From our Japanese Collection, a very fine ivory carving, Meiji Period (1868-1912), probably Tokyo School but we cannot confirm the artist, depicting an elder carrying a rabbit in a basket along with a young boy who excitedly holds up a frog...

An unusual chato (tea room sword) in the shape of an octopus, its 8 legs stretched out in uniform with one curled back exposing the suckers. Eyes are intimated on one side, with an old chip where the breathing hole is opposite. About the neck is wrapped a faded silk chord. It is 22 inches (56 cm) long. It is said that these wooden swords were produced from the mid to late Edo period, in lieu of swords for those not allowed to carry weapons (all but samurai)...

Japanese antique hand-carved keyaki wood badger with tally book, sake bottle and wearing a monk's hat, standing with enlarged scrotum, nice color and grain pattern, Taisho Period circa 1920s, Size: 15"H 16"W 11"D

Small flat Buddhist shrine, constructed as a triptych. When open, the middle section houses Amida Nyorai in raised carving, sitting on a lotus throne under a baldachin and surrounded by clouds. On the left panel Seishi bosatsu with his hands folded in prayer, on the right panel Kannon bosatsu with the lotus in his hands. Both bodhisattva surrounded by clouds as well. Sandalwood with details of garment and baldachin in gold. Background in lapis blue...

A long bamboo incense case with dark wood lid carved exquisitely with blossoming lotus and calligraphy. The deteriorating leaves rise from the bottom, blossoms spreading their petals to the sun. Above three lines of calligraphy descend to meet like the squirreling rays of late summer light. The piece is 20-1/2 inches (51.5 cm) long and in perfect condition, enclosed in a cloth sack and kiri-wood box...

Antique Japanese kanzashi, hair comb, hand carved on “urushi" lacquer (natural lacquer produced only from the threes that grow in certain parts of Asia) and decorated in make with a rooster on a drum surrounded by auspicious flowers. The design comes from an ancient Chinese poem that describes the era that was ruled by Emperor Yao who was known for his wisdom and fairness. The poem reads, “The drum for raising alarms is now covered in deep moss, and the fowls are left undisturbed”...

A set of old Japanese wooden combs with a cloth comb holder. These are hair styling combs used when most women had the hairdo of today’s geisha. Each comb had a different function which was basically to comb, style and clean the hair. The combs here are all hand cut and it appears that some were added later. All combs are cleaned.

The outside of the folder is covered with a fabric called sarasa...

Japanese okimono of two Chinese lions one on top of each other carved of boxwood. No signature is found on the okimono. Size: Length:2.75" Width:1.5" Height:3.25".

A hand carved antique wooden mask of Tenko or the nine-tailed Kuuko, heavenly White Fox (kitsune) which do good, wrapped in a modern silk bag and enclosed in an antique black lacquered wooden box. The mask is roughly 21-1/2 x 17 x 20 cm (8-1/2 x 7 x 8 inches) and in excellent condition. A cartouche bearing the artists signature can be seen inside the black lacquer within. The Fox has many roles in Japanese Folklore...

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.

Antique Japanese carved burlwood round container decorated with blooming hibiscus flowers and a canary perched on a branch. The carvings are finely incisised details with relief ridges defining leaf veins, stamen, and petal edges. A central round medallion decorates the bttom of the inner chamber. The carvings on the lid of the box match up with the base. It measures 7" in diameter, 5.75" tall. Late Meiji, 1868-1912, or early Taisho period, 1912-1926.

First we hear the clang of the hammer striking the bell, then the steadily approaching clop of his wooden shoes before the horrifying creature dressed in the robes of an itinerant priest appears; a ledger in one hand noting our sins. Hanging from a chord around his shoulders is an umbrella, testifying to his constant state of movement. A spectacular carving of an Oni-no-Nenbutsu praying Demon taken from burled cedar...

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

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...

Antique slab of wood with japanese inscriptions. This kanban board (shop sign) is simple in detail and painted in large characters. Circa 19th Century Dimensions: 75" Long X 13" Tall

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...