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

A warm grained Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) two piece Yonezawa Isho Tansu (clothing chest from Yonezawa) finely constructed of pine (matsu) and highly desirable paulownia (kiri). 42 x 34 x 16 inches (107 x 86 x 41 cm). Very Good Condition. This chest is from Shonai, a region of Yonezawa that makes chests that are highly prized for their combination of understated Japanese design with a sense of tradition.

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.

Important pair of very large Late Edo Period (19th Century) Japanese Carved Lacquered Panels. This work of art is of the highest museum quality. Works like these are usefully found in only in major museums and prominent private art collections. We are proud to offer this spectacular masterpiece. They feature four mythological and historical figures in relief, lacquered in the most amazing techniques. Framed with beautiful red lacquer that is part of the panel. 41.5 inches (105.5 cm)h x 33 inches (84 cm)w. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

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.

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.

Antique Japanese Carpenter Reel, Sumi Tsubo, Ink Line. 9.25 x 3 inches, 23.5 x 8 cm. It is rare to see sumi tsubo (Japanese carpenter's reel or inkline used for layout) fully intact with all its parts, including line and original stick pin, like this one. The Japanese word for tools is Dogu, which was originally the word for an itinerant monk's belongings. It alludes to the spiritual value which craftsmen put on their tools. Japanese antique carpenter tools are now artifacts with history and beauty and lots of personality, and of course now make great decorative objects. In the West, there were no carpentry tools in which the ink well, marking thread, winding wheel, and stickpin were united into one piece. This tool played a pivotal role in the development of Japanese architecture. They are beautiful hand carved sculpture and works of art in their own right. From the collection of Irwin Hersey, renowned author on Asian and primitive art, and publisher of the Primitive Art Newsletter in the 1970s. Irwin Hersey was an advisor to museums and prominent collectors, and vetted pieces for many of the international tribal art fairs and Asian art fairs.

Japanese Antique Walking Stick of Bamboo and Bamboo Root with a wonderfully carved Shangri-la scene depicting a goddess' arms extending to reach the Heavenly Peaches of Immortality. A fun and delightful work of Japanese art that you can take with you anywhere you go. 35.5 inches (90cm).

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).

Musha Ningyo of Shoki the Demon Queller, mid-19th Century late Edo early Meiji Period. An unusually large and early version holding a captured Oni (demon). This is a rare find for this subject. He is powerful and majestic. His face carved of wood with crystal eyes and massive beard and hair made of silk is a masterwork. He wears a Chinese cap and a robe with gorgeous, sumptuous brocades. According to Japanese folklore, the spirit of Shōki is able to scare away demons. Families with male children even today display Ningyo of Shōki to ward off evil spirits during the Boys' Day festival (Tango no Sekku, May 5th of each year). 23 inches (58.5cm) high.

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.

Japanese carved boxwood large Okimono, Mino-Kame turtle. Late 19th Century, Meiji Period. Mino (straw raincoat) Kame (turtle/tortoise) are named as such because Japanese believe the turtle lives such a long time that they grow algae on their on their shells, symbolizing longevity. A magnificent carving made of a single block of fine boxwood, showing amazing details and a beautiful wood grain throughout this masterpiece. 18 x 8.5 x 4 inches, 45.75 x 21.5 x 10 cm.

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.

Japanese Framed Painting of a Tiger. This dynamic image is a classic example of fine Japanese painting. A wonderful work of art to behold. 47 x 17.5 inches, 119.5 x 44.5 cm.

Japanese Gosho Ningyo of Momotaro the Peach Boy. This wonderful Ningyo represents Momotaro in a magical manner, his robes of chirimen silk crepe with painted designs of takaramono (sacred treasures) and peaches. He holds the pit of the peach in one hand and his banner with peach motif in the other. This is a wonderful ningyo, in great bright condition. Every aspect is of the highest quality. He has a gorgeous face, beautifully rendered, and is wearing sumptuous silk brocades stretched on a carved wood body (kimekomi). He is wearing a court hat and has a sword at his side. His height is 11.5 inches (29 cm). The black lacquered stand is 11.5 x 8.5 inches (29 x 21.5 cm).

Edo Period (circa 1850) Japanese Noh Mask of Shojo, representing a happy, merry soul. He has a reddish complexion from drinking sake. This mask has a wonderful, happy presence. Beautifully carved to create a compelling expression. Lacquer over Paloma wood. 8.5 x 5 inches, 21.5 x 13 cm. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Early Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Isho Ningyô of Sugawara no Michizane dressed in court attire. After his death, he was deified as Tenjin, the God of Literature and Knowledge. He gives an impressive appearance, elegant and commanding. His face bears an imperial expression. 28 inches, 71 cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

19th Century Japanese Porcelain figure of Kintaro in court attire in the style of a Gosho Ningyo (Palace Doll) holding a Crane. Kintaro loved all birds and animals. This rare porcelain figure is signed by Makuzu, a well recognized porcelain artist who is collected by museums and collectors in Japan. He uses glazes in his own recognizable style. 4 inches, 10 cm tall. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

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.