-legged in the lotus posture, hands joined in the mudra of contemplation, eyes all but closed in meditation, we are gazing upon the sculptor's vision of Amida enthroned in paradise. The elaborately carved lotus upon which he sits is itself a symbol of the attributes of the Amida Buddha: gentleness, openness, and purity. This is a large, rare and exquisite example, fabulously carved in every aspect, from the nimbus, the lotus, and the multiple stands, to the Buddha himself, all sumptuously lacquered in beautiful gold. The Buddha's hair is arranged in snail-like curls, and a sacred jewel adorns his forehead. The robes are enhanced with gorgeous black lacquered designs. This Buddha is imbued with all of the gentle idealism one associates with Japanese Buddhist sculpture. We are proud to offer this masterwork. 32.5 inches (82.5cm) tall x 21 inches (53.5cm) wide. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.   « Less

Edo Period (circa 1750) Large Japanese Wood Sculpture of a Shrine Horse, a gift from an upper-class family to a shrine. Images of Horses are highly prized in Japan. It is  More »

Edo Period (circa 1750) Large Japanese Wood Sculpture of a Shrine Horse, a gift from an upper-class family to a shrine. Images of Horses are highly prized in Japan. It is commissioned and presented to protect a newborn male child. Rising up on its back legs, set to gallop, it strikes an animated, exciting, and beautiful pose that sets it apart from the usual static poses that these horses have. The curves of the sculpture are masterfully rendered to convey the sense of action and spirit in this rare horse. It has a great presence from all angles, and a wonderful color and patina. 25 inches (63.5cm) tall x 38.75 inches (98.5cm) long. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.   « Less

Very Fine and Rare Edo Period Usobuki Kyogen Mask in Pristine Condition. You'll never see a better Usobuki mask. This one is even better than the widely-published example in  More »

Very Fine and Rare Edo Period Usobuki Kyogen Mask in Pristine Condition. You'll never see a better Usobuki mask. This one is even better than the widely-published example in the Kyoto National Museum. 8h x 5.5w inches, 20.5h x 14w cm.   « Less

A spectacular 19th Century Japanese Bronze Horse, with a wonderful dark caramel brown patina, featuring a classic Japanese wave design in the mane and tail. This important  More »

A spectacular 19th Century Japanese Bronze Horse, with a wonderful dark caramel brown patina, featuring a classic Japanese wave design in the mane and tail. This important bronze is a masterpiece of the finest quality. 21 inches (53.5cm) wide x 18 inches (46cm) high.   « Less

Pair of Inari Foxes of sculptured and fired clay with luminescent powered white glaze. In traditional Japanese art, a pair of foxes typically flank the deity Inari’s  More »

Pair of Inari Foxes of sculptured and fired clay with luminescent powered white glaze. In traditional Japanese art, a pair of foxes typically flank the deity Inari’s shrine image. But in modern times, images of Inari have all but disappeared, replaced instead by images of Oinari’s messenger, the magical shape-shifting fox (kitsune 狐). Here the symbolism is two-fold. First, rice is sacred in Japan, closely associated with fertility (the pregnant earth) and with sustaining life. Inari and Inari’s foxes must therefore be placated -- otherwise it would be disastrous to the livelihood of the nation’s farmers and people. One fox has a jewel (houju) in his mouth, and the other carries in his mouth a letter (makimono), fulfilling his role as a messenger. These striking sculptures will transcend any room with their beauty, charm and elegance. 22 inches, 56cm tall.   « Less

Spectacular Early Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Lion Mask used on the head of a float for the Gion Festival. This huge mask is an arresting image to behold. This  More »

Spectacular Early Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Lion Mask used on the head of a float for the Gion Festival. This huge mask is an arresting image to behold. This fabulous carving is heavily lacquered in red, black and gold. The head can be raised to show his open mouth, creating a very impressive and imposing presence to behold. 38 inches (96.5 cm)w x 25 inches (63.5 cm)h x 24 inches (61 cm)d. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.   « Less

Japanese Carved Wood Seated Figure of an Ascetic (fasting Buddha). This early Edo Period 17th Century piece is a magnificent work of sculpture with dry lacquer surface and  More »

Japanese Carved Wood Seated Figure of an Ascetic (fasting Buddha). This early Edo Period 17th Century piece is a magnificent work of sculpture with dry lacquer surface and some color with gold lacquer on the stand. He presents a haunting spiritual aura and has the desired sheen for carvings of this age. We are proud to offer this important museum quality masterpiece. 9.5h x 7w x 5d inches, 24h x 18w x 13d cm.   « Less