Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (345)

Rare Edo Period Kokin-bina Style of Empress & Emperor. Minor wear, fading to textile, otherwise fine condition. A classic, very early example of a Dairi-bina Imperial Couple for the Hina-matsuri Girl's Day celebration. The Emperor and Empress are seated atop a woven ungenberi fronted dais. They are a very fine early example. The emperor is wearing a lacquered court cap and tail, holding a shaku scepter, the me-bina lady is wearing a spectacular crown, and has a fabulous painted fan. All formal court attire. Their presence evokes the period with their gorgeous faces and sumptuous brocade and accessories. They are a masterpiece of the art of Ningyo. 19h x 35.5w, 48h x 90w cm.

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

Early 19th Century Edo Period signed Japanese Ikebana flower arranging wall basket made of bamboo woven by the master, Mineko, with wonderful color and design. Wall baskets of this quality are hard to come by. 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)h x 3.5 inches (9 cm)w. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Signed Late Edo Period 19th Century Japanese Noh Theater Mask of Ko-omote. This beautiful young woman is a very popular image in Japanese culture, and is sometimes used as an icon to represent Japan. A fine example of this type of mask rendered by a master carver, using cypress wood (Hinoki) and many layers of Gofun, crushed oyster shell lacquer. A very charming, hypnotic, well rendered image, with an Imperial purple tie . 8.25 inches (21cm) high x 5.25 inches (13.5) wide.

Signed Late 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Noh Mask of the jealous female spirit, Hannya. One of the most famous of Noh Masks, sought after by serious collectors. One of the best examples we have offered. It is finely carved and painted, the expression is fantastic, and all the details and patina are wonderful. 10h x 6w inches, 25.5h x 15.5w cm.

A wonderful Meji Period Japanese cloisonne vase with an array of flowers on a pale green ground featuring a silverised metal basket weave. Height: 7 inches, 18 cm.

A rare late Edo Period four-panel silverized Japanese Screen. A fine scholar's composition of bamboo, rocks, and a swallow in flight. A beautifully painted sumi, with a fine oxidized silverized patina. It appears to have the original brocade frame. The screen is in extraordinary condition for its age. A superb, museum quality screen and an important find. Height: 40 inches, 101.5 cm; Width: 72 inches, 183 cm.

Spectacular 19th Century Japanese Bamboo Ikebana Basket. A real masterpiece. 39.5 inches (100cm) tall, 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.

A spectacular 19th Century Japanese Bronze Horse, with a wonderful dark caramel brown patina, featuring a classic Japanese wave design in the mane and tail. This important bronze is a masterpiece of the finest quality. 21 inches (53.5cm) wide x 18 inches (46cm) high.

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.

A spectacular Meiji Period Satsuma vase by Kinzan I. In 2001, the Kinzan kiln was designated a National treasure by the Japanese government. The Kinzan kiln pioneered and developed unique gilding techniques, such as underglaze gold leaf. This rare vase is a wonderful example of Kinzan's mastery. Height: 10.5 inches (27cm), circumference: 21.75 inches ((55cm).

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.

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.

Japanese Two Panel Screen of Snow Cranes on a Willow Tree. This great masterpiece is one of the most amazing screen paintings we have seen. Each Snow Crane is painted with its own personality and attitude, using the finest pigments and Gofun (Oyster Shell Lacquer). All of the elements of this painting are just magical. Brocade borders in a black lacquered frame make this two panel screen complete this work of art. 66 inches (167.5 cm)w x 62 inches (157.5 cm)h. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Sculpture of a Falcon with open wings landing on a rock with waves. This is an exciting work, featuring one of the most revered birds of Japan. The falcon's deep gaze pulls you in. 19h x 20.5w inches, 48h x 52w cm. Excellent Condition.

Japanese Kamakurabori Lacquered Box by Kasen, with a design of Peony and Shishi, Buddha's Guardian Protector. Gorgeous rich red lacquer intricately carved in high relief. A superb example that is rare for its size, quality, and superior technique. Meiji Period, circa 1890. 13 inches x (33cm) long x 11 inches (28cm) wide x 6 inches (15cm) deep. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

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