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

An early pair of Japanese Kutani Porcelain Shishi (Foo Dogs). These unique porcelains have a rich brown glaze with black and white under glaze. They have a wonderful mythological presence. 7 x 4.5 inches, 18 x 11.5 cm each. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Edo Period Japanese Noh Theater Mask of Kawazu, an Oni with a Golden Hair Beard, circa 1700. A very rare early example with a powerful presence. 8 x 6.5 inches, 20.25 x 16.5 cm. Height with the beard is 19 inches (48.25 cm).

A unique Edo Period Tengu (Devilish Imp) Mask with a handle in the back for use in parades. In fact, this was purchased in Japan in the 1960's directly from the parade participant who was using it, after the parade was over. A rare piece from a renowned collection. 8h x 5w x 5.75d inches, 20.5 x 12.5 x 14.5 cm. Wood with traces of pigment. From the collection of Irwin Hersey, renowned author on Asian and primitive art, and publisher of the Primitive Art Newsletter in the 1970s. Irwin Hersey was an advisor to museums and prominent collectors, and vetted pieces for many of the international tribal art fairs and Asian art fairs.

18th Century Japanese Wood Carving of a Mythological Guardian Shishi and Peony. This carving is reminiscent of a carving at Nikko Shrine. It is unusual to find one with much of its paint still intact. Wonderfully carved and painted by a master. A fantastic addition for a collector. 31 inches (79 cm) long x 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) high. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Pair of Important 18th Century Edo Period Cricket Cages of museum quality, made for upper class or royalty. They are exceptional in every way. The Bamboo bars and Mother of Pearl inlay are of the finest Japanese craftsmanship, as are the Wisteria wood cases and red lacquered feet. Work like this is extremely rare and highly treasured in Japan. This is a unique opportunity to own an extraordinary work of Japanese art. 9 inches (23cm) tall x 8.25 inches (21cm) wide x 5.75 inches (14.5cm) deep. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Pair of 18th Century Japanese Carved Stone Sculptures of the Female Buddha Sattva with beautifully polychromed colors. Inscribed on the back. These rare figures are important artifacts of Buddhism and they transmit a wonderful spiritual presence. Heights: 10.5 and 10 inches, 27 and 25.5 cm.

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.

Edo Period Kyogen Theater Karura (Garuda) Mask, donated in the 19th Century by the prominent collector, Dr. C.G. Weld to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Karura is a mythical fire-breathing bird-human creature from Buddhist-Hinduist mythology. A fine and rare example. Wood with lacquer. 8 x 6.25 inches, 20.5 x 16 cm.

Rare and wonderful Kyogen Theater mask dating from the Edo period, the golden age of Noh Drama. Kyogen are short, humorous skits performed between Noh acts to lighten the mood. He has gold eyes with a rich red lacquer finish. Red represents both drunkenness and healing. The large nose gives a striking sense of comic drama. This fine mask is brilliantly carved, accentuating the depth of the mask, and adding a sense of comic theater. 8.25 by 6.5 inches, 21 x 16.5 cm.

Japanese pair of very large gold lacquer on carved wood Lotus Flowers, 11 flowers in each pair for 22 all together, of them fully bloomed Lotus Flowers. Edo Period, Early 19th Century. They were likely used on the altar of a Buddhist temple, representing the full cycle of life. They have a rich gold patina. This size and condition are extremely rare and almost never found. Height of the tallest: 41.5 inches, 105.5 cm. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection. (Vase is, of course, not included.)

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.

Late 18th, Early 19th Century Edo Period Japanese Wood Horse Sculpture in a galloping pose. The horse still has a good amount of its original colors and gold gilt. It would have been offered as a gift to a Shinto shrine from someone with the means to afford more than the usual horse plaque, but not quite the means to afford to give a real horse to the shrine, a gift only the most wealthy could afford to give. A wonderfully rendered sculpture and a special image for equestrian art collectors. 20 x 13.5 inches, 51 x 34 cm. Very Good Condition.

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.

Early Meiji Maneki Neko (Beckoning Cat), believed to bring wealth and good luck, from the collection of a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. The fur is white with random black and orange patches. This tri-coloring is considered especially lucky. This belief may be related to the rarity of this coloring in the Japanese bobtail cats, after which the Maneki Neko is modeled. This coloring is called Mi-ke in Japanese, meaning three-fur. 7.5 inches, 19 cm tall.

Finely Carved Wood Iki Mask with Japanese Collection Label on Back. A wonderful example featuring a dynamic human presence. Detailed with glass eyes and human hair, and a burnished gofun lacquer finish. 6.25 x 5 inches, 16 x 12.75 cm.

Signed Late Edo Period 19th Century Japanese Noh Theater Mask of Ko-omote. This beautiful young woman is a very popular image in Japanese culture, and is sometimes used as an icon to represent Japan. A fine example of this type of mask rendered by a master carver, using cypress wood (Hinoki) and many layers of Gofun, crushed oyster shell lacquer. A very charming, hypnotic, well rendered image, with an Imperial purple tie . 8.25 inches (21cm) high x 5.25 inches (13.5) wide.

A very rare late Edo Period Iki Noh mask of Hannya, the jealous, revengeful demon who was once a beautiful woman. Carved of Poloma wood with many layers of lacquer. Glass eyes and horse hair. 8h x 5w x 3d inches, 20.25h x 12.75w x 7.5 cm.

Late Edo Period (1850 -1868) Kyoto Bronze Vessel with an Encircling Dragon beautifully casted in high relief. Rich patina, wonderful shape, and a stunning design. Dragons are a Japanese symbol of strength and valor. 10 inches (25.5cm) tall x 10 inches (25.5cm) across. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.