Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Sculpture (100)

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.

17th Century Japanese Standing Buddha. A rare and fine example from the early Edo Period. Carved of Poloma wood with a rich dark patina. Complete with Stand and Mandala. It has a spiritual presence and a beautiful face to contemplate. 15 inches, 38 cm tall. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Fine Edo Period Sho Bosatsu Kannon in Rare Excellent Condition, gilded wood sculpture seated on a lotus and holding a lotus in the left hand. The Bodhisattva of Compassion has never been more beautifully rendered. Height: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Width: 14 inches (35.5 cm).

Very Rare Early Edo Period (early 17th Century) Japanese Lion Mask for the Gion Festival. It would have been part of a two man costume, one man holding the mask and the other at the back covered by fabric to perform the traditional Lion Dance. To find this mask from such an early period is really quite an important find for the serious mingei collector. 12 inches (30.5 cm)h x 10.5 inches (27 cm)w x 11 inches (28 cm)d. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

17th Century Japanese paloma wood carving of Buddha seated on a lotus leaf. A beautiful piece with a serene presence. It has a wonderful, warm aged patina. 10 inches, 25.5 cm.

Japanese Buddhist Temple Carving of a Stylized Cloud Formation. This very early 16th to 17th Century carving is the oldest one we have seen, possibly from the Momoyama Period. Carved of poloma wood. A rare early work of art. 40 inches (101.5 cm) long x 12 inches (30.5 cm) high. Fine Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

16th Century Japanese Momoyama Period Wood Sculpture of Nyoirin Kannon, widely worshiped by those who hoped to gain riches and fulfill requests, seated on a lotus flower on rocks. Nyoirin's pose was appealing to devotees: his relaxed pose is inviting and the hand raised against his leaning head, which signifies a meditative state, adds a human touch. The bodhisattva's pose, in fact, indicates that he is resting in his personal paradise on Mt. Potalaka, which traditionally is said to be located in the sea south of India. This remarkable sculpture is exceptional for its age and beauty, and is adorned with a necklace of jewels and has a beautiful patina, retaining much of its gold lacquer. 7.5 inches (19 cm) tall, 5 inches (13 cm) wide, 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) deep. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

15th Century Japanese Gilt Wood Amida Nyorai Buddha. His hands are held in the vitarka mudra, the gesture of discussion and transmission of Buddhist teaching. Amida is captured here in his welcoming descent from Heaven to greet the soul of a faithful devotee at death. Images of his descent to earth illustrate the nineteenth of forty-eight vows made by Amida in a previous life, in which he promises to appear at the moment of death to all beings who devoutly desire rebirth in his paradise. Painted and sculpted versions of this theme first became popularized in Japan during the 11th century and were placed near the deathbed of a devotee so that he or she could see it. 30 inches, 76 cm.

Rare Japanese Heian Period, 12th Century Wood Sculpture of Kannon, the Goddess of Compassion and Mercy. Even though it is not in a complete state, it has a wonderful, peaceful presence that is really a delight to bask in. It has a magnetic face with a serene expression. Japanese sculpture of this age is hard to find. A fabulous work of art and a rare, magnificent sculpture. 16 inches, 40.5 cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

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.

A sublime and very rare 10th-12th century Heian Period Japanese Jizō Bosatsu wood sculpture. 8 inches (20cm) high x 6 (15cm) inches wide.

Fine and rare 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. 3h x 3w inches, 7.5h x 7.5w cm.

Extremely rare 3rd to 7th Century Kofun Period Haniwa clay sculpture of a Horse, completed with the most fabulous trappings, a fine saddle, etc. Presented on a lacquered stand. The horse is a very important figure in the Samurai society. This figure possibly may have been found near the village of Motomachi, close to the port of Konjō in Musashi Province, in present day Tokyo. Pieces like this are usually found in private collections or museums, and rarely come up for sale. Well preserved. 8.5h x 8w inches, 21.5 x 20 cm.

Fine example of a Jomon Period Dogu, the earliest known Japanese figure. This figure was purchased in Japan and belonged to the renowned Japanese art historian, Shirley Day. 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, 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. 5.5 inches, 14 cm tall.

Fine and rare 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. 2.5h x 2.5w inches, 6.5h x 6.5w cm.

Fine example of a Jomon Period (13,000-300BC) Dogu Head, the earliest known Japanese figure. This figure was purchased in Japan in 1962 by a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. 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, 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. 3 x 2.25 inches, 7.5 x 5.75 cm. Very Good Condition.

Rare Japanese Female Haniwa Sculpture, Kofun Period, 4th century AD. This female clay figure was set in the ground at the site of a burial mound for the wealthy and Imperial class. She is a fine and graceful piece exhibiting great feminine charm. Mounted on a wood platform. This clay female figure would have stood with others in a protective circle around the tomb-mound of a powerful ruler. Her hair is swept up into an elaborate coiffure, and she wears a fashionable dress of the Kofun Period. The figure possibly may have been found near the village of Motomachi, close to the port of Konjō in Musashi Province, in present day Tokyo. Pieces like this are usually found in private collections or museums, and rarely come up for sale. Height of the figure: 7.25 inches, 18.5 cm; Height including base: 8.25 inches, 18.5 cm.

An exceedingly rare ancient Japanese Heian (794-1185) or Nara Period (710-794) Engraved Bronze Tortoise. The entire shell, front and back, has engraved artistic images of the people and symbols of the era. The tortoise is a symbol of wisdom, and is able to defend itself on its own. It personifies Water, Moon, Mother Earth, Time, Immortality, and Fertility. Creation is associated with the tortoise and it is also believed that the tortoise bears the burden of the whole world. This was quite possibly a gift of protection to the imperial household. We are proud to offer such a fine and beautiful rarity. 4.5h x 9w x 6.5d, 11.5h x 23w x 16.5d cm.