Catalog (115)

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.

Pair of 19th Century Japanese lacquer miniature composition masks representing living ("Iki" living figures) expressive faces, with ivory teeth, glass eyes and human hair. They have an arresting presence and are a great study of portraiture, representing fine Japanese craftsmanship. 5 inches (12.5cm) x 4.25 inches (11cm) wide (each). From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Late Edo Period Japanese Bronze Turtle. A fascinating, finely casted bronze turtle, it has a wonderful attitude. The beautifully rendered form shares the feelings of the turtle with the viewer. 14.5 inches (37cm) long, 7.5 inches (19cm) across, and 5.5 inches (14cm) high.

Large Rare Japanese Clay Figure of a Young Girl playing with her pinwheel. Beautifully executed and glazed with wonderful colors, exhibiting the style of the 1920s Art Deco Period in look and form. Taisho Period. 16h x 9w x 9d inches, 40.5h x 23w x 23d cm.

Large, Powerful Tengu Mask by the Renowned Artisan Hashimoto Yoshinobu of the Miharu Choshi mingei studio. One of the most fantastic examples of a Tengu that you will ever see. Mid 20th Century. Papier mache on mountain-grown willow wood. 18h x 18d x 8w inches, 46h x 46d x 20w cm. Height with beard: 36 inches, 91.5 cm. From the Lea Sneider Collection.

Very rare and extremely large Japanese Blue and White Kutani Porcelain Sculpture of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. High quality porcelain with beautiful blue glazing. It has very dynamically painted phoenix and other images beautifully painted as part of a fine composition. She is presented in a spiritual and graceful pose. Her face has a beautiful serenity filled with compassion. A beautiful work of art from all angles. Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, hairlines, or flaws. The mark on the bottom reads 'Kutani Kikusenon'. Height: 22 inches, 56 cm.

Large Japanese Early Meiji Period (circa 1880) Okimono of a Kirin, one of the most magnificent and admired creatures in Japanese mythology. The Kirin is a Japanese unicorn, an animal-god who punishes the wicked with its single horn. It protects the just and grants them good luck. Seeing a kirin is considered an omen of extreme good luck - if one is a virtuous person. This spectacular carving is a masterpiece. It truly captures this fantastical creature in every detail. 13.25 inches (33.5cm) tall x 12.75 inches ( 32.5cm) wide x 7.25 inches (18.5cm) deep. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

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.

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.

Edo Period (circa 1820) Japanese Sculpture of Tenjin, the Shinto God of Knowledge. It was housed and displayed in a Shinto shrine. This Tenjin is extraordinary. it was commissioned by a wealthy family and presented to the shrine as a gift. It is an amazing work of art and is complete with its platforms and accessories. Its color and lacquer work are sublime. He has crystal eyes which add to an unforgettable image. 34 inches (86.5 cm)h x 22 inches (56 cm)w x 13 inches (33 cm)d. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

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.

A wonderful signed Kibori (single chop carving) Okimono of a Stag by the renowned Ika Goyo, beautifully painted in delicate tones, with removable antlers carved of horn. Original box is included. 7 x 7 x 7 inches, 18 x 18 x 18 cm.

A spectacular Edo Period Bizen Ceramic Sculpture representing the Goddess Kannon riding a Shishi. This is an early and Museum Quality piece used as a Brazier Cover in the tea ceremony, used by the highest class. 8 inches (20.5 cm) high. Excellent Condition. Mid 18th Century. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Rare Kamakura Period Sculpture of a of a Nio Guardian King exhibiting power and fierceness. According to Japanese tradition, they traveled with the historical Buddha to protect him. Within the generally pacifist traditions of Buddhism, stories of Niō guardians like Kongōrikishi justified the use of physical force to protect cherished values and beliefs against evil. It is rare to find such an early example. Carved wood and lacquer with some imperfection and losses, as with most works of art surviving the period. 20 inches, 51 cm.

Very Rare Japanese Jomon Period (13,000-300BC) Terracotta torso (broken off at waist) in the form of a female figure with a bird head. Overall incised decoration. Accompanied by a small terracotta disc found in the same grave lot. Figure: 4.5 x 4 inches, 11.5 x 10 cm; Disc: 2.25 x 1.5 inches, 5.75 x 4 cm. Very Good Condition.

Fine early example of a Jomon Period Dogu Clay Figure, the earliest known Japanese figures. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, and then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look. There are fun theories that state that the Dogu may be linked to extra-terrestrial Ancient Astronauts. The figures resemble 'space suits' complete with rivets and a helmet/face mask and goggles. The large eyes are also reminiscent of the traditional grey alien. Many Dogu exhibitions have appeared recently: Tokyo National Museum, British Museum of Art, Miki Gallery New York. This one was on exhibit at the Arts of Pacific Asia Show NYC 2010, a vetted venue. 6 inches, 15.5 cm.

This signed Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Theater Mask of Tengu by the artist, Kogyo is an extraordinary example of the character, with its dramatic and spectacular face. The most fabulous one we have seen. This mask represents the mischievous Forest God seen in Kyogen plays performed between Noh Dramas. It is for the most discerning collector. Lacquer over wood with silk hair. 9 inches (23 cm)h x 6.5 inches (16.5 cm)w, 21 inches (53.5 cm)h with beard. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Taisho Period Japanese Ceramic Rabbit Figure, with original artist signed box. A charming studio work of art with wonderful glazes creating a striking image. 6 inches, 15cm.