Antique Japanese taiko Buddhist temple drum. Made of keyaki (zelkova elm) wood. Painted with mitsu domoe design, the three comma motif also used as a popular family crest. The design is painted in bold red, blue and green colors. Tightly stretched on both sides with bronze and iron hardware. Taiko (literally meaning "drum" in Japanese) first came about as a way to frighten away evil spirits and crop-threatening pests as well as to call the rain spirit to nourish the fields...

Antique Samurai drinking vessel with red lacquer and wooden stopper in excellent condition. The hand made cord tassels complete the set.

Dark old patina due to its age enhances its historical beauty. The sake gourd was a common attribute of the Samurai, it was traditionally attached to the waist by a cord.

In Japan, gourd or "hyotan" is a symbol of good luck or success.

Symbolic belief of gourd in Japan has existed for a long time...

Striking Japanese sweets shop sign with the kanji 'ame' sweets and the name of the store ' Koko Ame Ya' written on the bottom in stylized kanji. Koko means 'with the intention of doing good for all'. 16" tall by 13" wide. great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Antique Japanese root wood basket. Made of a single piece of carved burl. Beautiful grain.

Age: Taisho Period

Dimensions: 5 1/4" high x 12" long x 7 3/4" wide

A lovely hollowed out root forming a basket; an anonymous 20th century work of Mingei art. It is roughly 18 x 13 x 10 inches (45 x 33 x 25 cm) and in fine condition.

Antique Japanese Ningyo doll in light purple and pine silk robes lined in red silk, with pale gold obi, holding a Wisteria branch. She is made with real hair fashioned in traditional Geisha style and beautiful hand-painted facial features. The doll is on a black lacquered stand. Interesting and rare dollmaker's sticker on bottom of base. Meiji period (1868-1912) Size: 14" H x 5.5" W

An antique Japanese Daruma wooden mold used for making paper mâché dolls. Retired from duty and lacquered to preserve its years of production and service. The worn lacquer is a testament to its display and use that extended beyond its useful life and paid tribute to the former artisans that supported the craft. The original removable base was made with a concave divot to allow ease of rotation of the mold when in use...

A carved wooden advertisement with two metal pieces to hang the board. The advertisement is for a cold medicine named, Phenyl which is the chemical name for cold medicines even still today. The advertisement states on one side that this medicine effectively reduces fevers and on the other the name of pharmaceutical store that makes the medicine, which is Yamada Kaiseido. On the top is the logo for the medicine with the words trademark...

Antique Japanese takeda ningyo doll of general Yoshitsume Minamoto of the Minamoto clan (born 1159, died 1189). He is considered to be one of the most famous samurai in all of Japanese history. He fought alongside his brothers Yoritomo and Noriyori in the Genpei War against the Taira clan, but would later be defeated at the Battle of Koromo in 1189. The doll is posed gracefully with a scowling expression, dressed in gold, blue, and green silk robes, with his sword at his hip...

Japanese deep 3 dimensional carved Bamboo Sake Jug or Container with one(1) stopper, Ca. 1880- 1920, 9 1/2" high- with thinner light color of bamboo handle attached into extended to main one(1) piece of bamboo section, 6 1/2" diameter on top with hole in the center of thinly carved flower pedal...

Very unusual shaped zelkova (keyaki) hearth hook used to hold the pot over the hearth fire in an old minka farmhouse. Great condition. See photos. 20" high by 11" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

A terracotta figure of the Three Wise Monkeys - Mizaru who is covering his eyes, Kikazaru who is covering his ears and Iwazaru who is covering his mouth. All three embody the proverb "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". The figure is combed terracotta with blue, black and brown paint. The robes of the monkeys are painted with Japanese symbols on the back. Provenance: A Pvt. San Franciso Collection

Date: Meiji (1868 - 1912)

Dimensions: 8.5" X 5.5" X3.5"

Fabulous Taisho Period c.1920 iron lantern. Repapered and electric source added. Very art deco. 10" tall by 9" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote from California.

An antique Japanese Jizai Kagi fish hearth hook made of bamboo and wood. Hand carved wooden fish. All original patina built-up over years of use and display. A wonderful work of Mingei art.

Age: Late Meiji (1890-1900)

Dimensions: 13 1/4" Long by 2 1/4" Wide by an adjustable 55 1/2" to 82 1/2" High

Very rare 'Noshi" celebration wood carving. Noshi is an ornament attached to gifts and presents offered on festive occasions in Japan like weddings, births etc. This carving is a jizaikagi used on a hearth pot holder with iron fittings and bamboo pole. This would hang over the irori hearth and hold the pot above the coals. 61" long by 13" wide. great condition. Shipping from CA warehouse.

An unusual woven basket of bamboo strips and roots in the shape of a cocoon or bird nest dating from the 20th century. It can be used flat on a table or even better suspended on the wall or pillar. It is 43 cm (17 inches) long and in excellent original condition.

B.1869 - d. 1945, Tsukitani was a flamboyant woman potter breaking through the often stiff men's world of pottery. Her peak period was ca.1915 -ca.1932. Her work is known as "Tsukitani ware". Known as a pioneer woman's potterer and sculpter. 15cm tall x 20cm wide. Ask for shipping quote. Great condition with unsigned wood box.

An antique Japanese Ikebana bamboo basket in a long gourd inspired wall pocket design. Vertical ribbed herringbone weave that ends in a star crossed base. Side opening has a metal receptacle where water was kept and flowers were displayed. Upper opening allowed for long stem flowers to be showcased.

Age: Meiji Era (1880-1900)

Dimensions: 24 1/2" Long by 6" Diameter.