Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (345)

Stunning Meiji Period Midnight Blue Cloisonne Vase in inverted pear shape with lavender and white wisteria design on a midnight-blue ground. Height: 11.5 inches, 29 cm; Circumference: 15 inches, 38 cm.

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).

A superb bronze casting of a Rooster on a Commonwealth Drum. It is of the finest quality, a master work of the art of Japanese bronze metal art. The Rooster on a drum is a popular image for the New Years Geon Festival. 11 inches, 28 cm tall. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Old and Primitive Nepalese Mask with a Great Patina. 11.5h x 6.5w inches, 29h x 16.5w cm.

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.

Rare Bamboo and Bamboo Root Antique Japanese Fishing Pole converts to a Cane carved with a playful Monkey and Snake and auspicious symbols. The 35 inch ((89cm) walking stick extends to an 83 inch (211cm) fishing pole! A unique find for the collector of Japanese art.

Pair of 19th Century Japanese lacquer miniature composition masks representing living ("Iki" living figures) expressive faces, with ivory teeth, glass eyes and human hair. They have an arresting presence and are a great study of portraiture, representing fine Japanese craftsmanship. 5 inches (12.5cm) x 4.25 inches (11cm) wide (each). From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Rokkaku Roukaku Sansui (Fine Hexagonal High Building) Japanese Garden Hanging Lantern of Iron and Sheet Metal with a lovely Cicada on the roof hoop, symbolizing Summer and the brevity of life, reminding the garden stroller to cherish each moment. A rare and unusual Edo Period example for the collector of exceptional pieces. 14 inches (35.5cm) high x 11 inches (28cm) wide.

Rare, Spectacular late Edo Period Musha Ningyo of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. A musha ningyo (Boy's Day Ningyo) representing Toyotomi Hideyoshi in sumptuous gold court robes and armor, wearing an Eboshi winged hat and a fantastic sword, holding a gunbai-uchiwa (military fan). This Musha Ningyo of Toyotomi Hideyoshi is the finest quality example from the late Edo Period. Incredibly carved face covered in many layers of gofun (oyster shell lacquer). Seated on a lacquered platform. Placed in front of a screen as part of the presentation. The screen may be original to the piece. Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598) unified Japan after the Muromachi government lost control. The period of his rule, Momoyama is named after Hideyoshi's castle. 15h x 22w inches, 38h x 56w 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. 7.5 inches (19 cm) high x 7 inches (18 cm) wide.

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.

Japanese Meiji Period Blue and White Arita Porcelain Sculpture of Jo and Uba, an old and wrinkled couple who care for the pine trees and gather needles in Takasago, (based on a Noh play). Jo is depicted with a rake and Uba with a broom of twigs. This famous couple symbolizes Marital Love and Fidelity, and were created by Arita porcelain masters to bring marital bliss to a home. Male: 14.5 inches (37cm) high, Female: 13 inches (33cm) high.

This is a fine early Deco-style Japanese cloisonne box with a gorgeous multi-fan and wave design, silver rims and a fabric lining, attributed to Akatsuki. 4 x 3 x 1.75 inches, 10 x 7.5 x 4.5 cm. From an old Virginia Estate

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.

19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Hai Hai Ningyô lying on a beautiful Shibori silk pillow. The Hai Hai is the rarest of the Gosho form. They are presented in the upper class as a birth presentation gift to protect against bad spirits. This charming example has a Chomusubi (gift ribbon) on his head. 7.5 inches (19cm) long x 4 inches (10cm) high. Excellent Condition.

Late Edo Period (1850 - 1868) Bronze Incense Burner Sculpture of a Duck, Japanese symbol of faithfulness and light. An exquisite expression of Japanese bronze craftsmanship of the finest quality. It exhibits a rich dark patina. A Japanese bronze classic. An important acquisition for a bronze collector. 13.75 inches, (35cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Japanese Isho Ningyo of a Noh Actor, Meiji Period, late 19th Century. Height: 13.75 inches, 35 cm.

Meiji Period Japanese Safe with Drawers and Handsome Butterfly and Floral Metalwork. 13.5h x 12.5w x 12.5d inches, 34h x 32w x 32d cm.