Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (345)

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.

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.

Finely Painted Six-Panel Crane Screen, in various poses with leaves and flowers on a charcoal silver background. A highly styled creation of the Taisho Period. Taisho screens are very much sort after today for their unique beauty and the way that they complement a contemporary setting. Each Panel: 30h x 13w inches, 76h x 33w cm; total Dimensions: 30h x 80w inches, 76h x 203 cm.

Yoshitoshi Tsukioka's Very Scarce (only about a dozen known copies) Book with Six Full Oban Size Prints, The Flowers of Japan and the Art of Floral Arrangement (First Edition). This is the best known existing copy of this book. Because the prints are in a book, they have been exposed to almost no light, so the colors are more vivid than anything you will ever see. Because there is no color loss, this is a unique opportunity to see what antique Japanese woodblock prints must have looked like when they were new. All but one of the prints are pristine (one has a small spot and a smudge in the margin). Even the text pages are remarkably white, indicating that very high quality, low-acidity paper was used, and the book has been well conserved. Besides Yoshitoshi's 6 oban size (10.5 x14 inches) prints, there are also 4 beautiful prints of Japanese interiors by Kawanabe Kiosui, daughter of Kiosai (or Kyosai), and 54 more full page plates depicting flower arrangements. In addition to these gorgeous and exceedingly rare prints, you get the much reprinted and still authoritative English text on the art of traditional Japanese floral arrangement. The one other copy of this book that is available on the market today is a water stained copy with an asking price of $1475.00. One of the silk ties is missing from the binding of our copy, but the book is still very solid and stable. The cloth at the head of the spine is slightly worn, and there is wear to the cover, a dark line across the corner of one b & w plate, and a 2 inch tear in the fore edge of the title page, otherwise the contents are fine and tight. A beautiful volume and a major monograph addressing the methods of flower arranging, seasonal arrangements, festive arrangements, flower vessels, ceremonies, etiquette, manipulation of cuttings, how to preserve flowers, practical examples, glossary of Japanese terms, selection of material, the history & theory of flower arrangement, and prohibited flowers. The most important and first flower arrangement monograph done in English in the 19th Century. The front and back covers are also by Yoshitoshi!

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.

Fine early example of a Jomon Period Dogu Clay Figure, the earliest known Japanese figures. 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, and 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. Many Dogu exhibitions have appeared recently: Tokyo National Museum, British Museum of Art, Miki Gallery New York. This one was on exhibit at the Arts of Pacific Asia Show NYC 2010, a vetted venue. 6 inches, 15.5 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.

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

Fine example of a Jomon Period (13,000-300BC) Dogu, the earliest known Japanese figure. This figure was purchased at a Parke Bernet auction 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 gray alien. 4.75 inches, 12 cm tall. Very Good Condition.

Musha Ningyo of Minamoto no Yoshitsune dressed for the Imperial Court. He is wearing a fantastic brocade robe and a spectacular court hat. This wonderful rare example of high quality has a great presence, sumptuous brocades, gold lacquered armor, and many other fine details. His face is gorgeously and masterfully carved with finely burnished gofun (white clam shell lacquer). An extraordinary example. Height: 22.5 inches, 57 cm.

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. 7.5 inches, 19 cm tall.

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 x 8.5 inches, 53 x 21.5 cm. cf. Ekkehard May and Daniel McKee's Haiku & Haiga, Amsterdam, Hotei, 2006.

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.

18th Century Japanese Two Panel Painted Screen. All four seasons are represented here, with the background representing Winter and the kimono patterns representing Spring, Summer, and Fall. This is an unusual and creative take on the tagasode (whose sleeves?) genre of screen painting that usually depicts interiors. The pair of kimono poetically speak of a romantic liaison. The colors are breathtaking and the painting technique is pure master work. 68 inches (173 cm)w x 60 inches (152.5 cm)h. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Edo Period (circa 1850) Japanese Noh Mask of Shojo, representing a happy, merry soul. He has a reddish complexion from drinking sake. This mask has a wonderful, happy presence. Beautifully carved to create a compelling expression. Lacquer over Paloma wood. 8.5 x 5 inches, 21.5 x 13 cm. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Exceptional 19th Century Kyodai (Japanese Mirror Chest) beautifully constructed of very fine elm root. Japanese artisans ceased use of this expensive wood many years ago. 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. 31.5 x 16.5 x 9 inches, 80 x 42 x 22.5 cm. Excellent Condition.

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.