Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (345)

Japanese Buddhist Temple Carving of a Stylized Cloud Formation. This very early 16th to 17th Century carving is the oldest one we have seen, possibly from the Momoyama Period. Carved of poloma wood. A rare early work of art. 40 inches (101.5 cm) long x 12 inches (30.5 cm) high. Fine Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

14 Original Woodblock Prints by Ogata Gekko, Japan's First Internationally Acclaimed Artist, beautifully housed in this handsome volume, The Floral Art of Japan, published in 1899. Cover is in Good Condition, but the prints inside are the most pristine, well preserved 19th Century prints we have ever seen. Book prints like these are generally exposed to less light than most prints, thus better preserving their colors, but this copy of this book is quite exceptional even by those standards, making it a rare and valuable reference to compare to other antique prints, as the colors are more vivid then anything of this age that you will likely ever see. For example, the dark purple in the flowers in Enlargement 2 has faded away in any other copy of this book that we have seen, but in this copy it is as vivid and bold as it was the day it was printed. This is easily one of the greatest bargains for collectors of Japanese art. You get 14 very rare and beautiful woodblock prints, by a Japanese Master of the Meiji Period, that have seen almost no light, so the colors are as vivid as the day they were printed. The beautiful gilt decorated front and back covers are also by Gekko. All the woodblock prints are signed and are on Japanese vellum, protected by tissue. The covers are in fine green cloth with gilt lettering and gilt decoration. The prints are magnificent, depicting not only the Japanese flowers and floral art, but also the customs, costumes and people of 19th Century Japan. 137 pages of text with 39 illustrations within the text, plus 8 pages of appendix. There are also 124 black and white plates. 14.5 x 11 inches, 37 x 28 cm. In addition to the gorgeous and exceedingly rare prints, you get the much reprinted and still authoritative English text on the art of traditional Japanese floral arrangement. 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.

Japanese Antique Bronze Horse in a classic galloping pose. A solid, strong image with rich patina, finely rendered detail, naturally executed. A fine addition for horse fanciers. Signed, circa 1920. 12 inches (30.5cm) tall x 15.75 inches (40cm) long. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Magical, richly sculpted and beautifully formed Pair of Blue Kutani Porcelain Cats. Meiji Period. 8 inches (20cm) high.

A fine Late 19th Century (circa 1880) Meiji Period Gosho Ningyo of Momotaro the Peach Boy, based on a famous Japanese legend. This beautiful Gosho is elaborately detailed and fully armored, holding a banner with peach finial. The peach symbol appears several times on this magical Gosho. His wonderful face expresses his nobility. Carved entirely of wood and covered with highly burnished Gofun. 13 inches (33cm) height.

A spectacular early 19th Century Edo Period Takeda Ningyo in superb condition, a rare find in this condition. It is of the most elegant, for sure. He is an actor portraying a young Samurai. He has a beautifully carved face and wears sumptuous brocades. He has all of his original accessories, including a suit of armor on his back. He is positioned an a black lacquered stand on four legs. Total height is 20 inches. Figure height is 14 inches. 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Spectacular and dramatic Japanese Bunraku Puppet of a Sambaso dancer, rooted in myth, religion, and rituals performed at Shinto shrines and the imperial court, rituals aimed at conjuring up the gods. Has articulated eyes, mouth and arms making an array of wonderful expressions. He is holding his bell rattle, wearing a silk costume and a lacquered hat, presented on a classic Bunraku Puppet stand. 25.5 inches (65cm) tall.

Taisho Period (1912-1926) Gold and Black Lacquer Obento Lunch Box/Picnic Box filled with symbolism of eternal love. The deer and crane are symbols of longevity, and when they are paired they are symbols of eternal love. The pine tree is also a symbol of longevity. The pastoral scenes and gold flowers are beautifully rendered in gold lacquer on black lacquer. The handle is in the form of a pair of dragons. 14w x 12h x 7d inches, 35.5w x 30.5h x 18d inches.

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.

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.

19th Century Indian Processional Panel from Tamil Nadu in Southern India, 15.5 inches (39.5 cm) tall