A modern, openwork bamboo flower basket, Hanakago, by Chikuhosai, made with the hexagonal plating technique called “kikko sugashi ami” using very thin strips of madake bamboo. Made in an elongated gourd-shape with a tall handle. Signed on the bottom “ CHIKUHOSAI ZO “ (made by Chikuhosai). It comes with the original, lacquered bamboo insert for flowers. From 1960-70’s. Measurement: H. 53,5 cm Ø 16 cm.

Ohara Koson (Shoson)
Tanuki Among Autumn Grasses
Catalog title: Badger between Autumn Grasses
Size: Approximately 11.125 x 9.75 inches.
Date: 1934...

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Tochinoki (Horse Chestnut) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. All original lhand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles. Six drawers of varying sizes with 2 sets of sliding doors. Merchant records and books were stored behind the upper doors. The lower doors hide three small drawers, a storage area for more records and a secret hiding drawer where valuables were kept hidden from possible thieves...

An antique Japanese 3 section Isho Biraki Tansu made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original bronze hardware. Upper section features a pair of sliding doors behind which lies a spacious storage area with a split level shelf with three side by side drawers below. The center section has two hinged doors that hide three removable Kimono trays while the bottom section has two drawers for added storage. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails...

An antique Japanese Nihon Matsu Kasane Tansu (stacking Kimono chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles and the double Plum Blossom handle stoppers called Atari. Upper section features 2 full width drawers and the bottom section has 1 full drawer, 1 partial width drawer, a hinged security door and two small drawers where valuables were kept. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails...

The size of vase: 8 5/8" High x 3 1/8" Dia top x 3 5/16" Dia bottom. This Shigaraki Flower vase is made by master ceramist Kusube Yaichi ( 1897-1984). It has very unusual and interesting Keshiki by Ash covered finish. It came with Kiriwood Tomobako. The top cover has Japanese writing, "Keijyu" (Celebrating long life, translation). "Kabin" (flower vase). Inside cover has Signature of "Yaichi Saku" (Yaichi made) with his chop seal. It also came with Tomonuno with Yaichi's "Ya" seal on it...

Rare bag for back pack made of plant, possibly "suge" (Carex) but not 100% sure. It is hand-knitted with very skillful technique. Used by a mountain worker. In excellent condition. 20th century. L:38cm W:27cm

Sakiori sodenashi (vest) handwoven of cotton strips recycled from old kimono for weft and asa (hemp) yarn for warp. It has beautiful mixed color of indigo, brown, purple etc. In good condition. The first half of the 20th century. W:48cm, L:73cm

Kiyoshi Saito
Siamese Cat
Date: ca. 1940s-50s.
Paper size: Approximately 23.675 x 18 inches.
Image size: Approximately 19 x 14 inches.
Sealed but not signed.
Self-published by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Laid down to board. Light wrinkling.
Note: In the last image, I show this print paired with another cat (our Saito 025). These cats also appear together in another Saito design known as "Cats".

Kiyoshi Saito
Siamese Cat (2) (Early Cat)
Date: ca. 1940s-50s.
Paper size: Approximately 23.675 x 18 inches.
Image size: Approximately 19 x 14 inches.
Sealed but not signed.
Self-published by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Laid down to board. Wrinkling. Stain at lower margin.
Note: In the last image, I show this print paired with another cat (our Saito 026)...

Nirayama-kasa which was worn by samurai when they practiced artillery. It is made of washi (Japanese handmade paper) yarn and black urushi painted outside and kakishibu inside. It has hand-painted wave and bamboo design with gold but faded much. Nirayama-kasa was made in Ansei (1854~1860), very late Edo period. It was used in Kanto area, not in Kansai area, according to the "Kinsei Fuzokushi" written by Morisada Manko around mid 19th century. Generally in good condition but has some wear...

Hiroshi Yoshida
Chion-in Temple Gate
Series: Eight Scenes of Cherry Blossoms.
Date: 1935.
Print size: Oban. 16 x 10.75 inches.
Brush signed and sealed in the image. Titled and signed in pencil in lower margin.
Jizuri seal at upper left margin indicating a first edition self-printed by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Publisher: Hiroshi Yoshida
Reference: Abe catalog #194.
Condition: Two short scratches in stairs (see photo)...

This is a large and spectacular 18th Century Bronze Cloisonne, Twin-Handle Urn with great Archaic form and color. It has two Dragon Head Handles. It is enameled with Penny Flowers and Leaves motif. It has a large mouth (five-inches wide), and it is decorated with a one-inch belt that separates its bulbous body from its neck. It has a raised foot rim...

Antique Japanese small ceramic teapot in the form of lotus leaves. Buff color clay with light brown glaze and glossy speckles. Leaves sculpted with naturalistic details. The spout is a folded leaf and a small round leaf functions as the thumb rest. The underside of the teapot is sculpted to match.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 2 1/2" high x 3 1/2" wide x 4 1/2" long

Antique Japanese tall ikebana basket made of wide and flat strips of split bamboo. The mouth and overall shape is an elongated square with a curved handle made of two pieces of bamboo woven together. The corners of the basket are reinforced with bamboo and knot work. The bamboo has a dark, rich finish. On the bottom is a signature in loose calligraphy that reads either: work by 城山: Jōzan or Shiroyama or work by 城正: Jōsei or Shiromasa.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)