This is a finely carved and molded Quartz Hair crystal Snuff Bottle in a rectangular form with a round neck, and and a raised oval footing. Two flying bats with spread wings decorate one side of the bottle. The transparency of the tea-colored crystal enables the observe to see parallel spiral lines left by the tool used to carve the well-done internal cavity of the bottle. It comes with a Mongolian-style metal stopper set with aqua-marine beads, and a coral finial, and silver spoon. ...

A katchushi mutsu-gata sukashi tsuba. The six lobed, thin plated armorer's tsuba with good tekkotsu and with openwork decoration was described by Skip Holbrook (ex collection) as Saotome made and depicting three birds. The Saotome were a line of armorers (katchu) turned tsuba makers. But I think a case could be made for the sukashi decoration being a wabi-sabi flower bloom or possibly paulownia leaves (rather than awkward looking "birds".) Use of the paulownia (kiri) mon could suggest Yamakichi...

This is a finely carved and well-hollowed Hair crystal Snuff Bottle in the form of a Pear with a couple of Ram Masks on its sides. The bottle has a transparent grayish color with light -brown hair crystals that are criss-crossed to create a dramatic scene. The bottle rests on a raised oval footing. It comes with a metal work stopper with domed brown top. This excellent and interesting looking bottle is in remarkable preserved condition. Bottle Measurements Height: 2.10 inches (...

A Japanese sword "menuki" of 3 sparrows that was converted into an obidome during the Taisho period. The bronze color of the metal gives a naturalistic brown coloration to the birds--their beaks, eyes and feet are highlighted in gold. The fitted back is in 9 karat gold. Age: Menuki 18th century.

A nice (Adze)stone tool used during the early neolithic period in Southeast Asia. Originally the stone was attached to a wooden handle. Size: L. 20.5cm. W. 7cm. H. 2.3cm. Condition: Small chip at the cutting edge.

Takahashi Shotei (Hiroaki)
Spring Snow
Size: Approximately 15.0 x 6.75 inches.
Date: pre-1936.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. No. 244 in 1936 Watanabe catalog. M-35 in Shotei catalog.
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso.
Condition: A few faint spots on the back and very slight toning.

Of oval shape with lovely feet in the shape of leaves (lotus ?). The inside richly decorated with panels with trmple gardens, flowers and butterflies. Originally this bowl was part of a large dinner service, commisioned by the Dutch East-India Company. Dimensions: 31x24x8 cm. Condition: one chip of 1x0,5 cm, otherwise perfect.

With a sturdy foot firmly grounded, the upper rim of this piece rises and falls, somewhat reminiscent of a mountain path. Combined with the plum blossoms floating on the white background, these elements together suggest balance and harmony.

Oribe is a visual style named after the late-16th-century tea master Furuta Oribe (1544-1615). Kuro Oribe (as pictured here) with their jet-black glazes and feldspar ornamentation tend toward the minimalistic, abstract; and, some would say, Zen-l...

Kawase Hasui
Snow at Itsukushima.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. No publisher's seal but clearly on old paper.
Bears the Hasui signature and seal.
Date: 1932.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10.5 inches.
Condition: Very good. Edge of right margin is toned.

Japanese limited edition sosaku hanga “kappa-ban” (stencil print) on crumpled hand-made momigami paper by Sadao Watanabe (1913-1996) titled “The Crucifixion.” The black and white image of Jesus nailed to a red cross is set against a blue background. Mary and Saint John kneel in prayer at each side. The print is signed and dated 1980 at the lower right and numbered 11/80 at the lower left, all in white ink. The paper measures about 26”V x 23”H. The print was not previously framed...

A stone carved Han lion scratching his ear used as a weight. These weights were used to hold down the corners of tents and other tied down items.The ropes were tied to the leg that is scratching the ear. Size: L.20cm. W. 9.5cm.Condition: No repairs. Normal wear.

A intricately formed obidome (kimono rope ornament) of a golden woven basket overflowing with chrysanthemums of silver and golden tones. Chrysanthemums are a symbol of steadfast friendship. Signed by the artist. Size: W. 4.3cm. H. 3.3cm. Condition: Natural ageing. No repairs.

Done in the Annan style which is a Japanese adaptation of porcelain-wares imported from a region of ancient Imperial China (now part of Vietnam) from the late Muromachi period (1392 - 1573). At the time this type of pottery was hugely popular among tea devotees and this enthusiasm continues into the modern day. The scene portrayed on the tea bowl is the classic image of the “shichikenjin” or the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove.

Although reports vary, it is generally thought that...

A decorated covered bowl from the Arakan State. The bowl is in two parts with three clawed foot stand.These bowls were created mostly for Buddhist votive use. Age: Late 19th century. Size: H. 42.5cm. W. 28.5cm. Condition: No repairs. Some loss of the glass inserts from age.

Toshi Yoshida (1911-1925)
Crabs
Date: 1925.
Size: 11.25 x 6.0 inches.
"Toshi" Japanese signature and seal.
Pencil signed and titled in English.
Condition: Excellent. Small tape remnants at top back.
This is the first woodblock print created by Toshi Yoshida. He was 14 years of age.

The image of the brush-drawn circle, known most commonly as the “enso” of Japanese Buddhism, has long been a symbol of strength, elegance, and the simultaneous being and nonbeing (mu) of the universe. A closed enso is associated with the idea of perfection while an open enso represents movement, fluidity, and attainment in the corporeal world. In this composition by veteran Mino potter Takuzo Mizuno, we can see an open enso done in thick feldsparic glaze on a classic background of nezumi Shi...

Ohara Koson (Shoson)
Cockatoo and Pomegranate at Night
Size: Chuban. Approximately 10.5 x 7.25 inches.
Date: ca. 1930.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Shoson signature and seal.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Reference: AS.27 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Condition: Excellent.

A very rare ancient necklace made up of ten silver medallions (coins) from Southeast Asia dating back to over 2,000 years. The necklace can be separated to make two necklaces five silver medallions. Size: See last photo.