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

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.

Very early rare Edo Period Japanese ishô-ningyô of an Archer. It is a prototype of the takeda-ningyô Kabuki actor doll. This exceptional ningyô is a fine artistic masterpiece. He has a classic face with painted features creating a charming expression and is wearing sumptuous brocades, possessing the presence of highly sought after early Edo ningyô. Height: 15 inches, 38 cm.

Antique Japanese Bamboo Steamer with two sections and a large bamboo handle. The lid and top section are removable. 17.5 inches (44.5cm)h x 16 inches (40.5cm) wide.

Large Rare Japanese Clay Figure of a Young Girl playing with her pinwheel. Beautifully executed and glazed with wonderful colors, exhibiting the style of the 1920s Art Deco Period in look and form. Taisho Period. 16h x 9w x 9d inches, 40.5h x 23w x 23d cm.

Antique Japanese Ikebana flower arranging basket made of bamboo with an unusual sculptural image. It features large pieces of bamboo joined together to create the container, with a wonderful handle. 19.5 (50 cm) tall. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Extremely Rare 18th Century Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day) Dolls, Samurai Set. Ningyô this early almost never appear for sale, much less with all of its original accessories, as we have here with this very fine, scarce, museum quality pair. We are very proud to offer this set. They have finely carved faces, and are lacquered with many coats of Gofun (Oyster Shell). They are adorned with sumptuous silk brocades and silk armor, indicative of mid Edo Period Ningyô artists. This set is a treasure of great importance for the most discriminating collector. 24 inches (61cm). From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

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.

Magical, richly sculpted and beautifully formed Pair of Blue Kutani Porcelain Cats. Meiji Period. 8 inches (20cm) high.

A set of Three Meiji Period Japanese Isho Ningyo of rich, stylish young ladies viewing a book of leaves. They are created in a very unusual style. We have not seen anything like these before. They are gorgeous in every way. A work of art that transcends the usual. 7 inches (18cm) high. Wood base is 15 x 8.25 inches, 38 x 21 cm. Excellent Condition.

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.

18th Century Japanese Two Panel Painted Screen. All four seasons are represented here, with the background representing Winter and the kimono patterns representing Spring, Summer, and Fall. This is an unusual and creative take on the tagasode (whose sleeves?) genre of screen painting that usually depicts interiors. The pair of kimono poetically speak of a romantic liaison. The colors are breathtaking and the painting technique is pure master work. 68 inches (173 cm)w x 60 inches (152.5 cm)h. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

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. 21 x 8.5 inches, 53 x 21.5 cm. cf. Ekkehard May and Daniel McKee's Haiku & Haiga, Amsterdam, Hotei, 2006.

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.

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.

Meiji Period Japanese Safe with Drawers and Handsome Butterfly and Floral Metalwork. 13.5h x 12.5w x 12.5d inches, 34h x 32w x 32d cm.

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.

Very Rare Japanese Jomon Period (13,000-300BC) Terracotta torso (broken off at waist) in the form of a female figure with a bird head. Overall incised decoration. Accompanied by a small terracotta disc found in the same grave lot. Figure: 4.5 x 4 inches, 11.5 x 10 cm; Disc: 2.25 x 1.5 inches, 5.75 x 4 cm. Very Good Condition.

Very Rare and Fine Antique Japanese Basket by Suiko. Top Quality Artistry and Workmanship. This very basket is often imitated (the greatest form of flattery) and is widely known because of the copies, but now you have the rare opportunity of owning the signed original. Truly a remarkable find. 20 inches (51cm) high x 10 inches (25.5cm) wide.