Antique Japanese wooden fish jizai, designed for hanging a pot over fire to boil. Has a long iron chain with attached hook running from the tail, through the body, and coming out of the bottom. Very detailed carving showing charring from the fire.

19th Century Meiji Period (168-1912)

Size: 8.5" tall, 15.25" long, 3.5" wide

Antique Japanese Noh mask of the O-beshimi fierce deity, or mythical tengu. "Beshimi" means "mouth clamped shut". This mask is hand-carved from kiri wood, and inside you can see the chisel marks left behind by the artist. There are visible traces of white gesso in the crevices of the face, which was used as a filler to cover the wood grain. Edo period, 19th century Size: 9.5" tall, 7" wide

Antique Japanese rootwood burl kashibachi, or serving dish for sweets. It is hand-carved from a beautiful hardwood, all in one continuous piece, and has very interesting twists and gnarls throughout. Meiji period (1868-1912) Size: 12.72" height, 16.5" width

Antique Japanese tray carved in the form of a leaf out of burl wood, beautifully modeled with twisting branches, a smaller leaf and seed pods, the beauty of the burl is highlighted in this naturalistic carving, Meiji Period. Size: 19 1/4" wide x 19" wide

A fine Unusual tray carved in the form of a banana leaf made from Kuwa wood. The banana leaf is stylistically carved with various folds and the slight tears often seen naturally with banana leaves. In the literati tradition, banana leaves were used by scholar recluses as paper to write calligraphy. Later, this motif was incorporated into other forms of art making the image one of the symbols of the literati aesthetics, signed Shozan with box...

Wonderfully carved antique suiban burl wood tray. This all one, solid hardwood piece is in great condition and has a lacquered shiny middle. Outside of tray displays its natural wood with gorgeous gnarls and ridges. Meiji Period (1868-1912) Dimensions: 18" in Length X 12.75" Width at Middle

Thick and natural burl wood stand. Knots and gnarls all over sides with one hole. Natural and light lovely strains of wood. Stand is carved characteristically with part of branch attached. Meiji Period (1868-1912) Dimensions: 15" Long X 12" Wide

This very old breed of dog has been around for more than a thousand years. It has a long history of being a companion dog and it shows in its friendly and happy nature. The Hinoki wood carving of the Chin is in a full, round, recumbent pose with detailed rendering of its distinctive long coat; Its face painted with lacquered eyes and his red painted expressive tongue. The carver also rendered the Chin's compelling paws...

Small Burl Wood Stand. Beautiful grain with flat shiny surface, Gnarls and knots along edges with one strait cut side. Stands on four short wooden pegs. Meiji Period (1868-1912) Dimensions:2.5" High, 11" Across, 7" Wide

Japanese Large Kotatsu made of Hinoke wood. Has a pleasant look, symmetrical and square in shape. Built solid with a light, clean wood grain. Unusual Size Late Meiji Period (1868-1912) Dimensions: 17" Tall X 31.5" Wide

Antique Japanese carved wooden ranma (or transom) panel, carved with detail on back its front and back sides, of bamboo stalks with leaves and chrysanthemums. It has a black lacquered frame. Dates from the taisho period c 1920. Size: 69.75" height, 13.5" width

A very finely carved OKINOMO Pot-Belly Pig, high-grade exotic wood, Meiji Period (1886-1912). This Okinomo is of course ideal for those born in the year of the Pig. The Pig symbolizes "Good Fortune & Prosperity". Excellent condition, size: L. 5.5 cm. (2 1/4")

Beautiful Japanese burlwood vase for ikebana, or floral arrangements, with a complex, twisting, gnarled form. 20th century. Size: 14.25" height, 8.5" width

Japanese burlwood vase for ikebana, or floral arrangements. Has a dark finish, lots of interesting shapes and patterns, and a large hollow area. 20th century. Size: 16.5" height, 8.5" width

Antique Japanese wooden carving of Buddha, standing and performing hand gestures called mudra, to symbolize that even wordly beings can reach enlightenment. He is carved with very nice detail to make him appear fleshy, and movement can be seen in the wrinkles of his robes. Very heavy and finely carved. Size: 43" height, 12.5" width

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

Antique Japanese sword display stand with pierced carvings of leaves and gilt paintings of blossom petals blowing in the wind. The stand folds together for storage. Size: 13" height, 33" length

DESCRIPTION: In Japanese lore, there are countless tales about the mischievous Tanuki, a real animal native to Japan. Masked like a raccoon but big and stocky like a badger, they are said to have supernatural powers to transform into any living or inanimate shape. Often they assume the form of a monk, as our Tanuki does here. This Tanuki okimono is hand crafted from a single piece of wood in the best of Mingei traditions...