A small lumpy frog (ibo-gaeru) rides on the back of its parent, a fine wood carving signed Hiromitsu saku. It is carved from a hard dark wood, only the sharp eyes of the animals painted black, the rest raw. It is nearly 1 foot (30 cm) long, roughly 9 inches (23 cm) tall and in fine condition, with two age cracks on either side of the larger creatures face. The carving technique is reminiscent of Kamakura-bori carving, and likely comes from that region south of Tokyo. The frog (kaeru) has lon... Click for details
From April 1st to June 30th of this year Koie Ryoji had an invited museum exhibition at the Paramita Museum in Mie prefecture. Koie, a world ceramic star as many know, displayed many forms including chawan, vases, porcelain 'records' and various ceramic sculptures. In one room there were also 100 Oribe tsubo that Koie made this year, all of them. We are very lucky to have ten of those Oribe tsubo to offer; a rare opportunity to acquire a museum displayed Koie work. The first Oribe jar here is sh... Click for details
Estimated from 19th century, very rare Ainu ceremonial sword made of wood, metal decoration, and glass beads. The condition is good with aged worn and patina. This does not have a blade. Highly collectible article.
Estimated from late 19th century, highly collectible and very rare Ainu ceremonial sword made of wood with copper decoration. Blade does not come with this article. Overall condition is good with aged worn and patina.
Estimated from late 19th to early 20th century, ainu lacquer ceremonial bowl and stand. They were originally made by Japanese and handed to the Ainu for trade. Their condition is good with some lacquer peel-off and minor cracks.
Antique Japanese dramatic tall ikebana basket (for flower arranging)
from the Meiji age (c1900), made of split bamboo with open weave and beautiful deep red color, comes with original bamboo and copper insert, signed Shogetsusai.
Size: 30" high x 10 1/2" wide
Very large and dramatic pair of antique Japanese bronze lanterns from prominent temple courtyard, each lantern is made of 10 individual cast bronze sections, heavenly creatures are abundant and include: fu-dogs, apsaras (musical angels), kirin, and dragons, Tokugawa mon (crest) on roof, Edo Age 17th/18th century.
Size of each lantern: 140" high x 48" wide
Note: recently exhibited at the Arts of Pacific Asia Show at Fort Mason in San Francisco Feb. 2008
Antique Japanese bronze vase with design of 2 gold fish in raised relief, inlaid gold eyes, signed Shiho, Meiji Period (1868-1912).
Size: 7 1/2" high x 8" wide
A Rare Japanese Tobacco Box Inro (Tonkotsu) with Netsuke. Edo Period.
Ht. of box 5 3/8 ins. (13.7 cms) Diam. of netsuke 1 5/8 ins. (4.2 cms) This unusually large tonkotsu is inlaid with segments of "aogai" shell in the technique known as "raden". It forms part of the smoking paraphernalia worn by many Japanese men when smoking, then as now, was almost universal. It is in very good condition. As can be seen from the photos, the bottom of one cord guide is chipped and on the opposite side the li... Click for details
A living national treasure work by Tatsuzo Shimaoka (1919-2007), large-sized zogan inlaid stoneware Yunomi teacup with an original signed and sealed wooden box. It is excellent in condition with no damage. Highly recommended quality work.
