Beautiful Japanese carved Noh theater mask of Zo-onna (beautiful woman). Carved out of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood and painted with seashell and natural pigments. This mask is masterfully carved and painted with subtle detail like her very slight smile and the small dimple just above her chin. The mask is signed and has it's original tomobako (also with the same signature).

Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Size: 8 1/4" long x 5 1/4" wide

Small round zushi consisting of two parts. The outside of both are covered in nashiji lacquer. On the inside of the one part in relief is carved in fine detail the image of Bishamonten holding a trident and a pagoda, subduing two demons. Inside the cover sits Benzaiten playing the biwa.
Bishamon and Benten are two of the seven gods of good fortune (shichifukujin), but they each hold a position in the Buddhist pantheon, as well.
Both images in plain, unpainted camphor wood...

HORNED TRAINEE MONK

Details unknown, but I think he must be a very great old man, since it has remained for long years until today as a wood carving statue. Edo period, 19th century. approx...

Japanese antique burl root wood container, two carved circular areas, tall handle, made all of one piece of wood, beautiful piece. Meiji Period (circa 1900). Size: 10" high x 8 1/2" wide.

Very strong and well carved wooden mask. Japan, 19th/early 20th century. H. 22 cm (34 cm including custom made stand). Good wear and patina, some missing parts to the horns.

Exceptional large keyaki wood mask covered in negoro lacquer, C.1890. Aged and worn which adds to the character and allure. Tengu is a legendary creature found in Japanese folk religion as a supernatural being. It is a Shinto kami or god spirit of the forests and mountains; a vigilent protector of forests. Associated with the mountain buddhist and shinto ascetic practices of Shugendo. 19" and 13" wide. Ask for shipping quote. Original carving.

Antique Japanese theatre mask, skillfully hand-carved into the face of a tengu, or birdlike spirit, characterized by an usually long nose. His face is painted in red lacquer with black facial hair, and gold-lacquered eyes typical of a demon. The insides bears the usual rough chisel markings of a finely hand-carved piece. Meiji/Showa period. Size: 8.25" height, 6" width

Antique Japanese gilt lacquered kanban, or shop sign. With hand-painted portrait of the shop's owner and the words "Trade Mark" above and kanji below.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 12" W x 2" D x 54" H

An antique Japanese corbel apprentice sample of a Shishi made and hand carved from one solid block of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. Beautiful art sculpture that resonates the Japanese and Buddhist spirit. It would also make a wonderful plinth.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 9 3/4" Wide by 13 1/2" High by 8 3/4" Deep

Noh theater wood mask representing the character of Shakumi, a middle-aged woman. The loose strands of hair give her the careworn air of one who has suffered and survived countless trials. Note the slight sag to her cheeks and the creases on either side of her mouth. She often appears in the role of a mother. Japan, early 20th century. Height: 21 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. A few signs of use, otherwise very good condition.

Pair of zelkova elm temple 'Baku' bad dream devourers. 22cm long by 12cm tall and 7cm deep. Extremely well carved and very good condition. Ca. 1890 late Meiji Period. Ask for shipping quote.

Old mask of the Noh traditional theater representing the character of Yamauba or Yamamba, with an emaciated face, dishevelled hair, and a sinister smile. The mask is made of wood, painted to ehance its features, and with brass eyes. The mask is signed. Japan, early 20th century. Height: 21 cm. Some abrasion due to age and wear, otherwise very good condition. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand...

Finely carved mask of the Noh traditional theater, with a verystrong expression, representing the character of Otobide. The mask is made of wood, painted in gold (the whole face), black (for the eyebrows and moustache, also on top of the forehead) and red (for the mouth), and the eyes are made of brass. Japan, late 19th century. Height: 21.2 cm. Slight abrasion on some areas due to age, otherwise very good condition...

Japanese hibachi, or brazier, made of an attractive wood exterior and inlaid with flowers and overlaid with gold macho-e lacquer. Remnants of ash on the interior add to its charm. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912). Original finish and condition. Size: 9.5" H x 14" W

Natural Japanese burl wood stand with dramatic, long gnarling root legs and wide, flat base. Hardwood with beautiful grain.

Size: 15" L x 11" W x 6" H

A charming Japanese boxwood okimono of a peapod. Smooth, fine hand-carved work. Original warm natural finish.

19th Century

Size: 6" L x 1.25" W x 1/3" thick

An unusual Japanese multi layer lacquer brush pot inlaid with three metal coins. The oil spill pattern lacquer is in hues of red, black, and beige.

Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

Dimensions: 6 1/4" W x 4 1/2" H

Reliquary in the shape of a pagoda, used to house the Hokyoin Sutra. This type of reliquary originates from China and developed in Japan in the Kamakura era. The Hokyoin Darani sutra contains invocations that make it easier for the soul of the deceased to find its way out of Hell directly into Paradise. These pagodas are usually made of stone, so they can be buried with the deceased. The sutra is recited daily in esoteric Buddhist sects, and is venerated as a relic of the Buddha Shakyamuni...