Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (345)

Late 19th Century Japanese Kazari-Uma (Battle Horse). This deluxe extraordinary example is attributed to Marurei, one of the most important Ningyô artists. He now has Japanese National Treasure status. This handsomely adorned military horse is displayed on a Boys Day stand. The body hair is done by a technique called Ke-Ue-Saiku "fine work of fur planting" in which silk hairs are pasted on. It has gorgeous silk and lacquer trappings. It is positioned on a fine lacquered stand. This wonderful piece is of the finest quality. 28 inches (71cm) tall x 6 inches (15.5cm) wide x 20 inches (51cm) long. 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.

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.

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.

A very rare late Edo Period Iki Noh mask of Hannya, the jealous, revengeful demon who was once a beautiful woman. Carved of Poloma wood with many layers of lacquer. Glass eyes and horse hair. 8h x 5w x 3d inches, 20.25h x 12.75w x 7.5 cm.

A unique early Japanese Ikebana Basket with a rich camel colored bamboo entwined with Wisteria vines with a single, beautifully twisted and gnarled Wisteria branch. Highly sought after by the discriminating basket collectors. Edo Period, circa 1850. 14 inches (35.5cm) tall x 12.5 inches (31.5cm) wide. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

A very important find and a great day for the serious Satsuma collector who acquires this exceedingly rare pair of plates of breathtaking beauty, detail and color by the renowned Satsuma Master, Ryozan, depicting the two Goddesses of the Seven Lucky Gods, Benzai-ten and Kichijo-ten (Kichijo-ten sometimes replaces Fukurokuju in portrayals of the Seven Lucky Gods). These Goddesses of Good Luck, Happiness, and Learning are patrons of geisha and artists and are venerated by speculators, entrepreneurs and tradesmen who pray for luck in business and love. This is a one-of-a-kind portrayal and format by Ryozan, one of the foremost Satsuma artists of 19th Century Japan. 9 inches, 23 cm. Excellent Condition.

An exceptional Edo Period Ikebana flower arranging basket. A wonderful addition for the collector of important baskets. This work of art features a monumental handle and wonderful shape. 33 inches (84 cm)h x 23.5 inches (60 cm)w. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

A wonderful and rare late Edo Period Musha Ningyo (Warrior doll or Boy's Day doll) of a seated Empress Warrior Jingu. She has an unusual and striking presence. She is seated (most are standing), and she has all her accessories, wearing sumptuous silk brocade textiles. She has a beautifully carved face and hands of varnished gofun. 20 inches (51cm) high and 16 inches (40.5 cm) wide.

Late Edo Period Musha Ningyo of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. This wonderful example of high quality has an extraordinary presence, sumptuous brocades, gold lacquered armor, a spectacular helmet, and many other fine details. His face is gorgeously and masterfully carved with finely burnished gofun. Figure height: 20 inches (51cm), with arrows: 25 inches (63.5 cm). Excellent Condition.

An especially fine Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Gilded and Red and Black Lacquered Butsudan (Japanese Buddhist Altar) with an endless variety of luxuriously designed details, hidden drawers within secret compartments behind hidden panels, marvelously rendered images and elaborately carved sculpture. All other butsudan pale in comparison with this rare, museum quality showcase piece. This piece would have taken the maker close to 2 years to complete. 65 x 44 x 27 inches (166 x 112 x 69 cm). Excellent Condition.

Spectacular Early Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Lion Mask used on the head of a float for the Gion Festival. This huge mask is an arresting image to behold. This fabulous carving is heavily lacquered in red, black and gold. The head can be raised to show his open mouth, creating a very impressive and imposing presence to behold. 38 inches (96.5 cm)w x 25 inches (63.5 cm)h x 24 inches (61 cm)d. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Early Meiji Maneki Neko (Beckoning Cat), believed to bring wealth and good luck, from the collection of a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. The fur is white with random black and orange patches. This tri-coloring is considered especially lucky. This belief may be related to the rarity of this coloring in the Japanese bobtail cats, after which the Maneki Neko is modeled. This coloring is called Mi-ke in Japanese, meaning three-fur. 10 inches, 25.5 cm tall.

An extremely rare late Edo Period (circa 1860) Japanese albumin hand tinted photograph of a young foreigner dressed in a samurai's clothes. The art of portrait photography was brought to Japan in the late Edo Period by European photographers who first introduced photography to the Japanese. Westerners were fascinated by Japanese style and culture. They dressed up as Samurai and Geisha to pose for a photographic portrait. This early piece is a rare find for the photography collector. It is of artistic and historic importance. Image size: 41 x 18 inches, 104 x 46 cm.

19th Century Nepalese Shaman Sculpture with traces of yellow and red pigment and an incredible, dense, dark patina. So thick and dark is the amazing patina that the necklace that covers the chest and back, and the carvings on the skirt, are barely visible. The hole on the bottom indicates that this was likely the handle of a dagger or staff. The old customs seal is also on the bottom. 8 inches, 20 cm. Very Good Condition.

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.

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.

Japanese Antique Bronze Rabbit Sculpture in a natural form. It has a rich dark patina, and a wonderful alert presence. A classic Japanese image of a Rabbit, and a charming Meiji Period Bronze. circa 1890 - 1900. 6 inches, 15 cm height.