Antique Japanese mask used in Kyogen or Kagura theater. The mask is invoking the spirit of a joyous spirit or god and often used in plays such as sambaso, a play which is often performed during New Years. Age: Meiji Period. Size: Height: 7" Width: 3.5" Length: 5"

Simple yet elegant sobriquet seal utilizing a Chinese stone similar to chicken blood stone. The seal contains an inscription which translates as: The seal was carved on an auspicious day in December of 1958 (for) Fujiwara Gyokuun. The carved bottom of the seal contains a three character text reading: Kingensen, or The well where gold can be found. Size: height 1.75" width 0.5" length 1.25"

Antique Japanese pair of wooden fu dog guardians from a temple in Kyoto. Hand-carved with charming signs of old age. One with curly mane, one with straight mane, posed in fierce protective stance. Momoyama Period (circa 1600's). Very original and Unusual. Size: 3.75" H x 1.5" L x 2.5" D

Antique Japanese hardwood ranma (transom), ornately carved with a descending plum tree (ume) branch, bearing flowers in bloom.

Size: 73.5" L x 1" D x 20.75" H

Charming Japanese kanban (shop sign) hand carved from solid carved Keyaki hardwood with gold gilt lettering. Carved with the image of a snarling bulldog in red lacquer and beige pigments. Shop sign for Bulldog sauce shop.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 36" L x 1" D x 23" H

Beautiful hand carved Japanese wood panel with stylized openwork carvings of various scrolling chrysanthemums and peonies. Each flowing one to the next layer out longitudinally on a single slab of wood. Hand chisel marks visible on the reverse of the panel. Ready to be wall mounted. Very good original condition. Natural finish consistent with age.

Early Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

Dimensions: 39" L x 4" x 6" H

An antique Japanese Buddhist temple ranma (transom) carved from Hinoki (Cypress) wood featuring symbols of Dharmachakra. Dharmachakra sometimes symbolizes Gautama Buddha himself. There are three wheels of life each framed with 8 spokes, representing the noble eightfold path with lotus blossoms in the center . Accentuated by kumo karakusa (arabesque clouds). Minor losses.

Age: Late Edo Period circa 1850s

Dimensions: 15 1/4" High x 60 3/4" Wide x 2 1/4" Deep

Ivory okimono of a toad carrying an orchestra of five monkeys.
Four monkeys is playing instruments such as the shamisen (long-necked lute with three strings), the shime-daiko (small drum) and the flute. The fifth monkey is larger and is singing while holding a book in his left hand and plugging his ear with the other...

Antique Japanese wood carving of a pair of fu-dogs (shishi) near a waterfall. Playfully, they chase each other over the flowing stream. Clouds billow over head. Carved of keyaki (zelkova - Japanese elm) wood with details in black and red pigment.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 9" high x 28 1/2" long

Wooden toad with long legs. In the Japanese bestiary, the toad has a special place, carrying positive values. Both the toad and the frog, called kaeru (蛙) return every year and regardless of the distance to the pond where they were born. The word kaeru is a synonym for "coming home". It is the protective animal for travelers and the symbol of hospitality...

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting the poet Ono No Komachi. Excellent fineness of the details of the carving to simulate the grain of the wood on her trunk where she is sitting leaning on her cane with her long hair partially covered by her hat, next to a bamboo container. Signature engraved within Keisai reserve. Meiji period 19th century Sizes: 2,9 x 4 x 2,2 cm. Condition report: Good condition

A rare large Ainu artisan carved Hokkaido black bear (Higuma) made from one solid piece of Japanese hardwood. Intricate carving to the fur including the underside of the bear. Eyes made of Obsidian. Minor wear.

Age: Mid Century 1950's

Dimensions: 24" Long by 16 1/2" Deep by 14" High

Antique pair of small Inari Shinto shrine foxes carved of wood. Originally painted, these foxes have acquired a deep, dark over many years. Also called Zenko, these good spirit Kitsune (foxes) are specifically associated with the Goddess, Inari.
Believed to be both messengers and guardians, Kitsune serve Inari in her role as the Goddess of agriculture, specifically rice. Part of the folklore surrounding the fox is it's ability to shape shift into a human form...

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

Height: 20 cm (8 in)
Width: 5.8 cm (2.4 in)
Depth: 5 cm (2 in)

Fine Japanese carved okimono of Gamma Sennin, the Sage Liu Hai supporting a toad on his back; excellent carving throughout; natural material; signed on the base; good condition

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