Catalog (368)

The phurba is one of the most important of the shaman's implements, and this particular phurba is an exceptional example of the great effort and tremendous creativity that goes into the making of this magical tool. It has an upper section with 3 faces, one smiling, one wrathful, and one peaceful. The middle section is a vajra (symbol of lightning) whose twin tips rest on knots of eternity. The lower section represents Makara, the water divinity, who holds in his mouth the the triangular blade around which snakes are entwined. This phurba has a further uncommon touch, an animal rests atop it. Really a very fine example of Nepalese religious art. 8 inches, 20 cm. Very Good Condition.

19th Century Nepalese Butter Churn Handle. A fine piece of folk sculpture that is well patinated from considerable use. 10 inches, 25 cm. Very Good Condition.

Set of Three Royal Animal-Shaped Currency Weights from Burma, Dated 1800. From the 15th century up to the end of the 19th century, animal-shaped weights functioned as a means to measure currency, such as silver ingots or any other precious material that was a means of exchange. There were three main animal shapes used, one of which were these duck-like bird figures. These weights could also serve in a religious context as Buddhist reminders of the need for honesty (accuracy in weighing) during commercial transactions. These weights were very common throughout Burma, although their production ended before the 20th century. As with coinage, new weight styles and designs were regularly issued, and these three particular bird weights, with their V shaped indentation on the back, can be exactly dated to 1800. See “Earth to Heaven: the Royal Animal-Shaped Weights of the Burmese Empires” (Gear & Gear 1992) for more information as to their form and function. They are made from a copper-lead alloy. Much of the material culture of Burma was destroyed during its many wars and invasions, and these weights are one of the few kinds of artifacts to have survived the periods of metal shortages and looting that so frequently visited Burma. 2 1/8 inch (5.5cm), 1 3/4 inch (4.5cm), 1 1/8 inch (3cm). Very Good Condition.

19th Century Indian Processional Panel from Tamil Nadu in Southern India, 15.5 inches (39.5 cm) tall

White Rabbit Ceramic Sculpture by Takegawa Chikusai (1809-1882), created in his final year, 1882. Takegawa Chikusai was responsible for putting Banko Yaki, and the Banko-gama kiln (established 1829) and its home of Yokkaichi City in Mie-ken back on its feet and on the map. Banko Yaki had previously been made in the early Edo Period in Kyoto. Takegawa Chikusai's work was bequeathed to the Yokkaichi Museum's permanent collection, so this is an extremely rare opportunity for you to own a masterpiece by this great artist. 11 x 7.5 inches, 28 x 19 cm. Excellent Condition. Signed with original box and inscriptions on the lid of the box.

Huge (36 inches, 91.5 cm across!) Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912) Cloisonné Charger with Flower and Bird motif. This is one of the most fantastic 19th Century Japanese Cloisonné works we have ever seen. The colors are magnificent and most vivid on a Robin Egg Blue field framed with a gorgeous pattern. The size is amazing and with the stunningly rendered flowers and birds, it makes for a rare, breathtaking exhibitor work of art that will be a spectacular center piece for any home or office. Excellent Condition.

18th Century Edo Period Saga Ningyo of a young boy holding a rooster in one hand and a scepter in the other. His head bobs while his tongue goes in and out. Carved entirely of wood, his robes are built up with pigments in a technique called 'moriage'. He has a gorgeous blue outer robe decorated with foliate scroll slightly raised in relief. His inner robes are brown with shaped roundels of geometric patterns and cloud shapes. This rarest of all Ningyo forms almost never comes up for sale and are almost never seen except in museums or important private collections. Saga Ningyo are considered the "holy grail" of Ningyo. They were first produced in the early 17th Century. 10.75 inches (27cm) tall. Fine condition with original box and documents.

A spectacular Meiji Period Satsuma vase by Kinzan I. In 2001, the Kinzan kiln was designated a National treasure by the Japanese government. The Kinzan kiln pioneered and developed unique gilding techniques, such as underglaze gold leaf. This rare vase is a wonderful example of Kinzan's mastery. Height: 10.5 inches (27cm), circumference: 21.75 inches ((55cm).

This stunning masterpiece of extraordinary design is an exceedingly rare Edo Period Botankago (Peony Basket) Ikebana Basket for the Tea Ceremony, with original signed box. One of the rarest and most important baskets to come up for sale. Black with a very large handle that separates into five pieces for portability, a fine complex weave and intricate crayfish motif. A rare and important find for the serious Japanese basket connoisseur. 22.5h x 19.25w inches, 57h x 49w cm.

A beautiful Satsuma vase by Kinkozan, the foremost artist of the 'Golden Age' of Satsuma during the Meiji Period. In ovoid form with gorgeous relief butterfly and flower designs and a central band with floral rosettes on black. Kinkozan mark on base. Height: 12.5 inches, 31.5 cm; Circumference: 25 inches, 63.5 cm.

Stunning Meiji Period Midnight Blue Cloisonne Vase in inverted pear shape with lavender and white wisteria design on a midnight-blue ground. Height: 11.5 inches, 29 cm; Circumference: 15 inches, 38 cm.

An extremely rare late Edo Period (circa 1860) Japanese albumin hand tinted photograph of a young foreigner dressed in a samurai's clothes. The art of portrait photography was brought to Japan in the late Edo Period by European photographers who first introduced photography to the Japanese. Westerners were fascinated by Japanese style and culture. They dressed up as Samurai and Geisha to pose for a photographic portrait. This early piece is a rare find for the photography collector. It is of artistic and historic importance. Image size: 41 x 18 inches, 104 x 46 cm.

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.

Late 19th Century Japanese signed Noh theater Mask of Okame, the Goddess of Mirth, a very popular image in Japanese culture. A beautiful example of this type of mask done by a master carver, using Cypress wood (Hinoki) and many layers of Gofun, crushed oyster shell lacquer. A very charming and well rendered image. 8.25 inches (21cm) high x 5.25 inches (13.5) wide.

Extraordinary Japanese Antique Bronze Vessel featuring very high relief of a Hawk, a pair of Shishi, and foliage in a classic form. Strong, naturally rendered images with a rich patina and finely rendered detail. Original gold patina. A fine addition for bronze fanciers. Edo Period, early 19th Century. 11.5 inches (29cm) high x 28 inches (71cm) circumference.

A small, arresting late 19th Century Japanese bronze sculpture of Yamauba, breast feeding Kintaro. The mythology is Kintaro was left is the forest by his father to save him from his enemies. He was found by Yamauba, the forest goddess, who nursed him to grow to become the Hercules of Japan. This charming bronze has wonderful detail. 4 inches (10cm) high x 3.25 inches (8.5cm) wide.

An Extraordinary and Scarce, Museum Quality Find. Early 16th Century Muromachi Period Saga Ningyo of the Goddess Kannon, in a rare and elegant standing form. Carved entirely of wood, her costume is built up with pigments in a technique called 'moriage'. Her gorgeous robes are decorated with foliate scroll slightly raised in relief. This rarest of all Ningyo forms almost never comes up for sale and are never seen except in museums or important private collections. Saga Ningyo are considered the "holy grail" of Ningyo. This fine and exceedingly rare example is one the first produced in the 16th Century. 5 inches (13cm) high (figure only, not including base). Base: 3.25 inches (8cm) wide.

This beautiful contemporary Ningyo is by an important artist, Nishikitsuka Moeharu. His Kimikomi style of work has been exhibited in many galleries and museums, including the Homma Museum in Japan. She is holding peach sprays. Carved of wood with applied silks brocades. She has a sensitively rendered face with carved lacquered hair adorned with a gold hair ornament. 9 inches (23cm) high. Base: 10.5 x 8.25 inches, 27 x 21 cm.