Japanese Negoro lacquer ritual server, dates from the 18th century with a spout from a bowl over a conical base, overall wear shows classic negoro red over black.

Berkeley Hills Estate
Dates from 18th century
Size H 6.75" x W 13" x D 9.625"

An exquisite wooden plate in cinnabar lacquer over black wrapped in a chord bound cloth bag end enclosed in an age blackened kiri-wood box dating from the Edo period. The surface of brilliant red has been worn through with handling revealing the black beneath about the rim and edges. It is 9 inches (23 cm) diameter and in excellent condition. The bottom is a brown tinged black (the brown is a product of oxidation, inherent only with age) upon which are written two characters in red...

A pair of antique Japanese lacquer presentation processional boxes finished in original Urushi. Constructed of Hinoki (Cypress) wood it was made for both strength and to make it light in weight. The tops each have a hook style hinge on one side and a clasp on the opposite side where a cord or a lock would have kept the contents secure. The interior is lacquered and the floor contains two rings which were used in conjunction with a cord to secure the valuable content from shifting about...

SUZURIBAKO Rare and important writing box. Japanese lacquer urushi. The exterior is decorated with two shishi carefully patterned. The interior of the lid is decorated with a steep rocky coast with a temple, in gold and silver takamaki-e, the craggy cliffs are enhanced by cavities carved. Techniques of takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, kirigane, uchikomi, kimetsuke and tsukegaki. On a nashiji ground. The rims are fundame. Empty. Size : 23 x 21,2 x 4,6 cm...

Very large inro with 6 cases, black lacquer (roiro) applied with mother-of-pearl (aogaï) decoration of deer in light relief and a crescent moon in white metal (pewter or silver) inlaid. Early Edo period around 1700. The solid lacquer resisted well to impacts and the wear of time but the applications of extremely fine mother-of-pearl sheets are much worn or worn as can be seen in the photos. 155mm

A boxed set of fifteen unique bowls with lids for clear soup made for the Lord of the Yanagisawa family enclosed in a wooden box dated the 7th month of 1730. What makes this set quite unique is that each bowl is singular, a different design, color, shape or technique. But throughout is the one continuous symbol, the four petaled crest of the Yanagisawa clan.　The box is titled Yakatasama, Go Suimono wan, Yangisawa Shimono and on the side Jugonin-mae...

Very rare small silk holder in black and gold lacquered wood. Similar models but of normal size to carry kimono are not frequent but of this small size it is quite exceptional. I am not sure about the function, but as the object can be dismantled easily, I think it is a travel silk stand, probably for towels. The decoration of gold powder tendrils on a black lacquer background surrounds the Mon of 2 families which leads me to believe that this silk holder was a wedding gift...

Antique Japanese suzuki-bako, calligraphy box. Lacquered with a profusion of wildflowers in gold maki-e technique on black lacquer ground. The underside of the lid is beautifully preserved with more wild flowers growing near a swirling stream. This scene is also rendered in maki-e but includes some flashes of red leaves and a silvery moon on a black lacquer ground with clouds of nashiji...

Antique Japanese lacquer raised tray. Standing on four legs with square frame and decorated all over with scrolling vines and pine bows in maki-e lacquer on a black ground with clouds of gold nashiji. Prominent in the design is the appearance of the aoi mon (crest) of the Tokugawa clan, marking this tray as the property of the ruling Tokugawa Shogunate.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 8" high x 14 1/2" wide x 14" deep

Black and gold lacquer suzuribako (writing set) in takamaki-e on a nashi-ji background representing two tigers near rocks, bamboos and plum blossoms in a night landscape. Inside of the lid with a lake landscape.

The interior of the suzuribako is composed with an inkstone, topped by a copper water bucket in the shape of a chrysanthemum on the left side, with a brush and a small knife...

An antique Japanese Zushi (portable altar) with standing Amida Buddha within. Urushi lacquer over wood. Original bronze ornamentation features a large clasp with stylized arabesque Lotus blossoms on either side and the Dharma wheel above and below. Makie lacquer crossed feathers Mon (family crest). Opening the doors of the altar reveals the Buddha in its original patina and a hand painted upper apron with lotus blossoms...

Inro with 4 compartments in black lacquered wood. Decor of a mountain lake landscape executed in gold and silver powder. Mosaic details of small squares of gold. The worn parts reveal the red lacquer which was used to execute the reliefs. Japanese work from the 18th century or before. No signing. Good general condition for a tercentenary lacquer. Multiple small damages all visible on photos. No repainted areas, no restoration. Quality lacquer, solid. 82x52mm.

Five cases inro. Black lacquered wood. Decor powdered with gold representing a couple of tigers and their cubs. Gold mosaic details. Signature of the illustrious family of Kajikawa lacquerers in 3 characters or in relief followed by a drawing of a vase in red lacquer also in relief...

The Soma-Da school invented this style at the beginning of the 18th century. The color of the lacquer and the energetic design of the horses lead us to date this inro to the end of the 18th century. Below is glued a label referring to the prestigious collection of Doctor Mène which was dispersed in 1913 in Paris. This collection created around 1880 contained only exceptional objects. It must be possible to check in the catalogs of the sale.Good general condition, slight usual wear for a bicente...

Kobako – Lovely and interesting little model of rectangular urushi gold lacquer box, opening with a lid. It offers a delightful decoration in gold in mak-ie on a black background, of two pretty rabbits in a landscape of foliage. Interior and underside in nashiji lacquer. The inside of the lid is decorated with butterflies. Beautiful border in gyobu lacquer (gold flakes). Sides in fundame lacquer. Length: 8.1cm x Width: 7.4cm. Japan Edo (1603-1868) 18th century.

Inro of exceptional dimensions with 3 boxes in black lacquered wood, decorated with chrysanthemum flowers with 32 petals in powdered lacquer on a background of geometric zigzags, details in Nashiji and nuances in silver powder. The chrysanthemum with 32 petals (2 rows of 16) was the Imperial symbol. This geometric decoration of zigzags is typical of the beginning of the 17th century during the short period of Momoyama. This inro with its giant dimensions certainly did not have the same function ...

A bucolic scene of temples and rugged seaside hills dotted with pagodas in silver and gold wraps around the black surface of this deep tray dating from the Momoyama to early Edo period (16th-17th century). It is 27 cm (10-1/2 inches) diameter, 8.5 cm (3-3/8 inches) tall. The bottom has been re-lacquered at some time in the past. There is wear and cracks to the inside typical of age and use, and the rim has been re-done in gin-dame powdered tarnished-silver, which blends well with the ancient ...

An original pair of rare Edo period heavenly Tennyu temple beings. Each has a gold gilt finish with condition consistent with age. Both are complete and ready to be installed.
Left tennyo is depicted with drum suspended from her waist and holding a pair of sticks. The righ is holding a bell and holds Shuni mudra with right hand, symbolizing patience and discipline.
These Tennyo (天女 "Heavely 天使 Woman/Women"), are a divine kind of spiritual beings found in through Japanese...