Hand shrine, or zushi, of the triptych type. Inside, in the middle section sits Amida Nyorai on a lotus base, flanked by Seishi and Kannon bosatsu. Inside the left panel, and inside the right panel tennin (apsara) flying over a lotus pond. Image of Western Paradise.
Sandal wood...

Antique Japanese large and deeply carved ranma depicting three sages (from left to right): Le-tieguai (with the iron crutch) , Zheng si yuan (with the tiger) and Gama Sennin (with the frog). There is much of the original paint still intact. Wonderfully carved with great detail and expression. Most likely from a Shinto temple. Edo Period (18th century). Size: 27" high x 87" long x 3" deep. (very heavy!)

Japanese Noh performance mask of Ko-omote the youthful beauty, made of carved wood with painted features. Size: 8 1/4" high x 5 1/4" wide.

Japanese antique burl root wood container, two carved circular areas, tall handle, made all of one piece of wood, beautiful piece. Meiji Period (circa 1900). Size: 10" high x 8 1/2" wide.

Japanese box made of boxwood carved in the shape of a giant clam shell upon which sits an arhat. His robes are beautifully decorated with gold maki-e lacquer. He holds a sharp tool as if he may attempt to open the enormous shell. Meiji Period (1868-1912).

Wonderful antique Japanese okimono of the mythical characters Ashinaga and Tenaga. The two friends live on the beach and survive on fish. Tenaga catches them with his long arms while sitting on the back of Ashinaga who wades out into the water with his long legs. Carved with great detail and whimsy out of boxwood. Meiji Period (1868-1912). Size: 14 1/4" high x 4 3/4" wide

Wonderful wooden pipe case and tobacco pouch. The pipe case contains the original pipe, made of paktong and bamboo. The pouch in the shape of Daruma,made of softwood and boxwood with inlaid mother of pearl eyes. Dimensions: pipe case L. 23 cm, the pouch H. 10,5 cm, W. 7 cm. Condition: excellent. Age: Late Edo, first half 19th century.

Wonderful large Japanese carved wooden figure of Diakuku, one of the Lucky Gods, he stands on two bales of rice and he holds a large sack on his back, lacquered wood, sweet expression, lacquered wood, this piece is 17th century. Size: 36" high x 21" wide x 19" deep.

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...

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 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...

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...

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

Perhaps the best dragon carving we have ever owned, here is a solid Keyaki carving taken from the interior of a temple with glass eyes glaring fiercely out at anyone who threatens the sanctity of Buddhism. Flames leap from the body blown by fierce winds as it rises from the Churning ocean. The carving practically roils out from the wood panel, fully in three dimensions. It is 78 x 26 x 10 cm (31 x 10 x 4 inches)...

Lidded crystal eyes gaze serenely down from the Rakans purchase high on the lofty temple walls. The face is expertly crafted, with a distinct Chinese air reflecting the fact the Rakan (Arahat) were all from the Continent. The robes of green, white and red are patterned with scrolling vines and dials. A dedication on back Appears to be Made for/by Konoike-mura Hachiuemon and is dated Ho-Ei 7 (1710). The new wooden base on which it stands states the piece was restored in 1993...

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...

Noh Mask (noh-men), Hanakobu Akujyo (Akujou), bumpy nosed fierce old man. Besides the distinctive nose, he has a deep V-shaped crease between his eyebrows and the veins on his temples to his forehead, piercing bulging eyes, teeth painted in gold, with a tan colored horsehair beard and mustache. Not an ordinary face of an old man, he appears to possess something supernatural. This men(mask) is very lightweight. Written on the reverse side is "Hana kobu Aku jyo" in gold. His mask is large for ...