This bronze cast cannon is decorated in low relief of a coiled dragon. The fish like handle stock and representing a carp is in homage to the original purpose of such cannon. These examples where used to shoot flaming signals from ships at sea. Mounted on custom Bronze stand. Pitting finish shows indication of sand casting. Fine detail shows high level craftsmanship.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size: 4" L x 1.25" W x 1.5" H (4.5" H on stand)

The bronze cast cannon is decorated in low relief of a coiled dragon. The shape handle stock and body represent a carp. The signaling cannons shows a smooth casting which indicates it was lost cast from wax. Fine detailing shows high level of craftsmanship. Mounted on custom Bronze stand.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size: 4" L x 1.25" W x 1.5" H (4.5" H on stand)

A beautiful robins’-egg-blue gu-shaped vase with ring handles and engraved decoration by Ito Tozan with the original rosewood stand dating from the early 20th century (c. 1920). The pale blue bleeds to white over the high points of the decoration, the florals raised about the bulbous center and highlighting the rim and edges of the beast head handles. Meanwhile pools of dark shadow the fretwork emanating up and down the body...

A truly magnificent vase of pastel blue floral designs on yellow-green body by Miyanaga Tozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 8 inches (20 cm) tall and in excellent condition. It retains the original wooden base. I believe this is by the second generation.
Miyanaga Tozan I (1868-1941) is one of the most important names in Kyoto ceramics. He was born in Ishikawa prefecture, and graduated from the (now) Tokyo University of Art...

Antique Japanese satsuma urn with a gorgeous deep blue and gold glaze, with two Komainu (also known as lion dogs) serving as handles, a lid with a third Komainu, growling and with his front paw resting upon a xiù qiú ball. The lid and top portion of the urn are adorned in beautiful golden and white roses, and its front and backside depict beautiful scenery of the ocean behind many brightly clothed characters...

Antique Japanese porcelain maneki-neko, or "beckoning cat", a popular image for welcoming good fortune into the home. They often come in colors such as white, black, or gold. This porcelain statue happens to be in what is considered the luckiest color of calico. Beautifully hand painted with gilt accenting.

Meiji period c1900. Dimensions: 12" H x 5" W

A stunning 19th century Japanese Imari charger with rich vibrant blues featuring crane scenes with alternating floral panels. Some age related wear to the gold gilt on the rim but considered to be in excellent antique condition, it measures 14 inches in diameter. Circa 1880.

An ornate porcelain image of a horse draped in full regalia by Miyanaga Tozan I enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The detail about the head is fabulous, and the artist has done an excellent job capturing the musculature of the creature while allowing something ethereal. In Japan horses (and cows and foxes and deer and lots of other creatures) are often enshrined as messengers or embodiments of the gods in Shinto. This is 21 x 9 x 23.5 cm (9-1/4 inches) tall and in excellent condition...

Japanese porcelain vase of a tapered cylindrical form, with flatted top, and small fluted mouth. The piece depicts three herons in white against a navy blue enamel ground. The foot is signed by Nishiura Enji with two character signature in cobalt blue. Nishiura's studio was famous for it's 'spraying technique' which was unique at the time.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 3 1/2" w x 7 1/2" h

A charming porcelain figurine of Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Fortune. Fukurokuju is the god of wisdom and longevity, and is easily recognized by characteristics such as his dramatic, elongated forward, his root wood cane, and the scroll he holds. He wears a beautiful, flowing robe with flying cranes accented by gilt outlines. The cranes are an attribute to Fukurokuju as they, too, are a symbol of longevity.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 7" L x 6" W x 12" H

Antique Japanese carved Buddhist figure with flaming nimbus, standing on a rock in noble garb and holding a sword. Carved of wood, painted with bright colors and gold details.

Age: Edo Period

Dimensions: 20 1/2" high x 9 1/2" wide x 6 1/2" deep

Antique Japanese hardwood ranma (transom), ornately carved with a descending plum tree (ume) branch, bearing flowers in bloom.

Size: 73.5" L x 1" D x 20.75" H

Antique Japanese plique-a-jour round box. It is decorated with grapes and leaves on a maroon background. It measures 3" diameter, 2.5" tall. Taisho Period (early 20th century).

This is an old mitsuore ningyo (triple jointed doll) from the Meiji period (1868-1912) or possibly earlier (late Edo period). The body of this doll was made with the Ikkanbari method. In this method, layers of washi (Japanese paper) were glued (lacquered) together over a wooden mold to form the shape of the body parts. It was then coated with layers of gofun, the mixture of ground oyster shells and animal glue...

Japanese antique ranma (transom) to be hung over a doorway, beautifully carved with the image of a large phoenix in flight, its many tail feathers billowing gracefully around it. Size: 16" height, 48" length, 6" width

A beautifully sculpted image of a pheasant by Ogawa Yuhei enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 37 cm long and in excellent condition.
Yuhei Ogawa (1885-1945) was born in Takamatsu, Okayama prefecture an came to pottery a bit later than most. In 1923, while working part time at the Naval Hydrographic Department, he was deeply moved by seeing the solo exhibition of ceramic sculptor Kazumasa Numata. This gave him impetus to begin sculpting in his free time...

Japanese isho tansu, or clothing chest of drawers, constructed with Persimmon wood front drawers and a Sugi (cedar) frame and interior. The tansu holds four long drawers with metal pulls and round keyholes with floral plating. The sides of the piece are built with handles to carry and transport the tansu. Original condition with kanji inscription on backside of chest.

Taisho period (1912-1925)

Dimensions: 33 1/2" x 16 1/2" x 34" H

Japanese isho tansu, or clothing chest of drawers, constructed with Persimmon wood front drawers and a Sugi (cedar) frame and interior. The tansu holds four long drawers with metal pulls and round keyholes with floral plating. The sides of the piece are built with handles to carry and transport the tansu. Original condition with kanji inscription on backside of chest.

Taisho period (1912-1925)