A really old Japanese lacquer wooden mizusashi for the tea ceremony, made of cherry wood with its original lacquered lid. It dates from the later Edo Period. Such wooden mizusashis are really rare. It is elegantly proportioned and has a black lacquered interior.

Mizusashi is a fresh water jar with a lid used in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony to fill the boiling kettle and rinse the tea bowls...

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...

An antique, Japanese boxwood lacquer comb with two kanzashi hair pins decorated with niello silver & mokoume-gane etched cat on gilt. The fine toothed comb is hand carved with floral motifs and a man walking over a bridge. The reverse side shows a house surrounded by mountains. Wooden combs in Japan were once believed to have shamanic qualities. Women would brush their black hair thinking that the combs would gather each strand’s spiritual energy...

Antique Japanese pair of lacquered shop signs. Beautiful lacquer with gold characters. Translated: "Taishoseimeihoken Stock Agency." Very stunning pieces. Brass hardware located at the top for mounting. Date from the early 20th century. May Be Sold Separately or as a Pair. Taisho Dimensions: 35" High X 5 1/2" Wide X 3/4" Deep

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.

Signed wood Noh mask, 'Beshimi'used for Noh plays featuring mythical demons that defy Buddhist Law. Ca. 1920. 22cm tall x 17cm wide. Some peeling but no cracks or chips. Ask for shipping quote.

Expertly executed noh mask carved out of cypress wood. Okina, among all Noh masks, the Okina (old man) mask is considered particularly sacred and has been at times treated as the embodiment of god, bringing longevity and prosperity to families. C.1920. In silk bag. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

A serving tray made of Kozai (Jap. old material) from Todaiji Temple in Nara branded with the marks of the 7 great temples of Nara and enclosed in the original wooden storage box dated 1925. It is turned from keyaki, a hardwood in the elm family famed for durability and beautiful wood grain. On the bottom of the tray is a seal which reads Daibutsuden Kozai (Old Material from the great Hall). The tray is 33 cm (13 inches) diameter and in excellent condition...

Antique Japanese Basket used for Ikebana at traditional tea ceremonies. Baskets such as this were important part of the ceremony, displaying beautiful arrangements. This particular basket is tightly woven with criss cross design and detailed layering. Gorgeously hand crafted. Beautiful, unique piece. Signed by artist, Shockikusai Taisho Period Circa 1910 Dimensions: 18.5" Tall X 9.5" Wide

Antique cotton woven futon cover, dyed indigo and then dyed again with a paste resist technique with the image of the ho-oh or fenghuang, a mythological bird in Asian culture, about to touch down upon a kiri wood branch with budding flowers, representing Japan. Minor damage due to age. Meiji period (1868-1912) Size: (with board) 84" height, 72" length, (futon only) 67.5" height, 50" length

Antique Japanese ikebana basket with a large, rounded body like a vase, woven with very large strips of bamboo over smaller strips tightly woven. The handle is made with natural burly wisteria branches. Many baskets where not signed due to the individual "style" each basket had. One could view a basket and know who the artist was. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912). Size: 23" H x 12" W

Antique Japanese woven bamboo traveling basket/trunk, with iron side handles and locks, an iron hinged top, lined in old light blue paper.

Size: 26" L x 16.5" W x 13" H

Japanese keyaki wood tansu originating from the Yamagata region of Japan, with a black lacquer frame, iron hardware, lockplates incised with flora, and a side locking hinged door with a center kan pull mounted on flower plating. Inscriptions on the back reads: "Shibata County, Numabe Village. A gift from Ohtsuki Fukuju. 18th year of Showa (1943), January 15th." and "20th year of Showa (1945) Lunar Calendar, February 15th. For the marriage of Kitaro and Tori...

An antique Japanese Yamagata Tansu made of Kurinoki (Chestnut) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Hikute handles and the Urushi lacquer finish. Lock plates feature the family crest of the Paulownia. Four large drawers and one small drawer to the exterior. The hinged security door hides 2 small drawers where valuables were kept...

An exceptional antique Japanese bowwood carved netsuke - the Yama Inu - a dog resting his paw on his masters scull. Protecting him in even past the point of death. Superstition related to the okuri(yama) inu are extremely old, and are found in all parts of Japan.
The meaning of the dog also speaks about patience, reliability, and obedience. It focuses on protection, guardianship, and service. The dog spirit animal is a noble animal...

A large Kiji porcelain vase with florals (stylized millet?) in raised relief by Miyanaga Tozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The architecture and infinite care shown in the carving on the surface proves this to be a superb piece deserving of the name of one of Kyotos top porcelain artists. The vase is 10-1/2 inches (27 cm) tall, 11-1/2 inches (30 cm) diameter and in excellent condition. Miyanaga Tozan I (1868-1941) is one of the most important names in Kyoto ceramics...

An antique Japanese Yonezawa Kasane Kimono Tansu (stacked chest on chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Beautiful Ume (Plum Blossom) motif on lock plates with a nickel rim...

An antique Japanese Yonezawa Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the stylized Gunbai handles and Urushi lacquer finish. Six drawers of varying sizes used for kimono, obi and accessory storage. Hinged security door hides 3 drawers where valuables were kept. Round lock plates feature the family crest of the original owner. Two sets of side handles, one pair used for long distance carrying and the other set used for Tans...