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

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.

Japanese Clay Figure of a Sino-Japanese War General on a White Horse. This would have been displayed in a Boys' Day festival in the late Meiji Period. Wonderfully painted with fine details. Height: 7.5 inches, 19 cm.

Taisho Period Japanese Bronze Tear Drop Vase with original box. A classic shape with a gorgeous caramel patina. 8 inches (20.5cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

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.

Pair of Carved Wooden Koma Inu Temple Dog Figures, each seated in the traditional posture. These are a very rare find from the early Heain Period, and could be even earlier, possibly Nara Period. The wood is aged to a beautiful patina. There are not many works of art of the period that come up for sale. There has been some conservation and restoration to stabilize these fantastic and rare pieces. 18.75 and 17.5 inches (47.5 and 44.5 cm) H, 13 and 12 inches (33 and 30.5 cm) W, 10 and 9 inches (25.5 and 23 cm) D.

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.

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.

Next to the Kabuto (Helmet), one of the most expressive parts of the Samurai's Armor is the Face Mask. This Middle Edo Period metal "armor for the face" is known by many names: mengu, menpo, mempo, men yoroi, katchu men. Menpo means "face and cheek" and is generally used for masks with nose pieces. This menpo is covered with a high quality gold lacquer. The inside is a negoro-like finish of red lacquer. Sporting a fantastic horse hair mustache. Obviously constructed by a highly skilled craftsman. 7w x 5.5h inches, 18 x 14 cm.

One of a collection of three fantastic and rare, large Edo Period Iki masks, de-accessioned from the Musée Archéologique in Strasbourg, France during the mid-20th Century. These three are rare for their large size. They have never before been offered on the art market. The other two masks are posted on this site. Carved Poloma wood with gofun (oyster shell lacquer), glass eyes and human hair. 9 inches (23 cm) high x 8 inches (20 cm) wide.

One of a collection of three fantastic and rare, large Edo Period Iki masks, de-accessioned from the Musée Archéologique in Strasbourg, France during the mid-20th Century. These three are rare for their large size. They have never before been offered on the art market. The other two masks are posted on this site. Carved Poloma wood with gofun (oyster shell lacquer), glass eyes and human hair. 7.5 inches (19 cm) high x 7 inches (18 cm) wide.

One of a collection of three fantastic and rare, large Edo Period Iki masks, de-accessioned from the Musée Archéologique in Strasbourg, France during the mid-20th Century. These three are rare for their large size. They have never before been offered on the art market. The other two masks are posted on this site. Carved Poloma wood with gofun (oyster shell lacquer), glass eyes and human hair. 7.5 inches (19 cm) high x 7 inches (18 cm) wide.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Superb, Rare Pristine 18th Century Japanese Noh Theater Mask of Ko-jo, an elegant old man in Noh Drama. This mask is of the highest quality carved to dramatic perfection. Finely lacquered over wood. A magnificent addition for the serious Noh mask collection. 8 inches (20.5 cm) height x 5.5 inches width. Height with beard is 14.5 inches (37 cm). From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.