Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese (331)

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.

Meiji Period (circa 1890) Japanese Hago-ita (Battledore or Badminton) Paddle in its original display case. It is very rare to find one from this time period, especially with its original case. A deluxe example that is enhanced with three dimensional objects. We have never seen such a wonderful and elaborate Hago-ita. 26 inches 66 cm) tall with case. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

A wonderful and rare late Edo Period Musha Ningyo (Warrior doll or Boy's Day doll) of a seated Empress Warrior Jingu. She has an unusual and striking presence. She is seated (most are standing), and she has all her accessories, wearing sumptuous silk brocade textiles. She has a beautifully carved face and hands of varnished gofun. 20 inches (51cm) high and 16 inches (40.5 cm) wide.

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.

An extremely rare and very large 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Iki Ningyo (living figure) of a young Bijin. An exquisite Ningyo representing idealized feminine Japanese beauty. She is posing as if for a photograph or for an artist. Every aspect is hyper realistic: the hair, eye lashes, accessories, and the painted kimono. She is holding a silver mirror and hair ornament as part of a collection of hair ornaments featuring a lacquered comb. Her beautiful face changes from different angles. Iki Ningyo in feminine form are rare; most are male forms. 27 inches, 68.5 cm.

Japanese Dairi-bina Imperial Couple for the Hina-matsuri (Girl's Day), late Edo/early Meiji pair with Me-bina female wearing kokin-style surcoat with embroidered sleeves featuring a floral design, sumptuous kinran textiles, elaborate kanmuri crown, and cobra hairstyle. The O-bina male is wearing a rich brocade of white silk yusoku-style surcoat with floral cobalt blue roundels, lacquered paper kanmuri court cap, long curved sword at hip, shaku scepter in hand. The well-rendered faces are covered with a fine gofun (oyster-shell lacquer) and have glass eyes and painted features. These were made for the Imperial class. They are seated atop royal tatami platforms. Displayed in front of a pair of painted cherry blossoms screens, signed circa 1920. The screens are included. 16h x 14w inches, 40.5h x 35.5 cm.

A Japanese Ikebana bleached willow wood flower arranging vase from the Meiji Period. This wonderful natural sculpture has a presence to offset the most traditional Ikebana arrangements. 21 inches (53 cm) high, 33 inches (84 cm) diameter.

Late Edo Period (1850-1868) Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day Doll) wearing an Eboshi, a court hat and robes with crests. He is seated in a court position and has a handsomely caved face. His silk fiber hairs are tied in a top knot. This is a well executed example. 11 inches (28cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Japanese Late Edo Period Bronze and Cloisonne Phoenix Incense Burner, presented as a fantastic rendition of the subject, with gorgeous colorful inlay creating a great work of art. Height: 10.5 inches (17cm), length: 11 inches (18cm).

Antique Japanese Carpenter Reel, Sumi Tsubo, Ink Line. 8.25 x 3.5 inches, 21 x 9 cm. It is rare to see sumi tsubo (Japanese carpenter's reel or inkline used for layout) fully intact with all its parts, including line and original stick pin, like this one. The Japanese word for tools is Dogu, which was originally the word for an itinerant monk's belongings. It alludes to the spiritual value which craftsmen put on their tools. Japanese antique carpenter tools are now artifacts with history and beauty and lots of personality, and of course now make great decorative objects. In the West, there were no carpentry tools in which the ink well, marking thread, winding wheel, and stickpin were united into one piece. This tool played a pivotal role in the development of Japanese architecture. They are beautiful hand carved sculpture and works of art in their own right. 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.

Musha Ningyo of Shoki the Demon Queller, mid-19th Century late Edo early Meiji Period. An unusually large and early version holding a captured Oni (demon). This is a rare find for this subject. He is powerful and majestic. His face carved of wood with crystal eyes and massive beard and hair made of silk is a masterwork. He wears a Chinese cap and a robe with gorgeous, sumptuous brocades. According to Japanese folklore, the spirit of Shōki is able to scare away demons. Families with male children even today display Ningyo of Shōki to ward off evil spirits during the Boys' Day festival (Tango no Sekku, May 5th of each year). 23 inches (58.5cm) high.

Late Edo Period Musha Ningyo of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. This wonderful example of high quality has an extraordinary presence, sumptuous brocades, gold lacquered armor, a spectacular helmet, and many other fine details. His face is gorgeously and masterfully carved with finely burnished gofun. Figure height: 20 inches (51cm), with arrows: 25 inches (63.5 cm). Excellent Condition.

Sessho was a student of the legendary Tani Buncho. His paintings were collected and much appreciated by Emperor Meiji. He painted this gorgeous flower painting in a deliberately straightforward manner in order to take focus away from his superior technique and have you consider only the beauty of the subject. Silk Canvas and Mount. Mount: 72 x 25 inches, 182.5 x 63 cm. Painting: 44 x 20 inches, 112 x 50.5 cm. cf. C.H. Mitchell's The Illustrated Books of the Nanga, Maruyama, Shijo, and other Related Schools of Japan: A Bibliography, Los Angeles: Dawson's Book Shop, 1972; and Laurence P. Roberts' A Dictionary of Japanese Artists, New York, Weatherhill, 1976.

Japanese Late Edo Period 19th Century Silver Rimpa Flower Screen, a fine masterpiece. Rimpa School represents the highest standard of decorative painting of all schools of Japanese painting. The flowers and other elements are raised by the use of Gofun (oyster shell lacquer). The flowers seem to jump from the silver field. This finely painted masterpiece features wonderful color on silver leaf. Each Panel: 51h x 24.25w inches, 129.5h x 61.5w cm; Total Dimensions: 51h x 97w inches, 129.5h x 246w cm.

An especially fine Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Gilded and Red and Black Lacquered Butsudan (Japanese Buddhist Altar) with an endless variety of luxuriously designed details, hidden drawers within secret compartments behind hidden panels, marvelously rendered images and elaborately carved sculpture. All other butsudan pale in comparison with this rare, museum quality showcase piece. This piece would have taken the maker close to 2 years to complete. 65 x 44 x 27 inches (166 x 112 x 69 cm). Excellent Condition.

Large Japanese Okimono Sculpture of Jurōjin, God of Longevity with a turtle, also a symbol of long life, and a young boy representing the beginning of life. Exquisitely carved from one piece of boxwood with a beautiful, rich patina. 15.75 inches, 40 cm. In Japan, Jurōjin is one of the Daoist Seven Gods of Fortune, or Shichifukujin. He is the God of Longevity. Jurōjin originated from the Chinese Daoist god, the Old Man of the South Pole. He may have been and historical figure of the Northern Song Dynasty (960 – 1127). Jurōjin is identified as the personification of the Southern Polar Star. Paintings and sculpture of Jurōjin are considered auspicious.

Luxurious 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Dragon Painting on Gold Silk Scroll. A grand six-feet-tall painting of ink and colors on paper. In Japan, the dragon is a benefactor and protector. The dragon in this painting is exploding with protective power and the energy of good fortune. Scroll: 70 x 26 inches (178 x 66 cm), Painting: 55 x 21 inches (140 x 53 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.