A group of three clambering turtles in fine detail dating from the opening of the 20th century (later Meiji) stamped on the base Keishin and enclosed in a period wooden box. The group is roughly 8 inches (20 cm) long, 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall and in fine condition but for one old chipped toe on the back foot of the largest turtle (see close-up).

A set of Japanese bira-bira kanzashi (hair ornament) with silver and gold plated peonies, foliage, coral beads and dangling chains. Meiji period. This set has been recently cleaned by a jeweler. Kanzashi 8 1/4" long, chains 4" long.

Like an aged boxer, the squat muscular crab takes a stance of readiness, one claw up prepared to defend against a coming attacker. This little fellow is unusual in that it is made of thick bronze, with each joint pinned in a way that allows for some mobility. Legs splayed the creature is 9 inches (23 cm) wide, standing it is 3-1/2 inches 89 cm) tall. There is a repair to the first joint of the 2nd left leg. It dates from the first part of the 20th century.

A Japanese silver two pronged kanzashi (hair pin) with a cut rock crystal in center within a filigree gilt chrysanthemum, partially gilt body; original wooden box (tomobako) and a label that is written "Gold-silverwork", the retailer's name Kinji Shibuya, Akita city and their two digit phone number. Meiji/Taisho period.

Kanzashi: 6 3/4" long
Box: 9" x 2" x 1"

A pimpled toad looks to the sky exhaling a clouded spirit, a truly superb version of this theme in deep caramel bronze dating from the Meiji period. It is an interesting theme, the ugly creature elevated to the status of saint. Judging by color and quality, we attribute this as the work of Kanaya Gorosaburo (1836-1890), a bronze artist of Kyoto fond of this color and known for his superb modeling and detail. Not always signed, Gorosabutro was often known to sign only the box...

Hotei bows deeply, showing an unusual moment of respect from the surly sage. An unusual bronze image by Oshima Joun enclosed in the signed wooden box. The face is at once relaxed and respectful, one hand wrapped around a gnarled walking stick supporting the heavy bag on his back. All facets are rounded, with a soft, tight orange-peel surface typical of Tokyo school bronzes. The image is roughly 5 inches (12.5 cm) in all directions, and in excellent condition...

Japanese Meiji Period bronze USUBATA vase. The vase sits on a tripod base and has the design in silver inlays of a small rocky island with pine trees under the moonlight and with the ocean with waves around it. Stamped KAMETANI on the bottom. The vase measures 11 1/2" tall, 12 3/4" diameter at top and 7 1/2" diameter at base.

Japanese Meiji Period pair of bronze chickens. Unsigned. The cock is laying down and grooming its feathers while the standing hen look on. The hen measures 4" tall, 6" long and 2 1/4" wide. The cock is 2 3/8" tall, 5" long and 2 1/2" wide.

Japanese bronze usubata (container for ikebana flower arranging), with pair of Mandarin ducks with gold inlay, wonderful red patina pattern over all, in two pieces, Taisho Period (early 20th century). Size: 10" high x 12" wide

A fine silver kiseru (kizeru) pipe with natural bamboo body, the ends finely engraved with a dragon and tiger in the bamboo grove. The color of the central bamboo section is dark (almost black) with purple tint. The eye (eyes) is inlaid with gold (very small though). Circa 1900. 7 1/4” (18.8cm)

18 cm long set of Kanzashi with five Bira dangling from a branch to which is caught a court cap, possibly dragged from the wearers head during a horse race, or perhaps flung off in a passionate moment. For someone interested we have a museum quality collection of combs and hair pins which I would prefer to sell together in accordance with the previous owners wishes. Birakan (bira Bira Kanzashi) were hair pins used by all classes of society and were one of a woman’s most prized possessions...

A saintly recluse dozes restfully, his pole dipping to the waves below the rocky outcrop upon which he sits; a fine bronze figure dating to the Meiji period and signed on the reverse. The figure with the rock is 32 x 22 x 30.5 cm (11 x 9 x 12 inches) and is in fine condition.

Elegant silver hairpin with gilded bird, possibly a nightingale on the branch of a plum tree. The plum blossoms are made out of small corals. 7 and 7/8” long, Meiji/Taisho.

Antique Japanese hairpin, Bira Kanzashi with coral, flowers in a basket, 6 1/4" long.

Antique Japanese Buddhist Temple hanging lantern, made of ornately cut copper in a scrolling motif with raised copper buddhist symbols, hexagonal shaped, inscription on top, Taisho Period. Size: 15" high x 16" wide

Beautiful Japanese bronze figure of a seated Jurojin, the god of wisdom and longevity. He is seated holding a fan and leans on a recumbent deer. Wonderful lines and use of color patina. Signed Tokumitsu. Taisho Period. With hardwood stand. Size: 8 1/2" high

A finely cast pair of bronze vases made in Japan, probably for export, during the Meiji period (1868-1911). Condition - excellent - no damages and no repairs. 24cm (9.5inches) high...

A simple bronze with mixed metal applied to the surface utilizing the method known as zogan where gold and silver is used to apply the decoration and is fired on the surface. The motif is a plum branch with a bird known as an onagadori which is similar to a rooster, but is a distinct bird found in Japan. Piece is signed by Mitsufune. Age: 20th century/ Diameter: 2.25" Heigh: 6.25"