Japanese oversized limited edition sosaku hanga woodblock print on gold leaf by Tadashi Nakayama (1927-2014) titled “Armored Horse (A).” This rare early image was created from six blocks, nine colors, and nine stages of printing. The vertical image is pencil-signed “T. Nakayama,” numbered 47/65, and dated 1969 in the bottom margin. The red kanji Nakayama seal is on the back. A color illustration of this image can be found on plate 129 of “T. Nakayama” published in 1989...

Wa-sarasa futonji made of cotton and dyed with pigments. Wa-sarasa is Japanese calico which is first made in Edo period immitating calico from abroad and stencil-resit dye or woodblock print. The product places were Nabeshima (Saga Pref. in Kyushu), Sakai (Osaka), Nagasaki (Kyushu) etc, however it is not clear where this futonji was made. In excellent condition. The latter half of the 19th century. 130cm x 168cm

A Japanese Mokugyo wooden temple bell, carved from kusunoki (camphor) wood in the form of a lifelike human skull. Used to accompany chants (sutras) in Taoist and Buddhist ceremonies. The base of the skull is signed "Bononshi", with matching tomobako.

Dimensions: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" x 4 1/2" H

This experimental work by young artist Hiramatsu Ryoma demonstrates his creative imagination and challenges the traditional boundaries of what defines a tea bowl. Described on the box as a “Kiretsu-mon” (ki = turtle, retsu = cracked, mon = design/ crest), according to Hiramatsu, his inspiration for this piece, and a number of others came from an ancient form of sea life known as an Ammonite—a large spiraled mollusk who’s shells are often found fossilized today...

Japanese Antique keyaki (em) wood isho tansu (clothing chest) from the Sendai area. Top portion of the chest has two small drawers (a rare configuration). There are 7 exterior drawers of various sizes and a safe box with a hinged door (with key) covering three small interior drawers. Hardware includes large lock plates with chrysanthemum mon and ornate pierced carved leaves.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 35" high x 46 3/4" wide x 17" deep

Antique Japanese two section clothing tansu, constructed of Kiri (paulownia) wood with hand-forged iron hardware and plates. The upper unit holds two drawers with two iron pulls each. The lock plate of each drawer overlaid with brass turtle and kiri leaves. The lower unit holds two staggered larger drawers with small safe door.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 37 1/4" x 16" x 39 3/4" H

Japanese inro with a large standing bull, frontally positioned with head lowered and looking ahead at the viewer. From the ring in his nose is a rope leading off to the side. The reverse image is a scene, entirely in gold lacquer, of rolling hills and pine saplings in the foreground. The inro opens to reveal a compartment lacquered red on the inside with a small removable inset tray.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 2 3/8" high x 3" wide

Antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest) with negoro lacquer finish (distressed red and black lacquer). Made of sugi (cryptomeria) wood. This chest has 10 drawers of various sizes and a compartment opened by sliding panels with one interior shelf. Extensive iron hardware includes round lock plates and warabite shaped drawer pulls. From the Matsumoto area of Japan.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 41 1/2" high x 31 1/2" wide x 14" deep

his is a wonderful Japanese Cloisonne lidded bowl, done in the Plique A Jour style. Lidded bowls like this are very difficult to come across. The piece is fairly large in size measuring 4 7/8" across and is 3 1/2" tall. An array of colorful and bright flowers and leaves decorate this exquisite bowl both top and bottom. The enamel is very thick and the decorations appear to have layered over top of the translucent inner layer. . It stands on 3 enameled and silver feet...

The Choraku line of potters began when a student of Kichizaemon XI (Keinyu) and Kichizaemon XII (Konyu) opened an independent kiln in Kyoto in 1904. The line was officially given the name Choraku in 1906 by Choyuken, the head of a very influential tea ceremony association. Red Raku chawan are a favorite of tea enthusiasts and seem to have a face for every mood. In the right light they may appear like an amber sunset on the horizon. In another light, like lanterns moving through a misty field...

A true Mashiko Chawan by greatest Shoji Hamada with a real beautiful Ameyu glaze, double boxed and originally signed and sealed by the artist.

This treasure was part of the exhibition "The artists who searched for Mingei".

Hamada Shoji (1894-1978) was one of the leading potters of the Japanese Mingei (Folk Craft) movement...

Japanese Showa period monochrome green musen shippo wireless cloisonne vase decorated around the circumference with a band of flowers and scrolling foliage executed in layers of stacked enamel. Chrome rims. 8 1/2" high. Post World War II (circa 1945-1960s). Very good overall condition.

Pair Japanese Blue and White Porcelain Soba Noodle Cups, Showa period, early 1900's, 3 1/8" high, 2 5/8" diameter-top rim, with transfered blue design on white, signed on the bottom. The condition is good, some missed glaze spots on the rim.

Japanese Blue and White Soba Noodle Cup, Showa period, late 1800 to early 1900's, 2 3/4" high, 3" diameter-top rim, tapered top and transfered blue design of flying Phoenix Bird among scrolling vines and leaves, unglazed bottom. The condition is good, some sand spots while firing in the kiln.

A set of five yunomi by Suzuki Osamu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kao no Aru Yunomi. Each cup has a small face on one side, pale glaze covering all but that smiling fellow and the foote. Each cup is 3 inches (8 cm) tall and in fine condition...

A five prong vajra or dorje. Bronze, with fine reddish green patina. Japan, 18th century. Length: 13 cm. Very good condition.

Japanese "Silver 950" marked Jewelry Box with etched design of Imperial Carriage in front of etched design of Mt. Fuji background, mid Showa period, 8 1/2" wide, 5 3/4" deep, 3 1/2" high, original Key included, inside the hinged top lined with red velvet divided tray and red velvet lined on top of Rosewood on the bottom. Beautifully etched and very fine quality of detailed of Imperial Carriage resting on the flowering bushes and Mt...

Wonderful medium-sized crater bowl, thinly potted of black clay and with glossy black glaze pitted with craters for volcanic moon-like effect, Signed Lovera; James Lovera (American, 1920-2015) modernist potter. Teacher at San Jose State University. James Lovera exhibited at the Crocker Museum in Sacramento in 2006: "Craters of Fire: Ceramics by James Lovera". With original inventory tag.

Age: c. 1990s.

Size: 8.5" Diameter x 5.25" Height