Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese (332)

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.

Rokkaku Roukaku Sansui (Fine Hexagonal High Building) Japanese Garden Hanging Lantern of Iron and Sheet Metal with a lovely Cicada on the roof hoop, symbolizing Summer and the brevity of life, reminding the garden stroller to cherish each moment. A rare and unusual Edo Period example for the collector of exceptional pieces. 14 inches (35.5cm) high x 11 inches (28cm) wide.

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.

Yukimi Gata Toro (Lantern for Snow Viewing) that was used in the winter. Iron and Sheet Metal with a very rare Double Roof design. A rare and unusual Edo Period example for the serious collector. 12.5 inches (32cm) high x 10.25 inches (26cm) wide.

White Rabbit Ceramic Sculpture by Takegawa Chikusai (1809-1882), created in his final year, 1882. Takegawa Chikusai was responsible for putting Banko Yaki, and the Banko-gama kiln (established 1829) and its home of Yokkaichi City in Mie-ken back on its feet and on the map. Banko Yaki had previously been made in the early Edo Period in Kyoto. Takegawa Chikusai's work was bequeathed to the Yokkaichi Museum's permanent collection, so this is an extremely rare opportunity for you to own a masterpiece by this great artist. 11 x 7.5 inches, 28 x 19 cm. Excellent Condition. Signed with original box and inscriptions on the lid of the box.

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.

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.

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.

Yukumi Gata Toro (Lantern for View of Floating) that was used near water. Iron and Sheet Metal with a very rare Double Roof design. The door panels are in the shape of bamboo trees, the ancient Japanese symbol of resilience. A rare and unusual Edo Period example for the serious collector. 15 inches (38cm) high x 10.25 inches (26cm) wide.

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.

This is a rare, well-modeled and detailed 19th Century Japanese Arita Porcelain Elephant. It is based upon an outstanding 1680 Japanese Kakiemon model, which in turn, was derived from Chinese prototypes. This piece is enameled in red and cobalt with yellow accents. It is a beautiful and striking work of art. Width: 17 inches (43cm); Height: 8.25 inches (21cm).

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.

Gosho-ningyô or 'Palace Dolls' are among the most distinctive of the many Japanese doll forms. They were originally given as gifts within the imperial family. This fine example of a chubby boy holding a rope has a classic expression and playful posture. It is made of solid clay covered with gofun (oyster shell lacquer) with painted features and painted vest and a brocade bib. Height: 7.5 inches, 19 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 Edo Period Rare Large Pair of Girl's Day Festival Palace Guardians. They have all of their accessories and they are presented on wonderful stands. Their faces are carved of wood with amazing features. An extraordinary work of Ningyo Artistry. Height: 18 inches, 46 cm.

A very large and elaborate Meiji Period Takeda Ningyo of a Kabuki actor in the role of the great warrior Akechi Mitsuhide, who rose from a lowly farmer to become one of history's greatest samurai. This Ningyo is in Excellent Condition and is complete, which is amazing considering its complex construction. It was made in northern Japan, giving him him a unique look, as most Takeda Ningyo were made in Kyoto. Total dimensions: h31.5 x w16 x d11 inches, h80 x w40.5 x d28 cm. Figure height: 14.25 inches, 36 cm.

19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Hai Hai Ningyô lying on a beautiful Shibori silk pillow. The Hai Hai is the rarest of the Gosho form. They are presented in the upper class as a birth presentation gift to protect against bad spirits. This charming example has a Chomusubi (gift ribbon) on his head. 7.5 inches (19cm) long x 4 inches (10cm) high. Excellent Condition.

19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Black Lacquered Box with River, Bamboo, Flowers, and Fireflies. A gem of high quality with gorgeous fine details. 9.25 x 6.75 x 1.5 inches, 23.5 x 17 x 4 cm. Excellent Condition.