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...

An antique Japanese Buddhist temple freize wooden carving of waves centered by a Hoju sacred jewel. Carved from one solid block of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. Professionally mounted on an iron stand.

Age: Edo Period (1750-1800)

Dimensions: 32 1/2" Wide by 17 1/4" High by 5" Deep

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...

A pair of powerful Shishi guardian carvings dating from the later Edo period, 18th-19th century, in the Ah-Un expression (Exhaling and inhaling). Ah-Un has many allusions, it is the beginning and end of the alphabet, summarizing all in between, and is said to be inhaling good fortune, and exhaling bad. Glass eyes inset into very human faces. They are 10-1/2 inches (26.5 cm) tall, 9-1/2 x 5-1/2 inches (24 x 14 cm)...

A nyoi scepter (in Chinese: ruyi) made of a natural branch of lacquered wood. For the scholar’s table. Late Edo to early Meiji. L 42 cm. Condition: Fine all-over.

Wooden nyoi (ruyi in Chinese) scepter, an implement used by Buddhist priests during a ceremony or during formal preaching. Carved naturalistically in the shape of a lotus bud on a long stem with a lotus leaf wrapped around the stem. Rose wood or sandal wood. Made in two pieces.
Japan, 19th century.

Length 13-1/8 inches

Tiny chip at leaf edge. Fine condition.

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”...

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

Exceptional lacquered traveling altar with a bodhisattva riding an elephant inside. The carving is finely detailed and unbelievable. Late Meiji Period C.1900. Copper metal fittings on zushi. Excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote. Height:9" by 4" (when closed).

Black lacquered double door zushi portable shrine opening to a well-carved and polychrome painted image of Jizo Bodhisattva, sitting in repose on a lotus throne, his hand holding a staff with sacred rings, framed by a gilt metal mandorla. Accompanied by two attendants in a rocky grotto setting. Size:14.5"W closed, 29"W open x 11.5" D x 20"H. Edo Period, circa pre 1850s.

Antique Japanese hardwood tray. Hand carved Chinese zitan wood into the shape of a banana leaf. The underside is finely carved with a gnarled bamboo branch.

Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

Dimensions: 22" L, 8.5" W, 1" H

Meiji Period ca. 1880 zen temple meal gong from Tottori Prefecture, Japan. Rich patina from temple candle smoke and oil lanterns. Excellent condition. With striker. Heavy original iron chain for hanging. 22" long x 12" tall and 6" deep. Ask for shipping quote.

Gorgeous Taisho period Ca. 1920 gold lacquered dragon carving from a buddhist shrine. Carved intricately out of cypress and set in maroon frame. Great condition. 34" long x 10" tall. Ask for shipping quote.

Expertly executed noh mask carved out of cypress wood. Okina, among all Noh masks, the Okina (old man) mask is considered particularly sacred and has been at times treated as the embodiment of god, bringing longevity and prosperity to families. C.1920. In silk bag. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Signed wood Noh mask, 'Beshimi'used for Noh plays featuring mythical demons that defy Buddhist Law. Ca. 1920. 22cm tall x 17cm wide. Some peeling but no cracks or chips. Ask for shipping quote.

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

Japanese antique carved wood relief of cranes. Beautifully carved and in excellent condition.

Date: Meiji age c1900

Dimensions: 17" long X 5.5 " wide

Very unusual Late Meiji Period C.1900 cypress wood 'Kannon' bodhisattva. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.