Amazing boro made of hand-spun and vegetable indigo dye cotton fragments. It used to be the lining of yogi, which is one kind of futon, in the shape of kimono. It is from the Japan Sea side district in Kansai, such as Fukui or Kyoto. It is partly sewn with hemp yarn. Late 19th to early 20th century. W:95cm, L:165cm

A quaint hand-carved image of Minogame (a sea turtle) supports this antique bamboo pipe tap dating from the second half of the 19th century, the rich dark wood highly polished from a century of fond handling glows like satin. The turtle is a symbol of longevity in Japan, and often is depicted in celebratory situations. Here the creature has been chiseled out of a solid chunk of wood, head raised over the top of its shell...

Image of a heron in water in rice-paste-resist dying technique (tsutsugaki) on cotton. The color showing are coffee brown for the background and different shades of brown with white for the heron. The image mounted as a hanging scroll, which has been cut to fit into a frame. Meiji period, late 19th century. Mingei.
Cotton image: 11 ¾ x 8 ¾ in. Frame: 36 ¼ x 13 in.
Excellent condition.

An exquisite pair of gofun covered fox on black and gold lacquered stands protected by copper wire cages, dating from the second half of the Edo period. They wear a shrewd look, eyes narrowed to slits, enhancing their mischievous image. The mystical carvings are covered in white gofun, stained a soft gray from age with highlights still white from eons of careful cleaning...

Incredible highly detailed hand carved Japanese temple ranma (transom carving). Carved of a solid thick slab of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood. Depicting a pair of beautiful musical apsaras (celestial beings), floating in a elaborate swirling clouds. Each figure is adorned with a head dress and whimsical flowing dress. The celestial beings are shown holding a drum and the other a flute. The transom is carved in high relief with great detail...

Japanese antique Jizai or "J" hook, made for hanging a large kettle by rope from rafters over fire pit, made of keyaki (elm) wood, wonderfully rough hewn and sculptural, carved with eight sides, great patina from smoke and use, Meiji Period (1868-1912). Size: 30 1/4" high x 15" wide x 4" think (10" wide including small cross beam at top).

Charming rustic Japanese antique jizai hook for heating water over a fire, made of keyaki (elm) wood and carved in the shape of a fish, beautiful wood grain with a deep patina from years of use, an iron hook is attached to the tail, a rope or chain would have threaded through a vertical hole from head to mouth, Edo Period (early to mid 19th century). Total size: 15" long x 6 1/2" high (fish is 4" high)

Fabulous almost art deco old Japanese medicine shop kanban or shop sign. Meiji Period C.1900.This sign was made for the Tayama Yakuho Medicine shop in Awakuni the Meiji Period name for present day Awajishima island near Shikoku. The Medicine, Keishintan, was for the stomach. We can translate all the writing on the sign by request. H:16" x W:34" Ask for shipping quote.

Exceedingly rare late Meiji Period C.1900 gold and black lacquered wood buddha stand with lotus leaves and buddhist clouds in carved relief. Negoro lacquer rim in back half with some wear, but otherwise in perfect nick. 20" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Exceptional and rare thick earthenware ceramic ebisu and daikoku masks that have slots on the top of their heads for money. Holes on the back to hang but piggy banks would have to be broken to get out the money. Great expressions and beautifully made folk art. 11" high by 10" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

DESCRIPTION: This outstanding and rare antique Japanese Tonkotsu, or tobacco box, has been crafted from boxwood in the form of the Three Wise Monkeys, with a beautifully carved Iwazaru, or “Speak no Evil” monkey, serving as the main tobacco container. Mizaru, or “See No Evil”, forms the ojime and Kikazaru, or “Hear No Evil”, forms the netsuke to complete the set. Each of these has been meticulously carved with inlaid eyes and finely delineated fur...

Antique Japanese Mingei Flat Pounding Board An exquisite patina covers this heavy pounding board from Northern Japan used for working rice into dough. It is 53.5 x 31 x 9 cm (21 x 12 x 3-1/2 inches) and is in excellent condition.

Eye-catching gold gilt Meiji Period C.1900 sake shop sign. Kanji characters read `Kiwami no Kotobuki` sake or Ultimate Happiness sake. The carving is in the shape of a sake keg. Excellent condition with minor lacquer wear. Old iron clamps were added in the back. See pictures. Size is 15" tall and 13" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Japanese pair of hardwood pulleys, carved out of Keyaki (elm) wood with hand-forged iron hooks and hardware. Two wooden wheels on the inside are built to support a rope. Each pulley is branded with a signature on both sides.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 7" x 14" (each)

Japanese mingei water wheel of hinoki wood. Constructed with iron nails, joinery, complete with 17 spokes and paddles with kanji characters. The central hub has an iron piston protruding for rotational function. The wheel comes with a contemporary custom steel mount which allows it to spin smoothly and silently.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 64 1/2" wide diameter x 9 1/8" deep (paddle)

Bamboo basket container coated with urushi. It is handwoven of bamboo strips and covered with washi (Japanese handmade papaer), and then painted with black urushi. It has a label inside which says "Kataji kawago" which used to be a basket made of bamboo or wicker and covered with deer skin, or covered with washi later. It also says it was made in Ise in Mie Prefecture. It has vegetable indigo dyed washi lining. Generally in good condition but has many parts urushi came off, breaks and wear...

Wood oke, a container with a handle. The strips around it are made of bamboo. Generally in good condition. It has carved character in the bottom but unreadable. The second half of the 19th century. Diameter:20.3cm, Height:23.3cm

Sake (or water) container made of hyotan painted with kakishibu (persimmon juice) many times. It has hand-bladed silk cord for decoration and carrying. In excellent condition except for a bit of wear in the tassels. Late 19th to early 20th century. L:44cm Diameter:8cm