This fine heavy wooden pothook or kettle-hook hanger (“jizai-gake”), hand carved from a large block of densely-grained zelkova (keyaki) wood, was once suspended by a heavy rope from the high roof beams of a Japanese home or shop. Edo/Meiji period, 19th century. This is a fine example of the Daikoku type of kettle-hook hanger, distinguished by the integral, inverted V-shaped roof-like upper part of the hook, which reminds the Japanese of Daikoku’s floppy cap. Daikoku was one of the Seven Gods of ... Click for details
This early 1900’s unique ikebana flower container is made of bamboo root. It has a copper liner to hold the water. Very wonderful patina with a few subtle cracks.
Height: 8 ˝”
Length: 11”
Depth: 10”
A merchant’s money box, or zeni-bako, from Japan’s Edo Period carries an inscription that reads, “Purchased one lucky day in November in the 12th year of Bunsei,” which was 1829. The small copper coins in use at that time were called “zeni” and led to the development of simple, strong boxes for merchants to store coins during the business day. This box is made of thick keyaki wood and fitted with an iron lock and hasp. The top is constructed in two sections with a hole in the middle through whic... Click for details
Japanese antique hibachi signed by the famous artist Ka Noh Tessai renown for creating works of art adapted from Nara Period (8th-9th century) design especially statues of Buddha and ancient masks, this hibachi is made of a kiri (paulownia) wood stump and depicts 5 different performance masks carved and lacquered, the interior of the hibachi has a copper insert, the stump stands on three lacquered legs attached to a solid base of matching black lacquer, a wonderful and unique piece, Edo Pe... Click for details
The metal head of the staff, with some simple engraved decoration on the central shaft indicating lotus petals. The central ring has the shape of an inverted heart, from which six rings loop, three on each side. Mounted on a short wooden pole, covered with red lacquer. The staff is one of the 18 Possessions permitted to a monk. It has several uses attributed to it, among others to scare away insects and reptiles while traveling. Cast sentoku. Japan, 19th century.... Click for details
This early to mid-1900’s display stand is composed of whole sections of bamboo joined together with vine. The random nature of the raised nodes adds a nice design element to the piece. Very good condition with a warm patina inherent to bamboo.
Length: 14” Width: 11 ˝” Height: 3”
This lovely mid-1900’s document box and writing tray have been crafted of cherry wood. The rich coloration of the wood and texture of the bark creates the beauty of this piece. Very good condition.
Dimensions: 10” x 7 ˝’ x 1 ˝”
Salvaged from a Japanese ryokan (inn), this late Meiji blue and white ceramic benki moves easily to a second life as a handsome plant holder or fountain. Western expatriates in the Far East, particularly in Japan, have a long history of adapting utilitarian items with appealing Asian design to inventive new uses, and this is one of the most unusual items to be adapted. This benki, with its cobalt blue patterns, is recognizable as Japanese at first glance but its original use as a urinal is not a... Click for details
Large Japanese folk art wooden water bucket of cylindrical form with a notched carrying handle lacquered in black and red and secured by bamboo bands. Early 20th century (early Showa to possibly late Taisho). 19"H x 12 3/4" diameter of bucket (13 3/4" across at top). Very good overall condition with minor losses consistent with its age. Acquired from the Arizona estate of a World War II veteran who purchased the water bucket in Japan in 1954.
Wooden folk art carving of a giant penis. Strapped around it are red and white twisted cotton cords (imenawash) with paper strips (gohei). Japan, 20th century.
H 24.5 inches (62.2 cm).
Excellent condition.
The piece may have stood in a fertility shrine or may ... Click for details
