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

Japanese Bronze Incense Burner of a Monkey. A wonderful stylized casting of a hanging monkey. A special work of art. 10.5 inches, 26.5 cm.

Very Large 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Ningyo pair of an Oiran Bijin, the highest ranking Kyoto courtesan bijin and her Kamuro (attendant), an elaborately attired pair of the finest quality. The Oiran and her attendant are wearing the most gorgeous, sumptuous brocades and textiles, all hand woven and painted chirimen silk crepe of beautiful shabori designs. The faces are exquisitely carved and covered with many layers of gofun (white oyster shell lacquer). Their expressions are just wonderful. Their fantastic hairstyles have an array of decorative ornaments. Her draping outer kimono (uchigake) is done in a beautiful floral pattern kinran design with a thick padded hem. There are endless exquisite details creating this masterwork. Mounted on a black lacquered stand. Oiran: 28 inches (71cm), Attendant: 20 inches (51 cm).

Japanese Meiji Period Musha Ningyo (Boys' Day Doll) depicting the legendary Emperor Ojin, seated in court attire and wearing dramatic cream brocades and lacquered armor, a fan in his right hand and wearing a classic gold eboshi cap. His face is finely carved with a regal expression. A rare and fine example. 18.5h x 20w inches, 47h x 51w cm.

From the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston comes this fine Edo Period late 18th/early 19th Century Japanese Black Lacquered Box with Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid and Gold Lacquered Boats in a classic wave pattern with exceptionally well rendered mother of pearl motifs. A rare masterpiece from all sides. 8 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches, 20 14 x 14 cm. Excellent Condition.

19th Century Japanese Cloisonné Vase of the highest quality in the style of Ando (one of the most famous Cloisonné masters whose works fetch the heights prices). This vase is a masterwork, set in silver wire featuring multicolored flowers, foliage, branches, and birds. On a rich dark emerald green glaze with foil inlay in a design of bamboo trees. This exceptional Cloisonné is a gorgeous addition for the finest collection. 12.5 inches (32 cm) tall. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

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.

18th Century Japanese Two Panel painted Screen of a Pine Tree and Landscape, set in gold painted clouds floating in the image. An exceptional classic Japanese masterpiece. The presence of this image changes with the light of the room. The painting techniques are sumptuous, giving the image a heightened realistic experience. A similar screen was sold by Liza Hyde to the Rockefeller collection. Height: 74.75 inches, 190 cm; Width: 67.25 inches, 171 cm.

This signed Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Theater Mask of Tengu by the artist, Kogyo is an extraordinary example of the character, with its dramatic and spectacular face. The most fabulous one we have seen. This mask represents the mischievous Forest God seen in Kyogen plays performed between Noh Dramas. It is for the most discerning collector. Lacquer over wood with silk hair. 9 inches (23 cm)h x 6.5 inches (16.5 cm)w, 21 inches (53.5 cm)h with beard. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Fine Japanese Meiji Period Okimono of an Articulated Bronze Beetle with amazing detail. A masterwork of hyper realism. 2.5 inches, 6.25 cm.

This striking black and gold Japanese antique shop sign is from a Meiji Era (1868 - 1912) headquarters for a drug store chain. It dramatically declares that this shop carries the best elixirs for vitality, the best remedies for high blood pressure, and the most expedient cures for fever. 17.5 x 41 inches (44.5 x 104 cm). Excellent Condition.

Exceedingly Rare 18th Century Japanese Karakuri-Ningyo (Mechanical Doll) of a whimsical figure from the early Edo Period, classic in its form. This figure is moved by strings and pulleys operated by three men hidden out of site. This one was part of a festival float, possibly for the Gion (New Year) Festival. This Ningyo has a fantastic face of the period. He is wearing a gorgeous costume of the finest textiles and sumptuous brocades. He stands on top of a beautiful silver lacquered stand featuring high relief flowers and leaves. Height: 23 inches, 58.5 cm.

A rare Musha Ningyo three piece set featuring Ojin, Kato Kiyomasa and Attendant, from the Late Edo Period of the 19th Century. It is very unusual to find a set like this in a complete state with all its accessories and original display stand. They all have great faces and sumptuous brocades. The way they work together is very special. Overall height with stand is 17 inches (43cm). Excellent Condition.

Okutani Shuseki (1871-1936) was born in Osaka and lived in Kyoto for most of his life. His artistic lineage is among the very best. He, along with Yamamoto Shunkyo and others, studied under Mori Kansai, who was the pupil and adopted son-in-law of Mori Tetsuzan, who was one of Maruyama Okyo's best pupils. Like all painters of the Mori family school, Shuseki's nature paintings are remarkable for their unsentimental naturalism, showing his keen interest in the essence of nature. He won prizes at numerous exhibitions and founded his own art school. 21.5 x 8.5 inches, 54.5 x 21.5 cm. cf. Ekkehard May and Daniel McKee's Haiku & Haiga, Amsterdam, Hotei, 2006.

Very Rare and Fine Antique Japanese Basket by Suiko. Top Quality Artistry and Workmanship. This very basket is often imitated (the greatest form of flattery) and is widely known because of the copies, but now you have the rare opportunity of owning the signed original. Truly a remarkable find. 20 inches (51cm) high x 10 inches (25.5cm) wide.

Spectacular Early Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Lion Mask used on the head of a float for the Gion Festival. This huge mask is an arresting image to behold. This fabulous carving is heavily lacquered in red, black and gold. The head can be raised to show his open mouth, creating a very impressive and imposing presence to behold. 38 inches (96.5 cm)w x 25 inches (63.5 cm)h x 24 inches (61 cm)d. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

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. 10 inches, 25.5 cm tall.

The two fine and old haribako (Japanese Sewing Box) that we offer here on our site are likely the oldest ones you will see offered for sale. They come from the collection of a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. This lovely chest of paulownia and pine has the original hardware, original ruler, and original pincushion. 18.5h x 9d x 7.5w inches, 47h x 23d x 19w cm. Very Good Condition.

Getzuzan inherited from his renowned father an effortlessness with the brush, shown here in the easy curves of the robe and face of the 12th Century Zen master, Taikobo, and the gentle washes that are used to compose the soft landscape that is the lovely place where he meditates and fishes. Gekko had several students who achieved fame, but he always favored his son. Getsuzan paintings that are available for sale are very rare. 45.5 x18 inches, 115.5 x 45.5 cm, unmounted