Antique Japanese 2-panel byobu screen. Covered with small squares of pale gold leaf. That this is antique is told by the size and quality of the gold leaf squares.

Dimensions: 35 1/4" high x 51 1/2" long

Chinese scroll painting of a beautiful maiden. She stands in a loosely draped salmon colored gown with red chording, a transparent shawl around her bare shoulders. Atop her head is a bright pink peony flower. At her feet, is an exuberance of wide leaves, the over all appearance is that she is part of the blossoming plant. Dramatic calligraphy dominates the left hand side of the painting. Signed by Wu Fan...

Shoda Koho
Futamigaura - Wedded Rocks
From the Hasegawa Night Scenes series.
Size: Chuban. Approximately 11.5 x 8.5 inches.
Date: 1910s-20s. This edition 1938-60s.
Publisher: Hasegawa/Nishinomiya Yosaku. Seal at left margin.
Sealed by artist at lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

The mastery of expression accomplished by Suwa Sozan I is evident in this pair of porcelain children enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Gosai Doshi Okimono (Five Colored Figure of Children). This piece is published in the definitive book “Suwa Sozan Sakuhin Shu” (1971). In the book the photo title is more specific “Gosai Mimiakatori Karako Okimono” (Five Color Figure of Chinese Children Cleaning Ears) and the work is dated to 1913...

Raku-ware carries with it a very naturalistic aura; with its implements made of raw clay, its use of fire water and air to shape and harden these implements, and with its myriad processes that produce smooth glossy surfaces—like those often found in nature. In fact, if you look more deeply into Raku, you find that many of the shapes and motifs are also inspired by nature...

An antique 2 section tall Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Beautiful original finish of fine Shunkei-Nuri (lacquer) in front and a wiped lacquer technique on the top and sides. In addition, the handmade iron hardware is original with Warabite handles. Top section has two sliding doors with 5 drawers below...

Japanese antique rectangular kesa or priest/monk's outer vestment cloth. This asa (hemp) kesa is a yellow/gold color and finely woven with a design of phoenixes and clouds.

Often described as a mantel or robe, the kesa is worn draped diagonally over the left shoulder and under the right armpit. It is meant as a reminder of the Buddha's own simple patched garment, kesa are formed from many fragments of the same cloth...

A Japanese Kutani porcelain Koro or incense burner, with a round body raised on three animal-mask legs and applied with shishi-mask handles. The domed, pierced cover is surmounted with a further shishi. The whole decorated in overglaze enamels with peacock and golden pheasant amid rocks and peonies, all on a yellow "roe" ground. Marked with a seal to the base "Kutani" amidst scrolling clouds, it dates late 20th C, circa 1980, and is in excellent condition...

This tranquil winter scene showing a group of birds taking shelter in the snowy boughs of a tree was done by well-known Edo painter, poet, and tea ceremony devotee—Baiitsu Yamamoto.

A native of Nagoya, a bustling Japanese center for shipping and trade in Late Edo, Baiitsu was heavily influenced by works of Chinese art, especially the naturalistic landscapes that made their way into Japan through this port city...

Unusual colored Imari porcelain sake server with panels depicting a beauty and a courtier, flying cranes in background with scrolling vine and shippo design, gilt bronze rim at opening. Colors of medium blue, orange, red, brown and black. With fluted sides and 6 character mark on recessed bottom. Good condition.

Edo period, circa early 1800s

Size: 9.5"H x 6"D

A white pidgeon perches on a discarded or fallen roof tile decorated with calligraphy by Miyanaga Tozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 9 inches (23 cm) tall and in excellent condition. I believe this is likely by the second generation.
Miyanaga Tozan I (1868-1941) is one of the most important names in Kyoto ceramics. He was born in Ishikawa prefecture, and graduated from the (now) Tokyo University of Art...

Regal free-flowing bamboo and rattan basket from one of the masters of bamaboo basket making, Sakaguchi Sounsai b. 1899-1967. Studied under Tanabe Chikuunsai I and was active in the Osaka and Kyoto region. Featured on page 90 of 'Masters of Bamboo by Melissa Rinne. Susudake (smoked farmhouse bamboo) is flattened and bent to create a bold statement of beauty and refinement. Bamboo vase inset. 9" tall by 10" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

A set of five long narrow plates by Minami Ayako enclosed in the original signed wooden box upon which is written the titles of each dish. Each dish is uniquely decorated, with Rimpa style waves, flowers in snow, a golden sun peering from behind clouds, the moon rising through the mist, or just swirling colorful clouds. A beautiful set perfect for tapas or small hors d’ oeuvres (or perhaps eel for the daring crowd)...

Reliquary in the shape of a pagoda, used to house the Hokyoin Sutra. This type of reliquary originates from China and developed in Japan in the Kamakura era. The Hokyoin Darani sutra contains invocations that make it easier for the soul of the deceased to find its way out of Hell directly into Paradise. These pagodas are usually made of stone, so they can be buried with the deceased. The sutra is recited daily in esoteric Buddhist sects, and is venerated as a relic of the Buddha Shakyamuni...

Large shrine, zushi, made on special order for a temple...

A striking Japanese black cloisonne box with a hinged lid. The lid features flowers and a tree at the water's edge. The bottom is decorated with scrolling wires against a black ground. The scrolling wire pattern continues on the sides and is accented with small white flowers. In excellent condition, it measures 3.5" by 4" by 1.5" high. Size would have worked for use as a cigarette box. Dates early 20th C.

Set of two bronze ewers for pouring sake at a banquet or wedding ceremony. One sake ewer with a long handle and two spouts (called naga-e choshi), used to serve sake to guest. At smaller gatherings, only one spout is used; when larger numbers of people need to be served, both spouts may be used. The second sake ewer in kettle shape with a single spout (called hisage), used to transfer sake from the barrel to the choshi, as a sort of decanter.
The sides of each ewer finely engraved with the ...

War fan, gunbai uchiwa, made of bronze clad wood, in the shape of a butterfly. In low relief on front and back the text Hachiman Daibosatsu, surrounded by generic family crests in the shape of quinces. Hachiman is a war deity. These fans were traditionally handled by samurai commanders to direct his troops in battle. It is also a symbol of power.

Japan, Meiji era, early 20th century.

H 21.5 x W 15.75 inches

Some corrosion, good condition