A paradigmatic basket by Tanabe Chikuunsai II enclosed in the orginal signed wooden box. This square form of open vertical slats is a favorite of this artist. It is 9 x 18 x 35 cm (3-1/2 x 7 x 14 inches) and is in excellent condition.
Tanabe Chikuunsai II (1910-2000) was born in Osaka the son of Tanabe Chikuunsai I and trained under his father...

A superb example of the Uma-no-me (Horse-eye) style platters of the Edo to Meiji period with five eyes surrounding a ring of spur marks centering on a dashed spray of grass. It is 32.5 cm (13 inches) diameter and in rare perfect condition, dating from the later Meiji period.
During the late Edo to Meiji period these plates were mass-produced as utilitarian wares in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture...

ONE EMPEROR AND TWO EMPRESSES

Unfinished wooden Hina dolls (Dolls displayed at the Girl’s Festival) covered with gofun (white pigment), Showa period, 20th century, Japan. Emperor: H 14 cm (5.51in), Empress: H 10.3 cm (4.05in)...

A “Bell” hollowed out from a bamboo root wth a small wooden hammer made of fine Kuwa wood enclosed in a kiri-wood box damaged by insects titled Jidai Chikkon Kane. It has a beautiful dark patina gathered over centuries of handling It is 14.5 x 18.5 x 23.5 cm (5-3/4 x 7-1/4 x 9-1/4 inches) and is in fine condition, with timy worm holes typica of age for bamboo. A piece like this would likely have been set on a desk, and struck with a hammer to call in a servant or request tea.

Spectacular Meiji Period Ca. 1890 votive shrine painting. Very large at 39" tall x 43' wide. Painted on cedar wood and framed in lacquered black with metal Imperial chrysanthemum crests on the frame. Ema - literally 'picture -horse' are hung at shrines where the 'kami' (spirits or gods) are believed to receive them and bestow good fortune. In ancient times people would donate horses to the shrine for good favor; over time this has transferred to a wooden plaque with a picture of a horse...

Two cuddly rabbits vie for our attention, a beautifully sculpted wood carving signed Yamaguchi Toshio from Hita Takayama in Gifu prefecture dating from the first half of the 20th century. It is 29 x 15 x 17 cm (11-1/2 x 6 x 7 inches) and is in excellent condition.

DANCING LONG-HEAD GOD

God of wisdom and longevity called 'Fukurokuju' as the one of the Japanese Seven Lucky Gods (ref. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukurokuju). Made of 'toso' (type of wood composition) inserted 'gyokugan' (glass eyes) into. 19th - early 20th century, Japan. H 23 x W 21 x D 10.5 cm (9.05 x 8.26 x 4.13in)...

PAIR OF OLD TSUTSUMI FOX DOLLS

Pottery. Meiji period (1868-1912), Japan. H 7.5 x W 3.2 x D 4.5 cm (2.95 x 1.25 x 1.77in). Lovely smaller size than today's because of old type. Aged deterioration as is as seen. Reference - https://discoversendai.travel/shopping/tsutsumi-yaki-tsutsumi-dolls/...

Japanese, Edo period, carved and painted wood Noh mask. Depicting Otafuku (popularly known as Okame), boldly and adeptly carved with full, deep, expressive features. Painted white all over, blackened teeth as was the custom, red lips, and black hair in distinct, fine brush strokes for affect. The hollowed out verso displaying the tool marks of the unknown artisan. Surfaces moderately distressed and with much patina from use and handling. Length, 8 1/4 inches.

Museum quality tea shop sign from late Meiji Period, Ca. 1900. With Japanese characters "Uji" , the famed tea growing area south of Kyoto, and the character "Cha" tea. Hand made iron fittings and made of wood. Age wear, very wabisabi. 16" wide; 22"tall ; 5" deep. great condition.

A woven work of bamboo art by Suemura Shobun enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The main framework is created from a single sheath of bamboo. The nodes creating both ends of the basket have been cut down the middle and split into canes separated only by a cross weave which spreads the single cane open to form the basin. It is signed beneath, and retains the original bamboo insert. The basket is 25 x 44 x 12.5 cm (10 x 17-1/2 x 5 inches) and is in excellent condition...

A pair of iron locks for old Japanese warehouse (kura). Mde of iron. In good condition, but one has a lost part. 19th century. W:13.5cm, H:10.3cm,

A fabulous carved wood image of the fearsome Shishi Lion with glass eyes dating from the Meiji period signed Kazumoto-to (Carved by Kazumoto). It is 35.5 cm x 26 cm x 27 cm (14 x 10-1/2 x 11 inches). There are a few chips in the curly mane and tail and some cracks typical of age along the grain in the base.

SHINGEN MOMO

Food sample (Food model or Fake food) handmade by the Japanese craftsman realistically recreating 'Shingen Momo' (ref: https://allabout-japan.com/en/article/1757/) with original package that win the top award at National Confectionery Exposition in 1984. Showa period, 20th century. Outer acrylic box: 24.5 x 14.8 x 5.5 cm (9.64 x 5.82 x 2.16in)...

A carved keyaki (zelkova) wood Ebisu style Jizai-Kagi (pot hanger suspended over a home’s hearth). Ebisu was one of the seven gods of good fortune and this form is thought to resemble his hat. Good examples are sought after works of folk art. The well conceived shape and proportions of the present example, as well as its acquired patina, is attractive and the condition good and serviceable. Minor abrading of wood surface. 19th century...

A Noh mask representing a young angel, goddess or enlightened woman called Zouonna of carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century. It is 21 x 13.5 cm and in overall fine condition bearing the carvers seal in the back.
A cool reserve seen in the passive expression, flat cheeks, unsmiling lips, and intelligent high forehead lends this mask a stately dignity that contrasts with the open expression of koomote and other standard young women's masks. The downcast eyes, narro...

Literally Barely Twenty the Hatachi Amari Noh mask represents the resentful ghost of the young fisherman in Fujito who has been murdered by the general to whom he disclosed a secret water passage. Carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century. It is 21.2 x 15 cm and in overall fine condition.
The name derives from a passage in the play and the mask, like Kawazu, was created specifically for the role. Like Kawazu and Yaseotoko, the gaunt face has protruding bones, stragg...

A Noh mask representing the God of Thunder, the God of Heaven, protector of Buddhism, or a ghost known as Ootobide (also Otobide or just Tobide). Carved wood with mineral pigments and gold, it is 21.2 x 16.2 cm and in fine condition, dating from the 20th century.
As befits its august character, the Ootobide is unusually large for a Noh mask and painted in gold. The mask has protruding, metallic gold, circular eyeballs with crossed eyes which create an illusion that the eyes are rolling arou...