A high grade Japanese Kura samurai saddle detailed in high relief lacquer. The maewa (front arched plate) and shizuwa (rear arched plate) display a lacquer relief carp climbing a waterfall motif. The maewa and shizuwa are connected by two igi (contoured side bands). The igi rest on either side of the horse's spine and serve as the under frame for the leather seat (basen or kura tsubo) and are slotted for stirrup straps (chikara-gawa or gekiso) to pass through. Mounted on custom stand...

An incredible amount of work went in to the burl-like lacquer finish of this early 20th century three-drawered calligraphy box. All surfaces excepting the bottom are covered in the unusual mottled finish known as wakasa, made by spattering on layers of various colored lacquers which are then rubbed down to a smooth, marbleized finish. Just when one thinks the artist has finished, the process is repeated. This small piece of furniture is the finest example of this technique we have come across...

Japanese Kamakurabori Lacquered Box by Kasen, with a design of Peony and Shishi, Buddha's Guardian Protector. Gorgeous rich red lacquer intricately carved in high relief. A superb example that is rare for its size, quality, and superior technique. Meiji Period, circa 1890. 13 inches x (33cm) long x 11 inches (28cm) wide x 6 inches (15cm) deep. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Suzuribako - Important model of urushi lacquer writing case from Japan, offering a rich decoration of a Kabuto and a sand on the top of the lid, on a hirameji lacquer background. Gold and silver lacquer with rare finesse of decoration. The interior offers a particularly remarkable scene, of two deer in autumn foliage. Takamaki-e and hiramaki-e. Dimensions: 4.6 cm x 21.3 cm x 23 cm. Japan Edo (1603-1868) early 18th century.

Japanese inkstand (suzuribako) in lacquer (urushi). Decor on a spangled background (nashiji) of a lakeside mountainous landscape treated in relief (takamaki-e) flat silver powdered details (hiramaki-e) and mosaic (kirikane ) gold and silver. The rocks are particularly well treated. The interior is decorated with a rich nashiji background forming scrolls of mist and flowers in relief. The suzuribako is complete with its original simple and gilded copper stone and dropper...

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...

Suzuribako in roiro lacquer decor of a setting sun behind the waves in red and gold lacquer. Inside a couple of gold lacquer cranes on a nashiji background. Edo period 19th century or before. Good condition, no repairs. Normal use wear for this period. Very interesting subject. Dimensions about 21x21 cm

A sumptuous wood grain bowl by Tanaka Eiko covered outside in red and black lacquer, the lacquer thin enough to allow highlights of the tiger-striped grain to show through. Her tree of choice is the Horse Chestnut (Jap. Tocchi), which has unparalleled grain patterns. A perfectly fitted black lacquered lid with elegant finial covers the bowl. It is 10 cm (4 inches) diameter, signed on the base and comes in her red paper box with shiori card...

A sumptuous wood grain bowl by Tanaka Eiko covered outside in thin black lacquer, the inside clear to best present the exquisite grains of the wood. Her tree of choice is the Horse Chestnut (Jap. Tocchi), which has unparalleled grain patterns, here visible through the black outside as a soft glow about the center of the bowl. Inside black lines like an abstract ink painting decorating the straight grains. She brings the rim up to an extremely thin edge, abrupt, both delicate and challenging...

The title does not lie, this is one against which all others might be measured. A celebratory sake set consisting of three cups and a stand enclosed in their original lacquered wooden boxes. The cups are over the top, decorated with plum pine and bamboo in taka-maki-e gold over red replete with bits of kirigane gold and ke-uchi details. The cups are equally gorgeous on top and bottom, the design extending even inside the foot ring...

Three fine 20th century Japanese lacquer trays. Each with boats and pine decoration in gold tones upon a dark brown ground. The trays gradually bowed and of square shape but with slightly curved sides and raised on four, shaped feet. 11 1/16" x 11 1/8" (about 28cm square)...

Japanese set of two(2) graduated size Red Lacquer Trays with gold lacquer decoration, made before 1940's, smaller tray fit inside larger tray, larger tray-1 3/8" high, 10 1/2" square with rounded corner, smaller tray-1 1/8" high 9 7/8" square with rounded corner, with three(3) circle floral design in gold on top of the red Lacquer background. The out side and bottom is finished with black lacquer. Gold decorated area is rubbed off a bit. The joint between the side and bottom are separated som...

Two Edo period finely executed Japanese lacquered wood dishes, each decorated with a gold "mon" (family crest), pawlonia, and scrolling foliage set against a brown/black ground. The wood grain is clearly visible. 19th century. Each measures just under 8" diameter. Very good overall condition with only minor flaws. There is a small lacquer drip or imperfection on the back of one. Included with purchase is the original certificate of authenticity dated May 5, 1967 and provided by Z. Izuoka, ...

Two Zohiko covered rice bowls. Colorful leaf decoration sparsely applied on black ground with almost iridescent effect with gold and silver maki-e and red details. Zohiko marks in gold lacquer inside the bowls' foot rims. 20th century. Bowl diameter 5 1/16 inches (12.86 cm). The bowls each with small lacquer losses along the foot rim. The lacquer otherwise being in good condition with no distress or wear of note. Combine with other pieces from this set to save on shipping.

An exceedingly rare (in fact the only one I have ever seen) Tenmoku-Dai stand for a Tenmoku Chawan by Suwa Sozan I enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kuruwa Tenmoku Dai (Curved Circular Tea Bowl Stand). It is made of layer upon layer of lacquer, carved with scrolling designs revealing the depth of the lacquer in a style known as Guri. The artist has carved his seal into the inside of the base. It is 15 cm (6 inches) diameter7.5 cm (3 inches) tall and in excellent condition.