Painted lacquerware in Asia is thought to have more than 3,000 years of history; originating in China and then later spreading to South East Asia, Korea, and Japan. One reason this craft has taken centuries to perfect is that the sap of the tree used is highly toxic and irritating to the skin and to the lungs. Even minor contact with the raw materials can cause serious issues, making collecting and refining it quite labor intensive...

Edo Era, circa 1850s-1860s, Japanese red lacquer over wood Japanese Bento Box in 5 sections. The exterior features Shibayama style of inlay on a red lacquer ground with the interior and underside being black lacquer. The Shibayama design has several types of stone inlays including MOP with branching, cherry blossoms, leaves, buds and rockery all done in raised work. The workmanship is very good...

Height: 21.5 cm (8.7 in)
Width: 10 cm (4 in)

Quality pair of Japanese hexagonal Satsuma vases; finely raised gilt decoration of individuals in rural settings; gilded diaper-work to the rims; marked on the base; good condition

A fabulous textured faceted bottle shaped vase by Sakai Hiroshi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Ai-ji Shino Ichirin Sashi (Blue Shino Single Flower Vase). It is 16.5 cm (6-1/2 inches) tall, 11.5 cm (5 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
Sakai Hiroshi was born in Toki City in central Mino country in 1960...

A vintage Japanese Isho Biraki (stacking clothing chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Kaki (Persimmon) woods. All original hardware including the Warabite handles. Upper section features two sliding doors, two drawers and a hinged door all providing space for organizing small items. The center section has two hinged doors that open to four removable Kimono trays where lighter clothes or linens can be stored. The bottom section has two large drawers for additional spacious storage...

An antique Japanese Isho Biraki (Kimono chest with doors) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. Upper section opens to 4 removable Kimono trays, 2 Obi trays and 3 small accessory drawers. The bottom section has 3 large drawers for additional spacious storage of clothes. All original hardware and constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1920)

Dimensions: 37 1/4" Wide by 64 1/4" High by 17 3/4" Deep

Antique Japanese geta tansu (shoe storage chest). Made of sugi (cryptomeria) wood with marquetry of various woods on the front. The top sliders open to reveal a compartment with a shelf. The lower sliders open to a compartment with 2 shelves. On the right hand side is a compartment with a full height hinged door originally intended for storing umbrellas.

Age: Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 34 3/4" high x 28" wide x 14" deep

A playful sculpture which challenges the viewers perception by Hayashi Yasuo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled simply Sakuhin (work). It is 12.5 x 9 x 12.5 cm and in perfect condition. According to a description of a similar work in the collection of the Met: Hayashi’s series of black and gray coil-built trompe l’oeil “boxes,” a group that was inspired by his experience flying without lights at night as a kamikaze pilot.....

Eisho Narazaki (1862-1936)
Interior of Asakusa Kannon Temple
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.5 inches.
Date: 1932
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Watanabe C seal at left margin, indicating a first edition printed 1929-42.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Toned paper.
There is so much to look at in this lively, superbly printed image.

A square Chinese cloisonne enamel gau box with four arched apertures and gold gilt strap loops for personal carrying. Richly decorated on a yellow ground with designs of formal lotus and foliage, the top side panel has a dark blue fylfot. The back panel, with the large red Shou-type character, slides up to open. Made for the Tibetan market, this dates early to mid 19th century, but could possibly be late 18th. Measures 3.35 inches high, 3" across, 1" deep.

The mouth of this vase opens like the thickly petaled chrysanthemum flower over a body decorated in thin blue with a roiling landscape of lakes and trees dotted with pavilions. It is an excellent example of the Hirado tradition in the 19th century. The vase is 14 cm (5-1/2 inches) diameter,28.8 cm (11-1/2 inches) tall and is in excellent condition.
The story of Hirado porcelain begins with the Matsura clan, who ruled over the Hirado domain during the Edo period (1603-1868)...

A wild vessel with torn and faceted sides covered in smoke and embers by important Tamba artist Nihsihata Tadashi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Yohen Hanaire (Kiln-altered Vase). It is 31 cm (over 12 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Nishihata Tadashi was born in Sasayama in the mountains of Hyogo, and ancient castle town in 1948. He began potting in 1969, focusing on items for use...

A stellar Black water jar by Yamaguchi Shozaemon XIII enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kamakura Nioi Mizusashi. Scraped cut and beat out of form with looping ribbons of clay for handles creating a bold, lively experience. Here is a Mizusashi which certainly does not let down. It is 21 cm (just over 8 inches) diameter at the base, 16.5 cm (6-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition...

Charming Japanese antique small cloisonne vase decorated with a scene of two koi swimming in a stream under blossoming wisteria, the flowers are done in purple, pink, yellow and white, the entire scene set on a turquoise blue ground, bottom contains an image of a bell (or suzu) with the name Gokou stamped onto the bottom, Meiji Period. Size: 7 1/2" high

A fine little octagonal blue and white porcelain kakiemon style deep dish. Chocolate brown glazed rim, white body and clear glaze over cobalt blue decoration of a primitive, raised teahouse with loose thatch roof and slung entrance screen all under a large willow tree and, conspicuously, a spiderweb (perhaps to emphasize closeness to nature) in the foreground. The interior wall and rim decorated with repeating pattern and karakusa (scrolling vine and leaf)...

An antique Japanese Isho Tansu (Kimono chest) in three sections made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All bronze hardware including the Warabite handles. Constructed using straight dovetail Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails. Two sliding doors to the top section behind which are three small drawers to the right and a split level shelf to the left...

An antique Japanese Tansu chest (called Ryo Biraki Isho Dansu) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron handles. A pair of hinged doors open to a set of Kimono and accoutrement drawers. Hardened wooden nail construction. Optional iron stand can be added for additional height.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 35 1/2" Wide by 19" High by 15 1/4" Deep

An antique Japanese Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged hardware including the Warabite style handles. The security door hides 2 drawers where valuables were kept. Constructed using straight dovetail Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Meiji period: (1880-1890) Dimensions: 36 3/4" Wide by 39 3/4" High by 16 3/8" Deep