This type of fukusa is a cover placed over a gift at the time of a gift-giving ceremony such as the "Yui-noh" which is held prior to a wedding. The evergreen pine symbolizes the strength and devotion of men; the plum blossoms represent purity, subtle beauty and the inner strength of women. Bamboo is often used to describe the personality of men and women; for example, a person being as straight (honest) as bamboo could also mean flexible (bendable) to a large extent. When pine (matsu, SHO), bam...

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. The striker plate, in the form of a petaled f...

A set of seven very rare Pyu silver coins. Dated 100 to 900 AD. Some coins have holes in them, probably used for jewerly. Sizes: Large coin 2.4cm Smallest 1.4cm. Condition Fine. Natural patina.

Thai wooden naga finial carved on both sides and decorated with mirror-tiles, used for decoration on top of the roof.

Age: Thailand, Late Ayutthaya period, circa 18th century
Measurement: Height 103 C.M. / Width 28 C.M. (size excluding stand)
Condition: With natural wears from age. Please refer to the enlargement photos for more details.
Shipment: Worldwide shipping from Bangkok, Thailand at actual cost. Please e-mail us for the shipping fee.

Thai wooden naga finial carved on both sides and decorated with mirror-tiles, used for decoration on top of the roof.

Age: Thailand, Late Ayutthaya period, circa 18th century
Measurement: Height 110 C.M. / Width 28.5 C.M. (size excluding stand)
Condition: With natural wears from age. Please refer to the enlargement photos for more details.
Shipment: Worldwide shipping from Bangkok, Thailand at actual cost. Please e-mail us for the shipping fee.

Thai wooden naga finial carved on both sides and decorated with mirror-tiles, used for decoration on top of the roof.

Age: Thailand, Late Ayutthaya period, circa 18th century
Measurement: Height 104 C.M. / Width 28 C.M. (size excluding stand)
Condition: With natural wears from age. Please refer to the enlargement photos for more details.
Shipment: Worldwide shipping from Bangkok, Thailand at actual cost. Please e-mail us for the shipping fee.

Oarsmen battle Tempestuous seas to carry safely home their cargo of courtly women in this vivid scene signed Hakushun dated 1932. The oars bend under the strain of the ferocious seas, the oarsmen pull with all their might. Behind bamboo curtains the young women huddle together, their courtly robes flowing about like the oceans mad waves. A very powerful scene supervised by a noble seated at the back of the small ship, witnessed by a gaggle of cormorants resting on a jagged rock cluster. The ...

This is a superior Takeda ningyo (doll), an old Japanese theater doll which was most likely modeled after the character, Teiseiko from “Kokusenya-ya-Gassen.” It was a popular theater play in 18th to 19th century Japan. The setting of the play is during mid 17th century China towards the end of the Ming Dynasty. Teiseiko (also known as Watonai) was fighting the battle for the old dynasty. The play is based on a true story of "Teiseiko" who was born from a Chinese sea merchant and a Japanese...

Majestic Black-tailed cranes soar over the crisp white-caps of Japans Northern waters on this expansive screen painted by 20th century artist Okada Renseki (1904-1995). The artist has given the mysterious creatures a dramatic sense of movement, rising ever upward across the expanse of shimmering sea. Very rarely seen, the magnificent birds have long held a special place of reverence in the hearts of the Japanese people, reflected in many centuries of art. The scene is bordered in gold brocade...

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. The dish is roughly 6 by 7 inches (15 x 17.5 cm) an...

This baby carrier panel is a lovely old piece. Embroidered with a very intricate flowing pattern using silk floss and wrapped thread and satin stitch techniques. This piece is bordered with hand-loomed fabric. The back of the piece has recently been replaced. Condition is good 19" x 21.5

Burmese reddish brown glazed jar with V-shaped design on the body.

Age: Burma (Myanmar), circa 18th century
Measurement: Height 39.8 C.M. / Diameter 36 C.M.
Condition: Nice glaze and condition overall (some expected degradation due to its age). Please refer to the enlargement photos for more details.
Shipment: Worldwide shipping from Bangkok, Thailand at actual cost. Please e-mail us for the shipping fee.

This is a large doll, probably dated from Meiji to Taisho period, modeling a maiden from the Genroku era (1688-1703). Genroku culture which was the beginning of uprising power of the merchants in the Osaka area was glamorous and quite a contrast to the stiff culture of the samurai. Partially green lipstick that is shown on this doll became fashionable at the time. Her hair style is called Taka (high) Shimada or Bunkin Taka-Shimada.

The doll looks older than shown in some of the photos; h...

Gorgeous Chinese coat made all of silk with silk embroidered design of blue and white peonies, chrysanthemums and butterflies on an orange silk ground, pattern of waves and rocks along hem, sleeves of white silk embroidered with more flowers and butterflies, forbidden stitch (see detail photo), ribbon applique on sleeves and neck, lined in light blue silk, minor spots and fraying on sleeves, c. 1900. Size: 44 1/2" high x 56" wide

Rare pair of shrine guardians in the shape of foxes, both sitting on a two tiered elevation. The right one holds a moving jewel in its mouth, the left one a stick. Middle brown, dense wood with a beautiful patina where hands touched the backs and heads of the foxes and the bases. Red staining on inside of ears, inside the mouths, in nostrils. Crystal eyes. Bases made of the same wood. Bases inscribed: Hono, Osaka, shinshachu (in faith of mankind); Hokkinin (sponsors), Osaka, Minami Horie, jogo:...

Antique Japanese warrior dolls, musha ningyo displayed for the Japanese Boys Day. Clad in armor is a beautiful young widow, the Empress Jingo with her faithful retainer/high ranking minister, Takenouchi no Sukune. He is holding her baby Ojin (Oh-jin) who was later known as “The God of War”, the 15th Japanese emperor, Emperor Ojin. These are all original dolls including the baby.

Some old records indicate that in 300 AD, God came down to talk to Empress Jingo in her sleep. This was...

These are very unique Japanese zuishin dolls from the late Edo period (1603-1868). The dolls are commonly called Daijin minister dolls but they are actually figures of the Toneri, the imperial guardsmen and escorts from the Heian period (794-1185). The clothing of the dolls is rich and elaborate just like Kabuki actors on stage. At first, we thought these may be Takeda ningyo (Takeda theater dolls) from the same period (older Takeda dolls - late Edo to early Meiji) but the embroideries on t...

Antique Chinese buffet cabinet with three drawers along top, beautiful brass hardware, medium brown finish. Size: 33 1/4" high x 42" wide x 17 3/4" deep.