This is tsutsugaki & handwriting fireman's cotton coat sashiko hanten coat of a splendid firefighter of the late Tokugawa period of the Edo era(1800-1867). This is a very advanced technique. And the entire surface is stitched with sashiko. The lining is indigo dyed...

Lobed pewter bowl with an etched scenery of a rocky seascape, Mount Fuji in the background. The surface matted, silvery. Meiji period, c 1900, seal mark to the base. Diameter "6 ¼ / 16 cm. Condition: a black spot to the exterior removed by polishing (cf. pics).

Two rattan handled and lidded water jugs in late Jugendstil, two of a kind. One designed by Richard Riemerschmied for the company of F & R Fischer c 1915, the other and smaller by Webster & Son, New York c 1920. The German jug hammered (pressed) and nickeled brass, the American jug silvered copper. Riemerschmid was co-founder of the Deutscher Werkbund, the ideas of which were close to the Wiener Werkstätte...

Exquisite kiln effects mark this Ujoyaki Tsubo by Imai Rikei from Aomori Prefecture enclosed in the original signed wooden box named Zuiha (Swirling wave). It is 33 cm tall, 29 cm diameter and in excellent condition. Imai Rikei was born in Aomori Prefecture in 1947, and fires in the Ujoykai traditional manner making use of the worlds longest climbing kiln (guiness book of world records, 103 meters long, you can see it on youtube)...

Height: 12.8 cm (5.1 in)
Width: 7.2 cm (2.9 in)
Depth: 3 cm (1.3 in)

Fine Japanese Satsuma Kutani porcelain vase; two main panels, both showing figures in rural and domestic settings; borders and sides decorated with raised gilt diaper work and floral roundels; flared butterfly handles; signed

A pair of Japanese negoro lacquer temple ritual sake offering containers, rich dark red lacquer over a black lacquer with a graceful body and a wishing ball stopper, Gigoshi, with a spiral design. The pair used for Buddhist purification and fulfillment rituals, and show the patina of respectful use.

Purchased in Japan from a Private Collection
Dates 18th/19th Century
Size H 14" x W 6"

An antique Japanese Gyosho Tansu (peddler's chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. The hinged door opens to 4 drawers where the merchant's wares were stored. The bottom drawer was used to keep documents, writing brushes, an inkstone and other business related accessories. Two iron rings on each side used with rope for carrying this chest on a peddler's back...

This is a Japanese antique indigo dy sakiori noragi hanten of paper, Hemp, cotton. It is an item from the Edo to Meiji era. This item was made in Sado region of Japan. It is a wonderful sakiori noragi haten, which is woven with very finely twisted indigo dye, hemp yarn and paper twist. The rubbing of the thread due to use has a warm touch. And the indigo dye lumps seem to look into the very beautiful sea. It does not stain or damage...

An antique Japanese Haribako (traditional tall neck sewing box) made of Kuwa (Mulberry), Kuri (Chestnut), and Kiri (Paulownia) woods. All original finish and hand made bronze hardware. The two upper drawers and the small drawer on the upper neck all have wooden sliding covers to protect the contents within. The hinged cover on the upper neck opens to a small recess where a pin cushion was kept. The center of the neck has a hole where originally a ruler called Shaku used to be held...

Kawase Hasui
Nakhwa Puyo (Fuyo Rakkagan). From the series Eight Views of Korea (Chosen Hakkei).
Date: 1939.
Size: Oban. Approximately 16.5 x 11.5 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Watanabe H seal at right margin used 1942-1945. Printer Ono Gintaro seal at lower right margin...

Miniature set of koi-nobori (carp streamer) which is put up on the Boy's Festival (or Child's Day on May 5). It is often decorated with miniature yoroi-kabuto (armors) or samurai dolls. Carp is a symbol of strength and success. 1970s. Two banners and outer cloth of two carp are synthetic. In good condition except for a small tip in the one of spears and one of tiny screw for wheels (yaguruma) is lost...

An antique Japanese Funa Tansu (Captain's Chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original finish and hand made iron fittings. It was constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. The base has an original cross beam support that adds strength and durability to this chest...

A Japanese Tanuki garden statue made of Shigaraki pottery. A perfect good luck mascot for any garden or indoor decor. Entirely hand made and created by a Shigaraki artisan. It wears a straw hat to protect its head from the elements and it carries a Japanese ledger book in its left paw. Known in Japan for its good luck abilities, it is often seen standing outside of restaurants and pubs attracting customers and diners to enter the business establishment...

An antique Japanese Nihon Matsu Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) that was made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original beautiful Urushi lacquer finish and hand made iron and bronze hardware including the Warabite handles. Pine and plum blossom Atari (handle backstops) and lock plates featuring a wealthy traveler's hat, Mino (straw cape), Takarabukuro (treasure bag) and Uchide No Kozuchi (treasure mallet). A natural dark patina developed around all of the metal...

A rare antique Japanese Kuruma Tansu (wheeled chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. All original including the finish and hand made iron fittings. Unique all drawer design. Iron rope rings on each corner to help roll this chest from place to place. Mortise and tenon joinery and hardened wood nails used in its construction. Sides and back horizontal ribs for added strength and durability.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1868).

Dimensions: 43" Wide x 40" High x ...

A well-cast bronze figure of a squatting horned demon (oni), dating to the late Edo period. Arms outstretched, as if to grab something (or someone?). Strong, expressive facial features. Measures 4-1/2" in height. Affixed to a custom base, which adds another inch or so, for a total height of just under 6". Traces of pigment.

This is a Japanese antique silk katazome Good quality child kimono of Auspicious Samurai helmet and arrows and crests pattern.It is a Good quality kimono of the Taisho era.It has no stain or damage. It is a very Excellent condition. Size:Length:103cm(40.5") Cuff to cuff, across the back: 85cm (33.4")

Two pieces of yogi (bedding) which are hand-sewn by a girl student at the sewing school which were established around 1880. It is called "hinagata" and generally one third of measurement of a real one. The left one is sodenashi yogi (sleeveless top cover) and the right one is yogi (top cover with sleeves). The purpose of making sewing samples is efficiency for time and material. It has been made till 1940s in the sewing school of which students are mostly girls. Each hinagata has a student's nam...