Unusual natural Antique Japanese burlwood container. Great for storing small items. Original condition and warm finish. Meiji period 1868-1912. It measures 14" wide 10" deep 6" tall.

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.

Antique Japanese burl wood container, very solid and heavy with visually pleasing natural burl form. Size: 7" height, 8" width

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 intricate age darkened Keyaki (elm) carving of two dragons vying for dominance in a sea of clouds, glass eyes glowing softly in the rich red wood. Dating from the later 19th century, the carving is 49 inches (125 cm) long, 4 x 1-1/2 inches (9.5 x 3.5 cm). It is overall in fine condition with some inevitable abrasions due to time. The tennons on both ends indicate this was made to be inserted between two pillars, and was likely the transom over a Buddhist altar.

Fabulous cypress wood dragon carving from a zen temple. Well preserved. Stands upright. Excellent condition. When the carp swims up a waterfall and makes it over the top it becomes a dragon and resides in the celestial realm protecting the buddha`s teachings. 34" long bu 11" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

A superbly detailed story Ranma carving, likely from an altar, in which five figures reside among golden maple and cherry blossoms. On the left a colorful figure dips water from the cascading blue waters of a steep fall, a man in priests robes behind him. Three other gentlemen in white robes watch from close at hand, a bundle of sticks, perhaps for making tea, perched in the foreground. Each figure is meticulously carved and painted, the entire scene gilded in gold...

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...

An antique Japanese Buddha statue of Shaka Nyorai standing on a Lotus stand made of wood and finished in gilt. The Buddha has the Vitarka Mudra hand gesture symbolizing the wisdom and teachings of Buddhism. The mandala has 7 sitting Buddha in meditation surrounding Shaka Nyorai.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 30 1/2" High by 9" Wide by 9" Deep

A boxwood sculpture of the elephant deity Shoten embracing the female Kangiten. In Esoteric Buddhism, they signify matrimonial peace and bearing of offspring. Shoten is derived from Ganesha and is regarded as a wild one. Kangiten is an incarnation of the Eleven Headed Kannon. She appeases and converts him to Buddhism. Shoten and Kangiten are usually kept in a closed shrine as "secret sculptures" or Hibutsu (because of the sexual allusion)...

Japanese okimono boxwood carving of Ashinaga and Tenaga. Old Japanese folklore tells that Tenaga (with his very long arms) would climb onto the back of Ashinaga (with his very long legs) and would work to catch fish together. Dates from Taisho Period c1920.

Dimensions: 2 1/4" x 8" H

This is a rare and exquisite antique Japanese Baku corbel carving from the Edo period (early 19th century). The Baku is a mythical spiritual creature that resides in the Buddhist realm and is known for devouring evil spirits and nightmares. This architectural sculpture is carved from one solid block of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood and has stood the test of time. It is a large example of an antique Japanese Baku corbel used in a temple or shrine...

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

A pair of unorthodox Edo period guardian corbels in the shape of mythical lion-like creatures (Shishi) made to be notched into a corner under the eaves of Shinto and Buddhist temples to ward off evil spirits. Ordinarily just the heads are carved, these are unusual in that their fore-paws have also been depicted, granting a greater sense of movement than most. Carved Hinoki (cypress), they are 30 x 18 x 20 cm (12 x 7 x 8 inches) each and in overall fine condition.

An impressive magnifying glass with a carved ivory handle with 18 natural red coral beads. We believe the ivory handle to be a Meiji period Japanese parasol handle and sometime in its history converted to a magnifying glass. In very good antique condition with all beads intact, the handle measures 5 inches x 1 1/8". Magnifying glass with handle is 10.5 inches long.

An antique Japanese cane made from bamboo with a carved image of an Oni fishing. Oni are a kind of yōkai, ogre, or troll in Japanese folklore. They are typically portrayed as hulking figures with one or more horns growing out of their heads. They are conceived of as red, blue or green-colored wearing loincloths of tiger pelt and carrying iron kanabō clubs. The cane is signed.

Date:

Dimensions: 36" tall X 1"

An okimono depicting a Japanese craftsman building a traditional Japanese helmet, the Kabuto. This Kabuto is a “kawari kabuto”, decorated with imaginative and distinctive elements. The combination of carved ivory, mother of pearl and coral offers a wealth of detail and color to the scene, creating a fascinating contrast between the different textures and materials. Signed under the Kyosai base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji 19th century Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 7 cm. State of...

Ivory okimono with blind travelers defending themselves from the aggression of four scoundrels who try to rob them of their bags and food. The scene involves nine characters, three of whom receive sticks, umbrellas and punches. One of the most curious moments is the character at the top, who loses a geta during the battle...