From our Japanese Collection, a large and beautiful imari charger, Meiji Period (1868-1912), one of two similar pieces we have, of scalloped-edge form with a basket of flowering mums in the center medallion sitting upon a terrace enclosure, and with panels of prunus, chrysanthemums, and other flowering branches in the outer border, all vibrantly executed in traditional imari palette including iron-red, blue, orange, gilt and green. This is a rich and gorgeous piece with great presence.

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Fine old Cambodian lacquered woven bamboo betel box. No damage or restoration other than natural wear, as to be expected. Any lacquer coming from Southeast Asia with no signs of use is a strong indicator that its new. Circa 60 to 90 years old. D: 21.5cm/8.5in and H: 9cm/3.5in

Each plate has the design of a single chrysanthemum (kiku) shifted towards the left side of the plate … but they were carved in a way that each has a life of its own. None of them look the same. The design is sharply cut into thick layers of black urushi lacquer – tsuikoku. It is known to be a difficult job – this later lead to Kamakura bori(carving) which is a technique of lacquering on carved wood. The plates are very light. It indicates a high quality, matured wood inside. The edges ...

Japanese silk obi, Nagoya style, dyed with the design of Chinese Empress and court attendants in the bamboo grove. It appears that this was converted to current Nagoya style obi (from kimono?). The design of this obi is unique. The wide and narrow area of this obi has different designs on both sides and all seams appear clean. By taking one side of the seam apart, you have a large fabric to work with (double in size with one seam in the center). Making into a tapestry, wall hanging on c...

A Flask shaped vase decorated with a Shishi (Mythical Lion Creature) in a rugged landscape by multi talented artist Domoto Insho enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The vase is 10 inches (25 cm) tall and in fine condition. Insho (b. 1891) was a Kyoto artist, trained in the traditional Shijo manner, but not one to be bound by its rigidity. He studied at the Kyoto Municipal School of Fine Arts, and under the important artist Nishiyama Suishi. Consistently exhibitied at the large Nation...

From our Southeast Asia Collection, a fine and complete Burmese Kammavaca Manuscript, late 19th - early 20th century, containing all 16 leaves and the original teak wood covers.

Kammavaca manuscripts are a quintessentially Burmese artifact that reflect the general reverence afforded to the monastic system in that country. To Western eyes, they are usually just highly decorative ethnic handicrafts from an isolated and exotic culture. But to the Burmese, they are a rather important and quit...

A pair of Chinese candlesticks of European form decorated with sprays of flowers on a green cloud scroll background, gilt copper mounts. The bases are marked "CHINA". The dimensions are 11 3/4" tall and 4 1/4" in diameter at the base. Circa 1900 - 1920.

A Japanese leather tobacco pouch with pipe case (kiseruzutsu) and ojime made out of stag horn. The pipe case is finely carved in relief with an eagle on a pine branch above a waterfall; the ojime is engraved and decorated with a key fret design; the pouch with a patinated copper clasp modeled as a frog. All and all, it feel muscular (large) and detailed with quality. Pipe sold separately (Listed, item # 1036417). Meiji period (1868 - 1912). To search by the item numbers, just enter the num...

A Japanese tooled leather tobacco pouch decorated in low relief in gold and colors with shaped panels of boys at play, roosters, peonies, ducks, etc, silver peony shaped clasp; the pipe case in pressed fiber in imitation of rattan; agate ojime. Meiji period.

Antique highly carved low side table with marble top, made for export, scalloped top, beautiful hardwood with elaborately carved legs with claw feet and demon faces, apron is carved with flowers, Republic Period. Size: 18" high x 20 1/2" wide diameter (17" diameter of top)

From our Southeast Asia Collection, a very fine gilded Burmese hsun-ok or offering vessel, late 19th to early 20th century. Gilded offering vessels such as this present example would have been owned by wealthy Burmese families, and used exclusively for bringing food gifts to the monastery. They are constructed of bamboo and turned wood bodies, and decorated with scrolling floral designs called "chupan." Crafting the chupan design is actually a deceptively meticulous and laborious process, one t...

A charming Chinese porcelain vase with a painting of a young boy playfully dangling a spider in front of a cat while his mother appears to be feeding a bat (for good luck). Dating very early Republic period and in excellent condition with all enamels intact, this vase measures 9" high.

A lovely and cute Japanese pickle relish dish dated to the late Meiji period (1868-1912). The type is known as geisha ware due the subject matter so wonderfully represented. It is further without chips, cracks, or any damage whatsoever. It measures 9" long x 3.25" wide.

An unusual chato (tea room sword) in the shape of an octopus, its 8 legs stretched out in uniform with one curled back exposing the suckers. Eyes are intimated on one side, with an old chip where the breathing hole is opposite. About the neck is wrapped a faded silk chord. It is 22 inches (56 cm) long. It is said that these wooden swords were produced from the mid to late Edo period, in lieu of swords for those not allowed to carry weapons (all but samurai). During the Edo it is true that ...

This is an uchikake robe (outer kimono gown) probably used as Kabuki stage costume. The bottom and the openings of sleeves are thickly padded with cotton stuffing. The design is large paulownia leaves and flowers. The exterior and liner are both thick cotton. This robe is old, and a little soiled but the fabrics still have not lost it’s strength. It is an attractive display piece. One small tear (hole) in red liner in the back, some broken couching stitches.

48” (1.22m) wide...

Burmese silver ceremonial or monk's begging bowl. The exterior is decorated in repousse with a wide band of five mythological scenes with one figure and an elephant between foliage. Apparently unmarked. Condition: fine. Dimension: 13.8 cm diameter, 9.8 cm high, weight: 352 g.

A pair of six panel byobu by Abbot of Daitokuji, Priest Sohan Gempo (Murasakino Shoun) dating from the Meiji to Taisho period. The subject is an old song used to teach the basics of literacy as it is a panagram, containing every letter in the Japanese alphabet once; a popular subject for Zen artists for its simplicity and usefulness. The song itself seems to say, Keep it Simple, and the title I Ro Ha is used to mean basic. It can be translated according to Dr. Ryuichi Abe: Although its scen...

Lovely antique Japanese large rectangular tray with a scene of a woman gazing at the moon (inlaid mother of pearl), she is sitting near a small stream with flowers and grasses, misty clouds above, the tray is made of kiri wood and the decoration is made of beautiful cherry wood bark, outer sides are also covered in cherry bark, Taisho Period. Size: 24 3/4" long x 15 1/4" wide x 3 1/2" deep.