Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian (342)

Set of Six Japanese Meiji Dynasty Imperial Portraits. Each painting is 59h x 24w inches, 150h x 61w cm.

This stunning masterpiece of extraordinary design is an exceedingly rare Edo Period Botankago (Peony Basket) Ikebana Basket for the Tea Ceremony, with original signed box. One of the rarest and most important baskets to come up for sale. Black with a very large handle that separates into five pieces for portability, a fine complex weave and intricate crayfish motif. A rare and important find for the serious Japanese basket connoisseur. 22.5h x 19.25w inches, 57h x 49w cm.

Large Japanese Early Meiji Period (circa 1880) Okimono of a Kirin, one of the most magnificent and admired creatures in Japanese mythology. The Kirin is a Japanese unicorn, an animal-god who punishes the wicked with its single horn. It protects the just and grants them good luck. Seeing a kirin is considered an omen of extreme good luck - if one is a virtuous person. This spectacular carving is a masterpiece. It truly captures this fantastical creature in every detail. 13.25 inches (33.5cm) tall x 12.75 inches ( 32.5cm) wide x 7.25 inches (18.5cm) deep. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

19th Century Nepalese Butter Churn Handle. A fine piece of folk sculpture that is well patinated from considerable use. 10 inches, 25 cm. Very Good Condition.

19th Century Japanese Cloisonné dish featuring a bijin (beautiful young girl) holding irises and rendered in the style of Ukiyo-e. This unusual work of art displays stunning colors with rich royal foil background and aspects of foil throughout. It is of the highest quality, with multicolored flowers and foliage. This exceptional Cloisonné is a gorgeous addition for the finest collection. 7.5 inches (19cm) wide.

Rare Japanese Okimono Pair of Bronze Silverised Patina Fighting Cocks. Fine dramatic sculptures that are amazing and can be positioned in endless ways. They feature very natural details and action. Heights: 10.5 and 8 inches, 27 and 20.5 cm.

Japanese Early Meiji Period Kneeling Gosho Ningyo (Palace Doll) depicted with a gift box offering, wearing a fitted silk crepe haragake bib with a cherry blossoms design, tied at the neck and waist. He has a delightfully rendered face with a bright expression, slightly open mouth, and painted features. His forehead has a painted auspicious mizuhiki (presentation ribbon). He is covered overall in a fine white gofun (oyster shell lacquer). 4h x 4w inches, 10h x 10w cm.

Japanese Framed Painting of a Tiger. This dynamic image is a classic example of fine Japanese painting. A wonderful work of art to behold. 47 x 17.5 inches, 119.5 x 44.5 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 carved boxwood large Okimono, Mino-Kame turtle. Late 19th Century, Meiji Period. Mino (straw raincoat) Kame (turtle/tortoise) are named as such because Japanese believe the turtle lives such a long time that they grow algae on their on their shells, symbolizing longevity. A magnificent carving made of a single block of fine boxwood, showing amazing details and a beautiful wood grain throughout this masterpiece. 18 x 8.5 x 4 inches, 45.75 x 21.5 x 10 cm.

Fine Japanese Bronze Sculpture of a Turtle Couple. Superb casting of an early Meiji Period bronze, circa 1880, with exquisite detail featuring a natural effect with a rich beautiful patina. Signed. 1.5h x 2.75w x 2.25d inches, 3.75h x 7w x 5.75d cm.

Late 19th Century Japanese Kazari-Uma (Battle Horse). This deluxe extraordinary example is attributed to Marurei, one of the most important Ningyô artists. He now has Japanese National Treasure status. This handsomely adorned military horse is displayed on a Boys Day stand. The body hair is done by a technique called Ke-Ue-Saiku "fine work of fur planting" in which silk hairs are pasted on. It has gorgeous silk and lacquer trappings. It is positioned on a fine lacquered stand. This wonderful piece is of the finest quality. 28 inches (71cm) tall x 6 inches (15.5cm) wide x 20 inches (51cm) long. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Important Japanese Arita Charger with complex glazes, featuring a performance of Okina by a Noh actor set into an extraordinary design. Okina was traditionally performed for a royal audience. This piece was most likely made for royalty or aristocracy. There are many interesting motifs and intricate patterns in this wonderful work of art. Different from Noh and Kyogen, Okina is a performing art patterned after an ancient ritualistic ceremony. It is related to a folk ritual in which an ancient god brought blessings to the people, and was seen as a prayer for many descendants, peace and tranquility in the land, and bountiful harvests. 16.5 inches, 42cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Edo Period (circa 1800) Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day Doll) in court attire. This early example is wearing a court hat and court robes of sumptuous brocades. He is holding a fan and sword at his side. It is of very high quality and likely made for a Daimyo family. 11.5 inches, 29 cm tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Edo Period Sagemono Tobacco Pipe Set from the collection of a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. Kiseruzutsu (pipe case) of woven straw; kiseru (pipe) of silver, copper and bamboo with painted decorations; tobacco pouch of leather with a bronze dragon lock and a green glass Ojime (sliding button). Pipe and Case: 8 inches, 20 cm long; Pouch: 5 1/2 x 3 5/8 inches, 14 x 8.25 cm. Excellent Condition.

A wonderful large Edo Period Gosho Ningyo of Urashimataro. A delightful, playful rendering of this timeless theme. These type of Palace Dolls are usually smaller. This charming example is a unique, wonderful form from all angles. He is wearing an embroidered cap and bib and has a highly burnished finished gofun pigment. 12h x 11w inches, 30.h x 28w cm. Excellent Condition.

Early 19th Century Edo Period Standing Gosho Ningyo with fine Mizuhiki ribbons painted hair. There are several forms of Mizuhiki, including one used to tie the hair of samurai. This fine ningyo has a round, well executed face with a charming expression, and is covered overall in a fine white gofun with painted features, sexed, and dressed in red chirimen silk crepe. Gosho-ningyô (Palace Dolls) are one of the most distinctive forms of Japanese doll. They were given as gifts within the imperial family. This chubby boy is in a playful pose holding cherry blossoms made of silk and paper. 13 inches (33cm) high x 10 inches (25.5cm) wide.

Japanese Edo Period Musha Ningyo (Boys Day) Dolls, Samurai Set. Ningyo this early almost never appear for sale, much less with accessories, as we have here with this very fine quality pair. They have finely carved faces, and are lacquered with many coats of gofun (white oyster shell pigment). They are adorned with sumptuous silk brocades and silk armor, indicative of Edo Period Ningyo artistry. Tallest Ningyo: 19 inches (48.25cm).