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

Japanese Cloisonne Vase with a Yellow-Eyed Dragon on a Maroon Field. Baluster form with silver wire inlay. 9.5 inches, 24 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.

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.

Japanese Musha Ningyo of Old Minister Takenouchi, Meiji Period, late 19th Century. 12.5 inches (31.75 cm) height.

This is a fine early Deco-style Japanese cloisonne box with a gorgeous multi-fan and wave design, silver rims and a fabric lining, attributed to Akatsuki. 4 x 3 x 1.75 inches, 10 x 7.5 x 4.5 cm. From an old Virginia Estate

This rare and exceptional Japanese Mirror Chest of Japanese Ash and Elm with Hand Mirror of fine Persimmon and Gorgeous Brass Metalwork is from the collection of a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. The brass hinges are adorned with Chrysanthemums, the Japanese symbol of health, happiness and well-being. Truly a wonderful and rare piece. 14.25h x 9.75w x 9d inches, 36h x 25w x 23d cm. Excellent Condition.

Late Edo Period (1850 - 1868) Japanese signed Noh theater Mask of Okame, the Goddess of Mirth, a very popular image in Japanese culture. A beautiful example of the type of mask done by a master carver, using Cypress wood (Hinoki) and many layers of Gofun, crushed oyster shell lacquer. A very charming and well rendered image. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Rare Japanese Edo Period Silver and Gilt Hair Ornament. Sterling and 999 pure Silver and Gilt hair ornament of magnificent quality made for an Oria, the highest class of geisha, featuring a crane in flight with flowers and branches and tassels. Presented on a museum presentation stand. 14 long x 6 wide x 10.5 inches high with base, 35.5 x 15.25 x 26.5 cm.

Late Edo Period (1850 -1868) Kyoto Bronze Vessel with an Encircling Dragon beautifully casted in high relief. Rich patina, wonderful shape, and a stunning design. Dragons are a Japanese symbol of strength and valor. 10 inches (25.5cm) tall x 10 inches (25.5cm) across. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

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.

Early Meiji Period (circa 1870) Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day Doll) of Emperor Ojin, Japan's first historically verified emperor. He has been deified as Hachiman Daimyojin, regarded as the guardian of warriors. This boys day figure is gorgeous in every way. The brocades are so sumptuous and the face is magnificent. He is wearing a Kabuto (court hat) and holding a long battle baton complete with a sword. The figure is 14 inches (35.5 cm) tall, and the overall height is 24.5 inches (62cm). From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Noh Theater Mask of Okina, the Happy Old Man, portraying a happy man of wisdom and joy in many Noh dramas. This Noh mask is carved by Ko-Ikiu III from a long line of Noh mask carvers. It is finely lacquered over paloma wood. Signed with original case. This mask is in Perfect Condition. 7.5 inches tall (15 inches with beard) x 6 inches wide, 19cm tall (38cm with beard) x 15cm wide.

Exceptional 19th Century Kyodai (Japanese Mirror Chest) beautifully constructed of very fine elm root. Japanese artisans ceased use of this expensive wood many years ago. 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. 31.5 x 16.5 x 9 inches, 80 x 42 x 22.5 cm. Excellent Condition.

An extremely rare and very large 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Iki Ningyo (living figure) of a young Bijin. An exquisite Ningyo representing idealized feminine Japanese beauty. She is posing as if for a photograph or for an artist. Every aspect is hyper realistic: the hair, eye lashes, accessories, and the painted kimono. She is holding a silver mirror and hair ornament as part of a collection of hair ornaments featuring a lacquered comb. Her beautiful face changes from different angles. Iki Ningyo in feminine form are rare; most are male forms. 27 inches, 68.5 cm.

Exceedingly rare and very large Japanese Meiji Period Imari Porcelain Vases Adapted as Lamps. These great vases are one of a kind, not to be seen or found again. Gorgeous, rich, colorful glazes featuring flowers and birds with a charming fence design, all featured on a translucent white glaze. Height: 41 inches, 104 cm.

A fantastic, extremely rare and important Edo Period Daki Ningyo, with a fine shibori outer kimono, and a red chirimen silk crepe inner kimono with a fawn-spot pattern. Featuring a beautifully sensitive life-like face. Looks wonderful in a seated or standing pose. All aspects of this Daki Ningyo are of the finest quality. We are confident that you have never before seen one of this age and quality offered for sale. Height: 25 inches, 63.5 cm.

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.

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).