A finely painted water colour , with gold leaf overlay, depicting a scene from the 11th Century classic "The Tale of Genji" written by noblewoman and lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu. This item was made in Japan in the 19th Century during either the late Edo or the Meiji period (1868-1911). Condition: there is very minor "foxing" to the paper which probably predates the framing of this picture during the 1920s or 1930s. Frame: 32.5cm (12.75 inches) wide; 29cm (11.4 inches) high...

Japanese Hirado Porcelain Okimono-Daikoku, god figure, Ca. Meiji period, 3 3/4" high, 2 3/4" wide, 2 3/4" deep, with underglaze blue design in some area. The condition is good, no damages, kiln firing mark on the side of barrel.

A book of Yagi Kazuo works (number 203 of 800) dated 1969 with the cover inlaid with a ceramic work signed and dated Feb. 1967. Dozens of photographs of his work dating from the height of his fame as an avante Garde sculptor fill this 100 page book titled Simply “Yagi Kazuo”. The book comes in the original cover which is held inside a cardboard sleeve. The ends of the cover not encased in cardboard have yellowed some with age, but this does not affect the book within.

Pair of Japanese Meiji Period Wood Kitchen Gods, Daikoku and Ebisu. 8 inches, 20 cm and 7.5 inches, 19 cm. Daikoku, God of Earth and Agriculture, stands on bales of rice and wields his magic mallet. Ebisu, God of Ocean and Prosperity, holds a large red sea bream tucked under his arm. This fish is an ancient symbol of good luck in Japan. Daikoku and Ebisu often appear together in the Japanese kitchen...

Dark blue Japanese Kutani moriage waving cat. Signed on the bottom, it is in excellent condition, no chips, no cracks, etc. and measures 10.5" high. Dates mid 20th century.

Antique Japanese pair of wooden fu dog guardians from a temple in Kyoto. Hand-carved with charming signs of old age. One with curly mane, one with straight mane, posed in fierce protective stance. Momoyama Period (circa 1600's). Very original and Unusual. Size: 3.75" H x 1.5" L x 2.5" D

Bronze cylindrical handwarmer (shuro or te-aburi) with decoration of gourds plastically dangling from a band of low relief leaves and vines. The spokes in the shoulder and cover also in the shape of gourds. The flat part of the cover with fretwork in the shape of leaves and engraved vines. Playful combination of brown and yellow bronze. The handles wrapped in soft leather...

Antique Japanese boxwood okimono carving of Shoki, the Demon Queller, commander of evil spirits and beings, shown holding onto a small demonic figure by the wrist. He is a popular figure in the household as a guardian. Intricately carved details apparent all throughout. Signature on foot reads "Sei Gyoku". Meiji period (1868-1912) Size: 6.5" H x 3.5" L x 3" D

Antique Japanese pair of wooden temple guardian fu dogs, wonderfully carved with charming expression. Gilt accented eyes and reddened mouths, one with a horn on its head. Edo period 17th / 18th Century. Original condition with hand-carved details. Size: 14" H x 7" W x 13" D

Antique Japanese Solid keyaki (elm) wood desk with original dark brown finish. One long central drawer with three smaller drawers at each of its sides. Old growth Keyaki used for the entire construction. Very heavy and solid in weight. Early Meiji period (1868-1912) Would look stunning with two custom black iron stand made to raise to western size (height). Size: 14" H x 39,5" L x 24" D

Though this piece appears quite old and nicely worn by time, it is in fact a very recent work from Sekizanjin kiln. Using a special organic process to “ferment” powdered ore used in the clay, they then fire the hand molded pieces under extreme heat to produce bowls they call “Chibori.” The Chibori bowl featured here is inspired by works of Chojiro—forbearer of the Raku line of potters and collaborator with legendary tea master Sen no Rikyu...

Based on a classical tale adapted into a popular Kabuki performance in late Edo, the story of the Fuji Musume or “Wisteria Maiden” is an often employed motif in Japanese art. In the story, the Wisteria Maiden is depicted in a painting holding a wisteria branch, until one day she becomes smitten with a young man passing by and steps out of the painting in an effort to capture his attention. Unfortunately, her attempts are futile...

Japanese deep 3 dimensional carved Bamboo Sake Jug or Container with one(1) stopper, Ca. 1880- 1920, 9 1/2" high- with thinner light color of bamboo handle attached into extended to main one(1) piece of bamboo section, 6 1/2" diameter on top with hole in the center of thinly carved flower pedal...

Stunning Antique Japanese ema or wooden plaque on which Shinto worshippers would write their prayers and wishes to be received by deities or spirits. Hand painted with three bannered ships coming to shore amidst rough, rolling waves. Pine trees poke in from the bottom and leftmost side with gold flakes accenting the horizon. Very well done and in original condition. Signed "Ensai Fujiwara Masatoshi" , dated "Keio Gannen" or "first year of Keio" (September 1865). Size: 26" H x 60" W

A large Plate by Living National Treasure Hamada Shoji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Mori-sara. Splashes of black supplant the rich red Mashiko glaze. It is 12 inches (31.5 cm) diameter and in fine condition.
Hamada Shoji was born in Tokyo, and enrolled in the Tokyo Technical University at the age of 19. In 1918 he met the important British potter Bernard Leach, and the history of ceramic arts was forever changed...

Another wonderful tea ceremony item from the late Momoyama / early Edo Period: little distorted gourd (Hyotan) shaped choshi made of little iron bearing, coarse, unrefined Mino clay.

The expertly thrown body had roughly formed spout handle and feet attached. The lower part of the body is covered with the typical green copper oxide glaze and the upper part is decorated with lines under glaze in iron oxide resembling the pattern of a feather...

Elegant pair of copper lanterns for candle or oil. Glass has the character for `gold or money` leading us us to believe these were hung outside a merchant`s establishment. Condition excellent per photos. 16" tall and 12" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Important Edo Period C.1850 scroll painting of Kannon holding `Yatagarasu` the divine crow and messenger to the gods. Symbolizes the sun and like the sacred phoenix resides in the celestial realm. A mark of rebirth and rejuvenation. Yatagarasu as a crow-god is a symbol specifically of guidance. This great crow was sent from heaven as a guide for Emperor Jimmu on his initial journey from the region which would become Kumano to what would become Yamato, (Yoshino and then Kashihara)...