Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian (342)

Meiji Period (circa 1890) Japanese Hago-ita (Battledore or Badminton) Paddle in its original display case. It is very rare to find one from this time period, especially with its original case. A deluxe example that is enhanced with three dimensional objects. We have never seen such a wonderful and elaborate Hago-ita. 26 inches 66 cm) tall with case. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Rooster and Hen Sculpture, wonderfully and finely detailed bronze over white metal with accents of red lacquer. This Art Nouveau pair is from a London collection. Japanese Art Nouvaeu flourished in Europe in the late 19th and early 20th Century. The Rooster and Hen is a popular subject in Japanese art. Symbolic of Yin and Yang, male and female. Rooster: 8 inches, 20.5 cm tall. Hen: 4.5 inches, 11.5 cm tall. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

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.

Fine Meiji Period (circa 1870) Bunraku Puppet of a Sambaso Dancer. This rare puppet is operated by three Puppet Masters, who make it come to life to present a magical theatrical experience. He is carved of wood and covered with Gofun. He wears a rich blue and red robe with white under robe, and his head is adorned with a gold and black velvet hat. An embroidery Crane graces his back. The bells on his feet sound when he dances. 35 inches (89cm) height.

A prominent Japanese dealer is currently offering a Kawabata Gyokusho painting of similar size for $21,500. You can find this painting online. Kawabata Gyokusho is considered the last great representative of the Shijo school of Japanese painting. His work is quite delicate, making use of Japanese technique in a realistic manner. He had many pupils who later became well known. His paintings are in the permanent collections of many major museums, including Oxford's Ashmolean Museum, New York's Metropolitan Museum, Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, Tokyo's National Museum, and London's Victoria and Albert Museum. This beautiful painting of his will make even the non-Japanese share the feeling that the Japanese have long had for Mount Fuji, that Fuji is a god and her surrounding waters and trees pay tribute to her. Silk Canvas. 48 x 20 inches, 122 x 50.5 cm, unmounted. cf. Nagatake Asano, Yukio Kobayashi, and Moritatsu Hosokawa, eds. Genshoku Meji Hyakunen Bijutsukan (Color Reproductions of Meiji Centennial Exhibition), Tokyo: Asahi Shinbunsha, 1967; Serge Eliseev's La Peinture Contemporaine au Japon, Paris: E. de Boccard, 1923; Mosho Kawabata, ed. Gyokusho-o Iboku-shu (collection of Gyokusho's Paintings), Tokyo: Kogeisha, 1931; Kurashina Zuroku Kindai Nihonga (Catalog of Japanese-Style Paintings Owned by The Tokyo University of Arts), Tokyo: Tokyo Geijutsu Daigaku, 1954; Arthur Morrison's The Painters of Japan, 2 volumes, London and Edinburgh: T.C. and E.C Jack, 1911; C.H. Mitchell's The Illustrated Books of the Nanga, Maruyama, Shijo, and other Related Schools of Japan: A Bibliography, Los Angeles: Dawson's Book Shop, 1972; Laurence P. Roberts' A Dictionary of Japanese Artists, New York, Weatherhill, 1976; and Naoteru Uyeno, ed. Japanese Arts and Crafts in the Meiji Era (English adaption by Richard Lane), Tokyo: Pan-Pacific Press, 1958. See also the following journals and serial publications: Kokka #7 (illustrated monthly journal of Oriental art), Tokyo: Kokkasha; Museum #202 (monthly publication of the Tokyo National Museum); Nihon no Bijutsu #17 (Japanese Art), Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, and Nara National Museum, eds., Tokyo: Shibundo; Nihon Bijutsu Zenshu volume 6 (Collection of Japanese Fine Art), 6 volumes, Tsuneo Fujita, ed., Tokyo: Bijutsu Shuppan-sha, 1969.

Pair of Exquisite Gilded 18th Century Japanese Angels Wood Sculpture. One angel has her scarf unfurled and caught in a tree. The other is up in the clouds in heaven. Legend has it the angel’s scarf is caught in a tree and did not allow her to heaven. A young man passing heard her and fell in love with her, but was distraught at her sadness and released her scarf so that she could fly back to heaven. Angel with scarf: 5 inches (13cm) long, Angel on clouds: 6 3/4 inches (17cm) long, height of both angels is 4.5 inches. Fine Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day Doll) depicting the Legendary Toyotomi Hideyoshi, seated in court position wearing dramatic brocades and gold lacquered armor, a gembun fan in his right hand and wearing a classic winged cap. His face is finely carved with a regal expression. This Ningyô is Meiji craftsmanship at its best. 14.5 inches, 37 cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Fine example of a Jomon Period Dogu, the earliest known Japanese figure. This figure was purchased in Japan and belonged to the renowned Japanese art historian, Shirley Day. 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 grey alien. 5.5 inches, 14 cm tall.

A 19th Century Isho Ningyo set of two Geisha entertainers, one a Koto Player, the other the highest ranking Orian singing. They are of the finest quality. They have beautifully carved faces and hands, and wear gorgeous, sumptuous brocades with fantastic embroidery. The Orian has fine embroidery of a carp ascending a waterfall, a crane, and turtles on waves. The Koto Player has embroidery of cherry blossoms and patterns of gold threads. The Koto is made of paloma wood, teak, and ivory. Geisha means 'woman of art'. The art may be shamisen playing, singing, dancing, and of course, the arts of conversation and tea ceremony hostess. Sizes: Orian 11.75 inches (30cm) high; Koto Player 7.75 inches (20cm) high; Koto 12 inches (30.5cm) wide.

Extremely Rare Edo Period late 18th/early 19th Century Buraku Theater Puppet. This very large puppet was operated by three puppet masters, with an operator manipulating the head and face to create a wide variety of expressions. We think this puppet was used to portray Benkie, the 13th century warrior monk of Hieizan and trusted adviser to Yoshitsune. He wears a black velvet robe and sumptuous textiles and fiercely brandishes his nagitana weapon. It is very unusual for a Bunraku puppet of this quality, age, and size to come up for sale. Height: 48 inches, 122 cm.

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.

A unique early Japanese Ikebana Basket with a rich camel colored bamboo entwined with Wisteria vines with a single, beautifully twisted and gnarled Wisteria branch. Highly sought after by the discriminating basket collectors. Edo Period, circa 1850. 14 inches (35.5cm) tall x 12.5 inches (31.5cm) wide. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Japanese Antique Ajiro Kago (Bamboo Fishing Basket) with an elegant form and design, signed by Kazuhiro. 18 inches (46cm) high x 6 inches (15cm) wide.

17th Century Early Edo Period Spectacular Japanese Temple Sculpture of Baku, a mythical beast loosely representing an Elephant with a combination of other animals, creating an original form. The Baku is the "Dream Catcher" of ancient Japanese Shinto mythology. It is inserted in the ceiling to watch over the temple. This Baku is a masterpiece sculpture of magnificent presence. It will surely be the focal point in any environment. It is carved entirely from solid Keyaki (Zelkova) wood, one the finest woods of Japan, and it takes two men just to lift it. Mounted on a lacquered stand, it rotates easily on the stand. 36 inches (91.5 cm) long x 25 inches (63.5 cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Rare and Fine Japanese Edo Period Musha Ningyo for the Boy's Day display, depicting the celebrated tea master and political adviser Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591), in a kneeling position wearing rich silk brocades. He is displayed in front of a beautiful and elegant wood and silk screen with four continuing panels of a dragon flying in the clouds and chasing the magic pearl of immortality. The screen is made of black lacquered wood with gilt threads couched and stumpworked onto a dark black silk background. Ningyo depicting Sen no Rikyu became popular in the opening decades of the 19th century when stories, plays, and ningyo connected with the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi (to whom Rikyu served as an important advisor) dominated many aspects of popular culture. Minor wear to black velvet collar, otherwise fine condition. Screen: 18 x 12.5 inches, 46 x 32 cm. Ningyo height: 8.5 inches, 21.5 cm.

An exceptional Edo Period Ikebana flower arranging basket. A wonderful addition for the collector of important baskets. This work of art features a monumental handle and wonderful shape. 33 inches (84 cm)h x 23.5 inches (60 cm)w. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

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.

Huge (36 inches, 91.5 cm across!) Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912) Cloisonné Charger with Flower and Bird motif. This is one of the most fantastic 19th Century Japanese Cloisonné works we have ever seen. The colors are magnificent and most vivid on a Robin Egg Blue field framed with a gorgeous pattern. The size is amazing and with the stunningly rendered flowers and birds, it makes for a rare, breathtaking exhibitor work of art that will be a spectacular center piece for any home or office. Excellent Condition.