Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese (331)

Late Edo Period Japanese Bronze Turtle. A fascinating, finely casted bronze turtle, it has a wonderful attitude. The beautifully rendered form shares the feelings of the turtle with the viewer. 14.5 inches (37cm) long, 7.5 inches (19cm) across, and 5.5 inches (14cm) high.

Antique Japanese Linen Banner Commemorating the pivotal Kawanakajima War of the Sengoku Period, a period rich in samurai history. War ships are depicted bearing the crests of the Takeda, Maeda, and Kato clans. A vibrant and powerful piece of Japanese history. 70.5 x 30.5 inches, 179 x 77.5 cm.

Fine Large Edo Period Japanese Tobacco Pipe (Kiseru) from the collection of a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. This imposing, oversized pipe of bamboo and bronze with its striking phoenix would have been smoked by a man of prestige, and the effect would have been quite intimidating. Acquired in Kyoto in 1985 by a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. 9 5/8 inches, 24.5 cm long. Very Good Condition.

An especially fine Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Gilded and Red and Black Lacquered Butsudan (Japanese Buddhist Altar) with an endless variety of luxuriously designed details, hidden drawers within secret compartments behind hidden panels, marvelously rendered images and elaborately carved sculpture. All other butsudan pale in comparison with this rare, museum quality showcase piece. This piece would have taken the maker close to 2 years to complete. 65 x 44 x 27 inches (166 x 112 x 69 cm). Excellent Condition.

Very Fine and Beautifully Rendered Hono Ema from the Tensho Shrine, dated October 7, 1695. The inscription reads Mikawa Province (modern day eastern Aichi Prefecture), Tomifuku-gun ('county'), Oshiro Mountain. While the wealthy would often give a horse as a gift to a Shinto shrine, the common person would give a Hono Ema (literally 'gift horse picture'). These plaques are then left hanging up at the shrine for the gods to see. This is a rare and museum quality work of Japanese Folk Art from the collection of a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. 23.5 x 16.5 inches, 60 x 42 cm.

A very rare and fine example of a Jomon Period (13,000-300BC) Terracotta Plaque of a Dogu, the earliest known Japanese figure. This figure was purchased from the H. Taneguchi Gallery of Kyoto in 1985 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 grey alien. 4 x 2.75 inches, 10 x 7 cm. Very Good Condition.

In keeping with our tradition of bringing you Rare and Fine Japanese Antiques that you can't find elsewhere, we present this 19th Century Elm Wood Japanese Rice Mill, a striking conversation piece for any home or office. 51.5 x 70 x 29 inches (131 x 178 x 74 cm). 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.

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.

Extremely Rare Edo Period Isho Ningyo Pulling a Wagon with a Crane. Early 18th Century Ningyo like this very rarely come up for sale. This Isho Ningyo is special, as it resembles a Karakui (mechanical) Ningyo. This important Ningyo has a classic face with painted features, sumptuous embroidered textiles, and is pulling a cart that has a crane inside. It stands on a lacquered base. A similar example is in the Homa Museum in Japan. 14.5h x 9.5w inches, 37h x 24w cm.

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.

A wonderful large Edo Period Gosho Ningyo of Urashimataro. A delightful, playful rendering of this timeless theme. These type of Palace Dolls are usually smaller. This charming example is a unique, wonderful form from all angles. He is wearing an embroidered cap and bib and has a highly burnished finished gofun pigment. 12h x 11w inches, 30.h x 28w cm. Excellent Condition.

Edo Period Kyogen Theater Karura (Garuda) Mask, donated in the 19th Century by the prominent collector, Dr. C.G. Weld to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Karura is a mythical fire-breathing bird-human creature from Buddhist-Hinduist mythology. A fine and rare example. Wood with lacquer. 8 x 6.25 inches, 20.5 x 16 cm.

This striking black and gold Japanese antique shop sign is from a Meiji Era (1868 - 1912) headquarters for a drug store chain. It dramatically declares that this shop carries the best elixirs for vitality, the best remedies for high blood pressure, and the most expedient cures for fever. 17.5 x 41 inches (44.5 x 104 cm). Excellent Condition.

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. 22 x 8.5 inches, 56 x 21.5 cm. cf. Ekkehard May and Daniel McKee's Haiku & Haiga, Amsterdam, Hotei, 2006.

Edo Period Sagemono Tobacco Pipe Set from the collection of a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. Kiseruzutsu (pipe case) of woven straw; kiseru (pipe) of silver, copper and bamboo with painted decorations; tobacco pouch of leather with a bronze dragon lock and a green glass Ojime (sliding button). Pipe and Case: 8 inches, 20 cm long; Pouch: 5 1/2 x 3 5/8 inches, 14 x 8.25 cm. Excellent Condition.

Fine Late 19th Century Bunraku Puppet of a Sambaso Dancer. This rare Bunraku 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 beautiful Robin egg blue and Saffron orange robes. His head is adorned with a silver and black hat featuring a rising sun. He is holding bells and a fan. 24.5 inches, 62cm.

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.