Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (345)

Japanese Cloisonné Elephant Jar. This is a wonderful, charming figure and is an unusual fine example that is a joy to behold. In a circus pose with elaborate fittings. 11.5 inches, 29 cm tall. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

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.

A very important find and a great day for the serious Satsuma collector who acquires this exceedingly rare pair of plates of breathtaking beauty, detail and color by the renowned Satsuma Master, Ryozan, depicting the two Goddesses of the Seven Lucky Gods, Benzai-ten and Kichijo-ten (Kichijo-ten sometimes replaces Fukurokuju in portrayals of the Seven Lucky Gods). These Goddesses of Good Luck, Happiness, and Learning are patrons of geisha and artists and are venerated by speculators, entrepreneurs and tradesmen who pray for luck in business and love. This is a one-of-a-kind portrayal and format by Ryozan, one of the foremost Satsuma artists of 19th Century Japan. 9 inches, 23 cm. Excellent Condition.

Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day Doll) depicting the Legendary Toyotomi Hideyoshi, seated in court position wearing dramatic brocades and gold lacquered armor, a gembun fan in his right hand and wearing a classic winged cap. His face is finely carved with a regal expression. This Ningyô is Meiji craftsmanship at its best. 14.5 inches, 37 cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

19th Century Meiji Period Black and Gold Lacquer Box. Features a stunning design of wonderful lacquer techniques. Though large it is very delicate in its presentation of leaves, flowers and branches. 13.75w x 11d x 6h inches, 35w x 28d x 15h cm.

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 Late Edo Period very large rare pair of Musha Ningyo representing Empress Jingū (Jingū Kōgō) and the old minister Takenouchi no Sukune. He is holding the baby Ōjin (a son of the Empress Jingū who later became Emperor Ōjin) and is seated on a camp stool. These are among the largest examples and are of the highest quality and artistic workmanship. The heads and hands are carved of wood, covered with many layers of tinted gofun (oyster shell lacquer), creating exceptionally expressive faces, with glass eyes and silk hair. They are dressed in sumptuous silk brocade costumes. The armor is made of lacquered paper with gilt metal fittings. Empress Jingū is standing regally, hair tied back by a band, holding a fan and a bow, and a quiver with arrows. Both have swords. Altogether an extraordinary presence. According to the Nihonshoki, Jingū was empress from 201 A.D. to 269 A.D. She is known for her invasion of Korea while she was bearing her child. In order to delay her childbirth, a piece of rock was wrapped to her stomach. Jingu 29.5 inches (75cm), Takenouchi 27 inches (68.5cm), Ojin 10 inches (25.5cm).

19th Century Kyodai (Japanese Mirror Chests) of this size are rare. Well constructed of a very fine mulberry and pine. Japanese antique mirror boxes like these are honestly undervalued and underpriced. They are the last bargains in the Japanese antique world, relative to their true worth and rare beauty. We strongly suggest buying one now, as we really don't expect this to be the case for too much longer. 38 x 19 x 10 inches, 96 x 48 x 25 cm. Excellent Condition.

Framed 19th Century Japanese Late Edo Period Embroidery of a Phoenix. Wonderful and elaborate master needle work with beautiful use of soft colored silk threads accented with gold silk threads. This a rare find for the Japanese textile collector. This was part of the Morris collection, which is housed in the Peabody Essex Museum in Massachusetts. It is framed with a Victorian era frame. 26.5 inches (67 cm)w x 25 inches (63.5 cm)h. The textile is in Excellent Condition, the frame is in Very Good Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Rare Japanese Edo Period Silver and Gilt Hair Ornament. Sterling and 999 pure Silver and Gilt hair ornament of magnificent quality made for an Oria, the highest class of geisha, featuring a crane in flight with flowers and branches and tassels. Presented on a museum presentation stand. 14 long x 6 wide x 10.5 inches high with base, 35.5 x 15.25 x 26.5 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.

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.

19th Century Nepalese Shaman Sculpture with traces of yellow and red pigment and an incredible, dense, dark patina. So thick and dark is the amazing patina that the necklace that covers the chest and back, and the carvings on the skirt, are barely visible. The hole on the bottom indicates that this was likely the handle of a dagger or staff. The old customs seal is also on the bottom. 8 inches, 20 cm. Very Good Condition.

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.

Late Edo Period (1850 - 1868) Japanese signed Noh theater Mask of Okame, the Goddess of Mirth, a very popular image in Japanese culture. A beautiful example of the type of mask done by a master carver, using Cypress wood (Hinoki) and many layers of Gofun, crushed oyster shell lacquer. A very charming and well rendered image. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

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.

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.

Signed Late 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Noh Mask of the jealous female spirit, Hannya. One of the most famous of Noh Masks, sought after by serious collectors. One of the best examples we have offered. It is finely carved and painted, the expression is fantastic, and all the details and patina are wonderful. 10h x 6w inches, 25.5h x 15.5w cm.