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

Large Japanese Okimono Sculpture of Jurōjin, God of Longevity with a turtle, also a symbol of long life, and a young boy representing the beginning of life. Exquisitely carved from one piece of boxwood with a beautiful, rich patina. 15.75 inches, 40 cm. In Japan, Jurōjin is one of the Daoist Seven Gods of Fortune, or Shichifukujin. He is the God of Longevity. Jurōjin originated from the Chinese Daoist god, the Old Man of the South Pole. He may have been and historical figure of the Northern Song Dynasty (960 – 1127). Jurōjin is identified as the personification of the Southern Polar Star. Paintings and sculpture of Jurōjin are considered auspicious.

19th Century Meiji Period Black and Gold Lacquer Box. Features a stunning design of wonderful lacquer techniques. Though large it is very delicate in its presentation of leaves, flowers and branches. 13.75w x 11d x 6h inches, 35w x 28d x 15h cm.

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.

An exceptional Pair of Small Japanese Six Panel Gold Leaf Screens that were part of a Girl's Day Hina display. They depict Imperial children playing in a beautiful setting. Wonderfully detailed paintings and a fresh image of childhood. They are in near mint condition, unusual for their age. 31w x 13 h inches, 78.5w x 33h cm.

Rare Japanese Iki Ningyo (Living Doll) depicting a man clothed only in a loincloth, showing his perfect physique, with left arm raised and right hand gesturing his strength. Superbly crafted in the latter part of the 19th century for the export market, fulfilling the demand for Japanese “exotica”, following Japan’s opening to the West in the mid-19th century. Fashioned of wood and covered in naturally pigmented gofun, with inset glass eyes, and featuring individually inserted human hair strands, depicted with a bushy mustache and chin beard, finely detailed musculature executed in a hyper-realistic manner, mounted on a burl wood stand. A superior museum-quality masterpiece from all angles. Published in Japanese Dolls: The Fascinating World of Ningyo. 20.5 inches, 52 cm.

Important Japanese Arita Charger with complex glazes, featuring a performance of Okina by a Noh actor set into an extraordinary design. Okina was traditionally performed for a royal audience. This piece was most likely made for royalty or aristocracy. There are many interesting motifs and intricate patterns in this wonderful work of art. Different from Noh and Kyogen, Okina is a performing art patterned after an ancient ritualistic ceremony. It is related to a folk ritual in which an ancient god brought blessings to the people, and was seen as a prayer for many descendants, peace and tranquility in the land, and bountiful harvests. 16.5 inches, 42cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Finely Carved Wood Iki Mask with Japanese Collection Label on Back. A wonderful example featuring a dynamic human presence. Detailed with glass eyes and human hair, and a burnished gofun lacquer finish. 6.25 x 6 inches, 16 x 15 cm.

Japanese Late Edo Period 19th Century Silver Rimpa Flower Screen, a fine masterpiece. Rimpa School represents the highest standard of decorative painting of all schools of Japanese painting. The flowers and other elements are raised by the use of Gofun (oyster shell lacquer). The flowers seem to jump from the silver field. This finely painted masterpiece features wonderful color on silver leaf. Each Panel: 51h x 24.25w inches, 129.5h x 61.5w cm; Total Dimensions: 51h x 97w inches, 129.5h x 246w cm.

Late Edo Period (1850-1868) Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day Doll) wearing an Eboshi, a court hat and robes with crests. He is seated in a court position and has a handsomely caved face. His silk fiber hairs are tied in a top knot. This is a well executed example. 11 inches (28cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Rare Large Edo Period (circa 1830-1860) Japanese Gosho Ningyo Depicting a Sumo Wrestler, clothed in exceptional finely embroidered textile with a floral design and Shishi (guardian of Buddha) on chirimen silk crepe. This large scale, wood-carved Ningyô has a beautifully rendered expressive face lacquered with Gofun (Oyster Shell). The pose is most striking, as well. Really an extraordinary find for the Ningyô enthusiast. 18 inches, 46 cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

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.

Japanese Meiji Period Blue and White Arita Porcelain Sculpture of Jo and Uba, an old and wrinkled couple who care for the pine trees and gather needles in Takasago, (based on a Noh play). Jo is depicted with a rake and Uba with a broom of twigs. This famous couple symbolizes Marital Love and Fidelity, and were created by Arita porcelain masters to bring marital bliss to a home. Male: 14.5 inches (37cm) high, Female: 13 inches (33cm) high.

Japanese Late Edo Period Bronze and Cloisonne Phoenix Incense Burner, presented as a fantastic rendition of the subject, with gorgeous colorful inlay creating a great work of art. Height: 10.5 inches (17cm), length: 11 inches (18cm).

Pair of 19th Century Japanese lacquer miniature composition masks representing living ("Iki" living figures) expressive faces, with ivory teeth, glass eyes and human hair. They have an arresting presence and are a great study of portraiture, representing fine Japanese craftsmanship. 5 inches (12.5cm) x 4.25 inches (11cm) wide (each). From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Very Large 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Ningyo pair of an Oiran Bijin, the highest ranking Kyoto courtesan bijin and her Kamuro (attendant), an elaborately attired pair of the finest quality. The Oiran and her attendant are wearing the most gorgeous, sumptuous brocades and textiles, all hand woven and painted chirimen silk crepe of beautiful shabori designs. The faces are exquisitely carved and covered with many layers of gofun (white oyster shell lacquer). Their expressions are just wonderful. Their fantastic hairstyles have an array of decorative ornaments. Her draping outer kimono (uchigake) is done in a beautiful floral pattern kinran design with a thick padded hem. There are endless exquisite details creating this masterwork. Mounted on a black lacquered stand. Oiran: 28 inches (71cm), Attendant: 20 inches (51 cm).

Japanese Hai Hai Gosho Ningyô. This extremely rare form of Japanese Doll is one of the most sought after of Gosho (Palace Doll). They were presented to royalty and upper class at the birth of a baby, and placed in the baby's chamber to protect from bad spirits. This is a very large example of this type of Gosho. It is covered with many layers of Gofun (Oyster Shell Lacquer) over papier mache. The hair is made entirely of silk. This most adorable baby is wearing a brocade bib and sits on a cushion while holding a Din Din (toy). Late 19th Century. 8.5 inches (21.5cm) high x 15.75 inches (40cm) long. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

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.

Sessho was a student of the legendary Tani Buncho. His paintings were collected and much appreciated by Emperor Meiji. He painted this gorgeous flower painting in a deliberately straightforward manner in order to take focus away from his superior technique and have you consider only the beauty of the subject. Silk Canvas and Mount. Mount: 72 x 25 inches, 182.5 x 63 cm. Painting: 44 x 20 inches, 112 x 50.5 cm. cf. 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; and Laurence P. Roberts' A Dictionary of Japanese Artists, New York, Weatherhill, 1976.