Japanese antique fu-dog carving for temple. Also called a shishi, the mythical creature is shown here with blossoming peonies. The shishi and peony together is called Karajishi in which the ferocious beast is tempered by the beautiful queen of flowers, Yin and Yang. Carved from one solid piece of sugi (cryptomeria) wood.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 52 1/2" long x 9" high

Japanese antique Baku carving for temple. The mythical creature, part lion, part elephant with clouds represents the beast that devours dreams. Carved from one solid piece of sugi (cryptomeria) wood.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 52 1/2" long x 9" high

A marine ivory okimono, depicting a Ryu dragon fleeing upwards into the clouds passing under the arm of a character sitting on the tatami. Signature 'Gekko (?) tō' 月古かたな engraved under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 20 x 8 x 6 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Pair of Japanese antique hibachis. Round in form and carved to appear as if made of woven basketry. Spilling over the rims and made to look as though bursting forth from holes in the baskets are plump clusters of grapes, vines and leaves. The "basket" portion of the hibachis is lacquered a deep red while vines and leaves are lacquer a dark green. The grapes a lacquered a deep red. There are metal inserts for coals and ashes...

Fabulous celebratory Shinto Shrine gable carving Ca. 1850. Carved from keyaki wood, the sixteen petal chrysanthemum is the crest or mon (紋) of the Japanese emperor and is often seen displayed on Shinto shrines throughout the country. This chrysanthemum is framed by a 'Noshi" a celebratory wrapping for gifts. This carving must have been for a new shrine. Great condition. Length: 35";H: 12"; depth: 3". Ask for shipping quote from CA.

Boxwood okimono with horn and mother of pearl, portraying the moment of Daruma's awakening. The figure, sitting and stretching, has wide eyes and an open mouth. Under the base, the signature “Tomokata” is engraved on red lacquer. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 10 x 14 x 7 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Antique Japanese carved wooden figure of a fu-dog (fu-lion) guardian. Traces of paint and gold guilt remain. The underside has writing in ink and a translation which reads: "This pair of Foo-lions was donated to the gate of Myoken Nichiren Shrine in Noma village of the province of Sesshu (near Osaka) on the date of 9th May, 7th year of Genroku ra...

Beautifully aged Antique Japanese Zushi (portable shrine) black lacquered wood with mokko shaped roof. Shrine models a gilt interior with the statue of sitting Buddha. The double doors decorated with crests of the Samurai Clan, Hosogawa in gilt metal work.

Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 7.5"h x 4.25"d x 6"w

Antique Japanese large carved wooden tray, natural form and curled edges reminiscent of a lotus leaf, beautifully sculptured, late Meiji/early Taisho Period. Size: 24 1/2" wide x 15 1/2" wide x 1" deep.

Japanese temple carving depicting a dragon (Ryu) and a tiger (Tora), with background of bamboo forest and blossoming plum branches. The dragon is a sacred creature representing great power, strength, and good luck for people that are worthy. The imagery of the dragon fighting the tiger is symbolic of the opposing forces of yin and yang.

19th Century Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 26" H x 16" x 2 1/2"

Antique Japanese ranma (transom). Carved from hinoki wood on both sides with a scene of a twisting pine tree. Framed in natural, unfinished hinoki wood. The carving is unusually detailed. This architectural detail would have been built into a Japanese home usually over a door or window.

Age: Meiji/Taisho Period (earl 20th century)

Dimensions: 84 1/2" long x 17" high x 2 1/4" deep

Pair of Japanese keyaki wood carving of the fortune gods, Ebisu and Daikoku. Ebisu and Daikoku are both known in Japan as the gods of fortune and finance. Both have been worshipped together by businesses in Japan. The work contains a signature on the back, Atsushi. Age: 20th century.Size: length: 6.5" Width: 5.5" Height 17.5"

Japanese antique burl hardwood usubata container for ikebana flower arrangements. Two tiered and with two circular openings. Beautifully natural curving form.
Early Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)
Size: 19" high.

A charming candlestick figure of Ashinaga, a playful spirit in Japanese folklore with incredibly long legs. His counterpart, Tenaga, is the long-armed spirit who would ride on Ashinaga's shoulders and, working together, they would catch many fish from the ocean. Ashinaga is hand-carved with adorable features.

Size: 4.25" L x 3.5" D 16" H

An incredible original and rare 16th Century Gagaku Karasu Tengu ritual mask dating from the Muromachi period in Japan. Hand carved out of a single piece of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Finished in its original black lacquer, the extremely old reddish pigment is still visible. Well carved with nice detailing, the Karasu (crow bird) is depicted with a round food offering in its beak...

A Japanese ivory brush holder carved in bas-relief with festive characters dancing and playing next to an elephant dressed for special occasions. On the opposite side a large Japanese "Matsu" pine seems to cover and shade the entire scene. The internal part is entirely patinated bronze with slightly gilded details of the symbols of the chrysanthemum and the pauwlonia flower, two symbolic elements linked to the emperor and the Tokugawa clan. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th cen...

Japanese Sushi Restaurant Plaque carved of hinoki wood with carved and lacquered characters, details of swirling carved clouds, middle with carved characters lacquered in gold, The bold lettering in the middle says: 鮨 木戸由 Sushi Kidoyosh, one at the far right, for example, it says: 堺静 Sakashizu That's the name of a wholesaler at the famous Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, so they're likely suppliers or patrons of some kind...

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...