TOOL MADE FROM BRANCHED TREE

Soot-colored folk wooden tool from Tohoku region, Japan (related with straw thing but unidentefied usage) that applies the coincidental practical form created by natural forces to its main body with the minimum human processing. 19th century. approx...

Kanban or shop sign. The sign indicates that the store would sell or manufacture ornamental pin holders for the oars on a boat (ireko), in the shape of dolls. According to the sketch pasted to the back of the kanban, this holder is mounted on the oar and is placed over a pin mounted on the boat edge. The oar pivots around that pin, so that the oar moves the boat through the water.

The pin holders are decorated as a male and a female doll in court style, their mouths wide open...

Distinctly art deco, this C.1920 late Taisho Period exemplifies the burgeoning japanese basket makers shift to bold weaves and incorporating new mediums. The use of fuji (wisteria vines) intertwined with bamboo creates an entirely new ascetic. 16" tall and 9" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Fabulous Taisho Period c.1920 iron lantern. Repapered and electric source added. Very art deco. 10" tall by 9" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote from California.

Rare pair of Taisho Period, C.1920 clay Shinto Inari foxes. One has a scroll in its mouth, the other the Hoju sacred gem. Very good condition. 13" high by 7" wide. Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.

Very rare 'Noshi" celebration wood carving. Noshi is an ornament attached to gifts and presents offered on festive occasions in Japan like weddings, births etc. This carving is a jizaikagi used on a hearth pot holder with iron fittings and bamboo pole. This would hang over the irori hearth and hold the pot above the coals. 61" long by 13" wide. great condition. Shipping from CA warehouse.

A shop sign carved from a block of knotted wood in the shape of a tea leaf jar engraved on both sides with the character Cha (Tea) originally gilded which still reflects light from the correct angle. A large knot making up one shoulder has split apart in the center, while the outside edge remains intact. A perfect example of the Japanese aesthetic of wabisabi. It is 32 x 3 x 32.5 cm (roughly 13 x 1 x 13 inches)...

Sculpture of a long-nosed tanuki, walking with a hat on its back and a flask in its left paw. The piece is built around a large piece of root wood that comprises the torso, legs, the enlarged scrotum and tail. The head is a separate piece of root wood, the ears inserted. The sake flask is a small piece of root wood, and the hat is carved from a slab of a different wood species...

Beautifully plaited bamboo basket we think by Iizuka Sounsai of the famed Iizuka Family of reknown basket makers in the Taisho and Showa eras. It is not signed but exactly like the signed Kyokusho (Sounsai's art name) pc4 we have on the site. Circa 1920 – 1940. Iizuka Kyokusho was a brother of Iizuka Rokansai and Iizuka Hosai. He worked in Tokyo, and liked to work with slat bamboo. 12" tall by 10" wide. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Tatougami which was used at the pawnshop for wrapping pawned items. The name of the shop is "koyama Shichi-ten" and it has the shop's logo "小" in the square. It is a few layers of old washi (handmade paper) pasted together and painted with kakishibu (persimmon tannin) for strength and waterproof. Shichiya (pawn shop) appeared in Kamakura period and developed much in Edo period. 19th century, however one of mending paper has letters "Taisho 4 (1916). Top:87cm x 32cm, Bottom:75cm x 32cm

An antique Japanese Ikebana bamboo basket in a baluster form. A pair of twisting branches form the handle and extend in a swirl pattern around the body. The knots connecting the branches to the body take the shape of stylized cranes and turtles. The body has a criss cross spiral weave.

Age: Circa 1900-1920

Dimensions: 11" Wide by 22" High by 9 3/8" Deep

Brilliant Taisho Period ca. 1920 natural dye cotton futon cover for wedding celebration. Featuring Japan's 3 famous auspicious symbols for happines and longevity; cranes, trutle and pine. 4ft x 3 1/2ft. great condition with a little shredding on one edge. Ask for shipping quote.

A bag which is hand-plaited with indigo dye hemp string. It is carried on the back with various items. 19th to early 20th century. One string is cut. W:15cm, L:62cm

THREE LASTS

Lasts for 'Yuki-gutsu' as traditional Japanese snow boots made of straw.
Rustic and beautiful. Well-used and warmhearted 'mingei' tools as seen.

Large: approx. L 48cm (18.89in), W 10cm (3.93in)
Small: approx...

Very unusual large "Tai" fish mold for a sweets shop. The sweets shop stamp "Shiohama-ya" is on the back. Made of cypress wood. Excellent condition. 17" long by 9" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Unique late Taisho Period C. 1925 bamboo flower basket with root handle. The bamboo inserts perpendicular to the ami weave creates a stunning elegant effect. Excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Stunningly beautiful Japanese Taisho Period C.1925 bamboo flower basket. Double ami warp and weft weaves with bamboo insers. Butterfly knots on handle are superb. In original paulownia wood box. 13" high and 9" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Very unusual pair of shinto shrine brass lamps with the imperial family chysanthemum crest. Showa Period c.1930, each lamp has an electrical socket for a bulb. Great condition and can be papered with old washi rice papaer on request if so desired. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.