Heavily glazed Japanese katakuchi bowl in the shape of a “Sazae” turban shell. Written on the lid is “made by Matsuyama” and “kashiki” (dish for serving sweetmeats). On the reverse side, there is a signature, "Kei Ho-o En" with a seal. We are not quite sure if this is an original box. Meiji, late 1800s. Great bowl for the kaiseki cuisine? A hairline crack (enlarged photo #7) is a surface crack (does not go through to the other side). Approx...

From our Japanese Collection, a truly spectacular, massive, and published pair of imari double gourd vases, late Edo to early Meiji Period circa 1855 -1875, executed in the typical imari palette of iron-red, blue, orange, and gilt, with birds and dragons set against the "Three Friends of Winter" design of pine, prunus, and bamboo.

The double gourd shape is a very desirable form for imari collectors, but rarely is it encountered in such monumental proportions like this massive pair...

Antique uchishiki, Japanese alter cloth, embroidered on silk satin with Chinese theme, “The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove”. Probably from late 18th to mid 19th century. 26 3/8" x 25" (67cm x 63 1/2cm).

Condition: This is a beautiful antique textile even with some obvious damage and wear, still solid with a thick cotton backing. The wear is seen particularly on both ends of the design. This quality of needle work is seldom seen.

Gorinto (lit. 5-tiered stupa) sculpted in one piece from an extremely dense igneous stone. Muromachi Period ca. 1500, possibly earlier. Minor old loss. Slight lichen accumulation.

Height: 48.1 cm
Width: 15.2 cm
Depth: 14.6 cm
Packaged weight: 21 kg.

The gorinto is a uniquely Japanese style of stupa comprising five geometric forms, which correspond to (from bottom) earth, water, fire, wind, and ethereal space...

From our Japanese Collection, a very fine and very early imari charger, late 17th - early 18th century (circa 1690-1730), decorated with a flower pot, a scholar’s rock, and a large tree in full bloom upon a terraced pavilion, all executed in the typical early imari palette of blue, orange-red, and gilt, with the border done in a rich brocade of flower motifs.

Ordinarily, we do not gravitate much towards early Japanese imari simply on aesthetic grounds...

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...

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 flowers in the center medallion, and panels of prunus and karakusa in the outer border, all vibrantly executed in traditional imari palette of iron-red, blue, orange, and gilt. This is a rich and gorgeous piece with great presence.

Size and Condition: A large piece at 17 1/2 inches in diameter, 2 1/2 inches deep...

From our Japanese Collection, a very fine and attractive pair of imari fan plates, Meiji Period (1868-1912), executed in the typical imari palette of iron-red, blue, orange, and gilt, depicting birds in flight against a ground of floral motifs and a prunus tree, all rendered on white porcelain in the shape of an open folding fan...

From our Japanese Collection, a fine and rare early 18th century blue and white porcelain Arita bowl, Edo Period circa 1700-1730, painted in the Chinese style, depicting Shoulao (the Chinese god of wisdom and longevity) on a flying crane in the center well, with four alternating reserves depicting the Eight Immortals on the outer wall, separated by reserves of shou characters (Chinese good luck signs), and all executed in a slightly greyish underglaze blue typical of early 18th century Arita wa...

From our Japanese Collection, a very fine ivory carving, Meiji Period (1868-1912), probably Tokyo School but we cannot confirm the artist, depicting an elder carrying a rabbit in a basket along with a young boy who excitedly holds up a frog...

From our Japanese Collection, a fine and large mid-to-late 18th century blue and white porcelain dish, circa 1740-1780, painted in the Chinese style depicting a home with people on an embankment, a treed outcrop in the distance with geese flying overhead, and some unidentified structures in the foreground. The entire scene is surrounded by a border of characters, and all executed in a greyish blue on dense grey porcelain paste, typical of 18th century Japanese Arita ware...

From our Japanese Collection, a fine pair of imari flared-mouth vases, Meiji Period (1868-1912), richly executed in the traditional imari palette of iron-red, blue, orange, and gilt highlights. A very decorative pair measuring 12 1/4 inches tall, 6 3/4 inches wide at the shoulder...

From our Japanese Collection, a good Fuyode Ko-Imari Arita blue and white porcelain dish, the term "Fuyode" referring to late 17th century Japanese porcelain painted in the style of Chinese Ming Dynasty porcelain. This is one of the earliest examples of Japanese Arita ware. This dish is painted in underglaze blue with a central panel of flowering peony, and with panels of the “Three Friends of Winter" design (pine, bamboo, and prunus) in the border...

From our Japanese Collection, a good kutani baluster-shaped jar and cover, Meiji Period (1868-1912), executed in traditional kutani palette of iron-red, green, yellow, and gilt highlights, depicting a continuous scene of figures gathered around the circumference of the piece. A small but charming example of genuine 19th century kutani.

Size and condition: 7 1/4 inches tall, 5 inches at the shoulder...

From our Japanese Collection, a very good, large, and older pair of Japanese cloisonne vases, late Edo to early Meiji Period, probably 1850-1875, executed with floral motifs including wisteria, peony, and chrysanthemum, along with small birds and butterflies, all set against a turquoise blue ground upon a lobed, melon-shaped form...

From our Japanese Collection, a large and attractive pair of bamboo carvings, late Meiji - Taisho Period, depicting a continuous battle scene of fighting samurai, with some on horseback and some on foot, all well-carved and with a good patina. This pair makes a strong decorative statement...

This old Japanese Noh theater mask has the expressive face of an old man. The mask is carved from paulownia wood and dates to middle Edo period, around 1750. The patina is wonderful.

Mask measures approx 8 inches high and 6 inches wide

Very Fine and Rare Edo Period Usobuki Kyogen Mask in Excellent Condition. 8h x 5.5w inches, 20.5h x 14w cm. From the collection of Irwin Hersey, renowned author on Asian and primitive art, and publisher of the Primitive Art Newsletter in the 1970s. Irwin Hersey was an advisor to museums and prominent collectors, and vetted pieces for many of the international tribal art fairs and Asian art fairs.