Wonderful Japanese figure of the Buddhist deity Bishamonten (Hindu name: Vaisravana), made out of iron. Bishamonten is cheif of the Four Heavenly Kings and is the guardian of the northern direction (in Japan he is one of the Seven Lucky Gods), he holds a small pagoda in one hand symbolizing the divine treasure house, whose contents he both guards and gives away. Signed by the artist: Seiun. circa mid 1930's. Size: 25" high x 12" wide x 9" deep.

Japanese clothing tansu from the Nagoya region, with its original finish and beautiful woodgrain with a kiri wood front and lacquered sugi frame. Its features include six drawers with iron hirute handles, iron locks with brass flowers, lockbox with kan/ring-shaped pull, and iron handles on either side. Key included. Size: 40" height, 45" width, 16" depth

Large Japanese Gigaku demon mask, covered with red, gold, and black lacquer. The colors gold and red are associated with the underworld, especially when apparent in a demon's eyes. This mask sports long fangs, a stubby ridged nose, and furrowed brow. The inside of the mask has rice paper with kanji signature of the sculpting artist. Dates from the Tiasho age c1920. Size: 17.25" height, 13" width

Large Japanese Gigaku demon mask, covered with silver, gold, and bronze lacquer. The colors gold is associated with the underworld, especially when apparent in a demon's eyes. This mask sports long fangs, a stubby ridged nose, and furrowed brow. The inside of the mask has rice paper with kanji signature of the sculpting artist. Tiasho age c1920. Size: 17.25" height, 13" width

Antique Japanese carved wooden mask of an okina, or old man, used in the theatrical art form of Noh. Every Noh mask represents a specific character, and when the shite (performer) puts on their mask, the term for putting on clothing (kaburu) is not used. Rather, it is called kakeru or tsukeru (to hang/to attach), as this symbolizes the transformation into the character. The mask shows traces of the facial hair it once had, which has been lost due to age...

Japanese plaster and paper mache mask of a Boddhisattva (Bosatsu in Japanese), a Buddhist monk who has reached a high level of enlightenment. The mask has long earlobes, typical of a holy being in Buddhism, green lacquered hair pulled into two buns, and golden lacquer skin with traces of black lacquer. Early 20th century. Size: 8.5" height, 5" width

Beautiful kiri wood isho (clothing) tansu chest, originating from the Mikuni region of Japan. It features iron hardware with heart motifs, five drawers with hirute shaped handles and elegant backings and locks, and a bottom corner lockbox with two small drawers hidden inside. Keys are included. Meiji period (4867-1912) Size: 40.5" height, 34" width, 16.75" depth

Japanese small headside box for storage of small personal items, three small drawers, nice grain, Taisho Period. Total size: 8" high x 13 1/4" wide x 9 1/2" deep.

Lovely Japanese antique Imari-ware porcelain bowl, eight sided, beautifully painted in traditional Imari colors with details in gold, scenes of mountain pavilions and baskets of chrysanthemums in alternating fan shaped reserves, Meiji Period. Size: 8 3/4" wide diameter x 3 1/8" high.

This is a fabulous Japanese cloisonne vase. It is done in a combination of traditional cloisonne and sculpted silver basse-taille work. The vase stands 6 inches tall and is 5 1/2 wide. It displays great but does have some damage or imperfections to the translucent enamel. This worst can be seen in the last image. There is a feathering in the enamel at the bottom rim. It is much more attractive in hand. The vase has silver rims and is signed Ota Jinnoei.

This is a profusely decorated ultra fine Japanese cloisonne vase. It is in perfect condition and panel vases like this one do not come any better. The quality matches many early Hayashi vases. he rims are silver. It stands 6 inches tall and is signed Ota Kichisaburo. A few years ago we had a similar pair signed by Shibata that were of the same quality. See the last image.

Ohara Koson
Cherry Blossom and Full Moon, 1932.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Bears the Watanabe C seal, indicating a first edition.
Reference: No. S43.8 and p. 211 in "Crows Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson" (Reigle Newland).
Condition: Excellent with very faint mark near lower left corner.
Very rare.

Kawase Hasui
Hachirogata Lagoon in Akita District
Date: 1927.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.0 x 10.0 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Bears the Watanabe A seal in the right margin, indicating a first edition.
Condition: Very good. The margins have been repaired by a conservator. The verso is toned.

Kawase Hasui
Rain at Shinobazu Pond
Date: 1929.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15,25 x 10.0 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Bears the Watanabe A seal in the right margin, indicating a first edition.
Condition: Very good. Light toning and fading.

Ohara Koson
Fox between reeds near moonlit water.
Date: ca. 1930.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.0 x 10.5 inches.
Publisher: Kawaguchi and Sakai. Seal in left margin.
Reference: No. S41.4, p. 212 in "Crows Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson" (Reigle Newland).
Condition: Very good. Toning line evident at margin.
A rare design.

A fine Unusual tray carved in the form of a banana leaf made from Kuwa wood. The banana leaf is stylistically carved with various folds and the slight tears often seen naturally with banana leaves. In the literati tradition, banana leaves were used by scholar recluses as paper to write calligraphy. Later, this motif was incorporated into other forms of art making the image one of the symbols of the literati aesthetics, signed Shozan with box...

A pair of lacquered nesting trays decorated with motif of waves in the Rinpa style. The set is titled: (transliteration: Korin Shu Urushi-e, Kuro Ikkan Maru Iriko Bon) Red Lacquer Korin Style Motif, Nesting Circular Trays in the Ikkan Style. The trays were done by an artist named Housai who was possibly active around the mid to late 20th century, comes with box. Age: Showa Period Size: (small tray) diameter: 17.1" height 1.3" (large tray) diameter: 18" height: 1.3"

A pair of Japanese lacquered braziers or hibachis decorated with motif of ferns produced by the noted Kyoto Lacquer firm, Nishimura Zohiko. Interestingly, the pair of hibachis might be made from two generations of Nishimura Zohiko. The underside of the lid is inscribed: (transliteration: Shinobu kusa Makie, Roiro Urushi Okegata Hibachi) translation: Roiro Lacquer Hibachi decorated with motif of ferns. Come with box...