Unlike in the west, the rat has long been a symbol of fortune in Asia (it is after all one of the animals of the Zodiac). Here we see an interesting play on the animal. He stands on his back legs pulling a sack of treasure and magic mallet, perhaps having relieved these two articles from Hotei and Daikoku, two gods of fortune always pictured with them...

Beautiful Japanese Bonbori lanterns for hina dolls. Hand painted on silk and it is indeed one of a kind. The bonboris are placed on each side of the Emperor and Empress hina dolls during the Hina Matsuri Festival, Girl's Day, in March.

We have not seen this type of lantern until now. The silk is lifted here and there and detached from the frames with some deterioration (probably a reaction to the glue or metal). The amazing thing is how the original colors maintained without fading...

Beautiful silver and mixed metal vase with raised band of chrysanthemum flowers, comes with original kiri wood tomobako (box), Taisho Period (early 20th century), signed: Shubido. Size: 11 1/4" high

Japanese pair of heavy pure silver vases decorated with incised chrysanthemums, copper overlay on leaves, raised chrysanthemum mon on neck of each vase with gold overlay, Meiji Period (1868-1912), signed: Migen Yoshihiku Koku. Size: 12" high each.

An exquisite Murashi-Do Bronze vase signed Shuho and enclosed in the original wooden box. The baluster form is interrupted by three ribs starting at the shoulder and running partially down the sides. The vase is otherwise entirely undecorated, leaving all impression to shape alone. A fantastic piece, it is 12 inches (30 cm) tall, 7-1/2 inches (19 cm) diameter and in fine condition. It dates circa the first quarter of the 20th century.

Very large antique Japanese bronze temple water dispenser with handles and spout in the form of peach tree branches, Meiji Period (1868-1912). Size: 29" high x 21" wide.

Beautiful antique Japanese bronze vases with raised design of dragons on one side and phoenixes on the other, each vase inscribed, label states that these vases were presented by Members of Congress of Fukuoka Prefecture, Meiji Period (1868-1912). Size: 11 1/2" high x 6" wide.

A large bronze vase on rosewood stand featuring a dragon rising into three dimensional form from the murky surface; signed on the base Shinsui. The fearsome creature appears like a wraith, points of its armored body writhing through the dark patina. The stand itself is a work of art, exquisitely carved with four cut through diapers, on each corner of which is a squat leg, a large floral dial carved through in the center...

A deep and mournful sound emanates from this ancient Temple bell from Zennoji temple dated the 20th day, fourth month of 1686. One panel is inscribed Humbly presented, Shokakuzan Zenno Zen-Temple treasure, For the Nyodendoshi-Mujo Bosatsu Buddha. It is further inscribed Donated by Harada Shitaro of Saijo Village for the priest Jusanzoshu. We have been told by the previous owner this and another bell are from Zennoji Temple in Kanazawa prefecture...

A very unusual hammer textured lotus shaped tray featuring an insect crawling down the side enclosed in a wooden box titled Textured Leaf Shape Fruit Dish and signed Tekisui Zo (made by Tekisui). The brass basin is supported by a withering round stem convoluting beneath. A bright portion of brass hammered out with holes show the leaf slowly deteriorating, returning to earth. The insect is like a red flying-beetle or lady-bug, very detailed...

Japanese bronze statute of a peasant maiden. Signed Hidemitsu. Meiji Period. Height 30-1/2"; diameter of base 9-1/4".

Japanese 20th Century cylindrical vase by Living National Treasure KANAMORI EIICHI (1908-2001). KANAMORI was recognized for his metal inlay work and was considered to be the very best at this craft. The vase has a simple yet elegant design of a single tulip outlined in inlaid silver. The tulip is done in a rusty red color. The vase stands 9 7/8" tall by 3 5/16" wide at the top rim. The vase is signed EIICHI SAKU on the bottom. Comes with TOMOBAKO, original artist signed wooden storage box.

Japanese early 20th century art deco bronze swan. The swan is done in a silver and gold finish. Beautifully designed and executed by artist, JOSHIN. Signed JOSHIN on the bottom. The swan measures 8 3/8" tall, by 9" long and 3 1/2" wide. Comes with box.

Japanese early 20th century bronze art deco bamboo and sparrow vase. Signed by artist, KOMIN. The bamboo and sparrow are done in high relief. Beautifully made with a oxidized "blue" bronze finish. The vase measures 11" tall and 3 3/8" in diameter at the widest.

Japanese Meiji Period bronze vase. The vase has a poet on the front and bamboo and plum blossoms on the reverse. The handles are done in the shape of stylized elephant heads. Beautifully done with gold, silver and SHAKUDO inlays. Unsigned. The vase measures 13" tall and 8" wide at the handles.

There is incredible detail in all aspects of this huge bronze sculpture of a jacketed monkey and his elder handler resting on a bronze base signed Shojun (also read Katsunori), dating from the mid 20th century (1935-1965). Taking a break between performances, the aged man pulls out his pipe and tobacco pouch, his wizened countenance seeming as if speaking some soothing words to the creature, perhaps otsukare-sama. A chain runs from his wrist to a collar around the animals neck...

Antique Japanese silver and gilt Kanzashi; a hairpin with a humorous design of an old lock placed on "kinchuku", a moneybag, with coral beads. With a clear message, it will be a great gift to someone special. Length 7". Meiji period (1868-1912).

This is a very unique and beautiful Gin (silver) Kanzashi from Meiji Period (1868-1912). It has Samurai's Kabuto helmet and the plum blossoms resting on an open fan which moves to adjust the angle as the bells on the chains jingles. You can only imagine what the occasion was for. The first four photos were taken after it was polished, the rest were taken before. It truely looks beautiful now 5-6 months after being polished...