Very rare carving of the Three Wise Monkeys, sanzaru in Japanese, sitting on two logs. The one who hears no evil (kikazaru) and the one who speaks no evil (iwazaru) are sitting together. A little separated from them sits the one that sees no evil (mizaru). Carved in facet-cut (abstracted style) in soft cedar wood (sugi).

Signature in the bottom: Masahide.

Japan, first half of to mid-20th century.

H 3.25 x W 8.75 x D 2.1 in...

Magnificent, very rare wood Bugaku dance mask depicting the Dragon King, Ryo-o. Mounted on a round frame covered on silver leaf paper. Ca. 1820. The mask has a bristling moustache and beard, 4 teeth and a hanging moveable chin piece. The top has a dragon carved. All was lacquered. A similar mask is on exhibit at the British Museum. Bugaku is a courtly ritual dance which has survived in Japan since the Heian Period, Ca. 794-1185...

An exquisite image of an emaciated man, the prominent bones about the eyes softly glowing pale white over the hollow cheeks. The mask is of the Yase-otoko type, and is signed on the back by the maker Iwasaki Hisahito in a carved seal above the eye. Superb craftsmanship!
Iwasaki Hisahito is a well known Mask carver currently 78 years old and still going. He was born in Oita prefecture, but moved to Nagoya then Yokohama at a youthful age...

Ivory okimono depicting a Japanese farmer tying three daikon turnips with a rope. The details of the farmer are finely engraved and sculpted, testifying to the artist's mastery. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 10 x 12.5 x 9.5 cm. Ivory dimensions: 7 x 8.5 x 5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Antique Japanese bamboo container for flowers. Beautifully carved in high relief with a scene of a tiger in a bamboo grove. The tiger is carved with great detail and expression standing on an outcropping of rock, mouth open in a roar. The bamboo stocks and leaves around him are enormous in comparison and are carved so deeply that the branches are not attached to the body of the container in some places. Lined with a copper insert. Signed on the back: Koseki...

Antique Japanese Noh theater mask of a woman, possibly Kohime, with black lacquer hair showing three loose strands on each side, bright red lacquer lips, pale face with blackened lips and sharpened eyes. Beautifully hand-carved, with painted inscription on the inside of the mask The eye holes are carved as 16 petal chrysanthemums. Dates from early 20th century.

Size: 5.5" L x 3" W x 8" H

A wonderful Japanese burl wood carving of a man with a very expressive face with black eyes, holding two containers, most of his body retaining the natural burl form of the wood, with a wide-stance atop a larger piece of natural burl. 19th Century

Size: 16" L x 10" W x 14" H

An antique architectural Japanese Buddhist temple carving of opposing flying Ryu (dragons) protecting a Hoju (sacred Buddhist jewel) with the eyes made using the reverse glass painting technique. The detailed relief carving shows their coiled bodies circulating amongst the stylized clouds with one dragon open mouth to expel evil spirits and the other closed mouth to keep good spirits in. Their serpentine body reveals 4 appendages with classic three claw anatomy...

Antique Japanese carved keyaki (zelkova, Japanese elm) wood panel from a temple or shine depicting two dragons. The dragons are intricately carved and have reverse painted glass eyes. They coil amidst swirling clouds.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 49 1/2" long x 7 1/2" high x 1 3/4" thick

Boxwood okimono depicting a koi carp. The eyes, in mother-of-pearl and black horn, are inlaid with precision, while the overlapping scales on the body give extraordinary realism. The koi carp was portrayed with particular attention to its movement, creating a dynamic and engaging visual effect...

Antique Japanese wood carving of a pair of celestial maidens. From the group of heavenly beings known as Tennin in Japan, these beautiful female figures, Tennyo, or Apsaras, are similar counter parts to the western angel. These crowned women, floating in intricately carved swirling clouds, represent heavenly attendants of the Buddhist realm...

A unique hand split bamboo basket in the shape of a natural double gourd. Wild gnarled wisteria forms a steady base while branching up and around the backside of the double gourd.

Early Meiji Period C. 1870's

14" long X 11" deep X 24" high

Japanese 20th century carved and painted wooden rat by KATO TOMOHIKO (1938-). KATO TOMOHIKO is a NITTEN artist. Signed TOMOHIKO. Comes with TOMOBAKO, original wooden artist signed storage box. The rat measures 10" long, 3 1/4" tall and 3" wide.

A horrifying image of a ghostly apparition accompanied by a Buddhist verse engraved into this long bamboo incense container by Ishii Matetsu. It is expertly crafted. The verse reads:
Katsu!
Dokusei Dokushi Dokko Dokurai
The literal translation sounds quite cold, but in Buddhist teaching it means: We enter the world alone; we depart it alone. Do not depend upon others for your happiness, rely upon yourself and live your life in your way to the fullest...

Ivory okimono which portrays an affectionate scene of daily life: a father holding his child in his arms while holding the toy desired by the child. The okimono is signed Tomokata under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 17.5 x 6.3 x 5.3 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory okimono depicting Hotei, one of the seven Sages of Good Luck. He is depicted smiling and sitting on his sack, while he holds the stick. Next to him there is a child who hugs the end of the sack. Signed Tomihiro under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 5.5 x 17 x 4 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Unusual antique Japanese natural root burl hardwood stand with very interesting and complex gnarling growths. Very dense hardwood with dark lacquer finish. Would make a stunning stand.

Edo Period circa 1800's

Size: 9.5" H, 21" L, 20" W

Antique Japanese ranma, or transom, carved with two rabbits jumping over waves.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

50" L x 20.25" H