Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (346)

Late Meiji Period (circa 1900) Japanese Signed Okimono Sculpture of a pair of Mandarin Ducks, symbols of life long faithfulness and one of Japan's most beautiful birds. Original artist signed box is included. Beautifully carved of Poloma wood, one of the finest woods used in Japanese sculpture, and gorgeously painted with vivid colors. They can be exhibited in an endless variety of positions and make a wonderful object of art. 3.5 x 8 inches, 9 x 20 cm. 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.

A unique early Edo Period 17th Century rectangular Lacquer Incense Box, with high relief and decorated with Gold Takamakie technique on thick Nashiji ground. Takamakie is a kind of relief combined with the Hiramakie technique. The base of the relief is made with charcoal powder. Hiramakie is　sprinkling metal powder or grains, sticking them onto the surface, using the adhesive ability of urushi tree sap. For sprinkling metal powders puffy raw silk threads are used while for grains a thin bamboo cylinder filter is used. The makie parts are whetted or polished after drying. Makie technique is indigenous to Japan. This fine box has an image of a tied pouch and thickly raised objects and flowers on a Nashiji (pear skin) sprinkled gold lacquer ground with details of kana-gai (pieces of gold or foil embedded in the lacquer). A magnificent work of art. It is rare to find such early lacquer in such excellent condition. 6.5w x 3.25d x 2h inches, 16.5w x 8d x 5h cm.

Japanese Meiji Period Musha Ningyo (Boys' Day Doll) depicting the legendary Emperor Ojin, seated in court attire and wearing dramatic cream brocades and lacquered armor, a fan in his right hand and wearing a classic gold eboshi cap. His face is finely carved with a regal expression. A rare and fine example. 18.5h x 20w inches, 47h x 51w cm.

Edo Period late 18th/early 19th Century Japanese Ningyo of Yamauba, the Forest Goddess, half woman and half spirit. She found Kintaro abandoned in the forest by his father, and saved his life. She raised him, and he became the Hercules of Japan. For sure one of the rarest of all Ningyo. Also the rarest of female images. Only a few of these may actually exist. She bares her breasts to nurse Kintaro, as seen in Japanese woodblock prints as a popular subject by artists such as Utamaro. She is holding a wild peach branch and Kintaro is in a sumptuous silk textile matching her Obi. She is wearing gorgeous textiles and beautiful tied hair of silk. Her face and bust are of the highest quality burnished gofun, creating her beautiful spirit face. She is sitting on a peach silk pillow. Displayed on a fine black velvet display stand. Overall dimensions: 11.5 x 8 x 8 inches, 29 x 20.5 x 20.5 cm; Yumauba: 10 x 7 inches, 25.5 x 18 cm. Fine Condition.

One of a collection of three fantastic and rare, large Edo Period Iki masks, de-accessioned from the Musée Archéologique in Strasbourg, France during the mid-20th Century. These three are rare for their large size. They have never before been offered on the art market. The other two masks are posted on this site. Carved Poloma wood with gofun (oyster shell lacquer), glass eyes and human hair. 7.5 inches (19 cm) high x 7 inches (18 cm) wide.

Edo Period Early 19th Century Japanese Gold Lacquered Box. An extraordinary master work inspired by the Rimpa style of Ogata Korin. This stunning box features a pair of Peacocks by a stream with auspicious Flowers and Butterflies rendered in high relief of gold lacquer and accents of mother of pearl. The beautifully rendered auspicious motif continues in the interior of this magnificent work of art. 16 x 12 x 5 inches, 40.5 x 30.5 x 12.5 cm. Excellent Condition.

Japanese Antique Ajiro Kago (Bamboo Fishing Basket) with an elegant form and design, signed by Kazuhiro. 18 inches (46cm) high x 6 inches (15cm) wide.

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. 7.5 inches, 19 cm tall.

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.

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.

The phurba is one of the most important of the shaman's implements, and this particular phurba is an exceptional example of the great effort and tremendous creativity that goes into the making of this magical tool. It has an upper section with 3 faces, one smiling, one wrathful, and one peaceful. The middle section is a vajra (symbol of lightning) whose twin tips rest on knots of eternity. The lower section represents Makara, the water divinity, who holds in his mouth the the triangular blade around which snakes are entwined. This phurba has a further uncommon touch, an animal rests atop it. Really a very fine example of Nepalese religious art. 8 inches, 20 cm. Very Good Condition.

Finely Painted Six-Panel Crane Screen, in various poses with leaves and flowers on a charcoal silver background. A highly styled creation of the Taisho Period. Taisho screens are very much sort after today for their unique beauty and the way that they complement a contemporary setting. Each Panel: 30h x 13w inches, 76h x 33w cm; total Dimensions: 30h x 80w inches, 76h x 203 cm.

Fine example of a Jomon Period Dogu, the earliest known Japanese figure. This figure was purchased in Japan and belonged to the renowned Japanese art historian, Shirley Day. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look. There are fun theories that state that the Dogu may be linked to extra-terrestrial Ancient Astronauts. The figures resemble 'space suits' complete with rivets and a helmet/face mask and goggles. The large eyes are also reminiscent of the traditional grey alien. 5.5 inches, 14 cm tall.

Fine example of a Jomon Period (13,000-300BC) Dogu Head, the earliest known Japanese figure. This figure was purchased in Japan in 1962 by a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look. There are fun theories that state that the Dogu may be linked to extra-terrestrial Ancient Astronauts. The figures resemble 'space suits' complete with rivets and a helmet/face mask and goggles. The large eyes are also reminiscent of the traditional grey alien. 3 x 2.25 inches, 7.5 x 5.75 cm. Very Good Condition.

Fine Meiji Period (circa 1870) Bunraku Puppet of a Sambaso Dancer. This rare puppet is operated by three Puppet Masters, who make it come to life to present a magical theatrical experience. He is carved of wood and covered with Gofun. He wears a rich blue and red robe with white under robe, and his head is adorned with a gold and black velvet hat. An embroidery Crane graces his back. The bells on his feet sound when he dances. 35 inches (89cm) height.

Exceedingly Rare 18th Century Japanese Karakuri-Ningyo (Mechanical Doll) of a whimsical figure from the early Edo Period, classic in its form. This figure is moved by strings and pulleys operated by three men hidden out of site. This one was part of a festival float, possibly for the Gion (New Year) Festival. This Ningyo has a fantastic face of the period. He is wearing a gorgeous costume of the finest textiles and sumptuous brocades. He stands on top of a beautiful silver lacquered stand featuring high relief flowers and leaves. Height: 23 inches, 58.5 cm.

Exquisitely Hand-Carved 19th Century Large Wall Panel Sculpture of Singha, from the Toba Batak People of Northern Sumatra. Singha is a supernatural creature who protects the home. He is a composite of a lion, serpent, buffalo, lizard, and human. This piece does have one repair, but it is clearly a native repair, that is, it was done by the original and native users of this piece. From the collection of Dutch collector Herman DaSilva. Good Condition. h20.5"(52cm), w19.5"(49cm), d4"(10cm)